Beef Roast

This is one of the simplest roast recipes I have found that yields incredible flavor. I don't think I have posted it, but if I already have, I apologize. Obviously this is a really great recipe.

1 Beef Roast
2 packets Dry Italian Dressing mix
1/2 jar Banana Peppers & Juice
3-4 c. Water

Pour all ingredients over roast in crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hrs. Shred with a fork.

The peppers add a great flavor and after being cooked for 8 hrs, there is very little spice left. If you prefer extra spice, you can add the remaining peppers and juice when you shred the meat apart. This makes excellent sandwiches and freezes well.

Bubble Pizza

This is a recipe I used to make every time I got together with a certain friend. You can make it as simple or as complex as you would like. Just have fun with it and try different combinations. This also reheats really well. I will post the most basic form of the recipe, then add a few tips.

2 tubes Buttermilk Biscuits
1 can (16 oz) Pizza Sauce
1 - 1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef; Browned and drained
2 c. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
2 c. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cut the biscuits into quarters and mix with the beef and pizza sauce in a large bowl. Put into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 10 more minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Feel free to add any pizza toppings you would like. If you don't have the listed combination of cheeses, then just use whatever you have on hand. Rarely have I ever followed this recipe just as it is listed. It's just so quick and easy and like I said, can be customized to your favorite tastes or to what you have on hand.

Granola Bars

I love granola bars. But I have a hard time finding ones that I truly like in stores. However, I do happen to have an amazing, and simple, recipe for them. I don't make them very often and I don't know why. Every time that I DO make them, I love having them in the house and tell myself I will start making them more often. The best part about them is that you can completely customize them to your tastes. So first, I will give you the recipe the way it is written. Then I will give you my tips.

1 c. Creamy Peanut Butter
1 c. White Syrup
3-4 cups Oatmeal (uncooked)
1 c. coconut
1 c. raisins
1 c. sunflower seeds
1 c. chocolate chips

Heat together peanut butter and syrup until well blended and melted, but do not boil. While that is heating, mix remaining ingredients together in a large bowl (except chocolate chips). After PB/Syrup mixture is heated, pour over ingredients and stir well. Let cool slightly, then stir in chocolate chips (if they go in too early they will just melt). Spread into 9x13 pan and press down firmly. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into bars and wrap in saranwrap. Store in refrigerator.

Basically, you can add any ingredients you want. Just make sure to use at least 3 cups of oatmeal, and have 7 cups total of ingredients. So I usually do 3 1/2 cups oatmeal, 1/2 c. coconut, 1 c. raisins, 1 c. sunflower seeds, and 1 c. mini M&Ms.

You could use other dried fruits, maybe try some toffee bits. Possibly even try some mini-marshmallows for a s'mores type granola bar. The possibilities really are endless. These are great to grab on the go, or to stick in lunch boxes.

I personally haven't tried using anything but peanut butter, but I'm wondering if you could substitute in sunbutter or soybutter for people with nut allergies. And then adjust the rest of the ingredients to items that person could have. Just a thought. I would be interested in hearing if anyone ever tries that.