WHOLE WHEAT BANANA OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

This cookie could be called relatively healthy as it has such good ingredients.  It is one of our family favorites.

 This was a basic recipe a woman in my ward shared when I was a little girl.  I later tried it with whole wheat flour and liked it.  Of course, when I added chocolate chips it was a winner!!

WHOLE WHEAT BANANA OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Cream together:
3/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs

Add:
**1 c mashed bananas (usually 2 bananas)
1 t vanilla

Mix well and add:
1/2 t baking soda
1 t salt
1/4 t nutmeg
3/4 t cinnamon
1 1/2 c whole wheat flour

Stir in:
1 3/4 cup oatmeal (I prefer quick oats but any work)
2 cup chocolate chips
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Drop by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes.

**Hint: I freeze ripe bananas in their skins if I am not ready to use them.  I put them in the microwave for about 1 minute and they are ready.  You never need to throw out those over-ripe bananas again.

Just Like Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

The soup at Olive Garden seems to be the gold standard for comparison.  This one comes  pretty close!

Just Like Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

1 pound ground beef (browned and drained)
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 c chopped carrots (optional)
2 (16 oz) cans Italian Stewed Tomatoes
1 can red kidney beans
1 can northern beans
2 cans water
3 beef bouillon cubes
1 t oregano 
1/2- 1 t salt
pepper to taste 
1/2 c cooked macaroni shells


Combine all ingredients and cook for 15 minutes.
Serve with 2 T parmesan cheese sprinkled on top

NO BAKE COOKIES

Many of you probably have this classic recipe.  It is a favorite recipe from my childhood that is still requested by my own family every time we get together.  Someone once asked me  if these cookies kept well. I didn't know the answer as they always disappear within one day!

NO BAKE COOKIES

In heavy saucepan combine:
1 cube buttter
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/3 c baking cocoa

Bring to a rolling boil and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add:
1 t vanilla
2 large scoops peanut butter (about 2/3 cup)
2 1/2 to 3 cups oatmeal

Working quickly drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper and let cool.