Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

1 large spaghetti squash halved length-wise and seeded
1/2 cup asagio cheese (or desired amount)
8 basil leaves chopped
For meatballs, we use our meatloaf recipe.  Soup is optional.

1.  Place the squash cut side down in a shallow baking dish.   Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
2.  Turn squash over and toss with a fork and add desired seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic).  Bake additional 15 minutes or until tender.
3.  Meanwhile, prepare meatballs according to meatloaf recipe.  Shape mixture into small meatballs in a baking pan.   Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.  
4.  Serve squash topped with cheese, basil, and meatballs. 

Serves about 6.

Meatloaf (the only one Shalise likes)

This recipe also makes really great meatballs.
Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.

1 beaten egg
3/4 cup oats
1/4 cup Shiner Bock beer
1/4 cup finely chopped onion (half of a medium)
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped orange bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped or shredded carrot
1/2 tsp dried basil or herb de provence
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 lb ground lean beef
1 can condensed tomato soup or Campbell's Select Harvest Tomato Basil soup

1.  Mix together egg, oats, beer, onion, celery, bell pepper, carrot, basil or herb de provence, salt and pepper.
2.  Add ground beef and mix well.
3.  In a shallow baking dish, shape mixture into a loaf.
4.  Bake at 350 degree oven until no longer pink.  About 40 minutes.
5.  Top loaf with soup and bake additional 10 minutes or until desired doneness.

Vanishing Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional chocolate chip cookies.  You can change the cholcolate chips for any other ingredient you like such as **dried cranberries, raisins, white chocolate chips...even your favorite nuts.

From the Quaker Oats Container.

1/2 lb (2 sticks) margarine or butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs (or egg substitute)
1 tsp vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour (we use whole wheat flour)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
3 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked)
1 cup chocolate chips**

1.  Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2.  Beat together butter and sugars until creamy.
3.  Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
4.  Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; mix well.
5.  Stir in oats and chocolate chips; mix well.
6.  Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
7.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown
8.  Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack.

Makes about 4 dozen.

Bar Cookies: Bake 30 to 35 minutes in ungreased 13x9 inch metal baking pan.