Patty's Pantry

Baked Artichoke Dip..

2012-01-03T07:58:00.000-08:00

This dip is always a favorite. Serve with Club Crakers or even tortilla chips..my favorite is with Club Crackers. I have made it without the pepper jack cheese and I like it just as much.

1 large jar marinated artichoke hearts in oil, well drained (or 2 small jars)

1 C. mayonnaise

1-8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 C. parmesan cheese, shredded

1/2 C. Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded (or regular Jack Cheese)

1-4 oz. can diced green chilies, drained (optional)

Chop artichokes in food processor.

Mix all ingredients together in bowl.

Pour into a quiche dish and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30-40minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Serve warm with Club crackers.
Mixture can be made ahead and frozen or refrigerated.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies...

2011-09-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

This cookie is delicious! I found it on Facebook and just had to try it. It turns out to be a keeper. Everyone that has eaten one has said they thought they were nummy! They are moist and chewy, not too much pumpkin flavor and the cinnamon sugar on top just adds the right touch. Enjoy! Check out Oh So Shabby by Debbie Reynolds and see all the beautiful things and ideas that she has.

2 C. flour
2 1/3 C. old fashioned oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 C. ( 2 sticks unsalted butter) softened
3/4 C. dark brown sugar
3/4 C. granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. honey
1 C. pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Combine flour , oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a bowl.
cream butter, honey, and sugars in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. about 3 minutes. Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla- mix well.

Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. do not over mix. Chill dough for 30 minutes.

With a small scoop drop cookie dough onto baking sheets. they should be a rounded tablespoon. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon and sugar.

Bake 14 minutes. cool on baking sheet for several minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Picture and recipe by Oh So Shabby by Debbie Reynolds.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup...

2011-06-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

2lbs. lean ground beef, browned, (I have used ground turkey and even half beef and half turkey)
28 ounce can tomato sauce
28 ounce can whole tomatoes (I prefer petite diced tomatoes)
2 C. cooked brown rice...or any rice you prefer
4 C. chopped green and red peppers
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 C. brown sugar
salt and pepper

Add all the ingredients together. Simmer 45 minutes or until peppers are tender it can be simmered longer.

My friend Tina made this soup for us one rainy day when my husband and I went to visit them at the beach. It quickly became my husbands favorite soup and I have made it many times. It freezes well. I make up little containers to pack for his lunches.

Even though we live in Southern California I make soup all summer long. I might be crazy but I love soup and this one is a keeper!

Taco Salad Bowls...

2011-02-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

I just had to share one of my favorite things..click here.Taco Shell Pans. They are sold in a package of two. There are two sizes, this is the larger one. I have the smaller one that I make for my girlies when they are here and they also make cute little bowls for dip. What's nice about these bowls is they are baked and not fried. This cuts way back on calories and they aren't greasy. A friend of mine says she bakes these after they are sprayed with regular Pam and sprinkles cinnamon and sugar on them. She serves ice cream in them..I haven't tried this yet, but I am sure that I will.

I spray the pan before the burrito size flour tortilla is placed in the pan. I use either regular Pam or olive oil spray.

I spray the flour tortillas just a little bit. Prick with a fork so the tortilla won't bubble up. Bake at 350-375 for 10-15 minutes until they are a light golden brown.

Remove from the pan and let the tortilla cool. The tortilla will shrink about a half inch. I have found I like Mission Tortillas the best. Mission Tortillas may be just a California company.

I have a lazy susan that fits in the center of my table that I fill with all the toppings if I am serving this for guests. This is what I fill our bowls with.

Refried beans

Taco meat, ground beef or chicken

Shredded lettuce

Diced avocado or guacamole

Sliced black olives

Shredded cheddar cheese

Thinly sliced green onion

Diced tomato

Dollop of sour cream

Some people like salsa as a dressing, I prefer Kraft Catalina Fat Free dressing.

The toppings are really a personal choice.

This has really been a fun meal when we have company and it's so easy to do two tortilla bowls for just my husband and me.

Enjoy!

Orange Tapioca Jell-O...

2010-09-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

I forgot the oranges in this picture...

2 pkgs. Cook and Serve Jell-O tapioca

1 large box orange Jell-O

3 C. water

2 envelopes of Dream Whip Topping. prepared..do not use cool whip

1-2 cans of mandarin oranges, well drained

In a saucepan bring the first three ingredients to boil and boil for three minutes

Remove from heat and let cool, but not entirely set.

Mix the Dream Whip according to directions.

Fold in the Dream Whip and add the oranges.

Place in a glass bowl and chill before serving.

Oven Baked Beef Stew...

2010-04-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

This is all there is to it..put all the ingredients in the pot, even the uncooked stew meat. Cover and bake....The house will smell so good all afternoon.

Just clean up the kitchen, dinner will be ready in 4-5 hours..and it looks like you were busy all afternoon making this great dinner.

This is how yummy it looks when it's done!

2 lb. stew meat
3 large carrots
5 medium sized potatoes
1 medium chopped onion
3 stalks celery
1-16 ounce can tomatoes, or stewed tomatoes ( I like the petite diced)
1 Tbsp. salt
dash of pepper
3 Tbsp. dry tapioca

1 C. water with teaspoon of beef bouillon

Cut stew meat into bite size pieces; cut potatoes and carrots in chunks. Slice celery.
Mix all ingredients together.
Bake 250 degrees, covered for 5 hours. Do not peek.

I add:
3/4 C. frozen defrosted peas
1 C. green beans

This is so easy to make. You just put it all together and forget about it!

My Favorite Kitchen Tools...

2010-04-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize how much easier it was to cook until I bought this good set of knives. They are Henckle Knives and I bought them at Costco a couple of years ago. For Christmas one year my daughter added the set of steak knives. I have seen them sold individually at Target and online..but the best way is to buy the set when you can find them on sale. A good set of knives would be at the top of my list if I had a choice.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cake...

2010-04-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

I love this cake, it's moist and chewy! It's from one of my old Taste of Home Magazines, the picture is too. My picture didn't do it justice. Make this just once and you'll make it over and over! Enjoy!

