Peanut Butter Bars

1 1/2 c. shortening
1 1/2 c. peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1 1/2 c. white sugar
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
3 eggs
3/4 t. salt
1 1/2 t. baking soda
1 1/2 t. vanilla
2 1/3 c. wheat flour
3 c. oats (regular or quick)

Cream the shortening, peanut butter, sugars and eggs together until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and beat until incorporated. Spread into a greased cookie sheet (jelly roll size) until even on all sides (batter will be thick, you may need to use a fork to press down). Bake at 325 for 13 minutes (bar will seem under done, but will firm up as it sits). This recipe makes a large batch, it can be halved and put in a 9x13 pan if you would prefer.

Chocolate Frosting
1 stick butter
1 t. vanilla
Dash of salt
1/2 c. cocoa powder
3 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1/3 c. milk

Applesauce Oat Muffins

1 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cups oats

2/3 cup brown sugar

3 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs

3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup applesauce

3 tbsp olive oil

In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In another bowl, combine the egg, milk, applesauce and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill 12 greased muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Peach Cobbler

Tonight, my Jack-of-All-Trades husband made this for us for FHE. It was a hit.

1/3 cup butter
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 28-oz can peaches mixed with 1/2 cup water

While oven preheats, melt butter in 9 x 13-inch baking dish; remove from oven. In a bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add milk and vanilla and mix well. Pour batter over melted butter. Spread fruit and juice evenly over batter. Do not stir. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees until golden, 30-40 minutes.

Peanut Butter Kisses

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt

Cream peanut butter, butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Roll into walnut sized balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees. As soon as you take them out, push a chocolate kiss in the middle.

The Coleslaw that Converted Me

I've never really been a fan of coleslaw, but I've made this twice, and I have been craving it again!

1 (16 oz) bag coleslaw mix
2 tbsp. dry minced onion
2/3 cup mayo
3 tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup white sugar
1 tbsp vinegar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. poppy seeds

1. Combine the coleslaw mix and onion in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the mayo, oil, sugar, vinegar, salt, and poppy seeds in a medium bowl; blend thoroughly. Pour dressing mixture over coleslaw mix and toss to coat. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

Cowboy Muffins

2 cups wheat flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded carrots
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup coconut
1 apple - peeled, cored and shredded
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 24 muffin cups, or line with paper muffin liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the carrot, raisins, nuts, coconut, and apple.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir egg mixture into the carrot/flour mixture, just until moistened. Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

*To make this even healthier, use applesauce instead of oil.