Audrey and Cooper Halloween pictures

YUMMY AUTUMN SOUP

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BISQUE

1 T vegetable oil
1 T butter
2/3 cup diced onion
2/3 cup diced celery
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 cup diced carrots
6 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (about 2 1/2 lb squash)
2 (14 oz cans) vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 bay leaf
1 tsp chicken base or 1 chicken bouillon cube
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
sour cream thinned with a little milk (optional)

Heat oil and butter in a large pot. Add the onion, celery, and garlic. Cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Add carrots and squash to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth. Add the seasonings. Bring to a boil reduce heat, and simmer until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaf, In a blender, puree the mixture until smooth. (this will have to be done in batches as all won't fit in the blender at the same time). Return soup to the pot, adjust seasonings if needed, then stir in cream. Heat through, but do not boil. Ladle into bowls and drizzle a little sour cream on top for garnish if desired. This soup freezes well. Simply thaw and reheat.

BONUS OATMEAL COOKIES

For those that need more FIBER in our diets!!!!

BONUS OATMEAL COOKIES

2 1/4 cups Oats 3/4 cup butter (softened)
1 cup wheat flour 1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup bran 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 t baking soda 1 egg
1/2 t salt 1 T water
1 cup raisins 1 t vanilla

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cream together butter and sugars in small bowl, add egg, water and vanilla and mix well. Add to dry mixture and stir in raisins. Drop by spoonful on cookie sheets. Bake about 10 min at 350 degrees.

Audrey and Cooper's visit

TRIBUTE TO WILBUR

My uncle Wilbur Chamberlain(my mother's brother) passed away Saturday May 29, 2010. He was a wonderful, kind and gentle man. He was the oldest son and he took care of his mother and siblings when his father passed away. He then cared for the next generation (his nieces and nephews) by making sure they had the basic necessities (food and clothing). He gave true charity to others and was a hard worker. My dad and him used to spend many hours playing Pinochle. I'll never forget his great sense of humor. I am sure he is happy now as he is back with his wife who died a few years ago. He was loved by all the family and we will miss him.

Welcome our baby grandson COOPER DAVID COHEN

He is so adorable. I can't seem to get enough of him. He is growing and changing every day and is so relaxed and easy going (so far). Cooper actually looks very much like Marissa when she was a baby. He has the same nose, mouth and round face. I am really enjoying visiting with the whole family here!!!

CRISPY COCOA BARS

Here is my 2nd attempt to post this recipe. My computer crashed in the middle of it last time. Sadly the computer was beyond repair. Needless to say, now we have a new one.
This recipe is for Marlyce who has been requesting it. It is an old standby. Which means when you have little time to make a treat this is a good one to make. It is Yummy!!!

CRISPY COCOA BARS

6 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
1 pkg 10 oz marshmellows or 4 cups mini or 40 regular size
1/3 cup Hershey's Cocoa (unsweetened kind)
4 1/2 cup rice crispies cereal
1/2 cup chocolate chips or peanut butter chips

Melt butter and peanut butter in large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmellows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Stir in cocoa well. Add cereal and chips stir until well coated. Press mixture evenly into buttered 11X7 or 9X9 pan. Cool and then cut into squares.