1-3/4 cups boiling water
1 cup uncooked oatmeal

1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened

3 eggs

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 package (12 ounces) chocolate chips, divided
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

In a bowl, pour water over oatmeal. Allow to stand 10 minutes.

Add sugars and butter, stirring until the butter melts.

Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Sift flour, soda, cocoa and salt together. Add to batter. Mix well.

Stir in half the chocolate chips.

Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan.

Sprinkle top of cake with walnuts and remaining chips.

Bake at 350° for about 40 minutes.

Yield: 12 servings.

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin Tops...

2010-04-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

3/4 C. sugar
1/2 C. butter or margarine, softened

2 eggs
1-8 oz. lemon yogurt
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel

2 C. flour
1/4 C. poppy seeds
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter and sugar together for 15 seconds on low, then 30 seconds on medium.

Add: eggs, yogurt, lemon juice and lemon peel.
Blend on low for 30 seconds.
Then medium for 30 seconds, scraping bowl often.

In separate bowl combine flour, poppy seeds, baking soda and salt.

Add to creamed mixture and blend on low speed.

Drop by heaping Tbsp. on lightly greased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.

Bake 15-17 minutes or until lightly browned.

Remove immediately and cool on rack.

Makes 24 muffin tops.

Cool completely.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

My Favorite Kitchen Tools...

2010-04-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

This KitchenAid Stand Mixer has to be one of my favorite kitchen tools...I use it all the time. It's worth every penny! I mix ground beef or turkey for meat loaf..breads, you name it!

Spaghetti Pizza Deluxe...

2010-04-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

My family always loves this dish. I usually double the recipe and bake it in my lasagna pan. (Pictured above.) I have also used ground turkey. When using the jelly roll pan the spaghetti is thinner and more crust like. I package up any of the leftovers for my husband's lunches. It freezes well. Enjoy!

7 oz. spaghetti
1/2 C. skim milk
1 egg, beaten

1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. pepper

2 C. sliced fresh mushrooms
2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese

Prepare the spaghetti and drain. In medium bowl blend milk, egg and spaghetti, toss to coat.

Spray a 15x10 inch jellyroll pan with Pam. Spread spaghetti mixture evenly in pan..
In a large skillet cook beef, onion, bell pepper and garlic until beef is done

Add tomato sauce and seasonings, simmer 5 minutes.
Spoon meat mixture evenly over spaghetti.

Top with mushrooms and cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

Ham Macaroni Salad...

2010-04-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

This is a differnt kind of macaroni salad. Chill well for the best taste.My Mom always made it for us when we were kids.

Mix together:
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1/4 C. chopped celery
1/4 C. chopped onion
2 Tbsp. finely chopped bellpepper
1/2 tsp. mustard
dash of tobasco sauce
dash pepper

Stir in:
2 C. cooked macaroni
1 C. diced ham
Chill.

Fumi Salad...

2010-04-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

This makes a big bowl of salad and is great for potlucks or picnics.

Mix together:
1 head of cabbage, shredded
1 bunch green onion, chopped

Toast and add to cabbage: I toast mine in a non stick pan until golden.
8 Tbsp. sliced almonds
8 Tbsp. sesame seeds

Blend together and pour over cabbage:
4 Tbsp. sugar
1 C. oil
6 Tbsp. rice vinegar

2 pkgs. of ramen noodles, crushed
Add the noodles right before serving so they will be crisp.

Cherry Jell-O Salad...

2010-04-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

1 3 oz. pkg. cherry Jell-O
1 C. boiling water
1 can cherry pie filling

Mix the boiling water with the Jell-O to dissolve and then add the cheery pie filling. Pour into a mold or an 8x11 inch oblong dish. Chill until set.

Mix the following ingredients in another bowl.

1 3 oz. pkg of lemon Jell-O
1 C. boiling water
1 3 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 C. salad dressing or mayonnaise (I use mayonnaise)
1 8 oz. can crushed pineapple, do not drain

Chill until slightly thickened. Pour over the cherry Jell-O and chill until completely set.

White Chip Chocolate Cookies...

2010-02-26T16:20:00.000-08:00

These are a soft and chewy cookie when not over baked. They taste somewhat like a brownie with white chocolate pieces. I made these for my husband's bible study the other night and they seemed to be a hit. Enjoy!

1 C. butter, room temperature
2 C. sugar

2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla

2 C. flour
3/4 C. baking cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 2/3 C. or one bag of white chocolate chips

Beat butter and sugar until creamy.
Add eggs and vanilla, beat until light and fluffy.

Stir together dry ingredients.
Gradually add to butter mixture beating until well blended.

Stir in white chips.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 9-10 minutes.
Do not over bake, cookies will be soft.
They will puff while baking and flatten upon cooling.

Cool slightly and remove to wire rack. Cool completely.

Makes 4 1/2 dozen.

Chocolate Cherry Cake...

2010-02-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

Every time that I have made this cake it's been a hit with every one. I prefer Duncan Hines Cake mixes, especially for this cake. Devil's Food was just a little too dark chocolate for me. I really like German Chocolate the best. This picture is made with a German Chocolate cake mix. Enjoy!

1 pkg Chocolate Cake mix, any chocolate cake mix.
1 can Cherry Pie Filling
1 tsp Almond Extract or vanilla I prefer almond
2 eggs, beaten

Mix all together and pour into a greased and floured 9x13 cake pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. it works best if you mix it by hand and reserve a third of the can of cherries until the last minute so that you will have some whole cherries in the cake.

Prepare frosting while cake is baking.
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter

Boil for 30 seconds and then add;
1 cup mini marshmallows, heaping
1 cup chocolate chips

Mix until everything is melted and pour over the cake as soon as you take it out of the oven.

Cool and serve.

Lemon Thins...

2010-02-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

1/2 C. softened Butter
1/2 C. sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
1 C. flour, sifted

2 tsp. lemon extract

preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar until light andf fluffy. Add eggs and mix well. Beat in flour and extract. drop by spoonfuls onto oiled cookie sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake until golden brown around the edges.

