Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are my favorite type of cookies.  How can you go wrong with a cookie smothered in cinnamon and sugar?  Enjoy this simple recipe and double the butter if you don't have food guilt and want a better-tasting cookie.

1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbsp sugar
3 tsp cinnamon

1. Mix butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and eggs thoroughly in a large bowl.
2. Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
3. Blend dry ingredients into butter mixture.
4. Chill dough, and chill an ungreased cookie sheet for 10-15 minutes in refrigerator.
5. Meanwhile, mix 3 tablespoons sugar and 3 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl.
6. Scoop 1 inch globs of dough in the sugar mixture.
7. Coat by gently rolling balls of dough in the sugar mixture.
8. Place on chilled, ungreased cookie sheet, and bake for 10 minutes or until slightly browned on the edges.
9. Remove from pan immediately and place on cooling racks.
10. Enjoy!

Stove-Top Macaroni & Cheese

It's taken me quite a while to first find a good mac and cheese recipe then another several times cooking it to perfect it.  Do not be disheartened if your first attempt at this all-natural cheese sauce tastes a bit strong of flour.  Just try it again until you cook it just long enough.  To keep this sauce natural, I shred my own cheese (as pre-shredded cheese includes a non-caking agent).  However, you can use whatever your time commitments allow.

7 ounces elbow macaroni
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 pinch pepper
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar is traditional, but I mix it up according to what I need to use up)
Dash of paprika

SERVES 4

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Stir in flour, salt and pepper; cook until bubbly.  Gradually add milk; cook and stir until thickened (very important to properly mix in the flour).  Stir in cheese until melted.
3. Drain macaroni; add to cheese sauce and stir to coat.  Sprinkle with paprika, if desired.
4. Enjoy!

Harvest Pork Chops

It's really tough cooking autumn foods when it's near 100°F, but I had to cook this delectable dish to celebrate the first day of fall.  It goes really well with sugar snap peas.

1 tsp dried rubbed sage
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
4 (4oz) boneless center-cut pork chops (about 1/2" thick)
1/2 tsp vegetable or canola oil
1 tsp butter
4 cups (1/2") sliced, peeled Granny Smith Apples
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
dash of salt

SERVES 4

1. Combine the first three ingredients and sprinkle over pork.
2. Heat oil in a large, non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat.  Add pork; cook 3 minutes on each side or until done.  Remove the pork from pan.  Cover and keep warm.
3. Melt butter in same pan over medium heat.  Add apples and remaining ingredients, and cook for 5 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently.
4. Serve the apples with pork.
5. Enjoy!