Knock-Off Levain Cookies

1 c cold butter (straight from the fridge!) cut into tablespoon-size pieces
1 c (7.5 oz.) lightly packed light or dark brown sugar
1/2 c (3.75 oz.) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, cold from the fridge
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 c (7.5 oz.) all-purpose flour
1 c (4 oz.) cake flour
1/2 c (1.75 oz.) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 - 2 c semisweet chocolate chips


Preheat oven to 375, line two baking sheet pans with parchment paper.

Using the paddle attachment, add the cold butter and sugars.  Start the mixer on low (the butter will fly around a bit since it's cold) and gradually increase to medium speed.  Mix for 4-6 minutes until the mixture is creamy and very well combined, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined and the batter is light in color, 2-3 minutes.  Add the flour, cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.  Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together (and so the dry ingredients don't fly everywhere).  When just a few dry streaks remain, add the chocolate chips and mix just until combined and there are no dry spots.

Scoop very large balls of dough (4-4.25 oz. per cookie) and place several inches apart on the prepared baking sheets (you can probably fit 5 cookies per sheet).  Bake for 9-10 minutes (14 minutes in my oven) until set on the outside but still soft in the middle.  Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets to cool for 5-7 minutes before removing. 


From Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Honey White Bread

1/3 c oil
1/3 c honey
1 Tbs yeast
2 tsp salt
6.5 c flour
2.5 c warm water

Mix water, oil, honey.  Add 3 c flour and yeast.  Add 3 more c flour and salt.  Knead for 30 seconds.  Add 1/2 c flour and knead for 5 minutes.  Let rise for 30 minutes.  Punch down and divide into 2 loaves.  Bake at 325 for 40 minutes.


From Jen Evans

Festive Salad

Dressing:
1/2 c sugar
1/3 c red wine vinegar
2 Tbs lemon juice
2 Tbs finely chopped onion
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 c oil
2-3 Tbs poppy seeds

Blend all together

Salad:
10 c (1 large) romaine lettuce
1 c shredded Swiss cheese
1 med apple, cubed (fuji, gala works great)
1 med pear, cubed
1/4 c cranberries
1/2-1 c cashews

Toss salad together, toss dressing over salad just prior to serving.


From Emily Kartchner

Meatloaf

2 slices of bread, broken into pieces
2 lbs hamburger
1/2 c milk
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
dried minced onion (optional)

Pour milk over bread.  Beat egg and add.  Break hamburger into smaller pieces and add.  Mix by hand.  Add salt, pepper and onion.  Mix in, spread in bread loaf pan.  Bake at 325 for 1.5 hours.  Serve with ketchup.


From Sarah Cramer

Egg Cheese & Sausage Casserole

1 lb sausage, browned and drained
2 slices bread, cut into small pieces
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
6 eggs
2 c milk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard


Preheat oven to 350.  Layer bread, sausage, and cheese in 9 X 13 pan.  Beat eggs.  Add mustard, salt, and milk.  Pour over bread, sausage and cheese.  Bake 35-45 minutes.


From Marjorie Starliper