Cool slightly on pan. Remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Lemon Quick Bread...

2010-02-02T09:27:00.000-08:00

Bread:
1/2 C. butter or margarine
1 C. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 2/3 C. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C. milk
3/4 C. chopped nuts
Grated rind of one large lemon (the larger the better)
3/4 tsp. almond extract

Cream together butter and sugar.
Add eggs.
Sift flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add flour mixture alternately with milk to creamed mixture.
Mix in nuts, rind and extract.
Bake in greased and floured loaf pan at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.This can also be made into muffins.
Pour topping onto bread immediately upon removing bread from oven.

Topping:
1/4 C. sugar mixed with the juice of one lemon. Stir occasionally while bread is baking to dissolve sugar.

Green Chilie Chicken Enchiladas...

2010-02-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

5 boneless chicken breasts
1 bunch green onions, chopped, reserving some for garnish
Sliced or chopped black olives, I slice an entire can of black olives
1 dozen corn tortillas
1 large can green enchilada sauce
1 lb. shredded jack cheese

Cook chicken and break apart when cooled. I boil bone in chicken breasts, debone them and break apart. It is much more economical.

Heat tortillas in microwave so they handle easier
Place about 1 cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of 13x9 inch baking dish.
Put some chicken. onions, cheese and olives in each tortilla. Laying out all 12 tortillas and distributing equally on each one helps.

Roll up and place seam side down in baking dish. Pour the remainder of the sauce on top and sprinkle with cheese, green onions and olives for garnish.

Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees or until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more.

Layerd Enchilada Pie...

2010-02-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

This is an old recipe from a friend's Mom from High school. it is so easy to make and it's been a hit every time I've made it. The tortillas are placed in the casserole dish whole, not torn in pieces. I have also added canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed layered between the meat and cheese. I think I like it that way best.

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. chili powder or taco seasoning
1 small can sliced black olives
1 8 oz. cans tomato sauce

6 corn tortillas
2 C. shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 C. water

Saut'e ground beef, onion and garlic
Stir in seasonings, olives, and tomato sauce

In round 2 quart casserole dish, spayed with Pam, alternate layers of tortillas, .eat and cheese. Ending with last layer of cheese. pour water at the edge of casserole dish and bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. Cut in quarters a, makes four generous servings.

Beefy Vegetable Soup...

2010-01-29T16:56:00.000-08:00

1 1/2-2 lbs. of beef stew meat
1 medium onion, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped or sliced
3-4 carrots, diced or sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 or two cans of petite diced tomatoes
1/2 C. chopped parsley
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. thyme leaves
salt and pepper to taste

1/2 -1 C. frozen corn
1/2 -1 C. frozen peas

In a soup pot brown beef with a Tbsp. of oil. Add 10-12 cups of water. This is an estimate. I fill my pot to within 3 inches from the top of the pan.

Add all the ingredients except the frozen vegetables.

Cover and simmer 2 hours or until beef is tender.

Stir in frozen vegetables and 1 tsp. salt

Continue cooking until vegetables and beef are fork tender.

You can do whatever you prefer with this recipe. Add other vegetables..omit the potatoes.

The house smells so good with this simmering all day!

Golden Toffee Blondies...

2010-01-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness...these were great!

ENJOY!

1 C. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
1 3/4 C. light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 C. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 12 ounce pkg. semi sweet chocolate chips
1 C. toffee bits

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line a 13x9 pan with foil, pressing in corners to fit snugly. Lightly butter the foil.

In a large measuring cup microwave the butter until melted. In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat the butter with the sugar about one minute.

Add eggs and vanilla until combined and light in color.

Add flour and alt and beat until just combined. fold in chocolate chips and toffee bits.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 25 minutes. Blondies will be golden brown on the edges and yet still soft in the middle. Do not over bake. Cool on a wire wrack. When completely cool use foil edges to lift blondies out of the pan and cut into squares.

Great Cookbook...

2010-01-25T09:20:00.000-08:00

I 've read Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series, so out of curiosity I checked out her cookbook from the library. It's a keeper! No, I won't keep the library's book, but I will check out Costco and see if they have it at a reasonable price. The pictures are great.. the food looks delicious. It isn't full of a bunch of weird recipes. Some I would never make, but most of them look really good. I tried a Blondie brownie recipe and I will post that later today..if I am not in a sugar stupor after I had one for breakfast!

Something New..

2010-01-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

This is my new Le Creuset Casserole Dish. I love it!

Orange Bread...

2009-07-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

1 C. sugar
1/2 C. butter

2 eggs
1 C. sour cream
Rind of one orange, grated

2 C. flour
1 tsp. baking soda

Glaze:
1/2 C. sugar
Juice of 1 orange

Cream together sugar and butter.

Add eggs, sour cream and rind of orange.

Sift together flour and baking soda.

Mix into creamed ingredients.

Spoon into 2 greased medium loaf pans.

Bake 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

Mix together 1/2 C. sugar and orange juice and pour over bread while still hot.
Cool 10 minutes and invert.

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad...

2009-07-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

This makes a large amount of salad and works very well for BBQ's and Potlucks. It HAS to be Miracle Whip and not mayonaise. You know how some recipe's just have to have Miracle Whip? This is one of them.

1 medium red onion, sliced thin
broccoli florets
cauliflower florets
1 can of water chestnuts, sliced and quartered
1/2 C. raisins, more if you prefer
8 slices of bacon, crumbled

Dressing:
1 C. Miracle Whip
1/3-1/2 C. sugar
2 Tbsp. vinegar

Aunt Louise's Apple Crisp...

2009-07-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

3-4 medium apples
3/4 C. quick cooking oatmeal
3 /4 C. brown sugar
1/2 C. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 C. butter

Pare and slice apples thin.
Arrange slices in greased 8 inch round pan.

