Thrifty Lima Pot

1-1/2 cups (12 oz.) large dry lima beans
3 cups cold water
1 can (1 lb.) tomatoes, cut up
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (12 oz.) luncheon meat, cubed
1 beef bouillon cube
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup milk, regular or skim
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet, if desired

Rinse beans; place in large saucepan; add water. Bring to boil, cover and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 1 hour. Do not drain. Add tomatoes, onion and salt; cover and simmer for 75 minutes. Add luncheon meat, bouillon cube and pepper. Bring to boil; reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine milk and flour; add to stew mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, till thickened; stir in Kitchen Bouquet. (Makes 8 servings.)

(Source: "Mormon Country Cooking" by Winnifred C. Jardine, pgs. 86, 87)

Lime Fruit Dip

This tangy and terrific dip is perfect for serving with fresh fruits of your choice.

2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (6-ounce) can (undiluted) limeade or lemonade frozen concentrate
2 to 3 drops green food coloring
1 cup whipped cream, or 1 cup non-dairy whipped topping, thawed

In top of double boiler combine beaten eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and limeade or lemonade concentrate. Cook and stir about 15 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in food coloring. Cool. Fold in whipped cream. Serve with fresh fruit. This dip may be frozen. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

(Source: "The Essential Mormon Cookbook", by Julie Badger Jensen, pg. 56)

Spinach Dip

This is great with vegetables.

1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
1 (6-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts (optional)
1 (16-ounce) carton sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (1-ounce) package ranch dressing mix

Thaw frozen spinach; drain well. Drain and chop water chestnuts. Stir all ingredients together. Chill. Serve with assorted fresh vegetables or crackers.

(Source: "Essential Mormon Celebrations Cookbook", by Julie Badger Jensen, pg. 102)

Jello Cake

This is Mandy's request for her birthday cake this year.

1 pkg. white or yellow cake mix

Follow instructions on package of cake mix. Bake in 9x13-inch cake pan. When done, make holes with fork over entire cake. Cool.

Dissolve:
1 small pkg. jello (any flavor)
3/4 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water

Pour over cake and place in refrigerator until set. Top with whipped cream or Cool Whip. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Store leftovers in refrigerator (if you're that fortunate to have leftovers.)

Chewy Chex Mix

8 cups Rice Chex (or the Chex cereal of your choice)
1 cup coconut
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup chow mein noodles
1/4 cup butter or margarine
6 cups miniature marshmallows

Combine Chex, coconut, almonds, and noodles in a large bowl. Melt butter over medium heat; blend in marshmallows and stir until melted. Pour over cereal mixture; spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in an airtight container or individual plastic bags. Makes about 10 cups.

(Source: "The Essential Mormon Cookbook", Julie Badger Jensen, pg. 130)

Stuffed Mushrooms

12 ounces sausage
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
2 pounds fresh mushrooms
2-3 cups Pepperidge Farm bread crumbs (or make your own)

Brown sausage until cooked through. Remove from heat and drain fat. Stir in cream cheese. Wash and remove stems from mushrooms. Chop the stems and mix in with sausage mixture. Fill caps with mixture. Turn stuffed mushrooms upside-down and dip in bread crumbs. Turn back right side up. Bake on baking sheet at 350 degrees F. for 15 minutes. Makes 40 medium stuffed mushrooms.

(Source: "The Essential Mormon Cookbook", Julie Badger Jensen, pg. 122)

Christmas Egg Casserole

6 slices bread with crust, cubed
8 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons salt
1 lb. grated cheddar cheese
4 cups milk (or half & half)
2 teaspoons dry mustard

Any combination of: cooked sausage, ham, mushrooms, bacon, green chilies.

Grease 9x13-inch pan. Place bread cubes on bottom in one layer. Sprinkle with cheese. Mix eggs, milk, salt, and mustard. Pour mixture over bread and cheese. REFRIGERATE OVERNIGHT! Bake at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour.

Potato Casserole (aka Funeral Potatoes)

12 large potatoes or 1 (32-oz.) bag frozen shredded hash browns
2 (10 3/4-oz.) cans cream of chicken soup
2 cups sour cream
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 cups crushed corn flakes
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Peel potatoes and boil for 30 minutes, until just tender. Cool and grate into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish (or put hash browns into the baking dish). Combine soup concentrate, sour cream, cheese, the 1/2 cup melted butter, and onions. Gently blend into potatoes. Combine crushed corn flakes and the 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes. Makes 12 servings.

