Homemade Brownies

1/2 c. (1 stick) softened butter or margarine
1 1/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract*
3/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 c. nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Stir in flour, salt, cocoa, and nuts, and mix until ingredients are completely blended.

Pour into greased 9x9 or 8x8 baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes or until brownies test for doneness.

*You can substitute other flavorings for the vanilla: almond, coconut, etc.

**You can add 1/2 c. chocolate chips instead of nuts for a little extra chocolatey-ness.

Baked Potato Casserole

Aunt Susie usually makes this every year for the family Fourth of July gathering. I love it and can't get enough, so I got her recipe. Now I can make it whenever I want!

8 medium potatoes
1 c. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 c. green onions, sliced
1 stick butter, melted
1 16-oz. container light sour cream
seasoning to taste - I use Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning
crumbled bacon, optional (Use however much you want.)

Boil potatoes in skins; refrigerate overnight. Peel and chop coarsely.

Mix well with remaining ingredients and bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. You could also put in a microwave-safe dish and cook on HIGH for 12-15 minutes.