Here’s a recipe for the cookies I started making last year and have proven to be quite a hit with the guests and the grandchildren.  They also got me a blue ribbon at the Potter County Fair last year.  It makes a lot so use a big bowl for mixing.

Almond Joy Cookies

Preheat oven to 375

Cream together:

1 c butter

1 ½ c white sugar

1 ½ c brown sugar

Add:

4 eggs, one at a time

4 tsp vanilla

Mix well and add slowly:

4 ½ c all purpose flour

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

When mixed well add:

5 c chocolate chips

2 c shredded coconut

2 c chopped almonds

Drop by rounded teaspoons on a greased cookie sheet and bake on the top rack of the oven for 10 to 12 minutes.  Let rest for 2-3 minutes before moving to a rack to cool.  You can leave out the almonds and call them Mounds cookies, I suppose.  When my kids were little someone asked me what kind of a cookie jar I had.  I responded that a cookie never got cool in our house so why would I need a cookie jar?  Enjoy!!

Frosty Hollow Baked Cheese Grits

4 cups milk

1/2 stick butter

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

1 cup quick cooking grits, not instant

4 eggs

4 cups shredded cheese, use a couple of different kinds

Heat the milk in a large saucepan with the butter, salt, and pepper until hot and add the grits slowly, stirring constantly until thick.  Remove from the heat and stir in the eggs, one at a time, and the cheese.  Add granulated garlic or garlic powder to taste.  A little extra butter doesn’t hurt!  Add about a ½ cup parmesan cheese and stir well.  Pour into a greased casserole dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes in a 350 degree oven until the top is browned and bubbly.

Deeter’s Hot Italian Soup

1 1/2 pounds hot Italian sausage

Diced carrot

1 small cooking onion, chopped

(At least) 3 or 4 cloves of fresh or 2 tsp of garlic in a jar

1 box frozen chopped spinach

1 can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)

4 cups beef broth

1 teaspoon dried basil or lots of chopped fresh basil, maybe a 1/4 cup or so

1 bag Barilla Tortelloni (ricotta and spinach or three cheese)

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Brown the sausage and drain.  Add broth and heat to boiling.  Add all other ingredients, except cheese.  Simmer until the pasta is done and the carrots are tender.  Add cheese and serve.

Frosty Hollow Hash Brown and Ham Casserole

1 bag frozen hash browns

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 16 oz. container of sour cream

2-3 cups of shredded cheese (we use 3-4 kinds)

1 ½ cups cubed ham

Durkee 6-pepper blend, found at Sam’s Club

            I use about 1 ½ tsp, but you may want more or less

 Stir all together in a large bowl and spread out in a 9x13 greased pan.  Bake 1 hour at 350 until bubbly and slightly browned.