Tortellini Salad

I saw this recipe on a website called Skip to My Lou and thought it sounded yummy.

Tortellini Salad
4 oz tortellini (cooked)
4 oz grilled chicken
2 artichoke hearts (sliced and drained)
1 oz of fresh spinach or other greens
12 sun-dried tomatoes (softened in warm water 20 mins. then chopped)
2 oz. feta cheese
3 slices red onion

Dressing
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 Tbl. tomato paste
6 Tbls. Balsamic vinegar
Puree ingredients in blender or food processor then while processor is going add 1/2 cup top quality olive oil. Toss dressing with salad. This makes more than enough dressing for the ingredients.

Holiday Trees

2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 drops green food coloring
1 egg white
6 oz. white chocolate, melted with 1 teaspoon canola oil

Blend flour and salt in a small bowl. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar. Beat in yolks, vanilla and food coloring. Stir in flour mixture until dough comes together. Divide in half; flatten into disks. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 2 hours.

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on floured surface. Cut out trees; reroll scraps. Transfer to ungreased baking sheets.

Bake at 325 degrees F. for 10 minutes. Remove cookies from oven and brush with egg white. Return to oven; bake 4 to 5 minutes more, until shiny but not brown. Transfer cookies to rack to cool. Dip edges in white chocolate. Let dry on waxed paper. MAKES 2-1/2 DOZEN COOKIES

(Source: Family Circle magazine, November 29, 2008, pg. 114)

Coconut Snowballs

1 cup sweetened flake coconut
1 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
Pinch salt
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 teaspoons milk

Grind 1/2 cup of the coconut in food processor. Chop remaining coconut and set aside. Add flour, 1/4 cup of confectioners' sugar and the salt. Pulse to blend. Add butter and vanilla; pulse until dough comes together.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Roll dough into 1" balls. Place dough balls 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake cookies at 350 degrees F. until firm but tender, 15 minutes. Remove to rack; let cool completely.

In small bowl, stir together remaining 1 cup confectioners' sugar and enough milk until smooth but still thick. Dip cookies in glaze (about 1/2 teaspoon for each) letting it drip down sides. Dip in chopped coconut and set aside for glaze to dry. Makes 2 dozen.

Per cookie: 89 calories, 4 g fat (3 g sat.); 12 g carbs

(Source: Family Circle magazine, Nov. 29, 2008, pg. 110)

Christmas Cookies

1 cup margarine
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups flour
3/4 cup chopped pecans, peanuts or walnuts
Strawberry or raspberry preserves

Beat margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in extract. Add flour; mix well. Shape level measuring tablespoonfuls of dough into balls; roll in nuts. Place on ungreased cookie sheet; flatten slightly. Indent centers; fill with preserves. Bake at 400 degrees F. 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Approximately 3 dozen.

Frosted Peanut Marshmallow Crispy Treats

1/4 cup margarine
1 (10 oz.) bag marshmallows (or 40 large marshmallows)
1/2 cup peanut butter
5 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup peanuts
1 (6 oz.) pkg. butterscotch pieces
1 (6 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces

Microwave margarine in large mixing bowl on High 45 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Microwave 1-1/2 minutes or until smooth when stirred, stirring after 45 seconds. Blend in peanut butter. Immediately add cereal and peanuts; toss until well coated. Press mixture into greased 13x9-inch baking pan. Microwave butterscotch pieces and chocolate pieces in small bowl on High 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until smooth when stirred, stirring every 30 seconds. Pour over cereal; spread to cover. Chill. Cut into squares. Makes 2 dozen.

Variations: Omit peanuts. Substitute chunk style peanut butter for peanut butter. Substitute 12-oz. pkg. milk chocolate pieces for butter-scotch pieces and chocolate pieces.

CONVENTIONAL: Melt margarine in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows; stir until melted and well blended. Blend in peanut butter; remove from heat. Stir in cereal and peanuts until well coated. Press mixture into greased 13x9-inch baking pan. Melt butterscotch pieces and chocolate pieces in saucepan over low heat; stirring constantly. Pour mixture over cereal; spread to cover. Chill. Cut into squares.

