Immitation Olive Garden Breadsticks

This is for my brother-in-law Roy. Enjoy.

Almost-Famous Breasticks

(from the food network magazine)

1 package active dry yeast

4 1/4 cup flour, plus more for dustin

2 Tbsp softened unsalted butter

2 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp salt

Topping:

3 Tbsp unsalted butter melted

1/2 tsp salt

1/8-1/4 tsp garlic powder

Pinch of dried oregano

Make the dough: Place 1/4 cup warm water in mixing bowl; sprinkle in the yeast and set aside until foamy. Add the flour, butter, sugar, salt, and 1 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp water; mix with the paddle attachment until a slightly sticky dough forms, 5 min. Knead the dough until smooth and soft, 3 min. Roll into a 2 foot long log; cut into 16 even pieces. Knead each piece slightly and form into a 7 inch breadstick. Arrange on parchment lined baking sheet 2 inches apart. Cover with cloth and rise till doubled about 45 min. Preheat the oven to 400*.

Make the topping: Brush breadsticks with 1 1/2 Tbsp butter and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt. Bake until lightly golden about 15 min. Meanwhile combine remaining salt with the garlic powder and oregano. Brush warm breadsticks with remaining butter and sprinkle with flavored salt. Enjoy.

Creamy Coconut Oatmeal with Dried Peaches

I found this recipe in the newspaper and love it. I did modify it because I wanted something quicker and easy. The original recipe called for making a pecan brittle with the coconut, but I just toasted both and used as a topping. Thought I would share it with my friends and family.

Creamy Coconut Oatmeal with Dried Peaches

1 cup steel cut oats

1 Tbsp sugar

salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup unsweetened dried shredded coconut

1/4 cup finely diced dried peaches

14 oz can coconut milk

Pour coconut milk in a 4 cup measuring cup and add water to make 4 cups. Pour into saucepan, add sugar and a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add oatmeal and cook whisking occasionally until mixture starts to thicken. Reduce heat and simmer 25-30 min until oameal is tender. During last 5-10 min of cooking add the peaches so they become tender. Stir frequently at end so oatmeal doesn't stick. Serve with toasted pecans and shredded coconut.

* you can toast the oatmeal before cooking if you want

Dilly Bars

If you love chocolate and peanut butter together then these bars are for you. Unfortunately for my waistline I could eat an entire pan so I don't make them often, but they are delicious and easy to make. Recipe courtesy of my mom.

Dilly Bars

1/2 cup butter

6 oz chocolate chips

10 oz marshmallow

1 cup peanut butter

Melt and mix together either in large pan on stove or I use a big bowl in the microwave. Then add 2 cups of Rice Krispies and 2 cups salted peanuts. I'm not a huge nut fan so I omit the nuts and add more cereal.

Press in a 9X13" pan and cool.

Frosting

6 oz chocolate chips

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

2 cup powder sugar

In small saucepan melt the chips with the milk then add vanilla and powder sugar. Frost the bars. Cool. Eat. Enjoy.

Homemade Kettle Corn

Kettle Corn

2 bags of microwave popcorn popped

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon water

Pour popped popcorn into a large bowl set aside. In a saucepan melt the butter then add sugar and water. Boil for 2 minutes and pour over the popped popcorn. You can add variety to this with added food coloring or adding your favorite flavor just before pouring over the popcorn.

So very good and very easy to make. Enjoy.