Whole Wheat Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies!

O.k. I know what you are thinking . . . these are probably a disgusting attempt at a healthier cookie.   I have been creating and experimenting for a long time now and this is what I came up with.  I like them because they have no butter and use whole wheat flour without being a super dense cookie.  We liked them, but you be the judge!

a little less than a cup of natural applesauce

3/4 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs . . . if using medium eggs be sure to use 3

1-1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups wheat flour

1 cup white unbleached all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1-1/2 to 2 cups chocolate chips

Combine applesauce, sugars, eggs and vanilla.  Mix together flours, salt, and soda then add to the applesauce mixture.  Combine and then add chocolate chips.  Grease cookie sheet and then add spoonfuls of dough evenly spaced onto cookie sheet.   Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 mins.  Let cool on the pan for 2 mins.   Then let cool or if you are like my family don't wait and eat them while they are hot!  Enjoy!  

Let me know what you think or if you found ways to improve the recipe.  Thanks!

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

2 Cups uncooked elbow macaroni . . . we used "nemo" pasta at the girls request

1/4 Cup butter, cubed . . . we used I can't Believe it's not butter, light

1/4 Cup all-purpose flour

2 Cups milk . . . we used skim

4 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1-1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.  In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat; whisk in flour until smooth.  Whisk in the milk, bouillon, and pepper.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Remove from heat.  Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese, ham, parmesan cheese and macaroni.  Transfer to a 2 qt. baking dish.  Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 20-25 mins. or until bubbly.  Let stand for 5 mins. before serving.

The picture isn't the best, but it was really good and the girls loved it!

Our Family's Favorite Recipes!

This blog is for family and friends looking for new recipes!  I love to cook and bake and so in an effort to compile all of my family's favorites I thought I would create this blog to do so.  When I feel I have put in enough I will make a book of them all and whoever wants it I can make a copy for them also.  Enjoy!