Combine oatmeal, sugar, flour and spices.
Cut in butter.
Sprinkle this over apples.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes.
Serve warm with cheese wedge, whipped cream or ice cream.

Fruit Juice Tapioca

2009-07-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

Mix:
1/4 C. tapioca
3 C. apple juice
Dash of salt
1/3 C. sugar

Let stand for 5 minutes. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.Cool 20 minutes. Stir well. Serve warm or cold. Makes 6 servings.

If using apple cider, add 1/8-1/4 tsp. nutmeg.

Pistachio Salad...or Watergate Salad

2009-07-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

2 C. Cool Whip
1-3oz. pkg. pistachio pudding
1 C. crushed pineapple, drained
1 C. small marshmallows
1 C. chopped pecans

Fold together and chill.

Anyone remember Watergate Salad?

Fruit Salad...

2009-07-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

1 small box vanilla instant pudding
3/4 C. pineapple juice
4 Tbs. orange juice or Tang
1 large can pineapple
2 apples, diced
2 bananas, sliced
1/2 C. grapes
2 peaches, sliced

Mix pudding, pineapple juice, orange juice and lemon juice together.
Pour over fruit and chill before serving.

Carrot Sunflower Cookies...

2009-07-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

Mix together and set aside:
3/4 C. whole wheat flour
3/4 C. oatmeal
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. baking soda

Cream together until fluffy:
1/3 C. margarine
1/3 C. brown sugar

Beat in:
1 egg1 tsp. vanilla
Stir in until blend:
3/4 C. finely shredded carrots
1/2 C. sunflower seeds

On a greased cookies sheet, drop by spoonfuls 2 inches apart.
Flatten to 1/4 inch thick.

Bake 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
Makes 2 1/2 dozen small cookies.

Blonde Brownies...

2009-07-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is an old recipe of my Mom's. I don't think I have made it for years, so I made a double batch of these this week and I was reminded how good they are! I didn't have anything except mini chocolate chips, so I used them. I think it worked out well. I only used a half of a package.

I may have over baked these by 5 minutes, I got distracted when the timer went off. I doubled the recipe and used a 12x9 cake pan. There is a lot of brown sugar in this recipe...but they are oh, so good!

1 C. sifted flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 C. nuts, chopped

1/3 C. butter or shortening

1 C. brown sugar, firmly packed

1 egg. slightly beaten

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 package semi-sweet chocolate chips

To sifted flour add baking powder, soda and salt. Sift again. Add nuts.

Melt shortening in saucepan, remove from heat. Mix in sugar. (Add 1 tsp. hot water if vegetable shortening is used.)

Cool. Stir in egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture gradually, mixing well. Spread in greased 9x9x2 inch pan.

Sprinkle chips over top.
Bake 350 degrees 20-25 minutes.

Grandma's Date Pinwheel Cookies...

2009-06-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

This was my Grandma's recipe. She made these the size of cinnamon rolls. They were her trademark specialty cookie. This was my Mom's favorite cookies during the holidays and each year I made her a huge tin full. I like to make them any time of year, it just so happens I wanted to use up some dates that I had and these were what came to mind this week.

I cook my dates before making the dough. This gives them a chance to cool down before I start my dough. if my dough sits while the dates are cooking and cooling, it tends to dry out and crumble when you roll into the pinwheel log.

Dough:
1 C. brown sugar
1 C. white sugar
1 C. shortening
3 eggs, beaten
4 C. flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt

Date Filling:
1 pound of dates, chopped
1 C. sugar
1/2 C. water

Mix dough and on a lightly floured surface roll to 1/4 inch thickness.
You can divide the dough into 2 equal parts for smaller cookies.

In the top of a double boiler, bring date mixture to a boil.
Let cool.

Spread dates over the top of dough and spread evenly. I roll these out on wax paper, then I just roll the dough by pulling them over into a log by pulling the wax paper away... it's much easier this way. Roll like tightly like a jelly roll.

Wrap the rolls in wax paper and chill over night.
Cut into slices and bake at 375 degrees until light golden. Don't over bake, a nice light golden brown will produce a chewy cookie.

Soda Pop Cake...

2009-06-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

It always seems I make this cake in the summer. Maybe it's because ever since my son was 5 he always wanted this cake for his birthday, which is in June. It's a family favorite, as well as anyone I have made it for. Enjoy!

Bake a Duncan Hines Butter Yellow Cake Mix according to directions. Let Cool. This has to be the Butter cake not a plain yellow cake. The results would be very soggy.

Punch holes with a fork all over the top.

Mix together and pour over cake:
1 Large pkg. strawberry Jell-O
1 1/2 C. boiling water
3/4- 1 can strawberry soda pop

Let cake cool about an hour.

Blend together and frost with:
1 large box of vanilla instant pudding, prepared according to directions. Letting it set for the required amount of time.
1 small tub of Cool Whip

Refrigerate.

Tamale Lentil Casserole...

2009-06-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

I had this dish awhile back at my friend Mendy's. It was delicious! I am always looking for a meatless meal to make and this one is a keeper. In case you don't have an corn bread mixes in the house and have corn meal, there is an alternative recipe for the cornbread topping.

For lentil mixture:

1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 cups water
1 ¼ cups dried lentils (10 oz.), sorted and rinsed
1 can (14 oz.) tomato sauce
1 package (1.25 oz.) taco seasoning mix
Cooking spray

For cornbread topping mixture:

1 pkg. (8 ½ oz.) cornbread muffin mix
1 can (8 ½ oz.) cream-style corn
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese (about 2 oz.)
¼ cup milk
1 large egg

Alternate cornbread recipe from scratch. (Cornbread Topping )
1/2 C. cornmeal
1/2 C. wonder flour
1-1/2 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt1 8.5-oz. can cream-style corn
1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 C. milk
1 large egg
Mix all ingredients just until moistened.

Heat oil in 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook onion, bell pepper and garlic in oil, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender.

Stir in water, lentils, tomato sauce and seasoning mix; reduce heat to low. Partially cover and simmer 35 to 40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 2-quart casserole with cooking spray.

