Shortcut Cream of Potato Soup

This is one of my favorite recipes for soup. It can be ready in 20 minutes and I usually have everything on hand, which is perfect for those busy nights (or if you have a newborn :).

3 cups milk

2 cups frozen southern-style hash browns

1 can cream of potato soup

1/2 c. chopped green onions

1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Simmer milk and hash browns together for 10 minutes, stirring often so it doesn't burn. Add cream of potato soup and onions and simmer for about 5 more minutes. Ladle into bowls and pass around bacon and cheese to go on top.

The candy corn breadsticks are just crescent roll triangles, mozzarella cheese for the tip, and cheddar cheese for the middle. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.

Fruit Baked Oatmeal

I absolutely love this recipe. It is the best comfort food on a cold winter morning (not that we are dealing with that now but, oh, it will come!) You can do more or less sugar depending on your sweet tooth and whatever fruit sounds good to you. I like the amount I use because it is just sweet enough to be great by itself, but not sickly sweet. In fact the recipe I got this from called for 1 cup of sugar...but it was way too much in my opinion and I altered several other things to our likeness!! I like the combination. This is great to make the day before and then you can have it for two or three mornings. Now that I have a kindergartener, I think I will make it more because it keeps them fuller, longer!

Fruit Baked Oatmeal

6 cups oats

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cinnamon

4 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups milk

1 cup oil

3/4 cup chopped apple

1/2 cup chopped, fresh or frozen peaches

1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, salt, baking powder and cinnamon. Combine the eggs, milk and oil; add to the dry ingredients. Stir in the apple, peaches, and blueberries. Pour into a baking pan sprayed with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cut into squares and serve with milk.

Raisin-Zucchini Spice Muffins

Simple, yummy, and a great way to use some zucchini. We love these as a snack or else have it with breakfast.
Raisin-Zucchini Spice Cupcakes
1 package spice cake mix
1 1/3 cups water
1/4 cup oil
3 eggs
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup raisins
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil and eggs; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Stir in zucchini and raisins. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

10 Day Meal Plan (this time it's 11)

Breakfast
1. Esther's Poppyseed Muffins
2. Cold Cereal
3. Waffles, Fried Eggs, Grits
4. Whole Wheat Waffles
5. Scrambled Eggs, Toast
6. Whole Wheat Pancakes
7. Cold Cereal
8. Breakfast Peach Crisp
9. Oatmeal/Wheat Cereal
10. Cereal
11. Rice Pudding

Lunch
1. Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Carrots
2. Leftover Pizza
3. Grilled Cheese
4. Pizza Snacks, Grapes
5. Leftovers
6. Grilled Tuna
7. Macaroni and Cheese, Green Beans
8. Leftover Rice and Refried Black Beans
9. Leftovers
10. Leftovers
11. Sandwich

Dinner
1. Mushroom and Olive Pizza, Salad
2. Fried Egg Sandwich
3. Burritos
4. Leftovers
5. Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad, Lettuce Salad
6. Mexican Pizza
7. Broiled Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Pepper Rice
8. Black Bean Pizza, Carrots
9. Lemon Herb Pasta
10. Crockpot Chicken/Zucchini
11. Roast, Carrots and Potatoes

Mexican Pizzas

4 tostada shells
1/2 cup refried beans
1/2 lb. ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 Tbs. salsa
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup shredded cheese
Cook beef and onion until beef is no longer pink. Stir in salsa and salt. Arrange tostadas on a pan. Spread 2 Tbs. refried beans over each tostada shell. Spoon 1/4 cup beef mixture over beans. Top each with 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Bake in 350 degree oven for a few minutes (until cheese melts) Serve with chopped lettuce, tomatos, and avacado.

Shishkebabs

We had a family party with the Morris'. Justin's sister made some yummy shishkebabs with lots of different veggies. I am going to add some sweet potatoes as well when I make these again.

Small Potatoes (or cut potatoes into chunks)
Red Pepper
Onions
Mushrooms
Zucchini
Sweet Potatoes
And of course, any other veggies you desire!

Cut all the veggies into good-sized chunks.
Cook the potatoes until they are pretty soft, then add the other veggies and cook for a few minutes unitl they are a little bit soft. Then marinade them in a dressing (Italian Dressing) for a few hours. String them onto skewer sticks and broil in the oven unil they are lighlty browned, or you can grill them.

