Apple-Ham Grilled Cheese

1 cup chopped tart apples

1/3 cup mayo

1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)

8 slices cheddar cheese

8 slices sourdough bread

4 slices fully cooked ham

Combine apples, mayo & walnuts. Place a slice of cheese on four slices of bread. Layer each with 1/3 cup of the apple mixture, a slice of ham & another slice of cheese; cover with remaining bread. Butter the outsides of the sandwiches. Cook in a large skillet over medium heat on each side until bread is golden brown & cheese is melted.

4 servings

Breaded Ranch Chicken

3/4 cup crushed cornflakes

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix

8 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (2lb.)

1/2 cup butter, melted

In a shallow bowl, combine the cornflakes, Parmesan cheese & salad dressing mix. Dip chicken in butter, then roll in cornflake mixture to coat. Place in a greased 9x13 dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until chicken juices run clear.

8 servings

Banana Muffins

3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
4 ripe bananas, peeled and coarsely mashed

Set the oven to 325 degrees. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.

Whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl to blend. Beat the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl to blend. Stir in the banana. Add the dry ingredients and stir just until blended.

Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. Bake the muffins on the middle rack until the tops are golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out with no crumbs attached, about 25 minutes. Transfer the muffins to a rack and cool slightly.

Note: When filling muffin cups, use a cookie scoop. You will get the same amount in each cup and then everything cooks evenly.

via: Rookie Cookie

Sweet & Sour Pasta Salad

1 pkg. (16oz) tricolor spiral pasta

1 medium red onion, chopped

1 medium tomato, chopped

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded & chopped

1 medium green pepper, chopped

2 T. minced fresh parsley

Dressing:

1 & 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup vinegar

1 T. ground mustard

1 tsp. salt, optional

1 tsp. garlic powder

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain & rinse with cold water. Place in a large serving bowl. Add the onion, tomato, cucumber, green pepper & parsley; set aside. In a saucepan, combine the dressing ingredients. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Pour over salad & toss to coat. Cover & refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon.