Sugar Cookie Bars - Mindee Williams

I don't make sugar cookies that often, but I have this weakness when I see a recipe that looks delicious it stays in my mind until I make it! It was quick not to have to ice each cookie ( which is not as fun for the kiddos, but Marlee got to help with the sprinkles). This is a very thick cookie and makes a lot, so you will want to share with someone.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, room temp.

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

5 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg. Add vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, and soda - whisk to combine. Add to wet mixture just until combined. Spread on a greased 13x18 baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes , until light brown or until toothpick comes out clean ( I had to do the tooth pick test because my oven doesn't brown). Cool completely and frost.

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter, room temp.

1/2 cup shortening

1 tsp. vanilla

pinch of salt

4 cups powdered sugar

5 Tb. milk

Combine butter and shortening until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and salt. Add powdered sugar in one cup increments until combined, then add milk. Mix until smooth and spreading consistency. Spread over cooled cookie and add favorite sprinkles!!!

Red Pepper Fajitas - Mindee Williams

Fajita Seasoning Mix:

We love tacos at our house, but sometimes it's fun to change it up with fajitas. I usually buy my fajita seasoning mix, but when I didn't have any on hand I found this recipe on the internet. In the time it took me to cook the meat and veggies I had whipped up this easy mix (enough for 3 packets). It tasted awesome! I don't think I will be buying fajita mix anymore!!!

Prep Time: 10 mintues

Ingreidents:

• 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. paprika
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 2-1/2 tsp. crushed beef bouillon cube (or chicken)
  
• 1-1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp. cumin

Preparation: Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Pour into small glass or plastic containers (I just used zip lock baggies). Seal and store in a cool, dry place. Makes the equivalet of 3 packets of commercial or purchased Fajita Seasoning Mix.

Red Pepper Fajitas:

Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 15 minutes - Total Time: 25 Minutes

Ingredients:
2 sirlion steaks or 4 chicken breasts
1 large red pepper or 2 small ( can use green also)
1 medium onion
2 Tb. oil (only if using chicken instead of beef)
3 Tb. Fajita Seasoning Mix (above)
1/3 cup water

Toppings:
grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, lettuce or whatever you prefer.

Preparation: Cut steak (or chicken) into thin strips, cross grain. Cut Red pepper and onion into thin strips. Cook and stir beef over medium high heat for 5 minutes ( if cooking chicken heat the 2 Tb oil, then add chicken). Then add fajita seasoning mix, water, red pepper and onion. Reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir over medium heat until beef (or chicken) is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Serve with desired toppings on warmed tortillas.

Colleen Bradshaw's Chicken Salad - Sundee Yardley

Kasey's little brother Korey made this chicken salad for a picnic the other day. It is one of the best I have tasted. Coleen Bradshaw used this recipe for weddings. It is a big batch so you can cut it down as needed.

Chicken Salad
6 cup of Chicken cooked. (Korey baked his chicken)
6 cups Celery
1 Bunch Green Onion
1 Cup slivered Almonds (optional)
2 8 oz packages Cream Cheese
4 Cups or 1 Quart of Mayo
2 tsp Lemon Pepper

Cream together
Cream Cheese Mayo and Lemon Pepper

Mix all ingredient and chill. Serve on rolls or croissants.