I know this is a fun way for kids to eat their veggies...my boys loved them!! Serve with coleslaw, some kind of rice, or any thing you think goes with it!

Homemade Mac and Cheese!!!

This is now a fav of our families and it so quick and easy!! Once you have this you will never want the box kind again!!

3-4 handfulls of uncooked macoroni noodles
1/4 butter
1 cup milk more or less depending on how juciy you want it
2 to 3 in. of velveta cheese and add some reg. cheese too
3 to 4 slices of your favorite cheese to melt on top.

Cook noodles Drain noodles and add to cheese mixture. Mix until its all combined then top with cheese and put in 350 oven for 15mins. Enjoy!!
I'll post a pic later for all to see the cheesy goodness!!

Spinach Pizza

I was thrilled to get to use the spinach in my garden for this. Justin really liked this recipe...a great way to add extra veggies to pizza!
1 recipe pizza crust
1 cup alfredo sauce
6-8 cups chopped fresh spinach
4 medium tomatoes, chopped
3-4 cups shredded cheese

Prepare pizza crust (recipe below). Spread each with 1/2 cup alfredo sauce. Bake in 450 degree oven for 5 minutes. Top with spinach, tomatoes, and then cheese. (I'm sure you can throw any other veggie on there for added flavor, mushrooms or onion, etc..) Bake for 10-15 minutes more.

Pizza Crust

This is the pizza crust I use, it makes a yummy, soft, thick crust.

1 Tbs. yeast
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 cups. warm water
3 Tbs. oil, divided
1/2 tsp. salt
4 1/3 cups flour
In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Add 2 Tbs. oil, salt, and enough flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. (I don't know if this is the right thing to do, but after the dough is all combined I just mix it in my kitchen aid for about 6 more minutes - it turns out just the same) Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Divide in half. Press dough onto the bottom and 1" up the sides of 2 greased 14" pizza pans (or however you want to do it). Spread with 3/4 cup of your sauce over each pizza. Bake at 450 degrees for 5 minutes. Pull it out and add whatever toppings you desire and cook for 10-15 minutes more..enjoy!

Mom's Potato Salad

I know the title says mom's potato salad, but it's not the "exact" recipe...my mom never has an exact recipe, but I think this comes pretty close. It is the hightlight of any get together with my family!
6 medium potatoes
1/2 Tbs. Garlic Powder
1 1/4 cups mayo or salad dressing
1/4 can evaporated milk
1 Tbs. mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
Garlic powder to taste
1/4 tsp. dill weed
1 Tbs. relish
2 scallions
8 hard boiled eggs, diced; save 3 eggs for the top
Boil together potatoes, whole, with Garlic powder for about 20-25 minutes. Drain well; cool slightly. Peel and cube the potatoes. Meanwhile for dressing, in a large bowl combine the mayo, milk, mustard, and seasonings. Stir in relish and scallions. Add the potatoes and eggs. Toss lightly to coat. Press into bowl and top with sliced eggs. If you desire, sprinkle with paprika. Cover and refrigerate overnight...I usually end up adjusting the seasonings...more salt, we really love salt!

Almond Poppy Seed Bread

I have had a few requests to post this, sorry it took me so long to do it! I'm sure most of you have made or had a recipe like this, so it's not like I invented it, but whenever I make it people LOVE it! I hope you really enjoy... by the way, it really tastes like cake, but for some reason it doesn't sound as bad for me when I call it bread!

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/8 cup oil
4 tsp. poppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
Mix together all ingredients and beat for 2 minutes. Pour into greased pans and bake 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees. Mix glaze and pour over hot bread. Cool.
Glaze:
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract

Caramel-Coated Spiced Nuts

I tried this recipe today and it turned out yummy. Normally, I just love plain nuts and they are probably better for you than these, but I am going to really enjoy just munching these.
2 egg white
1 teaspoon water
1 1/2 cups roasted salted almonds
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1 cup whole salted cashews
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
3 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. white pepper (I just did about 1/8-1/4 tsp. black pepper)
In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and water until foamy. Add the almonds, pecans, and cashews; stir gently to coat. Combine the brown sugar, pie spice, and pepper; add to nut mixture and stir genly to coat. Spread into a greased baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Cool. Store in an airtight container.

