Red Hots Cookies

My kids love things spicy. Like way too spicy! They think hot sauce is a condiment that should go on everything we eat around here. So I knew these cookies would be a big hit the first time I made them, years ago. It can be a little tricky finding the Red Hots, but I find them from time to time and buy a couple of bags so I have them on hand when we want these cookies. And they look very festive for Valentine's Day!

Red Hots Cookies
1 c. butter, softened
1 1/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. Red Hots candies

Place candies in a baggie and hit several times with a hammer to break them into pieces. Set aside.

Beat butter and sugars together until creamy, then add eggs and vanilla; stir to combine. Mix in the flour and baking soda, then add the candy and stir until everything is mixed together. Drop teaspoonfuls ( I use a medium cookie scoop) onto a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.

Chocolate Pie

My husband loves chocolate and especially chocolate pie. I'm not sure how many chocolate pies I made around Thanksgiving for him this year, but it was a LOT! I have several recipes for chocolate pie and I made all of them at least twice!

 

Chocolate Pie

8 oz. German's sweet chocolate

1/2 c. milk

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 Tbsp. sugar

8 oz. Cool Whip

1 chocolate crumb crust

Heat the chocolate with the milk in a microwave safe bowl for in 30 second intervals until melted, stirring after each time.  Beat in cream cheese and sugar and stir until smooth. Gently fold in Cool Whip.Spoon into the crust and smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Seasoned Oven Roasted Vegetables

This is a great side dish for some of our favorite dinners. I have never been one to "hide" vegetables so my kids would eat them and I'm glad - because they love this!

Seasoned Oven Roasted Vegetables
7 medium potatoes
1 small bag baby carrots
1/4 c. olive oil
1 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. Italian Seasoning

Chop the potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces, all approximately the same size and place ina large bowl. Add the oil and spices, toss to coat all evenly. Pour onto large baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees about 30 minutes.