Easy to Suff Manicotti

1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells
1 pound ground beef
½ cup chopped onion
1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce
14 pieces string cheese
1 ½ cups (6 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook manicotti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce. Spread half of the sauce into a greased 13x9 baking dish.
Drain manicotti; stuff each shell with a piece of string cheese. Place over meat sauce; top with remaining sauce. Cover and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Makes 6-8 servings.

--This is a favorite recipe, it is really quick if you just use bottled spaghetti sauce that has meat in it, then skip cooking the hamburger— It is a very quick fix on a busy night.

Banana Cookies

These are some of my Dad's favorites. I like to make them with those last few bananas that got to ripe. Plus I don't feel as bad giving my kids cookies when they are made with bananas instead of chocolate. It just sounds healthier :)

Banana Cookies

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup (2 large) ripe bananas
2 cups chocolate chips

Measure flour and sift with dry ingredients. Cream sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Add flour mixture alternately with mashed banana, beating well after each addition. Stir in chocolate chips and vanilla. Drop by spoon onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Salsa

My neighbor Missy gave this to me and it is the only way I've ever made salsa. My husband doesn't like chunky salsa so it is perfect--it's great to because you don't have to spend hours chopping, just throw everything in a blender.

2 cans 16 oz whole tomatoes drained
1/3 bunch fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic
1 can sliced Jalapeno
1 small onion
1 tsp salt
1 Tbs onion powder
1/3 red pepper
1/3 green pepper

Combine all ingredients in blender, mix refrigerate.

Shredded Chicken

My friend Jessica told me about this super easy dinner and it is now our preferred way of making tacos! It has become a regular meal in our house--I hope she does't mind me sharing it! Thanks a ton Jessica!

3-4 Chicken Breasts
1 Jar Salsa

Place Chicken Breasts and Salsa in Crock pot for 4-6 hours or until it easily shreds.

Great for Tacos, Burritos, and Enchiladas

Sweet Pork (Like Café Rio’s)

Pork Roast
1 can Green Enchilada Sauce
1 can diced green chilies
1 cup brown sugar

Place all ingredients in Crock Pot for 6-8 hours. Reserve half of the green chilies for garnish when done.

Great for Tacos, Burritos, and Enchiladas.

Use more sauce and brown sugar to taste depending on the size of the roast. (I usually use double on both and use a large roast—freeze leftovers for future use)

This is one of my favorite meals and I always eat leftovers--I like to just put a little meat with some rice and beans. I get hungry just thinking about it!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am a horrible cookie maker and I've tried a million recipes, but I stole this one from somebodies Blog and I'd like to give credit, but I don't remember where I got it. So if it's yours thanks a bunch they were yummy!


1 cup butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbls. vanilla
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
3 cups flour
1 package Ghirarrdeli Milk Chocolate Chips
1/2 bag Ghirarrdeli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Then add dry ingredients. Mix in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 11 minutes. Cookies might not look done but take them out anyways. Let them sit on pan for a few minutes before placing on cooling rack.

FYI: I cooked mine for 8-9 minutes and they were perfect. I think 11 minutes would be too long... but it all depends on your oven. I just used Nestle Chocolate Chips.