Mix it Up! II

Rocky Road Bars
I didn't get to add the nuts because of kids' allergies so they weren't rocky, but they were still really good...lots better than I was expecting when Elisa begged me to make them with her.

1 2/3 c. flour
1/3 c. Dutch processed cocoa
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 c. unsalted butter, softened
1/2 c. light brown sugar
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
3 c. semi- or bittersweet chocolate chips
1 c. walnuts, toasted and chopped
1 - 2 c. miniature marshmallows (to taste)
Optional drizzle: 1-2 ounces chocolate, melted

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch pan.
Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture, 2 cups chocolate chips and walnuts.
Pat the dough into your prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until the edges are set but still soft in the center. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup chocolate chips and then marshmallows. Bake about 3-5 minutes more. Drizzle with melted chocolate if desired. Allow bars to cool completely before cutting.




Lentil Tacos
This is my favorite new recipe! We use corn tortillas, warmed in a skillet with just a little oil instead of taco shells. These are so good that I crave them. I eat them with just lettuce and tomato, but included the recipe as I found it.


1 c. finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 t. canola oil
1 c. dried lentils, rinsed
1 T. chili powder
2 t. ground cumin
1 t. dried oregano
2 1/2 c. chicken or vegetable broth
1 c. salsa
12 taco shells
1 1/2 c. shredded lettuce
1 c. chopped fresh tomato
1 1/2 c. Cheddar cheese
6 T. sour cream

In a large nonstick skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add the lentils, chili powder, cumin and oregano; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Uncover; cook for 6-8 minutes or until mixture is thickened. Mash lentils slightly. Stir in salsa. Spoon about 1/4 cup lentil mixture into each taco shell. Top with lettuce, tomato, cheese and sour cream.