Caramel Oatmeal Bars

I found this recipe for Caramel Bars on According to Kelly. They are yummy, but just a little too sweet for me. I think I'm going to try them without the caramel next time.

ingredients:
2 sticks melted butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 bag of chocolate chips
1 jar of caramel topping (think smucker's)

1. preheat oven to 325 degrees, & grease a 9x13" baking pan.
2. combine the brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, baking soda & salt. add melted butter & mix until "crumbly".
3. press HALF of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, & bake for about 15 minutes.
4. remove from oven & spread the ENTIRE bottle of caramel topping on top, followed by the the ENTIRE bag of chocolate chips, & then finally sprinkle the remaining prepared dough mixture over the top.
5. continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or so, until it's a light golden brown.
6. once you've removed the caramel bars from the oven you need to let them cool & chill until the chocolate is set.... then it's time to cut them & start feasting.

Sopa de Frijoles

I love to make beans from scratch or from the dry state, but sometimes I'm in a hurry and don't have time to soak them. So, I created this recipe. They are just as yummy.

1 tablespoon olive oil or to coat bottom of pan
4 slices of turkey bacon chopped
1 small white onion chopped or 1/2 of a larger one
2-15 oz. cans black beans drained and rinsed
2-15 oz. cans pinto beans drained and rinsed
10 oz. can Rotel (I use Mild, but you could make it spicier)
32 oz. carton of chicken broth
2 Tablespoons of Fiesta brand Pinto Bean Seasoning*

Coat bottom of large stockpot with olive oil. Add chopped turkey bacon. Stir and saute bacon until well cooked and almost crispy. Add onion and saute until just starting to carmelize. Add rinsed beans, entire can of Rotel (juice, too), and carton of chicken broth. You can add more water or chicken broth if you want to make it more soupy.

Since this is my recipe, I'm not sure on the number of servings. It does make a lot. We usually have leftovers.

*Note: If you are unable to find the Fiesta brand Pinto Bean Seasoning, you could season with Garlic, Onion Powder, Chili Pepper, and salt. I'm not sure on the measurements (I guess 1/2 to 1 tsp. each), you would have to season to your taste.

Variations: You can change up the beans. Sometimes I use small red beans with black beans, or whatever I have on hand. Or, if you want all black beans, you could do that, too.