Cake Mix Cookies

These cookies are quick and easy and you can make them with almost any cake mix. I have tried, Lemon, Chocolate, Yellow, and Birthday Cake.  Have fun

 Cake Mix Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cake mix

1 egg

1 cube of butter (1/2 cup)

Mix all ingredients, roll into a ball and place on a cookie sheet

Bake 8-9 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit

Easy Three-Ingredient Tomato Soup

 I received this easy three-ingredient tomato soup recipe which pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich from my daughter. It is delicious and oh so easy.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (I used regular butter - I prefer the Kerry butter)

1/2 large onion, cut into large wedges

1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes (This works with fresh tomatoes too)

1/1/2 cups water, of chicken or vegetable stock

1/2 or more teaspoon salt to taste

Directions:

Melt butter over medium heat

Add onion wedges, water (stock), tomatoes, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 40 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Blend the soup and then season it to taste. (You can blend with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. If you use a regular blender, do it in

small amounts and cover the top of the blender with a towel as the soup is very hot.)

Makes 2 generous servings.

Edamame Salad

I have a confession to make. The first time I tried to eat Edamame, I couldn't stand the taste or texture. However, when I visited my brother and his wife, she asked if I would like Edamame salad. I said sure, why not but was worried I wouldn't like it. The salad was terrific, and I had two light, refreshing, and healthy helpings. Lo and behold, I found out that when preparing Edamame, you are supposed to shell them. Yes, that is correct; the first time I tried Edamame, I tried eating them like the sugar snap peas in the pods. The Edamame and pod together are not good at all, but that could be because you are not supposed to eat the pod. Silly me. I am living proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks. Now for the recipe.

Edamame

Roasted corn or frozen corn

Julienne carrots

Red bell pepper

Red onion

Cilantro

Cranberries

Rice wine vinegar

Olive Oil

You can add any amount of the above ingredients to make your salad. You can also add zuchinni, drained black beans, or cauliflower. I typically use 1 cup of Edamame and add the other ingredients to make a nice salad. I add approximately 1-3 tsp. of Olive oil and 1-3 tsp. of Rice wine vinegar. The salad is very festive and colorful. I like it because it tastes good and is healthy. Everyone I have fixed it for loves the salad.

Texas Caviar

Texas Caviar

I had to bring in something for work for Cinco De Mayo and so I called Vannesa, my daughter-in-law, who is an excellent cook. She told me about this recipe and it has been a smash hit everytime I make it.  Here is the recipe.  Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
2 (15oz) cans black beans, rinsed
1 (17 oz) can whole kernel white (yellow is ok too)corn, drained
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 large avocado, diced
1/2 red onion, chopped or 1 bunch green onions, chopped (I have left this out and it is just as good)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 small jalapeno (seeded and chopped) OPTIONAL (I like the extra little kick) (I used a jalapeno and it was very mild, so I used red pepper flakes instead.  It could have just been my jalapeno. You could probably leave this out and would be good.)

Dressing
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
3-4 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt (I used garlic salt)
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp cumin

DIRECTIONS
1. Combine all ingred. in bowl.
2. Cover and chill overnight
3. Garnish with avocado slices or cilantro sprigs.
4. Serve with the scoop (that look like little bowls) tortilla chips