Black Cat Cookies

These are easy, fun, and perfect for having the kids help. My mom used to make us a version of these when I was little, and I loved them. Have fun!

• 1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup baking cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 48 pieces candy corn
• 24 Skittles or other round candies
  

DIRECTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Roll dough into 1-1/2-in. balls. Place 3 in. apart on lightly greased baking sheets.
2. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar. Pinch top of cookie to form ears. For whiskers, press a fork twice into each cookie. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set. Remove from the oven; immediately press on candy corn for eyes and red-hots for noses. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Kalua Pig - Mainland Style

My mom gave me a recipe for this, but I decided to add a few ingredients (cabbage, ginger, chicken broth) and I thought it tasted pretty close to the real thing. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

Pork Butt/Shoulder
2 TBSP ginger (grated)
1/4 Cup Liquid Smoke
Rock Salt/Sea Salt Crystals
1 Cup Chicken Broth
Chopped Cabbage (optional)

Brown the outside of the meat using your favorite seasoning salt (optional). Mix liquid smoke and ginger together and rub into the meat. Then rub meat with salt. Place meat in crock pot and pour in remaining liquid smoke mixture and chicken broth. Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours. Add salt as necessary. When ready to serve, separate from the bone and pull apart, removing any visible fat. Mix in cabbage and serve over rice. Ono-licious!

Hint: The real flavor comes from the liquid smoke and the rock/sea salt so be generous with both.

Peas and Carrots Alphabet Soup

I made this last night and Madison thanked Heavenly Father in her prayers for "the delicious soup that she loves so much." I thought it was good too and super easy.

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 carrots, diced

1 cup alphabet pasta (Can be found at Trader Joe's)

Kosher salt

1 10-ounce package frozen peas (2 cups)

Place the broth in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the carrots, pasta, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer until the carrots and pasta are tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the peas and cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Bon Apetit!