Goop

This recipe is one of my sister-in-law's best recipes, when ever I make it, I always think of her! It is delicious, easy, and kids LOVE it! So thanks Cami!! This is what is left before I could take a picture.

1 cup corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
6 1/2 cups of any kind of cereal (rice krispies, chex, cheerios, corn flakes, etc..)
Combine the corn syrup, sugar, and peanut butter in a saucepan and let cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour over the cereal and mix. You can than put it in a baking dish, or goop it onto a plate. It is also really good with melted chocolate over it or mix in M&Ms with cereal. This recipe is endless, right Cami!

Fruit Platter Pie

This is such a great summer recipe with yummy fresh fruit. Enjoy on a hot summer evening!
Pie crust dough
Clear Orange Sauce
1 pint strawberries, sliced
1 can pineapple spears, drained
1 1/2 cup seedless grapes
1 medium banana, peeled and sliced
2 Tbs. sugar

Dough:
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup shortening
8-10 Tbs. cold water
In a medium bowl stir together flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening until pieces are pea size. Sprinkle 1 Tbs. of the water over part of flour mixture; gently toss with a fork. Repeat using 1 Tbs. water at a time, until all the flour mixture is moistened. Roll dough 1 inch larger than 14-inch pizza pan. Ease into pan; flute edge. Prick bottom and side of pastry. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool. (Make sure you bake it so that it is well cooked)

Sauce:
Mix 1 cup sugar, 1/4 tsp. salt and 2 Tbs. cornstarch. Stir in 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 3/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp. each grated orange and lemon peel. Cool.

Arrange fruits in baked pastry sheel, beginning with strawberries around the edge. Sprinkle fruit with sugar. Spoon some of the orange sauce over fruits. Cut pie into wedges; serve with remaining sauce.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

These were so good and a somewhat healthy snack for the kids in the afternoons. There is no butter or oil - use applesauce and I used whole what flour (use the hard white wheat). We all loved them, especially the boys!

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar (I added 3/4 cup)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 cup unsweeted applesauce
1 egg white, well beaten (I used a whole egg)
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1 3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Beat egg; add applesauce and mashed bananas. Mix well. Add dry ingredients and mix. Add oats and chips; mix. Drop by spoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Bake at 35o degrees for 12-14 minutes.

Enchiladas Verde

This isn't the greatest picture, but these were so delicious! We had them with salad and corn bread. In the recipe it has you fry the corn tortillas in 1/4 oil before adding the meat mixture, it sure was delicious, but maybe not the best thing for us. Next time I will try just misting some oil in a frying pan and cooking them that way, we'll see.
1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 pkg. (8 oz.) process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies, drained
12 corn tortillas (6 inch)
1/4 cup canola oil
In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion, garlic, and salt over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in cheddar cheese; set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook and stir the soup, process cheese and milk over medium heat until cheese is melted. Stir in the chilies.
In a large skillet, fry tortillas, one at a time, in oil for 5 seconds on each side or until golden. Drain on paper towels. Place a scant 1/4 cup of reserved meat mixture down the cetner of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down in a greased 13 in. x 9 in. baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over the top. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Homemade Fries

So good with a hamburger or bean burger!
Cut pototoes into wedges. Coat with butter. Sprinkle with season salt. Bake in a 425 degree oven for about 20-30 minutes, stirring once while cooking.

Black Bean Burgers

I put this recipe up a couple months ago, but I had to put it up again with the picture...doesn't it just look oh so good, trust me, it is!! I absolutly love this recipe and the salsa and avacado just make it even better!
1 can black beans (add cumin and chili spices if you want)

1 cup (maybe a little more) crushed saltine crackers

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup cornmeal

2 Tbs. oil

5 hamburger buns, toasted

mayo or salad dressing

mustard

tomato

avacados

salsa

Place beans in a food processor (or just mash beans with fork). Cover and process until slighlty mashed; remove from food processor. Mix beans, crackers, and egg. Shape mixture into 5 patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. coat each patty with cornmeal. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook patties in oil about 10 minutes, turning once, until crisp and thoroughly cooked on both sides. Place on toasted buns and add the extra. Can serve with carrots, fries, fruit, chips or anything you would with a regular barbecue.