Marshmallow Truffles

1 (10 oz.) package marshmallows
1 (12 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
Coconut, toasted
Decorative candies

• Arrange marshmallows on cookie sheet or jelly roll pan; freeze 15 minutes.
• Microwave chocolate chips on HIGH 2-1/2 minutes or until smooth, stirring every minute.
• Using skewer or fondue fork, dip each frozen marshmallow into melted chocolate until marshmallow is completely coated.
• Roll in coconut or decorative candies.
• Use another fork or metal spatula to place marshmallow onto waxed paper-lined cookie sheet or jelly roll pan.
• Chill or keep in cool dry place.

Approximately 38 to 40

(Source: "Weekday Survival Cookbook" by Kraft Foods, pg.59)

Santa Claus Cookies

Ready in 1 hour or less

2 packages (6 ounces each) white baking chocolate, chopped -- (I used a bag of white chocolate chips)
1 package (1 pound) Nutter Butter sandwich cookies
Red colored sugar
32 vanilla or white chips
64 miniature semisweet chocolate chips
32 red-hot candies

In a heavy saucepan over low heat, melt white chocolate, stirring occasionally. Dip one end of each cookie into melted chocolate. Place on wire racks. For Santa's hat, sprinkle red sugar on top part of chocolate. Press one vanilla chip off-center on hat for pom-pom; let stand until set.

Dip other end of each cookie into melted chocolate for beard, leaving center of cookie uncovered. Place on wire racks. With a dab of melted chocolate, attach semi-sweet chips for eyes and a red-hot for nose. Place on waxed paper until chocolate sets. Yield: 32 cookies.

(Source: Taste of Home's 2004 Quick Cooking Annual Recipes, pg. 216)

Jingle Bell Cookie Wreaths

1 cup sugar
1 cup margarine, softened
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
Green food coloring
Cinnamon candies

Cream sugar and margarine in a large bowl. Add egg and almond extract, beating until fluffy. In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Divide dough in half; tint half green (about 5 drops of food coloring), leaving other half white. Chill dough for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Sprinkle sugar on work surface. For each wreath, shape 1 teaspoon white dough and 1 teaspoon green dough into two 4-inch ropes. Twist ropes together and shape into wreath. Place on ungreased cookie sheets; press 2 or 3 cinnamon candies on each wreath to look like holly berries. Bake 9 to 12 minutes, or until light golden around the edges. Cool on wire rack. Store in covered container. Makes about 4 dozen wreaths.

(Source: Lion House Christmas cookbook, pg. 113)

Chocolate Almond Balls

Note: For variety, roll balls in candy sprinkles, coconut, or chopped nuts.

1 (8-oz.) chocolate bar with almonds
1 (8-oz.) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed to room temperature
30 vanilla wafers, crushed

Melt chocolate bar in top of a double boiler. Cool slightly (don't let it become cold). Stir in thawed whipped topping. Using heaping teaspoonfuls of candy, shape into balls and roll in vanilla wafer crumbs. Keep in freezer for two hours before serving. Store in freezer. Makes about 4 dozen.

(Source: Lion House Christmas cookbook, pg. 133)

Butter Crunch Pretzels

16 cups small pretzel twists
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla-butter-nut flavoring (or vanilla)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Place pretzels in a large roasting pan. Butter sides of a heavy medium saucepan. Combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in saucepan. Stirring constantly, cook over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium and bring to a boil. Cook, without stirring, 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla-butter-nut flavoring and baking soda (syrup will foam). Pour syrup over pretzels; stir until pretzels are well coated. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on greased aluminum foil to cool. Store in an airtight container. Yield: about 20 cups pretzels

Divinity

2 2/3 cups sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water*
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup broken nuts (optional)

Heat sugar, corn syrup and water in 2-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Cook, without stirring, to 260 degrees F. on candy thermometer or until small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a hard ball. Remove from heat.

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; continue beating while pouring hot syrup in a thin stream into egg whites. Add vanilla; beat until mixture holds its shape and becomes slightly dull (mixture may become too stiff for mixer). Fold in nuts. Drop mixture from tip of buttered spoon onto waxed paper. About 4 dozen candies.

*Use 1 tablespoon less water on humid days.

Christmas Corn Puffs

These are not very healthy, but very delicious!

1 lb. real butter (4 sticks)
1/2 cup water
1 cup light Karo corn syrup
1 cup sugar
2 pkgs. corn puffs (these look like "Cheetos" but are not cheese-flavored. Can be found in the "chips" section of grocery store)

In heavy pan combine first four ingredients. Stir to melt. Put lid on and bring to full boil. Stir constantly to soft crack (240 degrees F.) Pour syrup over corn puffs and stir until they are coated.

