Lite Strawberry Pie

My mom made this recipe up when I was a kid.

It's easy, delicious, lite and pretty!

Lite Strawberry Pie

1 graham crust (I use store bought, but you could make your own) Fresh sliced strawberries

Large container of Cool Whip

Large package of Sugar Free Strawberry Jello

Mix the jello powder into the Cool Whip, add the strawberries, put into the crust and

garnish with nicely cut strawberries on top.

Refrigerate at least 4 hours.

My mom always used frozen strawberries, but in those days, fresh strawberries were not always available like they are today. Fresh definitely taste better!

Both her and I are Type I Diabetics, so this pie is about a carb and a half per slice.

Mandy's Cookies

After being accused of "Not ever baking cookies anymore",

I decided to let Colette help me make a batch of these delicious cookies!

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

3 cups quick cooking oats

1 1/2 cup flour

1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

In large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Beat in eggs & vanilla. Combine oats, flour, pudding mix, baking soda & salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoons full onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 14 minutes.

My husband's, partner's wife is Mandy. She gave us a batch of these once and the kiddos loved them, so we call them "Mandy's Cookies". I tried doubling this recipe once and it didn't work. I finally figured out why I don't like baking that much, it's because I always double everything.

Then it takes twice as long. I now only make one batch and it's much more enjoyable! Especially with great helpers!

Lemon Yogurt Bread

Lemon Yogurt Bread

3 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 eggs

2 cups lemon yogurt

2/3 cup canola oil

2 Tbsp lemon juice

In large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and baking powder. In another bowl, combine the egg, yogurt, oil and lemon juice. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

Pour into 2 8x4 inch loaf pans coated with cooking spray. Bake at 325 for 55 minutes.

Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

My kids can't wait til I make this delicious bread, it was light and very moist.

Fried Rice

(no picture yet, I'll try to add one next time!)

3 eggs beaten

4-5 Tbsp canola oil

chopped cooked ham, pork, shrimp or chicken

1 chopped onion

2 Finely chopped carrots

1 cup peas

6 cups cold cooked brown rice

4 Tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sugar

salt and pepper to taste

Fry beaten eggs in the 1/2 the oil, remove from heat, cut into shreds Return egg to pan with chopped meat, add onion and veggie, and remaining oil, cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes. Add the rice. Mix the soy sauce with the sugar and dribble over rice. Stir until hot.

*I didn't add peas or salt or meat, as we had this as a side with grilled chicken I got this recipe 15 years ago from my friend Janet. I finally made it the other night and it was a hit with all my kiddos and we had NO leftovers! I fixed the recipe to feed more and added the pepper part, as I like pepper on my food!

**My friend very much stressed that the rice be cold. I made the rice and put it in the freezer and checked it a few times and stirred while cutting and preparing the rest.