Black Bean Tacos

These are so yummy and a fun variety from the usual hard tacos. The bean mixture has a really good flavor with all the spices.
12 taco shell
1 tsp. Olive Oil
1 tsp. Whole cumin seeds
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup frozen yellow corn
1 can diced mild green chilies, drained
1/3 cup water, or more as necessary
3 Tbs. ketchup
1 tsp. Chili powder
1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
1/2 tsp. Onion powder
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. Ground cumin
1/4 tsp. Salt, or to taste
Black pepper to taste
Toppings: lettuce, sour cream, cheese, salsa
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the taco shells on a large ungreased baking sheet. Bake on the midde shelf until crisp, 3-5 minutes. Keep warm in a low oven until needed. Meanwhile, in a medium deep-sided skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook, stirring constantly, 2-3 minutes, or until lightly toasted and fragrant. Add the black beans, corn, chilies, water, ketchup, and all spices; bring to a brisk simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened, about 5 minutes. To assemble the tacos, place about 2 heaping Tablespoons of the bean mixture in each shell and add the desired toppings.

Chocolate Gooey Treat

This recipe was given to me by my sister in law, Alisa. Justin's mom used to make these when they were younger. Oh, they are so yummy. They are pretty much like a chocolate rice crispy treat, but better! The boys LOVED them, can you tell?
3 Tbs. butter
10 oz. marshmallows
Melt the butter in the microwave, then add the marshmallows and melt a little longer. Add:
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Mix until melted. Then add:
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix. Add:
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2-3 cups rice krispies
Spoon onto dish into serving size (2-4 Tbs). Let harden and enjoy. You can freeze these and enjoy them over the next few days!

Southwestern Bean Casserole

I know, I know...terrible picture, but I didn't think to take the picture until after we ate. As you can see though, between the four of us, a lot was eaten! This is one of my new favorite recipes. It has lots of flavor and I usually have all the ingredients on hand. Trust me, you should try this!
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1 cup onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup cream-style corn, divided
1 can chopped green chilies, drained
1/2 cup bottled salsa
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 cans pinto beans, drained
1 can stewed tomatoes, undrained
cooked spray
1 cup shredded cheese
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
Heat 1 tsp. oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, saute 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup corn, chilies, and next 6 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes. Pour corn mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a bowl. Combine 1/2 cup corn, 1/2 cup cheese, buttermilk, 1/4 cup oil, and egg; add to cornmeal mixture. Spread over bean mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Pioneer Woman's Favorite Sandwich

I got this recipe from The Pioneer Woman Website, it looked so good, I had to try it. I really like it and it is a great Spring recipe! Justin liked it, but he needed to sprinkle salt on his. He loves salt!

I followed the recipe just how she does it, except I used Whole Wheat Bread, I don't care for Rye.

Click on the link to get the recipe

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/pws-favorite-sandwich.pdf

Crockpot Lasagna

This was a very yummy crockpot recipe. You do have to brown the beef and do a little work before adding it to the crockpot, but once it is in, you can sit back and relax when dinner time is approaching...one of my favorite things! The salad is delicous and you can add whatever ingredients you want! And toast...you can't get any easier!

Crockpot Lasagna
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion
1 (48 ounce) spaghetti sauce
1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (optional)
1 (24 ounce) cottage cheese
1 egg
12-14 lasagna noodles, uncooked
3 cups mozzarella cheese
In medium skillet, brown ground beef and onion. Drain well. While ground beef is browning, combine egg and cottage cheese. Mix thoroughly.Add drained ground beef to sauce. Add Italian Seasoning, if desired. Pour half of meat mixture on bottom of crock-pot. Layer uncooked lasagna noodles on top of meat sauce. Overlap to cover as completely as possible. (Cut noodles however necessary to fit into your shape crock-pot. Next, spread 1/2 of cottage cheese mixture over uncooked noodles. Top with half of mozzarella cheese. Repeat all 4 of these layers, ending with mozzarella cheese on top. Cook on High for approximately 4 - 5 hours or on Low for 6 hours.

