Leslie McDougle has found the perfect balance in her life with friends, family, and food.
McDougle also mentioned that her grandma and mom were also an asset in her cooking abilities. “Grandma and mom taught in different ways so I received a very diverse culinary experience,” says McDougle.
McDougle said that one of her favorite cookie recipes was one that was made growing up with her grandma that the two of them found off of a cereal box many years ago. McDougle still uses this recipe and said that using other cereals can alter it.
McDougle admits that she doesn’t cook as much since her children are grown, but she still enjoys cooking for the family when they can find the time to get together.
McDougle said that her life centers around her family and friends and she makes better dining choices to keep up with her adorable grandchild. “I want to kick it on my own for as long as I can,” laughs McDougle. “The older you get, the more susceptible you are to illnesses.” McDougle said that research has led to prove that fresh and raw foods are better for you. Even if she has to prepare a boxed meal, she says that she will add a salad or something with fresh vegetables. She also has been experimenting with simplifying recipes with fresh ingredients to create healthier alternatives.
McDougle also said that she prepares her meals ahead of time to save time and to prevent from unhealthy, last minute splurging on junk. “Everything is convenient and that’s why society is in this condition,” McDougle said. “That’s also why healthcare is through the roof.”
McDougle said she enjoys her full time job as a Commercial Claims Administrator at Shaw and has been employed with the company for over 17 years.
When she isn’t working, she finds herself reading, sewing, playing W.O.W with her children and taking trips with her friends.
Today, she is sharing her family favorite recipes of “Cocoa Krispies Peanut Butter Treats” and her “Easy Chili Recipe for a Crowd."
Easy Chili Recipe for a Crowd
Ingredients:
Bush’s Best Chili Beans – Pinto Beans in Chili Sauce - Mild Sauce - 111 oz food service can size (I have found this size at IGA and Kroger)
Two cans of dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
Vegetable Juice (not tomato juice) 64 oz can
Tomato soup - family size can (do not add liquid)
One package mild chili seasoning
One package hot chili seasoning
Very finely chopped garlic to taste
1 1/2- 2 lbs of lean hamburger (you can use less if you like and you can substitute ground turkey or chicken or leave the meat out altogether)
Mix the Chili Beans, vegetable juice, tomato soup, garlic and chili seasonings in a crock-
pot. Cook the hamburger just until done (do not brown) and drain well. Add to crock-pot,
cook on high two hours or until hot. Serve with your favorite chili fixin’s. This is a great
chili on its own but you can add anything else to it that you like.
Cocoa Krispies Peanut Butter Treats
Ingredients:
14 oz box of Cocoa Krispies
1 stick Butter
1 bottle Light Karo Syrup
1 box Light Brown Sugar
1 cup (or more) Peanut Butter
Grease a 13x9 baking dish with butter or spay with non-stick cooking spray (Grandma always used butter). Melt the butter in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan then add the Karo Syrup, stirring it into the butter. Once that is well mixed, add in the brown sugar and bring to a boil. Watch and adjust the heat as necessary so it doesn’t burn. Let it boil for close to five minutes; making sure all of the brown sugar is dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter. Make sure the peanut butter is all melted and smooth. Once everything is fully incorporated, stir in the Cocoa Krispies as quickly as possible. Spread the Cocoa Krispies mixture into your greased baking dish and smooth it out with a wooden spoon or spatula. Don’t press it down too much or it will harden too much. Let them cool before you cut into squares.
Have a favorite Halloween recipe? We want to share it. Send recipe and photo of food to Tbunch@calhountimes.com, for the special Halloween edition of Cook of the Week.
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