Bavarian Mints

1 lb. milk chocolate (equals 1 1/2 cups melted chocolate)
1 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons butter
6 to 8 drops oil of peppermint (or rum flavoring) about 1/8 tsp.
1 teaspoon vanilla

Melt chocolates and butter. Add sweetened condensed milk. Beat until smooth. Pour in *buttered 8x8-inch pan. *(Line pan with foil, then butter foil.)

Refrigerate. Cut into shapes. Dip or eat plain.

Toffee

1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup margarine or butter
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Butter square pan, 9x9x2-inches. Spread pecans in pan. Heat sugar and margarine to boiling in 1-quart saucepan, stirring constantly. Boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, 7 minutes. Immediately spread mixture over pecans in pan.

Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot mixture; place cookie sheet over pan until chocolate chips are melted. Spread melted chocolate over candy. Cut into about 1 1/2-inch squares while hot. Refrigerate until firm.

Coconut Filling

1 lb. powdered sugar
1/2 cup melted margarine or butter
14 oz. package coconut
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon coconut flavoring

Mix well. Refrigerate. Shape into balls. Dip in chocolate.

Never Fail Caramels

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup Karo syrup
1 cup butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cook sugar, Karo syrup, and butter on medium heat until it boils. Continue boiling for 4 minutes without stirring. Take off the heat. Add sweetened condensed milk. Cook on low-medium heat until the candy thermometer reaches 238 degrees, stirring constantly. (This takes about 20 minutes.) Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour into buttered 8x8-inch pan. Cool and cut. (I wrap mine in cut up squares of wax paper. I've made this many times, and it's turned out incredibly well every time. I know that may be a little hard to believe, but it's true!) --V. Bassett

Spiced Nuts

Special note: 1 egg white = 2 tablespoons egg white (I usually double this recipe.)

1 tablespoon egg white
2 cups nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Heat oven to 300 degrees F. Mix egg white and nuts until nuts are coated and sticky.

Mix sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over nuts, stirring until sugar mixture completely coats nuts. Spread on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 20 minutes. About 2 cups snack.

Gingerbread

1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup light molasses
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, stirred and measured
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon soda
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Brush 8-inch baking pan with oil, line with waxed or parchment paper, and oil paper lightly. Pour water over shortening; add brown sugar, molasses, and egg; beat well. Add sifted dry ingredients; beat until smooth. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 35 minutes. Serve warm or cold with butter. Makes 8 servings.

Variation
Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce: Split cooled gingerbread into two layers and fill between layers with 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese that has been blended until fluffy with a little milk or cream. Serve in squares with hot Lemon Sauce.

Lemon Sauce: Mix 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg. Gradually add 1 cup boiling water; cook over low heat until thick and clear. Add 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind, and 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice; blend thoroughly. Makes 1 1/3 cups.

Note: Lemon Sauce may be made quickly and easily in microwave.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Freezer Jam

Just tried some on some yellow cake with whipped cream. Tastes just like Pineapple Upside-Down Cake!

Featuring Ball® Simple Creations® No Cook Freezer Jam Fruit Pectin
Makes about 5 (8 oz) half pints
You will need:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 (1.59-oz) pkg Ball Simple Creations Freezer Jam Fruit Pectin
2 (20-oz) cans crushed pineapple in its own juice, drained
1/4 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
1/8 tsp vanilla extract
5 (8 oz) freezer jars

Directions:
1.) STIR sugars and contents of package in a bowl into well blended.
2.) ADD pineapple, cherries and vanilla extract. Stir 3 minutes.
3.) LADLE jam into clean jars to fill line. Twist on lids. Let stand until thickened, about 30 minutes. Label.
4.) REFRIGERATE up to 3 weeks.

(Source: Ball Recipes)

Oreo Gobblers

Saw this idea on www.familyfun.com and wanted to give them a try so...we did. They were fun to make!

Each gobbler consists of two double-stuffed Oreo cookies, one whopper candy, and five candy corns. Use Royal Icing to "glue" the little guys together and for their eyes and beaks. Easy peasy. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Cranberry Jello

Family favorite during the holidays!!!

