Pumpkin Spice Bread

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I am resurrecting and updating an old recipe from this site because fall is the perfect time for anything pumpkin-flavored. This a nice and comforting quick bread that can be served for breakfast or a snack.

Makes 2 loaves

3 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable or canola oil
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 (16-oz) can pumpkin puree
1/2 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup water
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 rounded tsp cinnamon
1 rounded tsp nutmeg
1/2 rounded tsp ground cloves
1/2 rounded tsp allspice

In a large bowl, combine the sugar, oil, and eggs. Beat well. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract and beat until well combined. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. Stir until combined. Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture alternately with the water. Mix well and pour into two greased 9 x 5 x 3" loaf pans. Bake 350 degrees for 60 - 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the bread in the pans for 10 minutes, and remove to completely cool on a wire rack. To store, wrap in plastic wrap.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

I got this recipe from work, and it is delicious.

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MARINADE:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion
1/2 tbsp cumin
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp parsley

1 pound bacon, fried, drained and chopped into small pieces ** See NOTE in step 4
5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces ** See NOTE in step 4
12 oz pasta shells

1/2 bottle Ranch dressing
1/2 jar Alfredo sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a large, ziplock bag, combine the olive oil, pepper, cumin and parsley. Place the chicken breasts in the bag and marinate for 1 hour.

3. Cook the pasta al-dente according to package directions. Be sure to drain thoroughly, so they don't hold and water, making the casserole too watery.

4. Remove chicken from the ziplock bag and discard the marinade. Brown the chicken pieces in a large hot skillet in oil, until they turn white. This may have to be done in batches.

** NOTE: Rather than cooking the bacon and chicken separately, you may chop the bacon up (partially freeze it first to make it easier to chop) and then cook the bacon chicken together. Drain afterwards.

5. In a large bowl, mix together the pasta, Ranch dressing, Alfredo sauce, bacon, chicken, Mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses. Pour into a greased 9x13" pan and bake 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes until bubbly.

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken

The original recipe can be found here on AllRecipes.com

Pint

2 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup dry bread crumbs

2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried basil leaves

1/4 tsp black pepper

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large, rimmed cookie sheet.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the olive oil and garlic. In a separate large bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil and pepper. Dip each chicken breast in the oil mixture, then the bread crumb mixture and arange in the prepared baking dish. Top the chicken with any remaining bread crumb mixture.

3. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes until chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear. 

Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

This is a very easy recipe to put together. Recipe can be found here on AllRecipes.com.

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1 pound pork sausage
1/2 of a 30-oz package frozen hash browns, thawed
1 cup shredded  cheese
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup milk
3 large eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 or 9" baking dish. Brown the sausage and drain the grease. In a large bowl, combine the browned sausage, hash browns, cheese, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and 1 tsp salt. Pour hash brown mixture into the prepared pan, then pour the egg mixture on top. Bake 350 degrees for about 45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Oregano-Lemon Chicken

Very tasty and juicy chicken. Original recipe is found here on AllRecipes.com

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3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp dried oregano leaves

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. Grease a 9x13" pan.

3. Place chicken breasts in the prepared pan. Whisk together the lemon juice, honey, olive oil, garlic and oregano leaves in a bowl and pour over the chicken.

4. Bake in a preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center, the juices run clear, and an instant read thermometer inserted in the center of the thickest piece of chicken reads 180 degrees F, about 45 minutes. Baste the chicken with pan juices every 15 minutes while baking. 

Roasted Turkey Breast Tenderloin

Great recipe, very easy and can be made very quickly. The leftovers are very good, too. Turkey tenderloin can be found at most any grocery store. An instant read thermometer is very useful here.

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Recipe can be found here at Key Ingredient.

2 (1-pound each) turkey breast tenderloins
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp tsp coarse salt
1 tsp black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Rub the turkey tenderloins all over with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with the salt and pepper. Bake 30 minutes, or until done. A meat thermometer should read 165 degrees. Tent your meat with foil and let rest for 15 minutes before serving. 

Best Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches (aka) Beef Au Jus

Made in the crock pot, this French Dip, or Beef Au Jus as my family has always called it, is very tender and delicious! I never would have thought that I would have liked something with coke in it because I don't drink pop, but it does not stand out so I would not skip it. I do recommend using the reduced sodium soy sauce, because otherwise this will be too salty.