Salad
4 cups mixed salad greens, washed and dried
1 apple or pear, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/3 cup raisins or craisins
½ cup slivered or whole almonds
12 grapes or cherry tomatoes, halved
2 scallions, white and green parts, sliced on the bias
2 carrots, grated
1 avocado, diced

(I did Romaine Lettuce, Pear, Craisins, sliced almonds, 2 green onions, grated carrots, I would have added avocado, but it wasn't a good one) I had a balsamic dressing in the fridge that I used, but this one seems good)

Balsamic Vinaigrette
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 shallot, finely diced
salt and pepper
2/3 cup olive oil
In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients. To mix the vinaigrette, in a small bowl, combine the vinegar, shallot, and 1 tsp. Salt. Whisk until the salt is dissolved. Slowly add the olive oil and whisk until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary. Toss the salad with just enough vinaigrette to wet lightly. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Toast with Butter

No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

Janae! I know you love chocolate and peanut butter, and I know you love making treats! I found these on allrecipes.com and they are so yummy and so easy! I am sure you will love them!

These bars can be frozen, just thaw 10 minutes before serving."

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PREP TIME	30 Min
READY IN	3 Hrs 30 Min
Original recipe yield 1 - 9x9 inch pan

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Directions

• Grease a 9x9 inch square pan.
• Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Mix in the oats. Cook over low heat 2 to 3 minutes, or until ingredients are well blended. Press half of mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the other half for topping.
• Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in a small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the crust in the pan, and spread evenly with a knife or the back of a spoon.
• Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate layer, pressing in gently. Cover, and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or overnight. Bring to room temperature before cutting into bars.

Justin's Burritos

This is Justin's invention.
Flour Tortilla
Rice
Black Beans
Chili powder and cumin
Mushrooms
Olives
Avacado
Cheese
Sour Cream
Hot sauce or salsa
Put a little bit of rice on tortilla, then black beans and season with chili powder and cumin, add sliced mushrooms, sliced olives, avacado, cheese, sour cream, hot sauce or salsa. Roll up like a burrito. This is quite delicious!! If you have some cooked diced chicken, you can add that as well.

Fettuccini Alfredo

So this is a combination of two recipes from my sister Mandi, and sister-in-law, Jen. So they really get the credit...thanks!!
1 pkg. fettuccine noodles (or spaghetti)
1/2 cup butter
1 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried parsley

Book pasta according to package directions. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, gradually stir in cheese, then cream until well blended. Continue heating sauce, stirring constantly, just to boiling. Remove from heat and stir in seasonings. Toss with hot pasta. A lot of times we just eat this plain with some kind of veggie and toast with butter and garlic powder.

Veggie Ranch Pizza

1 unbaked pizza crust
1 cup ranch-style dressing
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped cauliflower
1/2 cup chopped broccoli
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pizza crust on a pizza pan or baking sheet, and spread dressing evenly over the top. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, followed by carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, unitl veggies are tender, and cheese is melted and lighlty browned. This is a fun, different way to have pizza. Not to mention you get a whole lot of veggies!!

Open-Face French Bread Sandwhich

French Bread
Mayo or Miracle Whip (your preference)
Black Beans (of course)
Salt and Pepper
Cheese
Olives
Green Onions
Tomatoes

Cut the French Bread in half length-wise, then cut into whatever size for each individual (Justin can do 3/4 of one half size!) Toast the bread for a minute. Add mayo, then black beans and season the beans with salt and pepper, top with cheese, olives, and green onions. Toast until cheese is melted. Then add chopped tomatoes. Oh, so good. This is one of our easy, favorite meals! Justin just loves!!! It can be a little bit messy and of course you can add whatever veggies you love.

Tortilla Soup with Black Beans

I had to post this for Janae because I know she loves black beans! I made this last night and it is so easy and really yummy! You have to try it! Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes in juice
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn kernels
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips, plus more for serving (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium. Cook garlic and chili powder until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes (with juice), beans, broth, corn, and 1 cup water; season with salt and pepper.
2. Bring soup to a boil; reduce to a simmer. Add tortilla chips; cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Serve soup with lime wedges and, if desired, more chips.