Pie anyone?

A pie is something that I don't believe I have ever made, but I have been fighting the urge to make one for a while. I think I will start off with something simple; I have been thinking about Lemon Ice Box Pie. My late grandmother made one very often (most every Sunday is what it seemed like), and it was so delicious. I would like to start off with something simple like that and then maybe an Apple Pie as we get into the season of Autumn. And then a Pumpkin Pie and a Pecan Pie. Who knows, I may even learn how to make my own crust. Any ideas and suggestions on how to do that?

Oatmeal-Raisin-Nut Cookies

Sorry, no picture of these cookies. Our oldest son has the camera on a mountain in Colorado. He is there with a friend and his family and is busy rafting and hiking. Can't wait to see the pictures.

This is the recipe straight off the inside of the lid of Quaker Oats (Quick Oats).
It is my tried and true recipe and the only thing I like to do different at times is add pecans or walnuts. Yummy!!!

Oatmeal-Raisin-Nut Cookies

1/2 lb. (2 sticks) margarine or butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla (I always double this if using imitation)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
3 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
1 cup raisins
1 cup pecans or walnuts

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Beat together margarine and sugars until creamy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
4. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well.
5. Stir in oats, raisins and nuts; mix well.
6. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
7. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack.

Makes about 4 dozen.

Hash Brown Casserole

2 lbs. frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1/2 cup margarine - melted
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 cupe onion - finely chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cups grated monterry jack/colby cheese mixed (this mixture can be found in one bag at your market)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9x13 baking pan with non-stick spray (I prefer a glass dish)
Combine soup, margarine, salt, pepper, onions and cheese.
Gently mix in the potatoes until well coated.
Pour into prepared dish/pan.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.

Sausage Cheese Muffins

3 cups Bisquick
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 1/2 cups gratted cheddar cheese (mild, sharp - whatever you prefer)
1 lb. maple sausage
1 1/2 cup milk

Brown sausage and onion until brown. Drain if necesary. Stir together Bisquick and cheese and the sausage/onion mixture. Stir in milk and mix well. Pour into prepared muffin tins (I like to use Baker's Friend spray.)
Bake at 350 degrees for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.
Makes 12 generous size muffins.