Recipe can be found here, at Carlsbad Cravings

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Serves 6

1 - 3 pound chuck roast, trimmed of most of the excess fat
1 tbsp olive oil

1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
1 cup coke (not diet)
2 (10.5 oz) cans beef consomme (may use beef broth)
1/4 cup dry minced onions
1 tbsp beef bouillon
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt (may omit this)
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf

6 French rolls or Hoagie buns
12 slices Provolone cheese

1. Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Using two forks or tongs to hold the roast, sear on hold on all sides until lightly browned. Add to crock pot and top with remaining ingredients.

2. Cook on LOW for 4 hours, then remove roast to a cutting board. Thinly slice roast across the grain. Place sliced meat back in the crock pot and continue cooking on LOW and additional 1-2 hours.

3. When ready to serve, remove the roast and strain the fat from the broth to serve for dipping.

4. Split rolls and line the bottoms on a baking tray. Top each half with beef and followed by 2 slices cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted. Serve with the reserved au jus.

Chicken Tortellini Soup (aka) Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

I got this recipe from work. It is excellent, and very versatile. You can use most any type of pasta, whether it is tortellini or egg noodles, or another type of pasta. I use egg noodles, but cheese tortellini is also very good.

Based upon a recipe found here.

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6 cups water
1 (32-oz) carton low-sodium chicken broth
2 (10-3/4 oz.) cans cream of chicken soup (may add an additional can, of desired)
2 cups (about 4 breasts) boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked chicken, cut up - I use a rotisserie chicken
small amount of chopped onion, optional
2 large peeled carrots, diced
1/2 tsp basil leaves, or to taste
1/2 tsp oregano leaves, or to taste
12-oz package extra-wide (or dumpling) egg noodles, cooked in a seperate pot and drained

1. In a large soup pot, combine the water, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, onions, carrots, basil and oregano.

2. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.

3. Add the chicken and cooked pasta and simmer, covered, for another 15 minutes, or until heated through. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Notes
1. I add a tub of Knorr Chicken Homestyle Stock.
2. If the soup is too thick, add additional water or chicken broth, or may add the additional can - or just a portion - of cream of chicken soup.
3. May add other seasonings such as thyme, poultry seasoning, and/or ground sage.

Chicken Rice Hotdish

This is a delicious recipe that is pure comfort food. I know the photos are not great, but it gives you an idea of what you're making. The recipe comes from an old copy of the Betty Crocker cookbook, but can also be found online.

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1/4 cup butter

1/3 cup flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup chicken broth
2 cups cut up, cooked chicken ( I use a rotisserie chicken)

1 1/2 cups COOKED white rice

1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper 

1/4 cup slivered almonds

2 tbsp drained, chopped pimiento

1. Heat butter in a 2-quart saucepan. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until bubbly; remove from heat.

2. Stir in milk and chicken broth and heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for one minute.

3. Stir in remaining ingredients.

4. Pour into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees until bubbly, about 40-45 minutes. 

Serve with the Mandarin Orange & Almond Salad on this website.

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

I found this recipe online at Natasha's Kitchen where you can even watch a video of the recipe. This tenderloin is very flavorful and juicy. It is a very simple recipe and can be ready in less than 30 minutes. Gone are the days where you have to cook pork until no pink remains - so, some pink is okay. It is useful to have an instant-read meat thermometer, but if you don't have one and cook it for the recommended length of time, you should be just fine. Just know that even with the thermometer, even a with minute or two of extra cooking time, the internal temperature of the meat can go up quickly.

This is the tenderloin that I typically use, and I can find them at any grocery store. Just be sure to get the "original" flavor, meaning that it is unflavored and has not been marinated. I brown and then cook it in a cast iron skillet; but if you don't have one, you can either use an oven proof skillet or brown it in a regular skillet and then transfer to a 9 x 13" pan.

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1 tsp coarse sea salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder (I usually use less)
1 tsp ground coriander
2 tbsp canola, vegetable,  or extra light olive oil - (any oil that has a high smoke point), divided
1 pork tenderloin, about 1 1/2 pounds


1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees with the oven rack in the middle.

2. Trim the tenderloin of most of the fat and the silverskin, then pat dry with a paper towel. Pierce the meat all over with a fork and rub with 1 tbsp of oil.

3. Combine your seasonings a sprinkle evenly over the tenderloin.

4. Heat the other 1 tbsp oil in an ovenproof skillet and once the oil is hot, brown the tenderloin on all sides for a total of 6 minutes.

