BROWN GRAVY MIX

Lately I am trying to use up spices in my cupboard instead of going out and buying special seasoning packets.  I came across this recipe the other day and tweaked it to my liking.  Tonight for dinner I made up two batches of the brown gravy and threw in some of the meatballs I had froze.  Then I poured it all over some egg noodles and added some fresh green beans on the side for a VERY satisfying dinner. 

BROWN GRAVY MIX

1 1/3 cups cornstarch
6 TBSP powdered beef bullion (I used Knorr)
4 tsp instant coffee crystals
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.  Place gravy making instructions on the outside of the container so that you don't have to look up your recipe each time you want to make a batch.  Makes approx. 10 batches.

To make gravy:
Measure 3 TBSP mix into a sauce pan.  Whisk in 1 1/2 cups water.  Bring to a boil and simmer 1 minute.

BUTTER MINT COOKIES

Butter cookies with a very light minty taste.  So easy!!

BUTTER MINT COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup finely crushed butter mints (about 1 cup whole mints)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 TBSP water
1 tsp vanilla
1 cups all purpose flour

In a mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.  Add 1/4 cup of the crushed mints and the powdered sugar.  Beat until combined, scraping bowl occasionally.  Beat in the water and vanilla until combined.  Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer.  Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.  If necessary, cover and chill about 1 hour or until dough is easy enough to handle (although I found it harder to work with once chilled). 
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Shape dough into 1-inch balls (I use a small cookie scoop).  Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake about 15 mintues or until bottoms are light brown.  Transfer cookies to a wire rack.  Place the remaining crushed mints in a plastic bag.  Add warm cookies, a few at a time, shaking gently to coat.  Cool completely on wire rack.  Make about 36 cookies