1-6oz. pkg. raspberry or cran-raspberry jello
3 1/2 c. cranberry juice
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 c. cream

Boil 2 cups of the cranberry juice then add the jello, stir until it is dissolved. Add the rest of the juice then chill until the jello just starts to set up (checking every 15-30 minutes. Whip the cream. Beat the mayonnaise into the jello then fold in the whipped cream. Pour into a jello mold or 9x13 pan refrigerate until set.

Turkey Safety

ASK A SPECIALIST: DO YOU HAVE TIPS FOR SAFELY PREPARING MY THANKSGIVING TURKEY?

Answer by: Darlene Christensen, Utah State University Extension family and consumer sciences agent, Tooele County

Turkey, like all poultry, often carries Salmonella, a common type of bacteria that can cause food-borne illness. Under ideal conditions, bacteria can double every 10 to 20 minutes. That means one cell can increase to over 16 million cells in eight hours. For this reason, perishable foods such as poultry should never be held at room temperature for more than two hours. To safely prepare your Thanksgiving turkey, consider these tips.

• Thaw it properly. You can safely thaw turkey in your refrigerator at 40 F or below. Allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of whole turkey. Using this method, fully thawed turkeys can remain in the refrigerator for one to two additional days. After thawing, remove the neck and giblets from the body cavities. Then wash the turkey with cold water, inside and out, and drain it well.

• Turkey may also be defrosted in cold water in its airtight packaging or in a leak?proof bag. Submerge the turkey or cut?up parts in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to make sure water remains cold.

• If you purchased a smaller turkey, it may be possible to thaw it in the microwave. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the size of turkey that will fit in your microwave, the minutes per pound and the power level to use for thawing. Remove the giblets, rinse the turkey and roast it immediately after thawing.

• It is never safe to thaw your turkey or other meat on the counter. This is putting the meat in what food safety experts call the danger zone – 40 to 140 F, which is where bacteria multiply rapidly.

• To roast a turkey, set the oven temperature no lower than 325 F. It is not safe to cook a turkey for a lengthy time, such as overnight, at a very low temperature. This encourages bacterial growth. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thigh. Meat thermometers are available at reasonable prices in most supermarkets and variety stores. To be safe, the thigh meat should reach 165 F. If the bird is stuffed, the stuffing should reach 165 F as well.

• After the meal, refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers. A habit of many families is to leave turkey and other perishable items out all day for people to “graze on.” Remember this is not safe. Place perishable items in the refrigerator. If people want to snack, they can get the food out of the refrigerator.

For more information on turkey preparation or storage, contact your local USU Extension office. You can also contact USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline toll free at 888?MPHotline (888-674-6854).

(Source: "Let's Talk Turkey Safety," Darlene Christensen, Utah State University Extension family and consumer sciences agent, Tooele County)

Grape Ice

It's a tradition with my mom's side of the family to make this with Thanksgiving every year. Sorry no picture.

2 c. sugar
4 c. water
2 c. grape juice
1/4 c. lemon juice
2/3 c. orange juice
a few drops of lemon extract (optional) - the one I made a week ago that a few of you tried had about tablespoon of lime juice instead.

Combine the above ingredients. Pour into a container with a lid and freeze. To serve we crush it up (usually with a knife or ice cream scoop depending on how much it's thawed out) and serve it in small bowls.

Creme Brulee French Toast

½ cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 loaf Texas toast bread (extra thick)
5 eggs
1 ½ cups half & half
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
pancake syrup

In small saucepan melt butter, brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat until smooth, stirring constantly. Pour mixture onto large, greased jelly roll pan (18 X 3 X 1). Spread to cover surface. Place 12 slices Texas toast bread in a single layer to cover pan. (Bread could be cut before placing it in pan into halves for easier serving later) Mix together eggs, cream, salt and vanilla. Spoon mixture over each piece of bread. Cover and refrigerate over night. Bake uncovered at 350 F. for about 30 minutes. Remove from pan and serve. If not serving immediately turn each piece of bread over to prevent sticking.

Serve with warm syrup.

Yam Casserole

Sue's recipe for yams - delicious!

1 (26 oz.) can yams
6 apples

Peel and slice apples (as you would for apple pie), drain yams and
cut into chunks. Put into greased casserole. Pour butter sauce (see
recipe below) over top and bake covered, 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Butter Sauce
1 cup sugar
4 T. cornstarch
1 tsp. salt
1 square butter (Not margarine-hey it's thanksgiving! :)
2 cups water

Mix sugar, cornstarch and salt. Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
Add Sugar, cornstarch, salt mixture. Stir. Add 2 cups water. Bring
to boil stirring often.

