Maylene's Zucchini Casserole

So I have finally found a decent use for cream of something soup.  This is so yummy.  Of course I lightened it up - but you don't have to.

1 can cream of chicken
1 cup sour cream
1 box of stove topping stuffing chicken flavor
2 shredded zucchini's
1 chopped onion
1 shredded carrot
1/4 cup butter

Step one: shred zucchini, chop onion, shred carrot
Step two: steam zucchini and chopped onion lightly
Step three: mix sour cream and cream of chicken soup in veggies, including shredded carrot
Step four: toss stove top in melted butter
Step five: create layers: start with stove top, then veggie layer and end with stove top
Step six: bake at 350 for 30 minutes

Creamy Broccoli Soup

Invention time! So, I can't take all the credit - as I mixed a bunch of recipes I found online. But this is so good.  I want to make tons.  It would be great in a bread bowl, would be great with cheese added to it - but I love it just the way it is too. Plus if you don't add cheese it's only 200 calories a serving!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter
1/2 - 3/4 large yellow onion - diced
1 head of broccoli - cut into small pieces - those crown flower things
3 large carrots grated (it didn't take too long to just use the cheese grater)
2 1/2 cups fat free half and half (I'm sure you could use cream or non fat free)
2 cans of chicken broth
salt and pepper
1/2 t of nutmeg

STEP ONE: chop up/grate everything
STEP TWO: melt butter in large pan
STEP THREE: saute onion for 3 - 5 minutes
STEP FOUR: add liquids and simmer for 20 minutes
STEP FIVE: add broccoli, carrots, spices and let simmer for 30 minutes
STEP SIX: blend with immersion blender, or put in the blender etc.

Lemon Drop Cookies

From Mary Cannon - had these at a neighborhood street party.  Amazing!  Esp. if you are like me and love lemon.

2 cups sugar
1 1/2c. butter-flavored shortening
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. lemon extract
4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. salt
finely chopped zest of one lemon
1 (6 oz) package lemon drops, crushed (not too fine, a little chunky)
1 cup powdered sugar
juice of one lemon

Step one: preheat oven to 350 degrees
Step two: mix sugar, shortening, eggs and flavorings
Step three: stir in dry ingredients, lemon zest and crushed lemon drops
Step four: roll into small balls, flatten slightly 
Step five: bake on parchment-lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes (must use parchment paper or the cookies with stick)
Step six: let cool slightly on pan 1 to 2 minutes
Step seven: make a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice; then brush lightly over the cookie tops.  Let cookies cool completely.

Makes 4 to 5 dozen
Original recipe adapted from Ann Whiting Orton