SOFT AND CHEWY PECANS COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:
(for 6 dozen cookies)
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar,
1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar,
1-1/2 cups butter, softened,
2 teaspoons vanilla extract,
3 eggs, room temp.,
4-1/4 cups all purpose flour,
2 teaspoons baking soda,

2 cups chopped pecans;

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar and butter with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, scrapping bowl occasionally. Beat in vanilla extract and eggs until well blended. On low speed, beat in flour, baking soda and salt until combined, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in chopped pecans.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool one minute before removing from cookie sheets.
Enjoy!

BEAN SOUP WITH SMOKED PORK HOCKS

INGREDIENTS:
3 cups dry beans;
3 pork hocks;(cooked in pressure cooker pot - reserve broth - 2 cups)
1 16 oz. package Goya 16 Bean Soup Mix;
2 large onion, chopped;
4 stalks celery, chopped;
2 large carrot, chopped;
3 large diced tomatoes;
1/3 cup olive oil;
3 bay leaf;
fresh chopped parsley;
1/2 teaspoon dry thyme;
Salt and pepper to taste;
DIRECTIONS:
Soak the beans overnight. Cook the smoked pork hocks (knuckle) in 1/2 quart of water( or pressure cooker - the best!). Reserve broth. Cook the beans until partly tender changing water few times. Saute the vegetable and add to the beans;stir in all the seasonings ; add reserved smoked broth ;cover and let cook for 20 minutes longer. Add more water if necessary ; remove all meat from bones and stir it in the soup; cook for few minutes longer; taste for salt.

CRAB SALAD - APPETIZER -

INGREDIENTS:
3 cups chopped imitation crab meat;
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper;
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper;
1/2 cup chopped green onion;
1/2 cup chopped cucumber;
1/2 cup mixed finely chopped fresh dill and parsley;
2 tablespoons olive oil;
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar;
salt to taste;
Combine all the ingredients; refrigerate until serving time.

This cookie cutter is one of a kind! Why? Because is made with love for me by non other then my loving husband!