Apple Syrup

This is a family favorite of my niece's husband's family when he was growing up.

Stir together in a small saucepan:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Add:
2 cups apple juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Stir and cook until thickened. Bring to a boil, turn heat down and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add 1/4 cup butter.

Cinnamon Cream Syrup

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup evaporated milk

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, stirring for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Stir in evaporated milk. Serve warm. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes 2 cups.

(Source: French Toast - Sweet & Savory Dishes for Every Meal", by Donna Kelly, pg. 125)

Crunchy Graham Dipping Sticks

This recipe sounds really good to me. I haven't tried it...yet.

6 slices lightly toasted Texas-style toast (or other firm, thick white bread)
1 cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
9 graham crackers
Canola oil

Cut each bread slice lengthwise into four sticks. In a pie pan or other shallow pan, mix together the cream, eggs, vanilla and salt. Whirl the graham crackers in a food processor until they are fine crumbs. Spread graham crackers crumbs on a plate. Dip sticks, one by one, into egg mixture and then press into cracker crumbs, coating thoroughly. Heat a little oil in a small frying pan. Cover and cook sticks over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned. Cool until warm enough to handle. Serve with a side of syrup and use your fingers to dip. Makes 24 sticks.

Variation: Spread oil on a baking sheet and place all coated sticks on sheet. Bake for 8 minutes at 425 degrees F. Turn over and bake another 3 minutes.

(Source: "French Toast - Sweet & Savory Dishes for Every Meal", pg. 24, by Donna Kelly)

Classic French Toast

1 cup milk
1/4 cup flour
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 slices day-old firm white bread
Butter

In a pie pan or other shallow pan, whisk together milk and flour; whisk in eggs, vanilla and salt. Soak each bread slice in egg mixture for 10 to 20 seconds on each side, or until just soaked through. Heat a little butter in a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Cover and cook soaked bread in the pan 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned. Serve with butter and syrup. Makes 6 slices.

(Source: "French Toast - Sweet & Savory Dishes for Every Meal", pg. 16, by Donna Kelly)

Chicken and Rice Casserole

1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
3 cups water
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup
16-oz. bag frozen broccoli
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.
2. Cook on High 3 to 4 hours.


Note:
If casserole is too runny, remove lid from slow cooker for 15 minutes while continuing to cook on High.

(Source: Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook - Feasting with your Slow Cooker", pg. 173, by Dawn J. Ranck and Phyllis Pellman Good)

Make Your Own Household Cleaners

How to Make a Non-Toxic Cleaning Kit

By Annie B. Bond

Most modern synthetic cleaning products are based on age-old formulas using natural ingredients that were passed down through the generations because the chemistry was right. Going back to the original naturally derived ingredients is a way to make cleaning products that work, don’t pollute and save you money. Most are found in your kitchen cupboards. Mix and match with well-chosen and environmentally friendly green cleaning products found in health food stores, and you can easily and simply transform your home into a non-toxic and healthy haven.

Non-toxic cleaning can give you a deep feeling of gratification in knowing that your family’s health is protected, and that your home is a place for your bodies to rest and recuperate rather than promote harm.

Making your own nontoxic cleaning kit will take you no time at all with these simple, straightforward directions, and with this kit you will be supplied with enough cleaning product for months of cleaning.

As an added bonus, ounce for ounce homemade cleaning formulas cost about one-tenth the price of their commercial counterpart—and that includes costly, but worthwhile essential oils, and concentrated, all-purpose detergents for homemade recipes.

SUPPLIES
Baking soda
Washing soda
White distilled vinegar
A good liquid soap or detergent
Tea tree oil
6 clean spray bottles
2 glass jars

Read more about these 5 basic cleaning ingredients, and a vinegar update.

CREAMY SOFT SCRUBBER
Simply pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a texture like frosting. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This is the perfect recipe for cleaning the bathtub because it rinses easily and doesn’t leave grit.

Note: Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to the mixture and store in a sealed glass jar, to keep the product moist. Otherwise just make as much as you need at a time.

WINDOW CLEANER
1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water
Spray bottle

Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.

