Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

My favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

http://craftbakesewcreate.blogspot.com/2013/01/soft-chewy-oatmeal-chocolate-chip.html

Thank you Pinterest.

Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

[slightly adapted from Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies]

1 stick butter, softened

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup white sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

1 egg + 1 yolk

1 T. cornstarch

1 tsp. coarse sea salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup oatmeal

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350º.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars. Add in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, sea salt, baking soda, flour, and oatmeal. Add into the butter mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Scoop about 2 T. of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 9-10 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden and the centers just set. Let cool for 2 minutes on the pan before transferring off to cool completely.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Cashew Chicken

Another Pinterest find:)
http://www.daydreamkitchen.com/2012/09/crock-pot-cashew-chicken/

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless & skinless chicken breast tenders

1/2 cup cashews

1 garlic clove, minced

4 tbsps rice wine vinegar

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp canola oil

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup soy sauce

1 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

4 tbsps ketchup

Directions:

1. Combine flour and pepper in a large resealable food storage bag.
2. Add chicken and shake to coat with flour mixture.
3. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Brown chicken 4 mins while flipping sides.
5. Place chicken in slow cooker.
6. Making the sauce: combine soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes in small bowl.**we doubled the sauce 
7. pour over chicken and cook (on low!) for 3 to 4 hrs.
8. Add the cashews and stir.
9. Combine with rice for the complete experience.
10. Pour the sauce over the chicken and the rice.

Spinach and Mushroom Chicken

"Smothered Chicken"

http://baconbuttercheesegarlic.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-special-meal-for-my-valentine.html

Found this on Pinterest! It was so yummy! Josh and I loved it:) 

FOR THE CREAMED SPINACH:

1 large bag of spinach leaves

4 ounces cream cheese

1/4 C shredded parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 T red onion, minced

2 T olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE SAUTEED MUSHROOMS:

8 ounce package of mushrooms, sliced

1/2 stick butter(I didnt add this)

2 T olive oil

1/2 C white wine(I didnt add this)

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE CHICKEN:

4-5 boneless chicken breasts

8-10 slices Mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/8 inch slices

1 T garlic powder

1 T seasoned salt, like Lawry's

1 teaspoon pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Sprinkle the garlic powder, seasoned salt, and pepper on both sides of the chicken.  Bake for 16 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the creamed spinach.  Over medium-high heat, melt 2 T olive oil in a skillet.  Add in the onions and saute 2-3 minutes.  Add in the spinach and garlic.  It will shrink ridiculously.  When it's cooked through, stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese.  Continue cooking and stirring until the cream cheese is melted.  Remove from heat.

For the mushrooms, melt butter and 2 T olive oil in a skillet.  Put the mushrooms in and cook until browned all over.  Don't season with salt until they are browned or they will never brown.  Deglaze the pan with the wine.  Add in the garlic and season with salt and pepper.  Cook until most of the wine is cooked out.

Flip the chicken pieces over.  Divide the spinach and mushrooms over the top of each breast.  Lay two slices of cheese over each piece of chicken.  Cook another 12-14 minutes or until cheese is browned and chicken is done.