5. Place skillet in the oven and bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 13-15 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking time. Bake until the center of the pork registers at least 150 degrees on an instant-read meat thermometer. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Thinly slice and spoon the juices over the meat.

Linguine with Lemon Sauce

I found this recipe online. I haven't made it yet, but it sounds so refreshing. Once I do make it I will update here to tell you how it turns out.

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Serves 4

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest, plus more for serving
1/2 pound fresh or dried linguine
4 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve on the side

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Heat the butter in a skillet and add the lemon zest.

3. Drop the linguine in to the boiling water. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain.

4. Add the cream to the butter and lemon zest mixture. Add the pasta and lemon juice and stir just until heated through. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss. Serve with additional Parmesan and lemon zest on the side.

Note: If you are using fresh linguine that comes in a 9 oz. package, use this in place of the half pound.

Blueberry Baked French Toast

I got this recipe from work, and it has turned out to be one of  our favorite recipes. You can use whatever kind of fruit you wish, or you can make it without any fruit at all. I have another recipe for Vanilla Baked French Toast that I will be posting soon that I found online that is also good, if you prefer to have one without fruit. You can use either fresh blueberries or frozen. I double the crumb topping, because otherwise, it is pretty sparse.

Original Source: My Kitchen Craze

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French Toast

1 pound loaf of French bread* 

    *(you will only need about 3/4 of the loaf, at most, because otherwise this will turn out too dry)

6 eggs

2 cups milk

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (may use Half & Half)

1/2 cup sugar - brown sugar gives it real good flavor

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Crumb Topping 

1/2 cup brown sugar 

1/4 cup all-purpose flour 

1 teaspoon cinnamon 

3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed 

1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (see my note at the bottom) 

1/4 cup pecans, chopped - I do not add

Note on using frozen blueberries: To keep them from sinking to the bottom of the batter, dust them with flour or sugar. 

Instructions:

1. Cut bread into small cubes. Remember, you only want to use about 3/4, (maybe even a little less) of the loaf. Otherwise this will turn out too dry. Place cubes in a greased 9x13" pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy whipping cream, sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and cinnamon until well combined. Evenly pour over the bread in the prepared pan. Cover with foil and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight is best.

3. Preheat the oven to 350.

4. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the bread mixture.

5. Then sprinkle over the blueberries and the pecans.

6. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 - 30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and it is set in the middle. The crumb topping should also be nicely browned.

7. Serve with maple syrup, if desired. 

This is just as good as leftovers, as it is the first time around.

Easy Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumb Topping

Good, old-fashioned comfort food

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1 1/2 cups dry, uncooked elbow pasta (macaroni)
3 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
dash pepper
2 cups milk
8 ounces American cheese


Topping (optional)
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup dried plain bread crumbs


Cook the pasta according to package directions, and drain.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour, stirring until well blended. Add the salt, pepper and milk, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until thick and bubbly. Add the cheese and stir constantly, until cheese is melted.

Pour the pasta in a greased 8 or 9" square pan. Add the cheese sauce and stir.

If making the topping, melt the butter in a small skillet, then add the breadcrumbs. Stir constantly until lightly browned. Sprinkle over the pasta.

Bake 350 degrees, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, until heated through and is bubbly.

Serve. This is good accompanied by meatloaf. See Recipe below.

Easy Meatloaf

This is a quick and easy version of meatloaf that is covered with a homemade bbq sauce. Original source is AllRecipes.

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1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 egg
chopped onion
1 cup milk
1 cup dried bread crumbs - can also use crushed cracker crumbs
salt and pepper to taste

Topping

2 tbsp brown sugar (I use dark brown sugar)
2 tbsp prepared yellow mustard
1/3 cup ketchup

In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, milk and bread crumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste and form into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan or 9x13" pan. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and ketchup. Spoon over meatloaf. Bake 350 degrees for 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

This is good accompanied with Macaroni and Cheese (see recipe below).

Korean Beef

I got this recipe from someone at work. It is very tasty. Serve over cooked, white rice.

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauced
2 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
2 green onions, thinly sliced

1. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper flakes and ginger.

2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain.

3. Stir in the soy sauce mixture and green onions and stir until well combined. Serve over cooked, white rice.

Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy

I got this recipe from work, and it is very easy to make, and very good. Cooking it in the crockpot will turn the meat very tender. This can be served over mashed potatoes or cooked egg noodles. Recipe is found here.

