Leftover Ham and Cheese Soup

Potatoes
Carrots
Onion
Ham bone
Leftover ham
Cheese (I used pepper jack and gouda)
Water
Cornstarch
Salt and pepper

In a stock pot, combine potatoes, carrots, onion, and ham bone.  Add enough water to cover.  Bring water to a boil and let simmer until vegetables are tender.  Measure out 1 1/2 c of milk and whisk in some cornstarch (2 T or so).  Add to stock pot.  Once soup is thickened, turn off heat and shred some cheese into the pot.  Allow to melt into the pot, continually stirring.  Season with salt and pepper.

Traditional Brigadeiros

 1 (14oz) can sweet condensed milk
 4 Tbsp cocoa powder, sifted
 2 Tbsp butter, plus more for rolling balls
 A pinch of salt
 Good quality chocolate sprinkles (or any other type of sprinkles you like)

In a small sauce pan mix the sweet condensed milk, the cocoa powder, the salt and the butter.

Bring the sauce pan to the stove and heat it over medium-low heat.

Cook it, mixing constantly (this is important, otherwise it will burn!) until it thickens. A way to know is to run your wooden spoon (or spatula) in the middle of the mixture. If it takes a while for the mixture to move, then your brigadeiro is ready!

Reserve, letting it cool to room temperature.

In a plate or bowl, spread your sprinkles.

Once the brigadeiro is cool, grease your hands with butter and roll the brigadeiros into little balls.(In Brazil we usually use half a tablespoon as measurement, but you can make your balls as big or small as you'd like!)

Roll the brigadeiro balls into the sprinkles and place them in paper/foil candy cups.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

3/4 c peanut butter

1/2 c shortening

Cream, then add:

1/3 c brown sugar

1/3 c white sugar

Mix until fluffy, then add:

1 egg 

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 T milk

Mix well, then add:

1 1/2 c flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Form into one inch balls and roll balls in granulated sugar. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes. Immediately press kisses into the middle of cookie. Place on baking rack to cool.