Taco Soup

In a big pot, bring to boil;
2 chicken breasts, shredded (can use canned chicken too)
5 1/2 cups water and chicken broth
1 beef bullion cube
1 chicken bullion cube
1 can corn
1 can pinto or black beans
1 can Mexican flavored chopped tomatoes
1 can sliced olives
1 can diced green chilis
2 green onions, chopped
2 Tbsp lime juice
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic
1/2 tsp crushed red peppers

Serve over tortilla chips with cheese and sour cream.

Almond Cranberry Granola Bars

These are a seriously delicious breakfast on the go.  I keep them wrapped in saran in the freezer and pull one out in the morning to warm up a little before eating.  Mmmm.

3 cups oats
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed Milk
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup cranberries, dried
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Grease 13x9 inch pan.  Mix together oats, milk, butter, almonds, cranberries, coconut, and chocolate chips.  Mix with your hands until well blended.  Press into pan.  Bake 20-25 minutes, until lightly browned around edges.  Let cool 5 minutes, cut into squares, and then let cool completely.

Quick Mix (From Make-A-Mix Cookbook)

This is an amazing mix that you make ahead of time and can be used to make just about everything from doughnuts, to breadsticks, to cakes, cobblers, & scones. I used this to make the muffins above that I brought to cooking club this month.

8 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 Tbsp baking powder
1 Tbsp salt
2 Tbsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups instant nonfat dry milk or dry buttermilk powder
2 1/4 cups vegetable shortening

In a large bowl, sift together all dry ingredients. Blend well. With a pastry blender or heavy-duty mixer, cut in shortening until mixture resembles cornmeal in texture. Put in an airtight container. Label with date and contents. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 10-12 weeks. Makes about 13 cups of Quick Mix.

Variation:
Use 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 4 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour. Increase baking powder to 5 Tbsp.

Granola

Mix together:
6 cups oats (or 5 cups oats & 1 cup wheat germ)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar (or 3/4 cup of honey)
1 cup coconut
1 cup chopped almonds (try other nuts or seeds)
1 cup dry milk
1 cup raisins (or craisins or other dried fruit)
1 Tbsp cinnamon

Blend:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp maple extract
1 Tbsp salt

Mix the two blends together. Spread on cookie sheet and bake at 250 for 1 1/2 hours, stirring half way through. Occasionally stir until cool, then put into Tupperware container.

Blender Wheat Pancakes

1 cup milk (can use powdered milk)
3/4 cup + 1 Tbsp uncooked whole wheat

Blend on highest speed for 4-5 minutes or until batter is smooth.

Add and blend on low:
3 eggs (can use powdered eggs)
2 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp honey or sugar
1/4 tsp salt

Bake on hot griddle.