Lola's Cherry Jello

1 large package of cherry jello
dissolved in 2 cups of boiling water
Then add:
2 cups of orange juice
Grated orange peel
5 grated apples

Let set until firm.  Top with whipped cream.  Cut and serve on lettuce leaf and salad plate.   (Lola used to add some crushed pineapple to the whipped cream and then spread it on top to serve.)

Black Bean Soup (from Our Best Bites)

1 T olive oil

4 large cloves garlic, roughly chopped
3/4 C diced carrots (about 2 med carrots)
3/4 C diced celery (about 2 ribs)
1 C diced onion (about 1 sm-med onion)
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 3.5oz can green chilies
2 cans low-sodium beef broth
1 t kosher salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/2 t chili powder
1/4 t cumin
1/2 t dry oregano leaves 

Optional Toppings: sour cream, tortilla chips, grated cheese, chopped cilantro, etc

Place a large stock pot on the stove-top and set to medium-high heat.  When pan is warm, add olive oil.  Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic and saute 4-5 minutes.
 

Add in the black beans, chilies, and beef broth. Stir to combine and then add the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf.
 

Simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until carrots are tender.h

Place soup in a blender. (You could use an immersion blender in place of this step) Place lid on blender, but remove the stopper in the lid to let heat escape. Place a paper towel over the hole to avoid splatters. 
 

Puree soup until completely smooth.  Optionally you could pulse until a semi-chunky soup is achieved. Squeeze in the juice from one lime and pulse to combine.  Ladle into bowls and top with desired toppings. Serve with extra lime wedges.  Makes about 8 C soup.
 

 Article printed from Our Best Bites: http://www.ourbestbites.com  I highly recommend their cookbook and their web site.  YUMMY!!!

Sherri's Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup shortening or (1/2 c. shortening and 1/2 c. butter)
1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 beaten eggs

1 t. vanilla

1 ½ c. sifted flour

1 t. salt

1 t. soda

3 cups of oatmeal

(nuts are optional)

Thoroughly cream shortening and sugar.  Add eggs and vanilla and beat well.  Add dry ingredients.   Add oats and nuts.  Shape into rolls and wrap in wax paper or plastic.  Chill thoroughly.  Slice ½ inch thick.  Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 350 degrees for 10 minutes.  (Makes 5 dozen)