Ranch Pasta with Chicken and Bacon

My dad loves to ice fish. I mean LOVES it. During the cold Minnesota winter, he takes a lot of trips up north, or wherever the fish are biting, and brings his fish house up there for a few days. So he left for another trip yesterday but before he left I wanted to make something good. I wasn't really sure what. I was going to make up something but I kinda gave up so I found this. It is really easy and really really good!! Even my dad said it was good- he never says that! So enjoy and subscribe, comment, and share!! Merry (late) Christmas!!

Ranch Pasta with Chicken and Bacon

8-16 oz of Penne pasta (Penne holds the sauce the best but others will work)
1 T of butter
1 T flour
1-2 T Ranch dressing dry mix (the recipe said to but it can get overpowering)

2 cups milk
1 cup cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
6 slices of cooked bacon, chopped

Cook pasta according to directions and drain. Set aside.

Melt butter over medium heat in medium saucepan big enough to fit pasta (or use the same pot). Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Continue to cook until sauce thickens and stir occasionally. Stir in dressing mix and cheese and stir until cheese has melted and mixed with sauce. This will take awhile so be patient. Add in pasta, chicken, and bacon. Stir to mix and serve!!

Recipe from: Plain Chicken

Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Has anyone else noticed an increases in gluten-free diets lately? I have. I recently have had a friend and a cousin go gluten-free and many students at my school. I made these cookies for a treat for the dance team because my friend, Katelyn, is on the team and I wanted to make something safe for her and the whole team devoured them! EVERYONE loved them-not just my friend! I am kind of glad that Katelyn went gluten-free- it has challenged me to expand my knowledge of gluten-free food! So, look for more gluten-free recipes on my blog! Also, very, very, very sorry for my month of no posts... School kinda prevented me from being able to do anything but now that I am done with my super hard classes I will be on here more so please subscribe to get my updates!! And happy (late) Thanksgiving!!

Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

1/2 cup vegetable oil
4oz unsweetened baking chocolate, melted and cooled a bit
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
2 cups Gluten Free flour mix
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Mix oil, chocolate, sugar, and vanilla together. Mix in eggs one at a time. Sift together the flour,baking powder and salt. Stir into chocolate mixture.

Place in the refrigerator for at least a few hours- this helps the dough be less gooey while shaping it.

Shape into 2 in balls and roll in powdered sugar. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Push the balls down a little bit to help flatten. Bake at 350 F for about 12 minutes.

Recipe from: Living, Loving, Laughing, & Creating Everyday