Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Sometimes, the best things are the least complex.
Oven roasted vegetables are my favorite, and this is one I make more often than any other vegetable!

Preheat oven to 350.
Trim the ends of the sprouts, and cut the bigger ones in half.  I like to leave a few small ones whole.
Put into a shallow baking pan, a cookie sheet works fine, and drizzle with olive oil.  sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat evenly.
Bake for about 45 minutes, until tender and browned.  depending on how well done you like them, they can roast for a full hour, just be sure to check on them - the little ones may burn to a crisp!
Seriously, that's it.

Coconut Shotbread

Coconut Shortbread

1 cup butter
1/4 cup + 2 Tbs. sugar
2 cups flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/8 tsp. salt

Cream together butter and sugar.
Add remaining ingredients and work into a dough.  You will probably want to use your hands to do this.
Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes, and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake at 350 for  10 minutes, or until lightly browned and done.

Peppermint Patties

Peppermint Patties

I was talking about this recipe today, so it's time to post it!  This recipe uses mashed potatoes, however, with the amount of sugar included...don't be fooled, this is still candy, but you will love telling everyone that it's made with mashed potatoes!  (I always wait until after they try it to tell them what they are eating!)  They taste just like York Peppermint Patties.

1 cup mashed potatoes
1 Tbs. melted butter
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. peppermint extract
6-8 cups powdered sugar
1 pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 Tbs. coconut oil

In a large bowl, mix together the potatoes, salt, butter, and peppermint extract. Gradually mix in confectioners' sugar; mix in enough to make a workable dough, between 6 and 8 cups.  Knead slightly, and roll into cherry-size balls. Flatten balls to form patties. Arrange on sheets of wax paper, and allow to dry overnight.

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. Stir in the coconut oil.  Dip patties in melted chocolate, and let cool on wax paper.

Feel the sensation!