cranberry orange almond bark (oh yum)

24 ounce package white almond bark

1.5 cups toasted slivered almonds

1.5 cups dried cranberries

zest of one orange

prepare the wax paper covered surface before you start mixing because this will start cooling quickly. Melt bark stirring until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients until coated and well mixed.Quickly spread candy on 18 inch long sheet of waxed paper/ foil into a thin... layer. Let set, break into pieces. Store tightly covered.

Granola bars

Cream together:
1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. sugar

Add:
2 T. honey
1/2 t. vanilla
1 egg
Mix well.

In separate bowl, combine:
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
Add to creamed mixture.

Stir in:
1-1/2 c. quick cooking oats
1-1/4 c. crispy rice cereal
1 c. chopped nuts (I used almonds)
1 c. dried fruit (I used Craisins)
1 c. chocolate chips

Spread in a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350* for 20-30 minutes until slightly brown. They will be soft, but will firm up as they cool.

A cornbread meal

I made this the other night and it was yummy! It's a complete meal in itself and very filling.

Prepare cornbread according to the directions on the cornmeal container or cornbread mix box.

Add:
2 cooked and chopped-up chicken breasts (I used my Pampered Chef chopper)
1 can of drained and rinsed black beans
1 cup of corn (frozen is fine)
1 cup of salsa
1 cup cheese (whatever kind you like- I used sharp cheddar)
1 tsp.- 1Tbs. chili seasoning mix, depending on how spicy you like it.

Mix well.

Pour into a greased 8x8 or 9x9 pan and bake at 350* for 45 minutes, or until cooked through (poke a knife in the middle to make sure).

NOTE: This only makes enough for 2 adults and 2 kids, so you might want to double it.