Prepare cornbread topping by mixing all topping ingredients together in a bowl until moistened.
Spoon lentil mixture into casserole. Spread topping evenly over lentil mixture.
Bake uncovered 15-20 minutes until topping is golden brown.

Makes 6 servings, about 1 ¼ cups each. Per serving: 295 calories, 8 gm fat, 3 gm saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 48 gm carbohydrates, 2 gm fiber, 10 gm protein, 1,000 mg sodium.

Overnight Layered Salad...

2009-06-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

Shred 1 head of lettuce in a wide shallow bowl.
Top with 1 1/2 C. sliced thin green onions.

Layer in this order:
1 C. thin sliced celery
1 can sliced water chestnuts
1 pkg. frozen peas, thawed

Spread 2 C. mayonnaise evenly over the top
Sprinkle with 2 tsp. sugar

1/2 C. parmesan cheese
1 tsp. seasoned salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Cover and chill as long as 24 hours.

Just before serving, spread 3 chopped hard boiled eggs
1/2 lb. crumbled bacon
Cut 2 medium tomatoes into wedges and arrange on top.

Every time I take this salad to a potluck it seems to be a crowd pleaser. Most of the time I leave the eggs out of this recipe. It's good either way.

Mom’s Egg and Lettuce Salad...

2009-06-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, torn in pieces
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 green onion, chopped
parsley flakes
salt and pepper

Mix all the above ingredients in a salad bowl and toss lightly with mayonnaise. If too much mayonnaise is used the salad will be soggy.So it is best to use a little and add more if needed. Also make sure the lettuce is dry.

My Mom made this quick and easy salad all the time for us as children and when we came to visit with out families. There was just something about the way she made it that it was always just right and not soggy. Using a little mayo at a time is the key.

Chicken and Grape Salad...

2009-06-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

6-8 chicken breasts, boiled, boned and diced
1 can pineapple tidbits or chunks, drained
1 1/2 C. seedless green or red grapes
1/2 C. diced celery
1/3 C. chopped walnuts

Toss all the ingredients with Miracle Whip salad dressing. Not mayo!
Serve on a bed of lettuce.

My cousin made this for us when we went back to Michigan in 1973. I have been making it ever since and it has been a family favorite in the hot summer months.

Crunchy Pea Salad...

2009-06-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

I really like this pea salad. I like the crunchiness of it and the flavor. You could almost have all the ingredients on hand for a last minute side dish. it's important to have it thoroughly chilled for the best flavor.

1-10 oz. package of frozen peas, thawed
1-8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 C. thinly sliced celery
1/2 C. sliced green onions
1/4 C. mayonnaise
1/4 C. sour cream
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt, optional

In a bowl, combine the first 4 ingredients.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and seasoned salt.
Mix well and add to pea mixture, toss to coat.
Chill until serving.

Poppy Seed Mandarin Orange Salad...

2009-06-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Dressing, mix in food processor:
3/4 C. sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. salt
1/3 C. cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. onion
Beat in 1 C. olive oil
Stir in 2 Tbsp. poppy seeds
Make dressing ahead of time.
Put in a jar and either stir or shake through out the day to dissolve the sugar.

Mix together:
Iceberg lettuce and Romaine 2-3 heads
2-3 avocados, diced
2 C. shredded red cabbage
2 cans mandarin oranges, drained
1 can water chestnuts
1 C. roasted almonds
4 green onions, sliced

This is great for luncheons or brunches.

Country Chicken and Vegetables...

2009-05-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

I really like this recipe, I got it originally from Mrs. T at Across My Kitchen Table. I'll add a picture next time I make it. This is so easy and quick to out together and the mess is all behind you when it's time to serve dinner. Enjoy!

2 1/2 lbs. (or more) bone-in chicken breasts or thighs

4 medium potatoes, skin left on, cut in 1-inch cubes
1/2 lb. baby carrots
3/4 cup coarsely chopped onion

2 pkg. chicken gravy mix
1 1/2 cups water
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. poultry seasoning or sage
1 tsp. seasoned salt

1 cup light sour cream

In a large slow cooker, place potatoes, carrots and onion. Top with chicken.

In a small bowl, stir together the gravy mixes, water, thyme, and seasonings. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables.

Cover and cook 7 hours on low or until chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender.

Remove chicken and vegetables to serving dishes; cover and keep warm.

Whisk sour cream into liquid remaining in slow cooker. You can either pour this gravy over the chicken & vegetables in the serving dishes OR pour it into a pitcher and serve it alongside.

Yield: 6 servings.

Symphony Brownies

2009-02-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

Pineapple Banana Cake...

2009-02-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

This was my Mom's recipe. It's very moist and the pineapple gives it just the right little bit of something extra. I didn't frost my cake this time, but you can. A light layer of vanilla glaze or drizzle or a cream cheese icing would taste good. I didn't want the extra calories this time and opted for no frosting..it was good that way too!

Mix together:

3 C. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

3 C. sugar

1 tsp. soda

Mix together and add to dry ingredients:

2 tsp. vanilla

3 eggs, beaten

1 C. oil

1 8 oz. can crushed pineapple (with juice)

2 C. mashed bananas

1 C. nuts ( I used walnuts)

Grease and flour a Bundt pan or loaf pans.Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees or until tests done. My cake in a Bundt pan took about an hour and 15 minutes. Test and see if a cake tester or tooth pick comes out clean. Let it cool completely before taking it out of the pan. You can make this recipe in loaf pans if you prefer.

Soups...

2009-01-29T06:58:00.000-08:00

Chicken Corn Chowder

1 tsp. vegetable oil
1/2 lb. potatoes, unpeeled and diced
1 lb. cooked chicken breast without skin, cut in 1 inch cubes
1-2 green onion, sliced
2 Tbsp. flour
1 chicken bouillon, envelope
2 C. lowfat milk
1 can creamed corn

In 3 quart casserole, put oil and potatoes.

Cook covered on High for 6-7 minutes, until tender, stirring once half way through cooking.

