Ranch Potatoes

Ignore the odd name (I didn't know what else to call these), these potatoes are hands down some of the best potatoes I've ever had in my life!  And as a huge potato fan I feel qualified to say that! I got this delicious recipe from my dear neighbor Lesley and I'd make them for dinner every night if I could.  Yes, they're that good!

6-8 russet potatoes, peeled and diced into  bite sized cubes
1 cube real butter, melted
1 package dry ranch dressing mixture

Boil cubed potatoes in a large pot until they are just starting to get tender.  If overcooked, they'll be a mushy mess, so err on the side of undercooked here.  Drain and mix with melted butter and ranch dressing.  Spread out on a sheet pan and pop in the oven to bake until they start to get slightly browned and crispy!

Sugar Cookie Bars

I made these for a church social this summer and they were a huge hit!   The only problem is that all of my favorite things to make don't qualify as dinner or health food.  I found this recipe on Real Mom Kitchen's blog.

1 cup butter; room temp.
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
5 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. soda

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each egg.  Add vanilla and mix well.  In a separate bowl combine flour, salt and soda and stir with a whist to combine.  Add to wet mixture and mix until just combined.  Spread on a greased baking sheet (use a 13x18 pan). Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 min., until light golden brown or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool completely and frost.

Frosting
1/2 cup butter, room temp.
1/2 cup shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
4 cups powdered sugar
5 tbsp. milk
food coloring (if desired)

For frosting combine butter and shortening until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and salt.  Add powdered sugar in 1-2 cup increments until combined, then add milk and mix until smooth.  Spread over cooled cookie.