Oatmeal Mask

All skin types, if skin is dry use whole milk or cream, otherwise use low fat or nonfat milk. Oatmeal will soften and tone your skin.

3 Tbsp regular, uncooked oatmeal. Grind to a flour.
2 Tbsp milk or cream (if your skin isn't too dry try powdered milk-add appropriate amount of water)

Combine ingredients.
*Use only once a week. Wash face first and then place a warm washcloth over your face for a few minutes to open pores. Apply to all over face and neck avoiding eye area. Lay back and let it work for 10-15 min. If mask is chunky, use washcloth to gently wipe off face, or shake into a garbage can to avoid clogging the sink. Then rinse with warm water.

Strawberry Almond Scrub

Strawberries have a natural astringent properties that tighten your pores, and leabve your face feeling toned and fresh.

2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground almonds
1 ripe strawberry (or you can use a frozen one just thaw it out)

Mix baking soda and ground almonds. slice a strawberry and mash it all together with a fork to make a paste. Apply to face, rub gently in circular motions avoiding eye area. Rinse with warm water.

Polishing Facial Scrub

Works with all skin types, safe to use every day. Reduces the size of pores. Leaves face soft and clean.

2-3 tsp. baking soda
a little water.

Pour baking soda into hand and make a paste with warm water. Apply to wet skin, rub gently in circular motions avoiding eye area. Rinse with warm water.

Cornmeal exfoliating scrub

Great gentle scrub. But use more than 2-3 times a week.

2-3 tsp of cornmeal
a little water

Pour cornmeal in your hands and add a little water. Stir together with your finger to make a paste. Apply to wet skin, rub gently in circular motions avoiding eye area. Rinse with warm water.

Lavender Mist (Hair and burns)

Lavender has cleansing properties, so it will make your hair smell good but will also give it a quick fix for cleaning and revitalizing. Lavender is really good for burns too (if they are not really serious). It takes away the pain from mild burns like sunburns and I use it when I burn myself cooking.

1/2 gallon water
5 drops pure (not synthetic) lavender essential oil
3 empty spray bottles

Fil a large pot with the water.
Cover, bring to a boil. Simmer for an hour to get rid of impurities, (check occationally to make sure it hasn't boiled away)
remove from heat, add lavender oil, stir and replace lid.
Let steep until cool, and pour into empty spritz bottles.

Spritz as need.

Revitalizing Hair Tonic

The potato-starch-peach combo strengthens and revitalizes damaged, dry or dull hair

3-4 medium potatoes
2 c. water
1 peach peeled

peel and wash potatoes and cut into chunks. add water and refrigerate overnight in a covered bowl. the next day, drain and save the water. (use the potatoes for dinner)
Puree the peach, then mix with the potato water.
apply the mixture to hair and comb through. Leave on for 20-30 minutes
Rinse with water and style as usual.

Deep Scalp Treatment (Hair)

This really exfoliates, and aids a dry, flaking scalp.

1 c. Heavy Cream (or reddi whip)

Pour into palms and then massage into scalp. Wait 5-10 min, then rinse well with cool water.

Home Clairifying Treatment (Hair)

This removes heavy product buildup and leaves hair clean and shiny.

1 Tbs Baking soda
1 c. warm water

Combine in a spray bottle and shake.
Wet condition and blot-dry hair as usual
Spray with mixture, and allow to sit a minute or so, then rinse with cool water.
Blot dry again and style as usual.

Deep Oil treatment (Hair)

This really nurishes the ends of your hair. Especially great in the winter.

1-3 teaspoons olive oil (amount depends on length of hair)
2-4 drops pure essential lavendar oil

Combine oils and apply to the ends of your hair and wrap hair with clear plastic wrap for 30 minutes. Rinse well with:

Lemon juice (amount of a large lemon) combined with usual amount of conditioner.

and then with water.

Deep Pack Chakra (Hair)

Great protein treatment to help strengthen and add life and bounce to your hair. If you have wavy or curly hair, it will help to strengthen your curl pattern. (but if you straighten you hair it will straighten easily)


1Tbsp powdered egg
1 Tbsp powdered milk
1/2 tsp honey (add a few drops of hot water to soften)
1 c pasta water (for added nutrients) or plain boiled water
3 Tbsp heavy cream (optional)

Combine first three ingredients to form a past and then add water. If using the cream add in last. pour over well rinsed (but not freshly shampooed) hair.

Make a turban out of clear plastic wrap, wrap hair and allow mixture to penetrate for 1 hour or more.

Rinse well and condition.

