Soft breadsticks

This is a really fast, easy recipe if you want a little something extra to go with dinner. There is no yeast, so you can whip them up in no time! Tyler loves these.

2 1/2 c flour
4 t sugar
3 t baking powder
1 t salt
1 1/3 c milk
6 T melted butter

In a small bowl, combine first 4 ingredients. Gradually add milk and stir to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface. Knead gently 3 to 4 times. Roll into a rectangle. Cut into 24 breadsticks. Place butter in 2 9x13 pans. Put breadsticks in butter and turn to coat. Sprinkle with desired toppings (I like garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese). Bake at 450 for 14-18 minutes.

I usually half this recipe.

Cheesy Potato Soup

This only makes two servings, so I usually quadruple it so we have plenty for leftovers. It is a no-fail recipe, whether you use skim milk or whole.

2 tablespoons onion
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 cup pre-cooked potatoes
1/4 cup shredded cheese

Saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in flour and salt. Remove from heat. Gradually add in milk; cook and stir over medium heat until thick. Add remaining ingredients. Stir over low heat until warmed through.

I always cook carrots with the potatoes to make it a bit healthier. You can add corn or any other veggies you like. It's also good sprinkled with crumbled bacon.

Carrot cake

This is the best carrot cake I've ever had! I make it every year for Tyler's birthday.

Carrot cake

2 c flour
2 c sugar
1 c oil
4 eggs
3 c grated carrots
2 t cinnamon
1 t salt
2 t baking soda
1 small can crushed pineapple (including juice)

Mix all ingredients for 2-3 minutes. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

(Sometimes I buy a regular-sized can of pineapple and put about half of it in. It is more moist if you add more juice!)

Cream cheese frosting:

3 c powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 stick butter, softened
2 t vanilla

Beat until smooth. Frost when cake is cooled.

Whole Wheat Pancakes

I've decided that Thursday will be recipe day. I'm ashamed to admit that I don't have many main dish recipes, so look for lots of desserts and such. Look forward to the weekly quote on Monday!

Whole Wheat Pancakes

1 c whole wheat flour
1 T sugar
2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1 egg
1 c milk
2 T oil

I like to substitute one T of oil with applesauce, and I add cinnamon. The kids and I love to eat these for lunch topped with hot jam.