"Daddy Cookies"

These are defiantly a family favorite. Their actual name is "peanut fudge cookies" but we call them Daddy Cookies because my dad goes crazy for them. Actually, more like my whole family goes crazy for them. Anyway, NEVER have these around peanut allergy people. Peanuts, peanut butter and chocolate inhabit these tasty no-bake cookies.


You will need...

• 1/4 lb. butter
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 1/2 cups uncooked oats
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (or use crunchy peanut butter)

Boil the butter, cocoa powder, milk and sugar for one minute. While hot, add peanut butter, peanuts, vanilla and oats. Fold over the mixture (it doesn't affect the taste or texture, but helps you combine) and stir.  

Drop by spoonfuls (notice I said SPOONfuls, it is very hot!) on to waxed paper and let it cool. Sometimes we just do it on our kitchen counter, and let it harden there (use a metal spatula to get it off). But always clean your work surface well to get rid of the peanut traces. 

Mexican hot chocolate cookies

These look like ginger molasses cookies, but they're not. These chocolate cookies are pretty basic, except you add some chile powder. It's not exactly spicy, but it has a "warmth" on your tongue.
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/mexican-hot-chocolate-cookies

Chocolate Banana Bread muffins

I LOVE this recipe. It is pretty simple, and they are quick to make. I made them with my friend, and she wasn't going to leave without one! You have to mash the bananas really well, or else there's chunks. And, if you overcook the muffins, they will get, well, overcooked. They are an awesome dessert, and can make a yummy breakfast. Happy baking!


5 eggs
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
2 1/2 cups mashed banana
3 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3 1/3 cups sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl; in another bowl, combine eggs and oil. Stir in the bananas, then gently mix with the dry ingredients to combine. Fill a greased muffin tin (1/2 cup capacity) and bake at 350 til done. Nancy Silverton* likes to put chopped toasted pecans over the top.



*This is Nancy Silverton's recipe from La Brea Bakery

Okonomiyaki

This cabbage "Japanese Pizza" is relatively easy to make and is a great appetizer.

http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/japanese-pizza-recipe.html

Green Smoothie

Healthy, cleansing, and good, green smoothies are just AWESOME! My family has them every day, they are a great way to start your morning.


In a blender, blend...

• 2-3 handfulls of spinach (it depends on how big your blender is)
• 1 apple, cut in twelveish pieces
• lots of water
• 1/2 a bananna

Those are just the basics. Optional...

• chia seeds
• papaya
• blackberries and mint
• kale instead of spinach
• coconut water

The frothy part may rise to the top- just stir it.


Comment and tell me if you like it :)

Corn and Bean Salad

A simple, quick and flavorfull salad that is the perfect accent for summer meals, fish and meat.
You will need...

• One can of sweet corn
• One can of black beans
• 1-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt 
• pepper

Just mix everything together!

World Peace Cookies

My mom showed me Smitten Kitchen, which is an awesome food site/blog. World Peace Cookies is one of those (egg free) chocolate cookies that disappear as quickly as they appear. 

http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/01/in-which-world-peace-eludes-me/