Chuck Wagon Beans

Another recipe from my youth- the salty potato flavor of the tater tots over the hearty, brown sugary baked beans... yum! It's great as a main dish, or could be done as a side at a barbecue.

1/2- 1 lb lean ground beef

3 1/2 lb can of pork and beans

1/4 C brown sugar

2 tbsp catsup

2 tbsp molasses

1 tsp minced dry onion

salt and pepper

1/2 pkg frozen tater tots

cheddar cheese, grated

Brown ground beef, drain fat. Stir in remaining ingredients except tater tots and cheese. Pour into 2 1/2 quart casserole dish. Top with tater tots and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Oatmeal Pancakes

OK, I guess it’s time for me to jump in! If you’re going to start in on breakfast food I have to put in a plug for oatmeal pancakes. These are so easy and good for you, there are lots of variations, and they’re a nice break from traditional buttermilk pancakes.

Oatmeal Pancakes

¾ cup flour ½ tsp. salt

¾ cup quick-cooking oats ¼ cup shortening

3 tblsp. brown sugar 1 egg

2 tsp. baking powder 1 cup milk

Mix all ingredients until well blended, let set for 10 minutes. Spoon onto hot griddle, turn when bottoms are golden. Makes 10 4” pancakes.

Variations – stir the following into the batter after mixing:

Ø 1 mashed banana and ¼ cup chopped nuts

Ø ½ cup raisins, ½ tsp. cinnamon, and ¼ tsp. cloves

Ø ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ tsp. allspice, and ¼ cup chopped pecans

Ø ½ cup chocolate chips

Ø ¾ cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Ø Whatever else suits your fancy!