Crockpot Black Bean and Rice Soup

1 med onion, chopped
3 carrots, thinly sliced
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
4 cloves minced garlic
1 1/2 t. basil
1/2 t. cumin
1/2 t. chili pwdr
1/2 t. oregano
1/2 t. tabasco
2 16 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 14.5 oz cans chicken broth
1 smoked sausage or kielbasa, cubed
1 1/2 c. cooked rice
Combine all EXCEPT rice in crockpot. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Add rice just before serving.

O'Henry Bars

Jen requested that I put these on the blog. I got the recipe from Cecily.
O'Henry Bars
1 c. sugar, 3/4c. to 1 c. light corn syrup, 1 c. peanut butter
Bring to boil, remove from heat.
Add: 3 c. rice krispies and 1 c. unsalted roasted peanuts
Spread in greased 9x13 pan
Melt in microwave 1 cup dark chocolate chips and 1 cup butterscotch chips
Spread on top of nut mixture.
Freeze 20 minutes to set. Cut into bars.

Request: hot chocolate mix

In an effort to save money and satisfy cravings, I want to make hot chocolate mix at home. I have tried several and will admit that they are seldom up to snuff. But I was hoping someone(s) here has one they make over and over again for me to try. Please and thank you.

A Request for your Mint Brownie recipes, please.

I still have cookies on the brain...I have heard that both Kris and Cecily have mint brownie recipes that I must try, and if you have a favorite mint brownie recipe please add it as well. Maybe I'll make them all and find out which one is my favorite. :)

Elementary School Peanut Butter Bars, Anyone?

Do you remember getting those peanut butter bars during lunch in elementary school? They had a layer of chocolate on the top of the peanut butter cookie thing. I am looking for a recipe. Anyone?

Carrot Cake request

Does anyone have an awesome recipe for carrot cake? Dave is in China for the next 10 days, and I'd like to surprise him with something excellent when he comes home.

Hope you guys are well!

Any Suggestions?

My sister sent me some Hazelnut Flour from an orchard near her home. Has anyone ever used this? or have any suggestions for use? She sprinkles hers on top of yogurt, but says it can be used in baking. The website suggests a pie crust, so I thought I might try that, but I don't make pies too terribly often...let me know if you have any ideas!

Recipe Requests

I was just thinking of a recipe or two that I want from some of you and I thought it would be good to have one post where we can request recipes. Just check it when we come to the site to see if there are any new requests. Sound good?

Bonnie - I want the recipe for the blueberry banana cheesecake please.

Kris - last book club at your house you served a baked something or other in a 9x13. I think you said it was one of Dave's favorites. Do you remember? I would love that recipe. (and name ;) )