Make-It Monday

Today I was making pepper steak for supper and every time I do I think how my mom used to make it for me every year for my birthday because it was always my "favorite".  That got me thinking of other favorite recipes, so this week the theme is, obviously, Favorites.


Pepper Steak - you will need to start this early in the afternoon. Just a heads up.

1 1/2 lbs beef cubes (I use stew beef - already cubed.  Just cut them smaller)
some oil for browning
1 can beef broth
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. ketchup
1 Tblsp prepared mustard
1 clove garlic
dash Tobasco
1/2 tsp. salt
generous dash of pepper

Brown the beef, then add the rest.  Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.  (Note: I am liberal on the liquid.  I don't bother buying canned broth, I just use beef base in some water, anywhere from 3-4 cups.  Do what you like best.)

Then add:
 2 large onions, quartered.
Cook 20-40 mins more.

Then add:
1-2 peppers (the recipe calls for green.  I don't like those, so I use red, orange and yellow.  Whatever I have)
1 1/2 c. sliced mushrooms
Cook 20 mins more.

If you want, you can blend 1/4 c. water with 2 Tblsp of flour and use it to thicken the sauce.  I never do.
Serve over rice.  This is a "winner dinner" in our home.


Chocolate Chip Cookies

1c. margarine
1c. white sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1tsp vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 c. rolled oats
1 1/2 c. coconut
2 c. chocolate chips

Mix and bake at 350 for 10 mins. 

I got this recipe from my Aunt Jan about 12 years ago and it's been a favorite ever since - for me, my family, my sisters and my friends.  I like to mess with it a bit.  I add all kinds of different chocolate chips or caramel balls or smarties or whatever we feel like.  It's a very versatile recipe that always comes out great.


Always-Soft Ginger Snaps

3/4 c. margarine
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. molasses
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger

Mix, then roll into balls and roll them in sugar.  Bake at 300 for 10 mins.

These are Dan's favorites.  I do not like crunchy ginger snaps, and these are nice and soft.  Delicious.


Texas Brownies

2c. flour
2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine in a mixing bowl. 
In a saucepan, heat the following to a boil:

1 c. margarine
1 c. water
1/4 c. cocoa

Pour boiling liquid over flour and sugar and mix.  Then add:

1/2 c. buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice/vinegar)
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix and pour onto a large greased cookie sheet.  Bake for 20 minutes.  While brownies are baking, make the frosting.  In a saucepan boil:

1/3c. margarine
2 Tblsp. cocoa
1/4 c. milk

Pour boiling liquied over:
3 1/2 c. icing sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Frost brownies as soon as they come out of the oven.


No favorites list is complete without chocolate.  Ha Ha.

Enjoy!  If anyone else has a "Favorites", feel free to share!