Garden Fresh Lasagna

I made this for my family when we we're in Monticello one time and they seemed to really like it. Served it with french bread.

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
2 1/2 cups hot water
1/2 cup milk
1 box Hamburger Helper lasagna
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small tomato, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 small bell pepper, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 small zucchini, thinly sliced (1 cup)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz)

In 10-inch skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.
2. Stir in hot water, milk, uncooked pasta and sauce mix (from Hamburger Helper box), oregano and garlic powder. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomato, bell pepper, zucchini and cheese. Cover; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat; uncover (sauce will thicken as it stands). Stir before serving

Love, Kel

Strawberry Cheesecake Pie

I love this pie! I'm not a huge lover of cheesecake just cause it's so rich but this one is delicious!

2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/4 cup chopped almonds, toasted (i don't like nuts but for those that do!)
1 tbsp sugar
1 (9 inch) graham cracker crust
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups cold milk, divided
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

In a bowl, combine the strawberries, almonds, and sugar. Pour into crust. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth; gradually add 1/2 cup of milk. Add pudding mix and remaining milk. Beat for 1 minute or until blended; pour over strawberries. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.

Enjoy!

Love, Kel

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is our family's favorite cookie recipe ever! You can make it healthier by adding some wheat germ; about 1/2 cup. Your family will never know they are "healthy"!

2 1/2 sticks butter or margarine

3/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup wheat germ(optional)

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

3 cups rolled oats

1 pkg. (12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine flour, wheat germ, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add oats and mix well. Slowly add the oat mixture to the butter mixture, and stir to combine. When well mixed, add the chocolate chips and stir to distribute them evenly. Drop the batter by heaping tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

Makes 3 dozen cookies.

Cheddar Ham Soup

This is a delicious creamy soup! I served it with homemade rolls.

2 cups diced peeled potatoes

2 cups water

1/2 cup sliced carrot

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup butter, cubed

1/4 cup all purpose flour

2 cups milk

1/4 to 1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. basil

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1-1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes, water, carrot and onion. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender.

Meanwhile, in another saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add the milk, salt and pepper and basil. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thichened. Stir in the cheese until melted. Stir into undrained potato mixture. Add ham and peas; heat through. Yield: 7 servings.