Carmel Popcorn

I got this recipe from my cousin, Heather.

6 quarts popped corn
2 sticks butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cupscorn syrup

Boil 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add:

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Stir well. Pour over popcorn. Cool on a cookie sheet or wax paper.

Veggie Chowder

I modified this recipe to be able to be made with food that can be stored.

3 cups cooked, cubed chicken (I use canned chicken)
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1 can of chicken broth
2 Tbs. of dehydrated onions (you can use fresh, about 2/3 cup)
2 cans of mixed vegetables (you can use frozen)
1 can of canned milk

Combine all ingredients, except the milk, in a slow-cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Stir in canned milk. Cook another 15 minutes.

Very "Normal" Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup softened butter
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
A package of chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375* F. Measure all ingredients except chips. Mix together until well blended. Mix in chips by hand. Drop onto ungreased cookie sheet by rounded teaspoonfuls. Bake 10-12 minutes. Let cool slightly before removing from pan to wire racks to cool. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen.

Extra Special Rodriguez Tortillas!

I admit it: I am a tortilla snob! They just have to taste good! After making these, I will never buy tortillas again!

2 cups white or wheat flour (I use one cup of each) + more flour for rolling out tortillas
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup oil, butter or lard (I use oil because it is healthiest)
1 cup boiling water

Pour flour, salt, oil and water into a mixing bowl. Mix with a spoon. When cool enough to touch, knead ingredients into a ball. Form smaller balls, about two inches in diameter. Sprinkle flour on a flat surface. Place dough on the surface and cover lightly with flour. Pat it and turn it over. Sprinkle more flour on it. Using a rolling pin, roll out flat. Place rolled out dough on a hot skillet (I set my burner between medium and high.) When dough turns slightly darker, flip it over. When it bubbles, flip it again. Press bubbles down with a soft cloth, creating larger bubbles. Remove from heat. Makes about 8-9 tortillas.
*If using whole wheat flour, let dough rest five minutes before rolling out.