Apple Dumplings

2 Granny Smith apples
2 cans crescent rolls
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoons vanilla
cinnamon
1 small can Mountain Dew (I didn't use the whole can, maybe 1/2)

Peel and core apples. Cut apples into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan. Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.

Shortbread

Ingredients:

* 8 ounces butter (2 sticks), room temperature
* 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:
Combine all ingredients; use hands to knead until ingredients are blended. Press into ungreased pans (or chill and roll out to about 1/2-inch on a floured board and cut into shapes). Bake at 325° for about 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Cut into wedges while warm or break apart.

My Babies Favorite French Toast

* 2 eggs
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* dash nutmeg
* 6 slices French bread, sliced on diagonal

Preparation:
In a shallow bowl, whisk egg until foamy. Whisk in milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg.

Heat butter in heavy skillet over medium-low heat. (I use an electric skillet) Dip 4 slices of bread in the egg mixture, turning to coat thoroughly. Let excess drip back into bowl.

Place coated bread slices in hot skillet. Cook, turning, until both sides are nicely browned, about 2 minutes each side.

Repeat with remaining bread and egg mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, if desired. Serve with maple syrup.

Crockpot Oatmeal

* 2 cups steel cut oats (not instant or rolled oats)
* 6-8 cups water, depending on how long the oatmeal will cook
* 1 tsp. cinnamon
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1 tsp. vanilla
* 2 apples, peeled and diced
* 1 cup sliced bananas
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Spray crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. If you're planning to cook the oatmeal 8 hours or longer, use 8 cups of water. If you want to cook it less than 8 hours, use 6 cups of water. Put first sixingredients in slow cooker and cook on low. Just before serving, Stir in bananas and walnuts. Sprinkle with additional brown sugar if desired.