Re-hydration Formula

"Dehydration results from excessive loss of body fluids. dehydration may follow episodes of diarrhea, vomiting, prolonged fever, and any condition where there is a rapid and extreme loss of body fluid. Some signs of diarrhea include: frequent bowel movements that the person cannot control, watery stools, little urine or dark yellow urine, more than normal thirst, dry mouth and tongue, sunken fontanelle, sunken or dry eyes, fast, weak pulse, flushed/dry skin, skin that does not spring back immediately when pinched, lethargy, irritability or confusion. If someone has two or more of the signs of dehydration, it is important to restore fluids as soon as possible. a simple oral re-hydration solution can be made by mixing the following ingredients:"

1/4 teaspoon real salt
1/4 teaspoon no salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
Mix into 4 cups water

Give the person small sips of the solution every five minutes, even if he vomits, until he begins to urinate normally. The drink can be given with fruit juices as a flavoring. The person may also drink green coconut water, thin vegetable soup/broth, or the water in which rice or barley has been cooked.

(Source: Storage Rocks)

Drop Sugar Cookies

These are quick and easy to make and can be made with ingredients from your food storage. Can use part whole wheat flour to make them healthier.

2 eggs, slightly beaten
2/3 cup salad oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
2-3 teaspoons grated lemon rind (optional)
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Stir together eggs and oil. Add vanilla and grated lemon rind. Blend in sugar. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, and add to sugar mixture. Drop by teaspoonful 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten with the bottom of a glass that has been greased and dipped in sugar. Bake at 400 degrees F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until delicate brown around edges.

Yield 2 1/2 to 3 dozen

Easter Eggs

These are fun and easy to make using 100% food storage items! Oh, and did I mention that they're delicious?! Yep, very delicious!

MARSHMALLOW FILLED

Soften 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin in 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add this mixture to 1 cup boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Put into a large mixing bowl and add 2 cups sugar, pinch of salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat until thick like divinity, about 10 minutes. Put flour in bottom of 2 pans. Press an egg into flour to make mold. Fill molds with marshmallow mixture, let set. Dip eggs in melted chocolate. Pour chocolate on top. Let set.

FLAVORED FILLING

Dissolve 4 tablespoons Jell-o (any flavor) in 1 cup boiling water. Dissolve 2 envelopes gelatin in 4 tablespoons cold water. Then pour into jello water, add 2 cups sugar, pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until thickens and forms soft peaks, consistency of whipped cream. Pour into flour mold, let set. Dip in melted chocolate. Pour chocolate on top. Let set.

(Source: Laurie M.)

pizza fondue

In a pot heat 2 - 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tbs or more Italian seasoning, 1 tsp dried fennel (this gives it the pizza sauce flavor), 1 garlic clove minced, 1 tbsp dried onions, salt and pepper to taste.

Add favorite pizza toppings -1 c. diced pepperoni, bacon, ground beef Canadian bacon and pineapple, or bell peppers etc. let simmer 5-10 min or longer-the longer the better.

While mixture simmers, toast and cut up bread into "dipping sticks" about 1 1/2'' with the length of the bread. It is a great way to use up bread that needs to be eaten. or use bread sticks, or foccacia.

Just before serving add 1 cup grated mozzarella stir till melted.

To serve-the idea of fondue is to dip out of the same pot, but it is easier to just pour the sauce into your separate bowls. Also if everyone wants different toppings keep them aside so they can add their own to their own bowls.

mix-in's for bread recipes

With everyone making homemade bread lately I thought I would share some mix-in's that have helped my DH keep eating it even though DH isn't a big bread eater!

*2 tablespoons wheat gluten (for white bread) or 1/4 cup (wheat bread) this makes all the difference in taste, texture, and it holds the moisture better and keeps better. I never want to go without it again!

Pepper cheese / cheesy bread
1/4 cup of fresh jalapeno or banana peppers, and 1/4 c. cheese cubes (about 1/2 inch cubes) I usually work them into the dough just before I put the dough into the bread pan for its final rise, it usually will take a little longer to rise.
*Warning: if cutting fresh peppers WEAR RUBBER OR LATEX GLOVES OR PUT PLASTIC BAGS ON YOUR HANDS. your hands may burn for hours after!

Or just use 1/2 c. cheese chunks

Cranberry brown sugar twist
Mush about a 1/2 cup of cranberries (frozen or fresh). It tastes great if there are big chunks or if it is smoother.
Before dough is put into bread pan for it's final rise roll out dough into a rectangle with the width the six of your bead pan. put just a thin layer of softened butter over the top of the dough. Sprinkle a little (or a lot if your are in for more of a dessert) brown sugar on top. Spoon cranberry mixture on top. it doesn't have to be smooth. Roll up the dough like you would a cinnamon roll and be sure to seal ends and side. Let rise as usual, and bake as normal.
slice and eat warm plain, with butter, or my favorite with cinnamon frosting drizzled over it.