Sprinkle flour over chicken to blend.

Add bouillon, milk and corn.

Cook, covered on High 8-10 minutes until mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly.

Stir occasionally.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This is a quick and easy soup recipe.

2009-01-29T06:55:00.000-08:00

Dutch Pea Soup

1 lb. peas1 medium ham hock or ham bone
3 quarts water
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 C. diced celery
2 medium onions, cut fine
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
Parsley
1 C. milk
Soak peas overnight completely with cold water. Rinse and drain.Cook meat, peas and water for 2 hours. Remove ham bone. Add the next 5 ingredients and cook 1 hour. Add parsley and milk. Cook 10 more minutes.

Marie Callender’s Potato Cheese Soup

8 C. peeled and cubed potatoes
2 C. peeled and chopped onions
4 C. chopped celery
2 tsp. salt
4 C. water
4 C. half and half
6 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1 C. grated sharp cheddar Cheese

In a large pot, place potatoes, onions, celery, salt and 4 C. water.Simmer about 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender.Put in blender and puree until chunky. Or use electric beater.Return to pot and add half and half, butter and cheese. Simmer until hot.

Mushroom Barley Soup...

2009-01-17T09:25:00.001-08:00

This is one of my favorite soup recipes. It originally came from Taste of Home magazine. I have substituted the one can of beef broth and used two cans of chicken broth instead. I will probably do that from now on.This is a soup that doesn't have to cook all day to taste good. Simmering a couple of hours and it is good to go! It's a hearty soup that everyone that I have served it to, has enjoyed.

1 1/2 pounds stew meat, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
1 Tbsp. cooking oil
2 C. finely chopped onion
1 C. sliced carrots
1/2 C. sliced celery

1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1 can beef broth, 14 1/2 ounces
1 can chicken broth, 14 1/2 ounces
2 C. water
1/2 C. medium pearl barley
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

In a Dutch oven or soup pot, brown meat in oil.
Remove meat with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in drippings over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes.Add mushrooms, garlic, and thyme, cook and stir for 3 minutes.Add broths, water, barley, salt and pepper.Return meat to pan, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2- 2 hours or until barley and meat are tender. Add parsley.

Spaghetti with Italian Sausage...

2009-01-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

1/2 lb mushrooms
1 med. onion, diced
1 med. green pepper, diced
1/4 C. olive oil or salad oil
1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage, cut in pieces
2 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 can (1 lb 12oz.) solid pack tomatoes
2 6 oz. cans tomato paste
1 C. water
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. basil leaves
1/2 tsp. oregano leaves
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 C. sliced green olives

In Dutch oven sauté mushrooms, onions and green pepper in oil until crisp and tender.Remove with slotted spoon.

In the same pan brown sausage, remove and brown beef.

Remove any excess fat. Return vegetables and sausage and stir in tomatoes and paste, 2 tsp. salt and seasonings.

Cover and simmer 1/2 hour. Uncover and simmer 1 1/2 hours longer, stirring occasionally.
Stir in olives the last 15 minutes of cooking time.

Red Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes...

2009-01-12T19:16:00.000-08:00

These potatoes are delicious!

8-12 red potatoes
6 cloves garlic
1/2 stick butter
quart of heavy cream ( I use whole milk or 2%)
1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Wash and quarter potatoes. Place in pan with garlic.
Cover with water and bring to a boil.Cook until potatoes are done. Drain water, not garlic.
Add cream, cheese, butter and salt and pepper.
Whip until smooth.
Place in 13x9 pan and bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Then place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden. Watch it doesn’t burn.

Cheese-Potato Bake...

2009-01-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

2 C. diced, boiled potatoes OR frozen hash browns
1 C. cottage cheese
1 C. sour cream
1 C. grated cheddar cheese
1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1 Tbsp. freeze dried, chopped chives
2 eggs, well beaten

Mix all ingredients.
Pour into 1 1/2 qt. baking dish.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until set.
Makes 4-6 servings.

Opera Creams...

2008-12-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

4 C. sugar
1/8 tsp. cream of tartar
2 Tbsp. white corn syrup
1 pint half and half
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix sugar and cream of tartar in large heavy saucepan. Add syrup vanilla and half and half.
Cook over high heat, watching closely to make sure the cream does not curdle.
If cream should curdle remove from heat and beat rapidly with beater.
Otherwise do not stir candy after boiling starts unless it begins to stick to the bottom of pan.
Cook until candy reaches 240 degrees on candy thermometer.

Moisten large flat platter with water; pour hot candy onto platter. Let cool completely.
When cool work up candy with broad knife or spatula on the platter until candy becomes stiff, rather hard, but creamy mass.
Cover candy on platter with clean damp cloth and allow to stand covered for 2 hours.
Cut off pieces of candy and work with your hands until candy is soft.
Pat pieces into the bottom of a greased 8-9 inch square pan.
Continue to pat pieces of candy into the bottom to form a thick 1 inch layer. Cut into squares.

Peppermint Chocolate Bars...

2008-12-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

This one of my favorite recipes. I love peppermint..anything. My friend Eileen shared this recipe with me. She was my inspiration to put together a cookbook for my family..and then this blog. Hugs, Eileen!

Melt together over double boiler:
2 oz. semi sweet chocolate
1/2 C. butter

In bowl cream:
2 eggs
1 C. sugar

Add:
1/2 C. flour
1/2 C. slivered almonds

Mix together with chocolate mixture and mix well.
Pour into 9 in. square or 8x10 greased and floured pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
Frost with mint cream.

Mint Cream:
1 1/2 C. powdered sugar
3 Tbsp. soft butter
2 Tbsp. light cream
3/4 tsp. peppermint extract
Beat until smooth.
Drizzle with chocolate glaze.

Chocolate Glaze:
Melt over hot water:
2 oz. German chocolate
2 Tbsp. butter

Chill until firm.

Peanut Brittle...

