Non-dairy Snickerdoodles

Super soft, non-dairy snickerdoodles

There are lots of recipes for snickerdoodles. It seems that the biggest difference is whether you like your snickerdoodles crunchy or soft. My kids like soft cookies. These snickerdoodles have a little sugary crunch on the outside, but the inside is soft, almost cakey or doughy. That's how they like it.

Snickerdoodles (no dairy)
2 1/3 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar + 1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup apple sauce
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon maple syrup
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• Preheat the oven to 375*.
• Mix the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Mix the oil, applesauce, vanilla, maple syrup and egg in a small bowl or measuring cup.
• Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
• In a shallow bowl or on a plate, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and the cinnamon.
• Form the cookie dough into Tablespoon sized balls and roll them in the cinnamon sugar.
• Place cookies about an inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake for 9-10 minutes.

Notes: This recipe makes about 30 small rounded cookies. If you like your cookies flatter, press down to flatten the balls of dough before baking.

Rice Bowls with Mexican Leftovers

Rice bowl using leftovers (rice, beans, chicken, cilantro, onion)

When we have tacos or burritos, we often have leftover bits of beans or meat or rice. An easy way to use up those leftovers is to make rice bowls. I'll usually make one bowl for lunch if there's not enough left for a full meal for all of us, but sometimes I make extra rice and such the first time so that there will be enough leftovers for everyone. It works well because each of us can pick which ingredients we like, and it doesn't seem like leftovers.

Rice Bowls with Mexican Leftovers
Rice or Spanish rice
Taco meat (pork, beef, chicken)
Beans (black or refried)
Onions, chopped
Peppers, chopped
Tomatoes, chopped
Cheese, shredded
Salsa
Cilantro
Sour cream 

• Layer rice, meat, beans, onion, peppers, tomatoes, and cheese in a bowl.
• Heat in the microwave until heated through (length of time depends on your microwave).
• Top with salsa, cilantro, and sour cream.

Notes: You can add anything to these rice bowls that you like on a taco. The list above is what we normally have around, but it varies every time.

Spicy Chicken Pasta

Spicy Chicken Pasta

Not too spicy, but it does have a little heat. This recipe is something good for a pot luck or party. My husband and I like it a lot, but only one of the kids will eat it. Ever since a friend of mine shared this Spicy Chicken Pasta recipe with us, I've been trying to find excuses to make it.

Spicy Chicken Pasta
1 pound pasta
3 chicken breasts
2 jalapenos, finely chopped
1 medium red onion, diced
1 sweet red pepper, diced
3/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 cups Ranch dressing (1 16oz. bottle)
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• Cook pasta according to the directions on the box. Drain and place in a large bowl.
• Cut chicken breasts into strips and saute with salt and pepper (add a dash of chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin if desired). After chicken is cooked through, cut it into bite sized pieces, and add to the bowl with the pasta.
• Add the jalapeno, onion, red pepper, and cilantro to the bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine the Ranch dressing, mayo, sour cream, and spices.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to coat. 
• Let the salad rest in the fridge for a little bit before serving.

Notes: My sisters-in-law suggested adding cucumbers or cherry tomatoes. I think they would be great add-ins, but my husband thinks vegetables are overrated. :) Some diced Pepper Jack might be good in here too.