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2 pounds beef stew meat, trimmed if necessary
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (.87 to 1.0-oz) packet Brown Gravy mix
1 cup beef broth (I used Campbell's beef broth)
1 small onion, diced - about 1/3 cup (I did not add)

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
(or you can use 2 tbsp flour mixed with 1/4 cup water)

Prepared egg noodles, or mashed potatoes

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, gravy mix, beef broth, and onion together. It's okay of it's a little lumpy.

2. Place your stew meat into a 4-quart crockpot. Pour gravy over the meat and gently stir. Cook, covered, on low for 7 hours. Once done cooking, remove the meat, and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook covered, for another 5 minutes and return meat to the gravy. Cook, covered, for another 5 minutes.

3. Serve over cooked egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Revel Bars

I found this recipe in a Better Homes and Gardens cooking magazine, but it can also be found here. They are a very thick, soft bar and very good!

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1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
2 cups creamy peanut butter (the whole jar)
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups flour

Filling
 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp butter or peanut butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup peanuts (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (325 degrees if using a dark-colored pan). Line a 9x13" pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed, for 30 seconds. Add the brown sugar, baking soda and salt, and beat until well combined, scraping the bowl occasionally. Beat in the eggs, and 2 cups peanut butter, and vanilla and beat until well-combined.  Beat in as much of the flour as you can of the flour using the electric mixer, and then, if necessary, stir in any remaining flour using a wooden spoon. Set aside.

3. For the filling, in a medium saucepan cook and stir the sweetened condensed milk, semisweet chocolate chips, and 2 tbsp butter (or peanut butter) over medium-low heat until everything is melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

4. Reserve 2 cups of the peanut butter dough for topping. Press the remaining dough in bottom of the prepared pan. Evenly spread with the chocolate filling. Drop reserved dough in spoonfuls over the filling. If desired, sprinkle with peanuts.

5. Bake 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is light brown, Cool on a wire rack.

Store bars between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container at room temperature, for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This is excellent soup, and perfect for a cool, fall day, or on those cold, winter nights. Serve with a good, crusty roll or french bread.

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3 (10 3/4-oz) cans condensed chicken broth, or 1 large carton
2 cups water
1/2 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed*
1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
May also add chopped carrots and celery, if desired 
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp poultry seasoning              

1/8 tsp pepper
2 cups half-and-half                  
1 1/2 cups cubed, cooked chicken (may also use turkey or ham)
1 tbsp chopped pimiento   
 2-3 tbsp dry sherry, if desired

8 slices bacon, crispy cooked and crumbled


In a large saucepan, combine chicken broth and water. Add the rice and onions. If adding carrots and celery, do so at this point. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until rice is tender.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, stir in the flour, salt, poultry seasoning, and pepper. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in the half-and half; cook until slightly thickened, stirring constantly. Add the remaining ingredients. Heat gently, stirring frequently. Do not boil. Garnish with bacon and with anything else you desire.

 *NOTE: Uncooked regular long-grain rice may be substituted for all or part of the wild rice. Reduce simmering time to 20-30 minutes or until rice is tender.

Pizza Burgers

I am re-posting this recipe. They make a tasty, and quick meal.

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1 1/2 lbs hamburger
chopped onion
chopped green pepper
garlic pwd, optional
1 tsp oregano
1 (15 1/2-oz) jar pizza sauce
Parmesan cheese, to taste
Mozzarella cheese, to taste
Provolone cheese, to taste - if desired

Sliced Pepperoni, optional

English muffins, split - may also use English muffin toasting bread

Brown the hamburger and onion. Drain. Add the green pepper, garlic, oregano, pizza sauce and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes. Spoon mixture onto English muffins and top with Mozzarella and Provolone cheeses. If desired, top with pepperoni. Bake 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Tried-and-True Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe comes from the Betty Crocker website, and the original recipe can be found here. They are very good.

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1 1/2 cups butter (3 sticks), softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups flour
2 (12-oz) bags chocolate chips

Cream the butter and add the sugars. Beat well. Add the vanilla and eggs, and beat until fluffy. Add the flour, soda and salt, and beat just until the flour is incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets, and flatten slightly. Bake 350 degrees for 11-13 minutes. Cool cookies on the cookie sheets for a few minutes and then remove to cool thoroughly on a wire rack.