Tex Mex Bake

I saw this in a magazine but it can also be found HERE 1 bag (14 oz) Success White Rice (I just used regular white rice)

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies (I used just diced tomatoes)

1 lb. ground beef, browned

4 cups tortilla chips, crushed

1 can (15 oz.) seasoned pinto beans or chili beans (I used regular chili with beans)

1 lb. pasteurized prepared cheese (Velveeta) cut into cubes

1/4 cup green onions (Of course I leave these out)

non-stick cooking spray

Sour cream, optional

Prepare rice according to package directions, set aside. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 13X9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine cooked rice, diced tomatoes, chili and ground beef. Set aside. Cover baking dish bottom with tortilla chips. Layer half of the cheese over the tortilla chips. Top with beans, rice, tomato and beef mixture. Top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with sour cream. ***The first time I made this I cooked it with the chips on the bottom and they got soggy. Each time I've made it since I just leave the chips out and crush them on top before serving it and it tastes so much better.

Cool Whip Brownies

Jesicca & Jen make these and they have become my all time favorite.

1 pkg Betty Crocker brownie mix (prepared per directions)
1 container of Cool Whip (I don't use the whole thing)
1 butterfinger chopped (you can use more or less of each candy bar)
1 skor bar chopped
caramel topping
chocolate topping

Spread Cool Whip over cooled brownies, sprinkle crushed candy bars over top, drizzle with caramel and chocolate topping.

Honey Butter

This recipe came from my sister Kim and it is the BEST!!!

2 Cubes butter softened
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
1 Cup honey
1 7 oz container of marshmallow creme

Mix everything together and serve with rolls or scones.

Banana-Sour Cream Cake

I was telling Danene about some banana cup cakes I remember my neighbor making when I was younger. She told me about this recipe. I found it on kraftfoods.com. Kyle says it's his favorite cake ever and Karson ate 2 pieces. I liked it, but didn't love it. (of course I changed the recipe a little but I'll post the original)

1 pkg (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup oil
1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 pkg (16 oz) powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
1 cup planters walnut pieces, finely chopped (I left these out)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Beat cake mix, eggs, bananas, sour cream and oil with mixer on low until moistened, scraping bottom of bowl often. Beat on medium 2 minutes and pour into greased and floured 13X9 inch pan.

Bake 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake completely in pan on wire rack.

Beat cream cheese and butter with mixer on medium until well blended. Gradually add sugar, beating well after each addition.

I did not do the last part. I just frosted the cake.

Remove cake from pan. Carefully cut cake crosswise in half using serrated knife. Place 1 cake half, top side down, on plate; spread top with frosting. Top with remaining cake half, top side up. Frost top and sides. Press nuts onto sides. Refrigerate leftovers

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe came from Amy. They are fast, easy and yummy.

1 Spice cake mix
1 Can (small size) pumpkin
Chocolate Chips

Mix the cake mix (no eggs, oil, water etc) and the pumpkin together. Add chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. Grease pan for the first batch but not the rest.

Cowboy Salsa

My version...This is pretty much the same as one you'll find on simplifysuppers.com (try adding sliced cucumbers and olives)

1 Can corn
1 Can diced tomatoes
1 Can black beans
1 Can black eyed peas
cilantro
Avocados
Italian Dressing

Drain canned ingredients. Cut up avocados and mix everything together. I use about 3 avocados. I don't measure the Italian dressing, but I don't use very much because I don't like it runny. You can also add fresh Cilantro. Serve with chips.