Homemade granola bars

2 c oats
3/4 c wheat germ
3/4 c flax seed
3/4 c crushed nuts (whatever kind you like)
1/2 c brown sugar
4 tbsp margarine
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix oats, wheat germ, flax seed, and nuts in large baking pan with sides. Toast in oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile, line a 9x13 pan with waxed paper and lightly grease the entire wax paper (you will be folding the top over the bars). Remove toasted 'fiber' (lol) and place in a large bowl. Put brown sugar, margarine, vanilla and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Pour liquie over toasted contents and stir very well. At this point, you can also add some dried fruit, a handful of chocolate chips, or some cinnamon (all are delicious).  Then place granola mixture in prepared pan, spread evenly, and fold waxed paper over the top. Press down on the granola bars very firmly and set aside for 2-3 hrs to cool and firm. Then peel wax paper off and cut into bars.

Note: This recipe is very flexible, you can substitute a lot without problems. It was taken from http://www.joyfulabode.com/2008/04/11/homemade-granola-bar-recipe-no-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-these-bars/ and you can find tips on cutting them as well as lots of pictures on making them there.

Cucumber H'ourderves

This is actually something Nina brought, but she asked me to post the recipe.

-Mix 8 oz Cream Cheese with about 1/2 cup mayo (a little more or less...just make it spreadable)
-Add 1 pckg zesty italian mix
-Add Chopped onions (optional)
-Spread on Ritz crackers
-Add a thinly sliced cucumber to each cracker
-Sprinkle with salt, pepper and dill weed

Ramen Noodle Salad

I haven't brought this to recipe club but I have shared it at some of our brunch get-togethers. It is one of my absolute favorites and so yummy! A few people have expressed a wish for the recipe so here you go!

1 head napa cabbage (chopped)
3 cups spinach
2 Ramen Noodle Packets (crushed)
1 cup sliced or chopped almonds
1/3 cup chopped green onions

Roast almonds and ramen noodles at 450 degrees for 5-10 minutes (I do 5 minutes then stir, then do 5 more minutes)

Dressing: 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 sugar, 2 ramen season packets, 3 Tbs vinegar. Shake and refrigerate. Add to salad mix when ready to serve. Toss well and enjoy!

Italian Sodas

Ice
Bottle of club soda
Syrup flavor of choice: I like the Torani brand syrup: Raspberry, Blackberry, Peach, and Mango (some of my favorites)
Whipped cream (I prefer real cream from the can)

Mix ice, club soda, syrup to taste, and top with whip cream. Add a straw if you like! YUM!

Easy Cheese Ball

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans  

In a medium size bowl, mash cream cheese. Mix dressing mix and Cheddar cheese into the cream cheese. Shape the mixture into a ball. Roll the ball in the chopped nuts. Refrigerate covered until ready to serve. Serve with crackers of choice. I prefer ritz.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2-3 chicken breasts precooked and shredded
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can fiesta nacho cheese soup
2 cans of milk (use soup cans)
1 can rotel tomatoes with chili's
1 can black beans
1/3 bag frozen corn

Add all to crockpot and cook 3- 4 hours on low

Chicken Salad Polynesian

Salad:
8 oz uncooked mostaccioli
2 c cooked chicken
3/4 c diced celery
3/4 c walnuts (add just before serving)
1/4 c diced onion
11 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
8 oz can pineapple tidbits, drained

Dressing:
1 1/2 c salad dressing (I used miracle whip light)
1/4 c lemon juice
1/4 c sugar
1/2 tsp salt
pepper to taste
1 tsp seasoned salt (Lawrys)

Cook pasta al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Add remaining salad ingredients. Pour dressing on and toss gently. Store in fridge.