Dad's Favorite Cookies

Not exactly an old family recipe but this is his favorite cookie that he always requests for every birthday, Father's day, and Christmas. These are just basic oatmeal cookies.

2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (use whole wheat for healthier option)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I usually put a little more)
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup chopped toasted walnuts (optional)
1 cup raisins (optional)
1 1/2 cups (or more) chocolate chips (optional... but this is what I usually put in :))
1 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 2 large baking sheets. In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and vanilla together until light and fluffy. add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in nuts/raisins/chocolate chips. Drop dough by heaping tablespoons, 1 1/2 inches apart, on prepared baking sheets.

Baking 9 to 13 minutes (I usually do 11) or until golden brown. Let stand on baking sheets 2 minutes before transferring to racks to cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature 10 days; freeze for longer storage.

Mexican Bean Salad

A delicious, cool snack for a hot summer day. Eat with tortilla chips or dig in with just a spoon and a smile.

In a large bowl, mix:

1 can black and garbonzo beans (rinse and drained).
2 ribs of sliced celery
1 medium diced red onion
1 medium diced tomato
1 cup thawed frozen corn

In a medium bowl mix:

3/4 cup thick and chunky salsa
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup lime juice
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cumin

Stir together and pour over beans. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

Sooji Halwa

Also known as Kerasi Halwa. This is an Indian sweet. If you saw this in an Indian buffet, it would probably be orange in color (although I'm not sure how they make it orange since there are no orange ingredients...). I've never made it orange. The best way to describe the texture is kind of like cream of wheat, except really thick and sweet. It's good!

1 cup sooji (Asian/Indian grocery store)
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 cups water
1/4 cup butter, melted (melted ghee is preferred - can find this in Asian/Indian grocery stores)
Raisins and cashews (optional - I'm not a fan)
Pinch of salt

Fry sooji in butter/ghee until light brown. Add cashews and raisins. Add water slowly, then add sugar and salt. Cook until water is absorbed.

Not my pic!