Sherri J's Super Easy Coconut Cookies

1 tube sugar cookie dough

1 1/2 c. chocolate chips (or other flavored chips, your choice)

2 c. coconut

1 t. vanilla

2 t. coconut extract

melted chocolate, optional

Mix all ingredients together, except melted chocolate. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto baking sheets, 2" apart. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes (however long the sugar cookie package says). Melt 1/2 c. chocolate chips & 1 t. butter in microwave. Stir. Drizzle over cooled cookies. This is optional and I didn't do it. Store in covered container. These cookies are always a big hit and the first to go at gatherings. They can be made without the coconut and coconut flavoring for those who don't like it, I added additional chips to replace coconut.

*These can also be made as bars: Combine all ingredients as directed. Spread in sprayer 9x13 pan. Bake 15-20 minutes until lightly brown. Cut into bars with plastic knife while still warm to keep from tearing.

1st pic: Mixing the dough, 2nd pic: ready to bake, 3rd pic: ready to eat, Yum!

30 Minute Taco Casserole

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef, cooked, drained, rinsed

1/2 c. onion, chopped

16 oz frozen, cut spinach, thawed & drained, optional

8 oz. cream cheese, softened, cut into 4 blocks

14 oz. can Rotel tomatoes, drained

1 c. whole kernel corn, drained

shredded cheese (cheddar, colby jack, monterey jack)

Combine beef and onion in skillet until onion is translucent. Add spinach to meat mixture , if using, and cook a few minutes more. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in cream cheese, tomatoes, and corn. Pour into a sprayed 2 qt casserole dish. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake in 350 oven for 20 minutes. Serve with sour cream, jalapenos, hot sauce, tortilla chips, fritos, etc...I also served with Mexican caviar, fruit salad, sangria, and lemon icebox pie. It would also be good with Mexican cornbread.

*can also be made as an Italian recipe by switching out ingredients.

1st pic: in skillet; 2nd pic: in sprayed dish topped with cheese; 3rd pic: after baking; 4th pic: ready to eat; 5th pic: my son made it into loaded nachos!