Pumpkin Muffins

I got this recipe a few years ago from a cousin who's made health and fitness her life's work. They really are a delicious and moist muffin, and chock-full of big, beautiful walnuts! I keep them in my freezer during the fall months for a quick and healthy pick-me-up during the day.

1 1/2 C. sugar
1/2 C. olive oil
3 eggs
1 can pumpkin
1/2 C. water
1 C. whole wheat flour
1 C. white flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cloves
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 C. walnuts

Mix ingredients in order given and bake in greased tins at 400° for 15-17 minutes.

Fruit Salad

1 can Wilderness peach pie filling
1 can Dole pineapple tidbits, drained
1 can Dole mandarin oranges, drained
1 pkg. frozen strawberries, thawed
2-3 sliced bananas

Combine all ingredients, adding bananas just before serving.

Bread Machine Swedish Rye Bread

When I married a Swede, family dinners couldn't be considered "official" unless there were a few choice food items: pickled herring, Swedish meatballs, and Swedish Rye bread. This recipe came from Gary's grandma, who I never had the privilege of knowing - she's been gone for many years. The first time I made her recipe, I had one huge sticky mess on my hands. It was awful! When I got my bread machine, I was determined to scale the recipe down enough to make it work. After tweaking it a few times, this is what I ended up with. Some like it best fresh out of the oven with butter, but some like it best the next day, toasted. If you try this, tell me what YOU prefer!

1 C. + 2 Tbsp. warm water
1 1/2 tsp. oil
3 Tbsp. white sugar
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. Grandma's molasses
1/2 C. rye flour
3 C. bread flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. yeast

Add ingredients to bread machine pan in order and use dough setting. When the cycle is finished, remove and form into a loaf, placing in a greased 9"x5"x3" pan. Let rise, then bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes. Brush top with butter.

Crock Pot Beef

Here's a yummy recipe that involves a big beef roast, a crock pot, and very little work on your part! And believe me - it makes the BEST gravy!! So, yeah, you really need to make mashed potatoes with it. OK, so maybe it involves a tiny bit of work. =)

1 3-5# beef roast
1 packet Au Jus mix
1 packet Good Seasons Italian dressing mix
1 can beef broth
1 soup can water

Place roast in crock pot. Combine packaged mixes with liquids, pour over top, and cook on low 8 hours.

Skillet Lasagna

1# hamburger
Onion
Garlic
Salt & Pepper
8 oz. Barilla mafalda pasta (mini lasagna)
26 oz. Prego Traditional spaghetti sauce
1 ¾ C. water
6 oz. cottage cheese
4 oz. Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
¼ C. Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp. parsley flakes
2 C. shredded Mozzarella cheese

Brown hamburger, onion, garlic, salt and pepper in large skillet; drain. Add raw pasta, Prego and water; mix well. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir frequently. Combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan and parsley; spoon evenly over pasta mixture and sprinkle with Mozzarella. Cover and cook 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and everything is heated through. Remove from heat, uncover and let stand 5 minutes before serving.