Tomato herb
add about 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes from a can and about a tablespoon Italian herbs to wet mixture while making the dough, and subtract about 1/4 c. of water or whatever liquid you are using. rise and bake as usual

Craisin bread or blueberry bread
Add about a 1/2 cup of Craisins or dried blueberries before final rise. Dough may not rise quite as much.

Herb and cheese
Add about 1 tbs of your favorite herbs to dough at the beginning and sprinkle some mozzarella on top before you bake.
Or... add cheese to the dough, work in about a 1/2 cup shredded or cubed cheese before the final rise.
Or... roll out dough like cinnamon rolls and sprinkle cheese on dough and roll it up. Just be sure to seal the ends and try to roll up the dough without any air pockets.

Green Potatoes for Six

6 medium potatoes
3 stalks broccoli
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup grated cheese
2 tablespoons margarine
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Bake the potatoes (scrubbed, with shallow slits lengthwise around the middle) until done at 400 degrees F. for 30-60 minutes. Peel broccoli stems. Steam the whole stalks until just tender; chop fine. Carefully cut potatoes in half (the slit makes it easier) and scoop the insides into a bowl with the broccoli. Add 1/2 the cheese, the margarine, salt, pepper, and milk. Mash all together, until the mixture is pale green with dark green flecks. Heap into potato jackets and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Return to oven to heat through (10 minutes.)

Presto! Pasta with Pesto

"The combination of Parmesan cheese, pasta and punchy ingredients in pesto makes it a sure hit with kids. You'll love it, too.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of tightly packed, washed and dried basil leaves
1/2 cup of walnuts
2 chopped garlic cloves
2/3 cup of olive oil
2/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1 pound of spinach linguine or fettuccine
Parmesan cheese to topping dish

Directions

Chop the basil leaves in a food processor or blender.

Add the walnuts and chopped garlic cloves. Process until finely ground.

With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil.

Next, pour in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix and then set aside.

Cook pasta according to package instructions.

Drain and toss with the pesto in a serving bowl. Top with more Parmesan cheese. Serves 4 to 6."

(Source: www.familyfun.com)

Rouladin

Round Steak or London Broil (have butcher cut it thin)
Salt
Pepper
Bacon
1 Can Beef Broth
Onions
Mushrooms
2 Tablespoons Flour
Water
Toothpicks

Cut meat in 3 x 4 inch pieces. Salt and pepper meat. Cut bacon in half and cook slightly to get grease out. Place a piece of bacon in center of a piece of meat and roll up. Secure with a toothpick. Brown meat on both sides. Remove meat from pan and saute' sliced onions and mushrooms in drippings. Add meat back to pan, pour in beef broth and simmer for an hour or add everything to a crock pot and slow cook on high for 1 hour then change to low for 3 hours. When meat is cooked through, remove the meat to make gravy. Take 2 Tablespoons of flour and add water to make a paste. Whisk into beef broth and cook until thickened. Serve with mashed potatoes.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

1 bag (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening
Strawberries, washed and dried thoroughly
Colored sugars, decors, crushed candies, vanilla-flavored coating (optional)

Line a jelly roll pan with waxed paper. Heat chocolate chips and shortening in a heavy sauce-pan over low heat, or in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat. Dip strawberries three-quarters of the way into chocolate, and place on waxed paper. Sprinkle with sugar, decors, or candies, or drizzle with melted vanilla-flavored coating, if desired. Refrigerate uncovered about 30 minutes or until chocolate is firm.
Yield: 2 to 3 dozen strawberries.
Tip: Other fruits such as red grapes, cherries, raspberries, or small cookies are also delicious dipped.

(Source: "The Domestic Diva's Party Cookbook," by Patricia F. Hemming and Keely J. Hemming, pg. 34)

Honest Cherry Cake

This is one of my dad's favorite cakes. His mother used to make it for him. I remember my mother making it for our family. Delicious!

2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon clove
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup chopped nuts
3/4 cup shortening
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk, OR 1/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup cherry juice
1 bottle home-bottled Bing cherries

Sift flour and remaining dry ingredients. Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs to the creamed mixture and beat. Add flour mixture and the liquid alternately. Add cherries and nuts. Bake in 9 x 13-inch pan about 45 minutes at 350 degrees F. Frost with chocolate frosting.

Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
4 teaspoons orange juice
3 teaspoons grated orange rind
6 ounces chocolate chips

Combine ingredients and bake on a greased cookie sheet for 12 minutes at 350 degrees F.

FROSTING:
2 cups powdered sugar
3 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon orange juice
1 tablespoon orange rind

Mix all ingredients together and beat well. Frost cookies.

