Ok you guys, your gonna think I'm crazy but I use pinto beans in making low fat chocolate fudge. Yes you read it right, chocolate fudge and I guarantee that you would never know there was pinto beans in it unless someone told you.
I have given it to many people and nobody had a clue what my secret ingredient was. It takes the place of a lot of the fat.
I also use other things in my baking which would probably sound weird to you guys, like baby food prunes, unsweetened applesauce, and a few other surprizes. So far I have had all compliments with these baked goodies.
Plus they are better for you and still rich and lucious tasting.
i also make a cookie which reminds you of a biscuit with a thin icing on them that was Greg's great grandmothers recipe. it is not sweet at all accept the icing, but there is something really tasty about them. Of course I dont use lard, I use shortening but it is an old farm wives recipe from when they didnt have much, my entire family loves them. It is hard to make because I dont have exact amounts for the ingredients, just has to be done by feel. One of those hand me down recipes.
Josh ,
are you and your dad still out there??? Your mom posted recently, but you guys have been pretty quiet the past few days.
Time to do the dishes so gotta run.
If anyone is interested in seeing the fudge recipe, let me know.
kathy
We have been enjoying beautiful weather this week. We live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It has been in the high 60's and low 70's all week. The kids have liked playing outside in the afternoons without a jacket. I sent DS6 (Will) to school today in a t-shirt and shorts with a light jacket for the morning. Trust me, this is not a typical winter for us. It will probably be in the 40's next week. DD4 (Emily) just came in and saw the dancing banana with Mickey ears. She likes it. Can someone forward it to me? Thanks! 
Kathy....you got me with the 5 monkeys thing 
or 
thoughts, we're a nice bunch of 
We made a gingerbread house this year with the kids for the first time. However, I cheated and bought a Wilton one already pre-baked. So, the kids just decorated it. They had a lot of fun and have begged to do it again next year. I am also cheating with my holiday baking this year. Will (DS6) was selling cookie dough at school for a PTA fundraiser. So, I bought a few tubs (snickerdoodles, sugar and peanut butter). I plan on baking on Sunday while Bill (DH) watches football. Normally, Emily (DD4) and I spend a day baking together during the holidays. It is nice mother and daughter time. She is my little helper. 
That is funny, I was thinking the same thing regarding the pinto beans. Because she put "baking" and not cooking. I've heard of people putting sauerkraut in chocolate cake and I have tried applesauce in recipes too. So, nothing surprises me with some peoples "special" ingredients. "Happy Baking" 
I have a question about the cruise. I read somewhere that everyone has to go through customs in St. Thomas. What is that all about? It sounded like it is more than a swipe of your card. Since, we plan on cruising more and want to take a trip with the kids to Europe in a couple of years, I am starting the paperwork to get us all passports. Bill (DH) already has one and mine expired years ago. I know we don't need them yet, but I don't like travelling with all our original birth certificates and I even took my marriage license (to show of my name change). 
we've got plenty of room here!!
