Buttermilk Syrup

Affectionately known as "candy syrup" at our house.

1/2-1 cube butter (I have 2 recipes with differing amounts)
1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 TB vinegar)
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. soda
Boil for 1-2 mins in a big saucepan. It will foam up pretty big.

Add 1/4 tsp. vanilla
Add maple flavoring if desired

Pancake Mix

We eat pancakes a lot at our house. We make different syrups, like a simple water, sugar and Mapleine one--"brown syrup," a buttermilk one--"candy syrup," applesauce, or sometimes a coconut one (add mashed bananas and your favorite nuts in with the pancake mix). I also like pureed canned peaches on them, with or without whipped cream on top! Probably the healthiest thing to put on pancakes is yogurt. My mom used to grate apples into the batter with cinnamon--wow, there is a lot you can do to spice up the regular pancake!

Mix:
10 cups flour (I do half or all whole wheat flour--you can also add wheat germ or other grains)
2 1/2 cups instant dry milk powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup bkg. pwdr.
2 TB salt
Mix with wire whisk and store in airtight container.

Pancakes:
3 cups mix
2 eggs
1/8-1/4 cup oil
1 1/2-2 cups water (to desired consistency)

Refried Bean Chip Dip

I throw this together to eat with tortilla chips:

1 can refried beans
1 scoop of sour cream
taco seasoning to taste
handful of grated cheddar cheese

Stir together and heat until warm. When I don't have my kiddoes around I dice tomatoes and green onions in it too. I made it today with fat free refried beans and light sour cream--I love it!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cake

This is a very moist, chocolately cake without being plain chocolate cake. It's so yummy warm that it doesn't need a frosting at all. Whipped cream is always a great garnish, but it's not necessary.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Pour boiling water over oats; let sit 10 minutes.
1 3/4 cup boiling water
1 cup quick oats

Add sugars and butter and stir until butter melts.
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cube butter

Add 2 eggs and mix well.

Combine the dry ingredients and add them.
1 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 TB cocoa

Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips
Pour into greased 9x13.

Sprinkle on top:
1/2 cup chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Bake for about 35 minutes.