2008-12-12T11:27:00.000-08:00

3 C. sugar
1 1/2 C. light corn syrup
1/3 C. water
1 lb. raw peanuts

Cook over fairly high heat, stirring constantly to 310 degrees. (hard crack)
Mix together and quickly add:
2 Tbsp. butter and 2 tsp. baking soda.
Pour onto well buttered cookie sheet.
Break apart in pieces when set.

Peanut Patties...

2008-12-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

2 C. granulated sugar
1- 5 1/3 oz. can evaporated milk (2/3 cup)
1/2 C. light corn syrup
1/4 tsp. salt
1 C. sifted powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 C. dry roasted peanuts

Butter sides of a heavy saucepan.In pan combine granulated sugar, milk, corn syrup and salt.
Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to boiling.

Clip candy thermometer to side of pan and continue cooking to 234 degrees or soft ball stage. Stir occasionally.

Immediately remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar, vanilla and mix well. Stir in peanuts. Quickly drop by tablespoonful onto wax paper lined baking sheets. (If candy becomes too stiff to drop from spoon, stir in a few drops of hot water.)

Mary's Never Fail Divinity...

2008-12-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

2 eggs whites
2 2/3 C. sugar
2/3 C. white corn syrup
2/3 C. water
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. almond extract, optional
1 C. chopped nuts, optional

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; set aside.
Put sugar, syrup and water in heavy saucepan; cook to 250 degrees on candy thermometer. Do not stir.
Use paper towel to wipe off the sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan above the hot sugar syrup.
Remove from heat and pour fine stream over stiffly beaten egg whites.
Do not scrape any remaining syrup out of the pan.
Add vanilla and almond flavoring and continue beating until candy becomes stiff.
Beat candy until it lose it sheen.
Add nuts at the last minute.
Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper or pour into a 10x7 inch pan, cut into squares when cool.

Mom's Fudge...

2008-12-12T11:10:00.000-08:00

This was originally called Mame Eisenhower Fudge. But to me it's my Mom's fudge because she made it every year for my dad. he loved it and she would have to hide half of it just so he wouldn't eat it.

Warm to soften: I put mine in a Dutch oven and warm my oven and turn it off. You want the chocolate to soften nor melt.
2 C. semi sweet chocolate chips,
3 pkgs. Baker German Chocolate bars, broken in pieces
1-8 oz. jar marshmallow cream
2 C. chopped nuts

In a saucepan bring to a boil and boil 6 min:
4 1/2 C. sugar
pinch of salt
2 Tbsp. butter
1 can evaporated milk
Pour the sugar mixture over the chocolates, marshmallow and nuts. Beat with a wooden spoon. Do this quickly so it won’t set up.
Pour into a pan the size of a jelly roll pan. Let set until firm, usually over night.
Makes 5 pounds of fudge.

See's Candy...

2008-12-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

In California, See's is known for their delicious candy. These may not be the original recipe, but they sure taste like it. I made the Toffee one year for Christmas presents. When making candy that has to set to a hard stage,the weather plays an important part in if it sets up.I have had bad luck with it setting up when making this on a damp dreary day.

See’s English Toffee

1 lb. butter

2 C. sugar

2 tsp. light Karo Syrup

6 tsp. water

1 C. slivered almonds

Melt butter over low heat, add remaining ingredients.Cook over medium heat to 290 degrees on a candy thermometer.Stir occasionally so as not to burn. It will darken at the end.

Pour onto a cookie sheet and let cool.

Topping:

8 oz. melted chocolate chips

Finely chopped walnuts

See’s Vanilla Nut Fudge

1-12 oz. can evaporated milk

3 C. sugar

2 sticks butter

1-7 oz. jar of marshmallow cream

3-6 oz. pkgs. chocolate chips

2 C. chopped nuts

2 tsp. vanilla

Place milk, sugar, and butter in a large heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes or soft ball stage. Watch carefully, do not let it burn.

Remove form heat and stir in marshmallow cream, blend well. Stir in chocolate chips, nuts and vanilla. Pour in large buttered pan. Cool in refrigerator before cutting in squares.
Pour into a pan the size of a jelly roll pan. Let set until firm, usually over night.

Baked Carmel Corn...

2008-12-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

My family loves this recipe. it's so good warm from the oven. it's important to stir every 15 minutes so the carmel evenly coats the popcorn. This makes nice gifts in tubs or glass jars.

1 C. butter
2 C. brown sugar
1/2 C. light corn syrup
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
5 quarts popped corn

Preheat oven 250 degrees. Put the popped corn in a large pan, I use my roaster pan.
In saucepan melt butter.
Stir in sugar, syrup and salt
Boil to 248 on candy thermometer.
Add baking soda and vanilla. Mix well.
Pour over popped corn and mix.
Add peanuts if desired.

Bake 45-60 minutes.
Stir every 15 minutes. Cool on wax paper.

Payday Balls...

2008-12-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

If you like Payday Candy Bars...you'll love these!

1/2 pound white chocolate, melted
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup marshmallow cream
12 ounce bag caramels chopped peanuts
In a saucepan melt chocolate, peanut butter and marshmallow cream.
Chill and roll into balls. Freeze balls until firm.
Melt caramels.
Dip balls in caramel and roll in chopped peanuts.

Gum Drop Cookies...

2008-12-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

I have been making this cookie since 1969. Back then, you could send soldiers who were serving in Vietnam cookies. They had names and addresses in the local paper. My Mom and I would bake batch after batch of these to send off to soldiers serving our country over there. This cookie travels well and stays fresh a long time. At Christmas I use red and green gumdrops. Any other time I use all the colors of gum drops. It's a chewy oatmeal cookie.

Sift together;
2 C. flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder

Mix in large bowl until light and fluffy;
1 C, shortening
1 C. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Gradually add dry ingredients and mix well.

Fold in;
2 C. oatmeal
2 C. coconut
1/2 C. gum drops, cut in small pieces

Drop by teaspoonfuls on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Thimble Cookies...