(Source: "The Gathering of Friends - Volume 1" by Michelle Huxtable and Alyse Christensen, pg. 123)

Homemade Egg Noodles

1 small egg, well-beaten
1 Tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup flour

Combine egg, milk, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir in flour until a stiff dough forms. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. Roll out very thin. Allow dough to dry about 20 more minutes. Roll up the dough loosely and cut strips 1/4" to 1/2" through the entire roll. Carefully unroll strips and cut to desired lengths. Drop into boiling salted water or soup. Cook, uncovered, 10-12 minutes.

(Source: "Mormon Pantry - Cooking for Two" by Debbie G. Harman, pg. 58)

Taco Soup

1 onion, chopped (or 1/4 cup dried onions)
1 (16 ounce) can red chili beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (12 fluid ounce) can of chicken stock
2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can chopped green chilies, drained
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning
1 (12.5 ounce) can chicken, undrained
sliced olives (optional)
shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
sour cream (optional)
crushed tortilla chips (optional)

Place the onion, chili beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, chicken stock, diced tomatoes, green chilies, canned chicken, and olives in a slow cooker. Add taco seasoning, and stir to blend. Set slow cooker to low heat, cover, and cook for 5 hours.

Serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips, if desired.

Cinnamon Chips

4 flour tortillas
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter

Spread butter on tortillas. Mix cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over tortillas. Place tortillas (two at a time) on a cookie sheet and broil until sugar starts to bubble. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Cut tortillas pizza style to make chips. Cool and serve with fruit salsa.

(Source: "Mormon Pantry Cooking for Two" by Debbie G. Harman, pg. 112)

Fruit Salsa

1 cup strawberries
2 kiwifruit
1 apple
1 banana
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons sugar

Wash and chop fruit into fine pieces. Mix in juices and sugar. Stir well. Serve with cinnamon chips.

(Source: "Mormon Pantry Cooking for Two" by Debbie G. Harman, pg. 112)

Oven-Roasted Vegetables

2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in medium cubes
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in medium cubes
1/2 large red onion, cut in large pieces
2 large carrots, cut in sticks
1/2 pound fresh green beans
3 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
3 fresh rosemary sprigs, cut in 1-inch pieces (or1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Put all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until evenly coated with olive oil. Place in greased or non-stick baking pan in one even layer. (Cooking time increases when double layered.)

Roast in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes at 450 degrees F. Lower heat to 375 degrees F. for another 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove rosemary sprigs. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Note: High-temperature roasting caramelizes the natural sugar in vegetables and concentrates the flavor. Cooking time depends on the density and size you cut the vegetables. Any vegetable can be used.

(Source: "The Essential Mormon Cookbook" by Julie Badger Jensen, pg. 79)

Pear Walnut Salad

2 large heads of Romaine lettuce
1 lb. bacon, cut in 1/2" pieces and cooked
3 pears, cut into chunks with or without skin
12 oz. crumbled gorgonzola cheese
1 1/2 cups broken walnuts
Dressing

Dressing:
1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar OR balsamic vinegar
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup oil
1 medium red onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Cut the red onion into 1" cubes. Put all ingredients in a blender and mix. Toss salad, add dressing, and serve.

Seasoned Potato Wedges and Peas

8-10 yellow potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups snap peas
2 tablespoons Seasoning Mix

Cook potatoes for 8 minutes in microwave then slice like wedges. Lightly fry in olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning mix. Cook until slightly crispy and turn to other side. Toss with snap peas and continue to fry for 1 minute, turning twice. Do not overcook. Peas should be crisp.

Seasoning Mix
Blend together:
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 teaspoons dried red chili
1 cup rock salt
2 tablespoons coarse pepper
1/2 cup dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

And mix separately:
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon lemon peel
2 teaspoons soy oil

Toss the dry ingredients with the oil mix. Bake at 325 degrees F. for 15 minutes on a cookie sheet. Store in an air-tight container to retain freshness.

(Source: "The Gathering of Friends, Vol. 1", Michelle Huxtable and Alyse Christensen, pg. 12)

Peppermint Angel Food Dessert

3/4 cup crushed red and white peppermint stick candy
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin (1/2 envelope)
2 teaspoons water
1 pint whipping cream, whipped until stiff
1 angel food cake, sliced into 3 horizontal layers
1/2 cup chocolate syrup

Put candy in milk; heat and stir until dissolved. Soften gelatin in water and add to milk and candy mixture. Chill until it starts to set. Fold into whipped cream. Spread cream mixture over bottom layer of cake. Drizzle chocolate syrup over whipped cream mixture. Place another layer of cake and repeat. Repeat with third layer. Cover outside of cake with whipped cream mixture. Chill and serve. Makes 12 servings.

(Source: Lion House Recipes, pg. 88)

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.