1 lb. ground beef
3 large onions
1 large green ppepper, chopped
1 can (16 oz.) tomatoes
1/2 c. uncooked regular rice
1 to 2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Heat oven to 350 degrees

In a large pan, cook ground beef, onion and green pepper until meat is brown and vegetables are tender.

Drain off fat.

Stir in tomatoes, rice, chili powder, salt and pepper; heat through.

Pour into ungreased 2 qt. casserole dish.

Cover and bake 1 hour.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Recipe Credit: Betty Crocker’s Piggy Bank Casseroles Copyright 1976, 1970 by General Mills, Inc.

Makes about 2 pounds.

2 TBSP butter
2/3 c. carnation evaporated milk
1 2/3 c. sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 c. miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Combine 2 TBSP butter, 2/3 c. undiluted carnation evaporated milk, 1 2/3 c. sugar and 1/2 tsp salt in sauce pan over medium heat.

Bring to boil.

Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly (start timing when mistures starts to bubble around edges of pan).

Remove from heat.

Stir in 2 c. (4 oz.) miniature marshmallows, 1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate pieces, 1 tsp vanilla and 1/2 c. chopped nuts.

Stir vigorously for 1 minutes - until marshmallows are melted and blended.

Pour into 8 inch square buttered pan.

Cool and cut into squares.

Here’s one more Kudos for a good site… in following a few links from other bloggers (Ok, I think I actually got this one from Jen, whom I just posted about).. and which happens to be an activity I give in to rarely (following links, I mean.. too easy to get caught up in reading.. surfing.. and realizing I should have been in bed an hour ago.. Um.. yes.. even now ::yawn::)..

What was I saying? Oh yes… kudos and yumminess to a great recipe site - Paula, The Cookbook Junkie, happens to do things like I wish I would remember to do… taking pictures of meals. Oh, I do it, usually after it’s half gone (see my Edibles). Or there is so much humidity in the kitchen the picture looks foggy. But, anyway, Paula does it regardless. Check out her recipes and her pictures.

P.S. This is another example of my adding things to my own site, so I don’t forget to check it out later. I really ought to add a blogroll, I suppose.

Went by Caribou Coffee yesterday morning for the first time - they are actually pretty close to my house, though not on my way to work. I got a caramel latte and a vanilla latte for a friend. Both were tasty. Mine went particularly well with my donut from Bill’s Donut (who happen to be *the best* donut place in Dayton, Oh - and yes.. Bill is on “myspace”.. I mean, really, doesn’t everybody do myspace now?).

So, this morning… I thought I’d cave one more time and try Caribou Coffee’s “Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino” equivalent which they call a Caribou Coffee Caramel Cooler. Tasty? Oh yes… oh yummy-yes.

But, I these convenient, drive-thru specialty shops are sooo pricey… getting one too often is just plain out of the question - particularly on my puny budget. No problem though.. as long as I’m not feeling lazy, or too harried, I can make my own at home for a fraction of the cost and tastes the same.. or adjust to your own tastes (stronger, weaker, sweeter, etc).

Check out Caramel Frappuccino Weakness for an easy recipe. You can even make the coffee ahead of time.

Speaking of making coffee ahead of time… I was just reading the other day about cold brew coffee… I think I need to do some research on it. It’s suppose to have a better flavor and not be so hard on your stomach… with Crohn’s Disease.. I guess I ought to look in to it…

This childhood favorite treat is not only easy to make, but tastes so much better homemade.

You’ll need:
8 cups Rice Crispies
1 regular size bag of marshmallows
1/4 cup of butter
No stick spray (or a touch of butter) in a 13 x 9 pan

Melt the 1/4 cup of butter in a pan over medium heat:

Once the butter has melted, add the bag of marshmallows and stir to coat in well in butter:

Cover 13 x 9 pan with foil or butcher paper and spray with non-stick spray (I just use a little butter).

Once marshmallows are completely melted, add the 8 cups of crispy rice. Stir completely to evenly coat.

Spread mixture in pan and, if you are patient enough, let cool completely before cutting.

Here’s a variation on Chocolate No-bake cookies.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup milk
2 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter
3 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- In a pot over medium heat, combine milk, sugar, butter and cocoa powder.
- Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in rolled oats and vanilla.
- Drop on wax paper and let cool.