OVEN CLEANER
1 cup or more baking soda
Water
A squirt or two of liquid detergent

Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven, then cover the grime with enough baking soda that the surface is totally white. Sprinkle some more water over the top. Let the mixture set overnight. You can easily wipe up the grease the next morning because the grime will have loosened. When you have cleaned up the worst of the mess, dab a bit of liquid detergent or soap on a sponge, and wash the remaining residue from the oven. If this recipe doesn’t work for you it is probably because you didn’t use enough baking soda and/or water.

ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER
1/2 teaspoon washing soda
A dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot tap water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

FURNITURE POLISH
1/2 teaspoon oil, such as olive (or jojoba, a liquid wax)
1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Mix the ingredients in a glass jar. Dab a soft rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces. Cover the glass jar and store indefinitely.

VINEGAR DEODORIZER
Keep a clean spray bottle filled with straight 5 percent vinegar in your kitchen near your cutting board and in your bathroom and use them for cleaning. I often spray the vinegar on our cutting board before going to bed at night, and don’t even rinse but let it set overnight. The smell of vinegar dissipates within a few hours. Straight vinegar is also great for cleaning the toilet rim. Just spray it on and wipe off.

MOLD KILLERS

Tea Tree Treasure
Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. I’ve used it successfully on a moldy ceiling from a leaking roof, on a musty bureau, a musty rug, and a moldy shower curtain. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will dissipate in a few days.

2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes two cups.

Vinegar Spray
Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It will dissipate in a few hours.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/make-your-own-
non-toxic-cleaning-kit.html

Onion Chip Dip

1 (16 oz.) container cottage cheese
1 (16 oz.) container sour cream
1 pkg. Lipton Onion Soup dry mix

Mix ingredients together in a medium size bowl. Store in refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to let flavors mingle. Serve with potato chips or fresh cut vegetables (ie. carrot sticks, celery sticks, broccoli, cauliflower, jicama, green peppers, etc.)

Cranberry Sauce

1 cup sugar

1 cup water
4 cups (12-oz. package) fresh or frozen cranberries
Optional: Pecans, orange peel, raisins, currants, blueberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice

Wash and pick over cranberries. In a saucepan bring to a boil water and sugar, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add cranberries, return to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes or until cranberries burst.

At this point you can add all number of optional ingredients. Mix in a half a cup of roughly chopped pecans with or without a few strips of orange peel. You can add a cup of raisins or currants. You can add up to a pint of fresh or frozen blueberries for added sweetness. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice can be added too.

Remove from heat. Cool completely at room temperature and then chill in refrigerator. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.

Cranberry sauce base makes 2 1/4 cups.

Green Bean Casserole

1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 (14.5 oz) cans cut green beans, drained
1 1/3 cups French-fried onions (French's)

Combine soup, milk, and pepper in a 1.5 quart baking dish; stir until blended. Stir in beans and 2/3 cup fried onions. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes or until hot. Stir. Sprinkle with remaining 2/3 cup fried onions. Bake 5 minutes more or until onions are golden.

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Bottom:
1 pkg. yellow cake mix (dry)
1 egg
1/2 cup margarine, melted

Mix together and reserve one cup. Press into 9x13-inch pan. Grease bottom only.

Filling:
3 cups pumpkin
1 1/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cloves

Mix filling ingredients together and pour over bottom layer.

Topping:
1 cup reserved bottom
1/4 cup margarine
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Sprinkle topping on filling and bake in oven for 60 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges

1 package (10 oz.) spinach
1 cucumber, sliced
1 can (11 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
1 or 2 green onions, chopped
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, chopped
1 large avocado, diced
1/2 to 1 pound cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 cup salad oil
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wash, stem, and drain spinach. In large salad bowl, toss together spinach, cucumber, oranges, green onions, mushrooms, avocado, and tomatoes. Combine remaining ingredients in blender or food processor and blend thoroughly. Chill and serve over salad. (Makes 10 servings.)

Wheat Quick

Any of your favorite Bisquick recipes can be used with Wheat Quick substituted.

8 cups whole wheat flour
4 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons baking powder
2 cups shortening

Sift together dry ingredients twice. Cut in shortening. Store in fridge in covered container up to 2 months.

