Wendy's Chili

Ida

2 lbs. fresh ground beef
4 c. tomato juice (secret ingredient!!!)
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 C. celery, diced
1/4 C. green pepper, diced
2 Tbs. chili powder (can add more to taste)
1 tsp. cumin
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Brown the ground beef in frying pan.  (Can brown onion with beef or just add it to the pot).  Put the beef and the remaining ingredients into crockpot on HI for 4-5 hours.  Or you can do it in a large pot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.  

Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ida

1 c. shortening
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. hot water
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 C. flour
2 C. quick oats
2 C. chocolate chips 

Mix sugars, shortening, and eggs. Beat until Fluffy! Add remaining ingredients.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes or until SLIGHTLY brown. (Important if you take out to late the are too crispy, the trick is taking them out when they are just barely starting to get golden on the edges and they still appear a little shiny) 

Alterations:  Old fashioned oats work fine, just use a little less.  Add a little coconut for a new flavor!

Bacon Potato Soup

Shauna

1/2 pound bacon diced and browned.
1/3 cup onion chopped and browned (put in with bacon for about last five minutes) Drain off bacon grease (save it to stir back in)

4-5 med. potatoes cubed and boiled til soft. (Peel first if you like)

Drain off water from potatoes (Save it to stir back in)
With potato masher or hand mixer, mash potatoes til just a few chunks are left.

Over medium/low heat combine...(or crock pot)
mashed potatoes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups half n half or cream
2 Tablespoons bacon grease (or more for added flavor)
1/2 cup potato water

Add more cream, water, or milk til it is as thick as you like....

Add bacon/onion
Season w/ more salt/pepper if you like.
Serve with grated cheese on top!


Alterations...
Add dash of garlic powder for a different taste.
Grate and add 1/4 cup carrots while simmering for a bit of color

EASY TO DOUBLE!!!!