Peppermint Hot Chocolate

1/3 c. cocoa
1 c. sugar
1 to 1 1/2 c. water
8 c. milk
1 capful of peppermint extract

In a 3-quart saucepan, mix the cocoa and sugar. Stir well to completely break up the lumps. Add water to cocoa and sugar & stir. Bring to a boil. Let it boil until 2/3 of pan is boiling, then add milk. Stir constantly until hot. Add peppermint extract, and enjoy!

This is rich & creamy...very delicious. It stores well in the fridge to keep on hand; just stir it and heat it up when you want more.

--Keri

Hearty Chicken and Corn Chowder

1 t. olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 oz. Canadian bacon, diced
1 c. reduced sodium chicken broth
1 c. evaporated skim milk
1. c. canned cream corn
3/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. ground pepper
3/4 c. frozen corn kernals

In medium saucepan, heat oil until hot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, potato, and bacon. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the broth, evaporated milk, and creamed corn. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Stir the diced chicken, salt, and black pepper and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the corn kernels and cook until the corn is just heated through, about 2 minutes longer. Serves 4.

--Keri

Warm Nutty Caramel Brownies

1 t. vegetable oil
1 pkg. (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
1 pkg. (18-21 oz) brownie mix (plus ingredients to make cake-like brownies)
3/4 c. packed brown sugar, divided
1 c. salted mixed nuts, divided
5 rolls of Rolos (40 pieces total), divided

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease bar pan. Chop 1-1/2 c. chocolate chips. Combine brownie mix, water, oil, eggs, adn 1/4 c. brown sugar. Fold in chopped chocolate. Pour batter into bar pan & spread evenly.

2. Chop nuts. Combine half of the nuts and remaining 1/2 c. brown sugar; sprinkle evenly over brownie batter. Bake 20-22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

3. Meanwhile, cut 16 Rolos into quarters. Place remaining 1/2 c. chocolate chips in microwaveable bowl & microwave on high 1 minute or until melted, stirring after each 20-second interval. Spoon melted chocolate into resealable plastic bag; set aside.

4. Remove bar pan from oven. Immediately press remaining 24 Rolos evenly into brownie in four rows of six caramels each. Sprinkle quartered Rolos and remaining nuts over brownies. Trim corner of chocolate-filled bag; drizzle chocolate evenly over brownies. Serve warm. Serve with ice cream, if desired.

I went to a Pampered Chef party last night, where these were made. They are sinfully delicious! No pictures because I ate them all!

--Keri

Chicken Lasagna

Ok, I made this last night, it is by far the best lasagna I have EVER had...I loved it, but I forgot to take a picture...sorry...

1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 c. chopped onion
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 c. sour cream
1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp basil
OR INSTEAD OF THE 3 SPICES LISTED ABOVE, YOU CAN DO 3/4 TSP ITALIAN SEASONING
3/4 c. parmasean cheese
5 cups diced chicken
Salt and Pepper to taste

MIX ALL OF THIS TOGETHER IN A BOWL

2 cups cheddar cheese
2 cups mozarella cheese

MIX THESE TOGETHER IN A SEPERATE BOWL

Lasagna Noodles

I FOUND THAT THE PRE COOK NOODLES WERE CHEAPER, SO I JUST TOOK THE EXTRA TIME AND BOILED THE NOODLES WHILE MY CHICKEN WAS COOKING INSTEAD OF PAYING MORE FOR THE PRE BOILED NOODLES...

Spread 1/3 of chicken mixture on bottom of 9X13 pan, then lay out noodles, then spread 1/3 of cheese mix over. Repeat 2 more times.
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes covered with foil
Remove foil and bake for 10 minutes.

I served it right out of the oven, and #1, it was WAY too hot, but #2 the sauce was still a little runny, if you let it sit for a few minutes it thickens up a bit...this is a must try!!