Tropical Fruit Jam

I know, I know, I said I wouldn't post on here anymore. And then I made this yummy jam and it's so pretty in it's jar that I just had to take a picture and put it on here and post the recipe. This does takes some time, but it's easy and it's worth it!

Tropical Fruit Jam~

(makes about 4 pints)

16 cups of frozen tropical fruit mix (I buy this in a big bag at Costco. It has pineapple, papaya, mango and strawberries. Why it has strawberries, I don't know, but it works!)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1. Combine the frozen fruit mix and the lemon juice in a large pot. Cover with the lid. Cook over medium heat until thawed completely, stirring often.

2. Turn the heat down to low and simmer with the lid on, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is mushy.

3. Mash the fruit with a potato masher or use an immersion blender if you like a smoother texture.

4. Keeping the lid off, continue to simmer until fairly thick.

5. Stir in the sugar and bring to a boil. Once it's boiling cook for 3 minutes.

6. Pour into pint-sized canning jars. You can either can this or put it in the fridge or freezer.

Taco Salad

I've been making this recipe for years. It's one of my husband's favorite dinners. I got the original recipe from the mother of his closest childhood friend. I've changed a few things but it's still just as yummy.

Taco Salad ~

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef

1 16 ounce can of chili beans in mild sauce

2/3 of a 16 ounce bottle of Thousand Island salad dressing

2/3 cup sour cream

corn tortilla chips

1 head of lettuce, chopped

4 medium tomatoes, chopped

1 16-ounce can of black olives, chopped

2 cups of shredded cheese

sour cream for the top

1. In a large pan cook the onions in the olive oil until soft.

2. Add the ground beef and cook until well done.

3. Add in the canned chili beans with the sauce and heat until boiling.

4. Add in the salad dressing and sour cream and heat until hot, stirring frequently.

5. On a plate, layer the chips, meat/bean mixture, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cheese and add sour cream on top.

If You Love Peanut Butter & Chocolate

*Warning: Do not make these unless you don't care about becoming addicted and gaining 5 pounds in 1 day!

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies ~
(makes 38)

2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup milk chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until well blended.
3. Add the white and brown sugars and mix well.
4. Add the peanut butter and mix well.
5. Add the chocolate chips in and mix well.
6. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a ungreased cookie sheet.

7. Flatten with your fingers, a fork or the bottom of a glass.
8. Bake for 10 minutes.

9. Let cool on pan for 2 minutes.
10. Remove to wire racks to completely cool.