Creamy Jalapeno Ranch

If you know us very well, you'll know we are pretty close to obsessed with Chuys; particularly their creamy jalapeno sauce, and free nacho bar during happy hour.  Needless to say with all of this moving we managed to live in a state that does not even have a Chuys [sigh].  The closest Chuys is roughly 5 hours away in Oklahoma, so we just have to make do, and over-consume when in Texas!  This weekend we tried making the closest fake recipe we could find online, and altering it to get as close of a taste as we could, to the original.  So, if you decide to make this, just know it is not the same as Chuys, but a good alternative when you can't get the real thing!

1/3 cup Mayo/Miracle whip (light is fine)
2/3 cup Sour Cream
2/3 cup Milk
1 1/2 oz dry Ranch mix
2 oz / half a can chopped Green Chilis
2/3 cup Jalapenos (we used sliced pickled this time, but may try fresh next time)
1 small handful Cilantro (we think about 1 tablespoon if you crammed the leaves into a measuring spoon...)
1 teaspoon Lime juice
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Salt

We do not have a food processor, so we put everything listed above into the blender.  Blend until creamy and everything is thoroughly pureed (no chunks allowed).  We stopped and taste-tested several times added more of whatever we thought, so this recipe isn't perfect.  Just taste, and add more of whatever you think it needs!  Beware though, we were both sweating after eating it, so if you do not like spicy things, don't bother trying this!

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies may seem like they have a lot going on, but we really love them.  Not to mention I tell myself they are healthy since they have oatmeal in them, that is how it works, right?!  I always keep a few rolls frozen in the freezer for friends game nights, and when we just want cookies.  The recipe is from Money Saving Mom and I really didn't change much. 

Freezer-Friendly Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups wheat flour (I'm sure you can also use white flour or half whole-wheat/half white, but they're delicious with wheat flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups oats (rolled or quick oats)
• 1 12-oz. package chocolate chips (this was in original recipe, but I always use less)

Cream together first six ingredients. Add flour, baking soda, salt, and oats. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Roll into 1-1 1/2-inch balls.  Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until done. Makes approximately 40 cookies.

I generally only make one pan at a time because we will eat however many I make.  Then I spread out saran wrap and put a log shape of cookie dough on it, roll it up tightly, and freeze.  I think last time I made 1 pan, and then ended up with 3 "cookie dough logs" in my freezer for the future!  When you make them at a later time, just pull out your log, and either slice frozen or let it come to room temp, and then make your cookies like normal :)