Arroz Verde (Green Rice)

I've been asked for this recipe A LOT. It's from "The 150 Best American Recipes" a book I would reccomend to anyone, every recipe is worth it, and I wouldn't say that lightly about a cookbook.

Arroz Verde
1 cup tightly Packed stemmed spinach leaves (a big wad)
1/2 cup tightly packed cilantro springs (i do half a bunch)
1 1/4 cups milk
1 1/4 cups broth
1tsp salt
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
1/4 cup minced onion ( I do up to one onion)

Place the spinach, cilantro, and broth in a blender and blend until pureed. Add teh milk and salt adn blend till well combined.
In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the rice and saute, stirring frequently, until it just begins to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add teh onion and garlic and cook for 1 min mroe, stirring constantly. Add teh spinach mixture, stir well, increase the heat to low, and cook for 20 min (DON"T STIR). AFTER the 20 min, stir the rice carefully to avoid crushing it, cover and cook 5 min more. Remove from heat, let the rice steam in the covered pot 10 more min, or just start eating it for goodness sakes!

Orange-Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

From "The Cookie Party Cookbook" by Robin L. Olson recieved from a dear friend for my Birthday!
No pictures cause they were so good that they didn't last long enough.

1/2 cup shortening
3 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp grated orange zest (I just grated a whole orange peel zest)
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Line the baking sheets with parchment paper, or spray with oil.
Combine the first four ingredients in a large bowl and, using an electric mixer, beat on low speed till smooth and creamy. Add teh vanilla and orange zest and beat well. In a small bowl combine the flour and salt. Add the creamed mixture and beat until well blended. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Drop the dough by heaping teaspoonfulls onto cookie sheet.
Bake for 12-15 min or until the edges are just beginning to get brown. Remove from oven, cool and EAT!!!