Pancakes: Stir 2 cups Wheat Quick, 1 egg 1 2/3 cup milk until well blended.
Waffles: Stir 2 cups Wheat Quick, 1 2/3 cup milk, 1 egg, 2 Tablespoons oil until well blended.
Muffins: Blend 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, 1 egg, 3/4 cup milk, 2 cups Wheat Quick, 2 Tablespoons oil and bake 15 minutes at 400 degrees F. (Makes 12)
Coffee Cake: Make muffin batter. Spread into greased 9-inch pan. Sprinkle with 2 Tablespoons cinnamon, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 Tablespoons Wheat Quick, 2 Tablespoons soft butter. Blend with fork until crumbly. Bake 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees F.
Biscuits: Add 2/3 cup milk to 2 cups Wheat Quick. Stir with fork into soft dough. Roll on board lightly dusted with Wheat Quick. Knead gently 6 to 8 times. Roll 1 1/2" thick. Cut. Bake at 450 degrees F. for 10 minutes close together for soft sides, on ungreased cookie sheet. Add 1/4 cup soft butter or 3 Tablespoons oil for richer biscuits.
Nut Breads: Blend 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 1/4 cup milk, 3 cups Wheat Quick. Stir in 1 cup nuts. Pour in well greased loaf pan. Bake 45 minutes at 300 degrees F.
Banana Nut Bread: Make nut bread using 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup milk. Reduce nuts to 3/4 cup, add 1 cup mashed bananas.

Mom's Lasagna

This is my mom's famous lasagna recipe. I haven't had any lasagna yet that can top it (my opinion of course)!

1/2 onion, chopped
1/4 lb. mushrooms, sliced
1 lb. ground beef
1 6oz. can tomato paste
1 8oz. can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
garlic powder to taste (or fresh garlic)
lasagna noodles (uncooked)
8 oz. cottage cheese or ricotta (add more if desired)
1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese, grated (add more if desired)
1/2 c. water

Cook onions in small amount of oil. Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Add ground beef and brown. Add tomato paste, sauce and seasonings. Place uncooked noodles in square pan coated with cooking spray. Spread with 1/2 of sauce. Place cottage cheese or ricotta over the sauce. Top with 1/2 of the grated mozzarella. Add another layer of noodles and top with remaining sauce. Pour water over all and cover with foil. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes. Add rest of cheese and let sit with foil on top for 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese melts. (This recipe doubles well to fit into a 9x13 pan).

Wacky Cake

1-1/2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
3 Tbsp cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. vinegar
6 Tbsp. oil
1 c. cold water
1 tsp. vanilla
chocolate chips (optional)

Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, salt and baking soda together in a square baking pan. Add vinegar, oil, cold water and vanilla, stir well. If desired sprinkle the top with chocolate chips and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. EASY CLEANUP!

Wheat Chili

I was pleasantly surprised at how this came out. It makes quite a bit so you may want to half the recipe or at least half the amount of wheat and water used if making for a family of two.

1-3/4 c. wheat
8 c. water

Place wheat and water in a pot and bring to boil then simmer 25 minutes. Turn off heat and let soak for 2 1/2 hours, drain water then rinse. Set aside.

1 lb. hamburger (optional)
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic
1 pkg onion soup (optional)
1/2 tsp. salt (add more if desired)
1 16oz. can diced tomatoes
1 15oz. can tomato sauce
1-2 cans of Kidney beans
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp cumin

Brown the hamburger (if using) then add the remaining ingredients, let simmer for 30 minutes. Add the wheat and mix together then pour mixture into a 9x13 baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Creamy White Chili

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 c. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. oil
3 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can chicken broth
1 (4-oz.) can chopped green chilies
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. whipping cream

Saute chicken, onion and garlic in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Place in large pot. Add beans, broth, chilies and seasonings. Bring to boil, simmer uncovered 30 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and whipping cream. Serve immediately with tortilla or corn chips. Also good in bread bowls. Very easy and so good!

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

yields: 8 large servings

1 lb cubed chicken
1/2 C. butter
1 finely chopped onion
1/2 to 1 C. frozen corn or carrots (I used a can of corn)
3/4 C. flour
61/2 C . chicken broth
2 C. cooked wild rice (from a box or other)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp dried parsley
2 C. half & half (or milk)
*2 C. slivered almonds (optional)

Cook wild rice and set aside. Melt butter in large saucepan. Add onion and chicken. Saute 5 mins or until done. Add flour and stir well. Pour chicken broth into pot, stir constantly then simmer over medium heat. Add the rice and rest of ingredients, except half & half/milk. Stir until blended. Then add half & half/milk. Simmer 30 mins to 1 hour. Do NOT let boil.
Serve in a bread bowl, or your with favorite bread or salad.