Cherry Crisp

This recipe is from Grams! Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

2 cans cherry pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans

Put the cherry pie filling unto a 9x13 pan.  Sprinkle cake mix over pie filling.  Drizzle melted butter over cake mix. Top with chopped pecans.  Bake 45-55 minutes in 350 degree oven. Great with vanilla ice cream.

Also can make with  Blueberry pie filling and sliced almonds.  (AND watch the size of servings) ....

I just made one.

Char's Tortellini Soup (6 servings)

I made this for dinner tonight and shocked that Jack had 2 bowls! I definitely enjoyed it with couple of changes.

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups chicken broth
1. 9 oz. Pkg refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 15 oz can cannelloni beans, rinsed and drained
1 Cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1/3 to 1/2 cup shredded fresh basil. (I used 1 tbsp dried basil)
1 to 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar. ( I used 1/2 tbsp)
I/4 tsp salt
1/8 to 1/4 tsp pepper
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese or to taste

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Add tortellini ; cook until tender about 6 minutes. stir in beans, tomato & basil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Add the vinegar, salt & pepper. Serve with cheese.

I added 2 tbsp of finely chopped fresh spinach too.

Janelle's Energy bites

Here is a new recipe both Konnie and I like.  It's called "energy bites" or something like that.  
I don't keep candy in the house, but these are perfect when I crave some chocolate.

Ingredients and directions:

Mix:  1 c. oatmeal
        1/2 c. chocolate chips
        2/3 c. coconut
        1/2 c. flaxseed (ground or unground

Add: 1-2 t. vanilla.  Mix to combine.

Then add 1/2 c. peanut butter and1/3 c. honey.  Mix.  Put in refrigerator for at least half an hour.  

Then roll into small balls (about half an inch). Store in air tight container in refrigerator.

Janelle's Cool Summer Salad

Ingredients
2 Persian cucumbers (they're small and seedless)
Cherry or grape tomatoes 
1 yellow  tomato (for color)
Sugar snap peas (blanch 1-2 min. )
Fresh dill (opt.)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients. Note: Dressing called for was a lemon vinaigrette , but wasn't very flavorful.  I used Garlic Expressions salad dressing and it was delicious.  This salad is also beautiful!

Cold Pea & Herb Soup

Ingredients and instructions:

 Purée in a blender: 

 One lb. frozen green peas, thawed 

 One med. avacado 

 Two c. cold water

1/4 c. lemon juice (I used bottled) 

 Two cloves garlic, pressed 

 Salt and pepper 

 When blended you can top with minced dill and scallions and more pepper.