cheesecake-chocolate brownies

oven: 325 degrees
makes 24 squares

ingredients
vegetable oil cooking spray
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 ounces (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar

directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Line dish with parchment (I've found this to be not completely necessary for this recipe). But if you do, leave a 2-inch overhang on both long sides, then spray parchment.
2. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into large bowl. Cream butter and granulated sugar with a mixer until smooth. Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla, and beat until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture. Increase speed to medium; beat until incorporated.
3. Reserve 1 cup of dough; cover, and refrigerate. Press remaining dough into bottom of prepared dish. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Bake until base is set and edges are puffed, about 25 minutes. Let cool in dish on a wire rack.
4. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and remaining egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in a medium bowl. Spread over cooled base; crumble reserved dough on top. Bake until filling is set, 25-30 minutes. Let cool in dish on wire rack. Cut into 24 squares.

homemade waffles

great easy breakfast; seen in picture it is being served with turkey sausage, bananas, orange juice, and coffee

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 2/3 cups whole milk
2 large eggs
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted, slightly cooled

> Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in large bowl to blend. Whisk whole milk, 2 large eggs, and melted butter in medium bowl to blend. Add milk mixture to dry ingredients in large bowl and whisk until batter is smooth.
> Heat waffle iron according to instructions. Brush grids lightly with oil (peanut oil preferred). Pour batter onto iron to cover generously and spread evenly. Cook until golden brown and crisp on both sides. Top with syrup or my personal favorite - peanut butter, honey and bananas!

Fried Rice

This recipe is fast, easy, and great for using leftover meats from the night before!

3 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1 cup chopped cooked meat (the best is chicken)
1/2 cup frozen peas
3 cups cooked rice
1/4 cup soy sauce

1. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat 1-2 minutes; add eggs, and gently stir 1 minute or until softly scrambled. Remove eggs from skillet and chop.
2. Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in skillet; add onion and bell pepper, and stir-fry 3 minutes. Add chopped cooked meat and peas; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add rice and soy sauce; stir-fry 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir in eggs. Add more soy sauce to taste.