Keepin' it spicey!

I am a very big fan of popcorn, my husband is not. However, I can usually lure him to the popcorn bowl if the offering is something a little more out of the ordinary. So, on a whim I whipped up some different seasonings and viola, we are sitting there working on a puzzle and he is chowing down on the crunchy goodness! So here is what I currently use the most:

Italian Seasoning:

1 TBS Garlic Salt
1 1/2 tsp Basil
1 tsp Rosemary

Combine all spices and use a mortar and pestle to finely grind up the herbs, so that they are somewhat dusty in texture. Apply after popcorn has been buttered or oiled and lightly toss.

Mexican Seasoning

1 TBS Garlic Salt
1 TBS Chili Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
1/4 tsp Cumin
Dash of cayenne (can be omitted)

Combine all spices and use a mortar and pestle to finely grind up the herbs, so that they are somewhat dusty in texture. Apply after popcorn has been buttered or oiled and lightly toss.

We have also done cinnamon and sugar, you can also jazz up that combo with some cumin and cayenne for a sweet and spicy flavor.

*If you do not have a mortar and pestle, they are really cheap at walmart...but you may be able to try grinding your spices a little bit finer in a food processor.

Melt in your mouth chocolate mint chip cookies!

This has already become a family favorite! My husbands exact words were "Oh my word, these taste like a melt in your mouth candy bar!" I have to agree they are pretty good, so good that I sent the entire batch to work with Bob so that I wouldn't sit and eat them all. Hope they turn out as good for you!!

Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies

1 cup butter softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (3.4) ounce package instant chocolate pudding (I use chocolate fudge)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 bag Andes Mint baking chips (I found them at walmart)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cream together butter and sugar, beat in pudding mix, add eggs and vanilla.

Stir in flour and baking soda, add the entire bag of mint chips and stir until blended.

Scoop tablespoon sized amounts onto a cookie sheet and bake for 7-10 minute. ALWAYS check to see how these cookies are doing as chocolate cookies can become over baked very easily as you cannot look at the edges to see if they are close to done.