Grandma B's Chocolate Chip Cookies

My Grandma B has been making these cookies for us for years. We would go to her house and she'd pull a bag out of the freezer every time. They are just as delicious frozen as fresh out of the oven with a cold glass of milk. Perfection. 

Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes about 4 dozen

1 c. butter or margarine, softened

2 c. brown sugar (or 1 c. white and 1 c. brown)

2 eggs

2 c. quick oats

2 c. flour (I use whole wheat)

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 c. chocolate chips

Mix everything together and drop from a tablespoon about 2" apart. Bake at 350* for 7-8 minutes. I find that if I bake them on the very top rack of my oven, they come out perfect. Bake until the edges are golden brown. (Remember they continue to cook a little bit when they are out of the oven.) Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. I dare you to eat just one.

Pizza Pretzels

I was looking for peanut free school lunch ideas when I found this recipe in a cookbook I've had for years. My taste testers gave it two thumbs up!! My daughter asked "can I have TWO of these in my lunch?" Success! I think they'd also be good with chopped up pizza toppings like green pepper, pepperoni, or mushroom. I'll try that next time. I'm going to individually freeze these and use them for lunches.

Pizza Pretzels
Makes 15

1 1/4 c. water
2 tbsp oil or margarine (I used olive oil)
3 c. flour (I did 2 c. white and 1 c. whole wheat)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano (I used ground and didn't measure. I needed to use more.)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp instant yeast

Add all ingredients to a bread machine and put on the dough setting. Or, if you know how to make dough, go ahead and do it "the old fashioned way". 

Cut dough into 15 pieces. Shape each piece into an 8 inch log by rolling. Twist into pretzel shapes (my daughter said mine looked more like bows. I got better by pretzel #15) and place on greased or parchment paper lined baking sheets. Brush with oil, cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. I let mine rise in my oven with the light on. 

Brush tops with pizza sauce (don't be afraid to be generous) and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 400F for 10 to 12 minutes. 
 

Garlic Broiled Chicken

My kids are young so I tend to make meals that are "unfancy" but tasty at the same time. This recipe using chicken thighs was a hit with the whole family. 

Garlic Broiled Chicken

1/2 c. butter or margarine

3 tbsp. minced garlic

3 tbsp. soy sauce

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 tbsp dried parsley

6 boneless chicken thighs, with skin (or whatever parts you want)

Preheat oven broiler. 

In a microwave safe bowl, mix butter, garlic, soy sauce, pepper and parsley. Cook for two minutes on high in the microwave, or until butter is melted. 

Arrange the chicken in baking pan and coat with the butter mixture, reserving some of the mixture for basting. Broil chicken for 20-30 minutes, until juices run clear. Turn occasionally and baste with remaining butter mixture. Chicken will be nicely browned and super yummy.