2008-12-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

1 C. shortening
1/2 C. brown sugar
2 egg yolks, saving egg whites
1 tsp. vanilla
2 C. flour
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix dry ingredients thoroughly.
Blend in dry ingredients
Roll into one inch balls.
Roll in finely chopped nuts. I like almonds

Place one inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 5 minutes at 375 degrees.

Remove from oven and press a thimble on the top of each cookie. Return to oven and bake 8 minutes longer. Cool and fill with jelly.

Ginger Snaps...

2008-12-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

These were my father in laws favorite cookie. So, each year I would make him a big batch of these. he was always impressed that each cookie was exactly the same size...he didn't know each one was made into the same size ball! These are a chewy cookies if you don't over bake them. The house smells so festive when these are baking and cooling. Enjoy!

3/4 C. Crisco shortening. solid
1 1/3 C sugar
1/4 C molasses, I use mild
1 egg
2 C, flour
1 tsp each; cloves, cinnamon, ginger
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Cream shortening, add sugar, egg and molasses.
Gradually add flour, soda and spices. Blend well and chill.
Roll into balls about the size of walnut.
Roll in sugar and place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Coconut Cranberry Chews...

2008-12-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite cookies recipes. I use Craisins and the best place to get those is at Costco. The taste of cranberries and orange together are always delicious. It comes from Challenge butter recipes. Enjoy!

1½ cups (¾ lb.) Butter, at room temperature
2 C. sugar
1 Tbsp. grated orange peel
2 tsp. vanilla
1 large egg
3¼ C. all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
1½ C dried cranberries
1½ C sweetened flaked dried coconut

In a large bowl, with a mixer on medium speed, beat 1½ cups butter, sugar, orange peel, and vanilla until smooth. Beat in egg, until well blended.

In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter mixture, stir to mix, then beat on low speed until dough comes together, about 5 minutes (see notes). Mix in cranberries and coconut.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place about 2 inches apart on buttered 12" x 15" baking sheets.

Bake in a 350°F regular or convection oven until cookie edges just begin to brown, 11 to 15 minutes (shorter baking time will yield a chewier cookie; longer baking time will yield a crispier cookie).

If baking two sheets at once in one oven, switch their positions halfway through baking. Let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then use a wide spatula to transfer to racks to cool completely.Yield: About 6 dozen cookies.

The mixture may look dry until it comes together as a dough. If its too crumbly to form into balls, the dough need to be mixed longer; it should be a smooth homogeneous mass.

Pecan Pie Bars...

2008-12-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 15x10 pan with Pam.

Cookie Crust:

In large bowl at medium speed beat:

2 1/2 C. flour

2 sticks of margarine, cut in pieces

1/2 C. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt
Beat until mixture resembles fine crumbs.Press firmly into pan.Bake 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.Mix filling and put on crust and finish baking.

Filling:

4 eggs

1 1/2 C. Karo light or dark syrup( I use light)

1 1/2 C. sugar

3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 1 /2 C. pecans, chopped

Beat eggs, corn syrup, sugar, butter and vanilla until well blended.Stir in pecans.Pour over hot crust and spread evenly.Bake 25 minutes or until filling is firm around the edges and slightly firm in the center.
Cool completely.Makes 48.

This was my Mom’s recipe. She made it during the holidays. It is a great substitute for pecan pie.

Picture by Google images.

Spritz Cookies...

2008-12-04T11:40:00.000-08:00

Spritz cookies are made with a cookies press. You can find them at most stores that sell housewares. Sometimes I sprinkle my cookies with sugars and candies and other times I frost them with a dab of butter cream icing or even the premade frosting from the can, then I sprinkle them.. These are family favorite. Enjoy!

Spritz Cookies

1 C. butter or margarine, softened
1/2 C. sugar
2 1/4 C. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract

Heat oven to 400 degrees
Cream butter and sugar together

Blend in remaining ingredients.
Fill cookie press.
Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 6-9 minutes or until set and not brown.

Chocolate Spritz Cookies

1/2 C. sugar
3/4 C. butter, softened
1 egg yolk
1 tsp. almond extract
1 1/2 C. flour
1/4 C. unsweetened cocoa

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients EXCEPT flour and cocoa.

Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. (2-3 minutes)
Gradually add flour and cocoa until well mixed.2-3 minutes.

Load the cookie press with dough.
Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheets. Bake for 7-10 miutes or until set. Cool.

Decorate with frosting, powdered sugar, nuts, sprinkles etc.
Makes 3 dozen.

Brown Sugar Spritz

Cream:
1 C. butter or margarine, softened
3/4 C. brown sugar, packed

Beat into creamed mixture:
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt

Blend:
2 C. flour

Knead several times until soft and pliable. .
Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 8 minutes

Santa's Whiskers...

2008-12-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

1 C. butter

1 C. sugar

2 tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/2 C. flour

1 C. red or green candied cherries, chopped, or both as in picture,
1/2 C. finely chopped pecans

1 C. flaked coconut

Beat butter for 30 seconds.

Add sugar and beat until fluffy.

Add milk and vanilla, beat well.

Stir in flour, then cherries and pecans.

Shape into 7 inch long rolls.

Roll dough in coconut to coat outside.

Wrap in waxed paper. Chill thoroughly (overnight is best).

Cut into 1/4 inch slices.

Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake 12 minutes (or until golden brown on edges) at 325 degree oven.

Snowball Cookies...

2008-12-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

2 C. flour

2 C. finely chopped pecans

1/4 C. sugar

1 C. butter, softened

1 tsp. vanilla

Powdered sugar

Heat oven to 325 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients EXCEPT powdered sugar.
Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. 3-4 minutes.
Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1 inch balls.
Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheets.

Bake for 18-25 minutes or very lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes.
Roll in powdered sugar while still warm and again when cool.Makes 3 dozen.

Christmas Cookies...

2008-12-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

It's time for me to start thinking about my Christmas baking. I've already given it some thought and I'll post a list here in the next few days as to what those things will be. I am going to do my best at getting as many of my cookie and candy recipes posted soon. ( I have some started already, see below.) Remember I deleted my blogs last August and most of my old recipes were already posted.....and don't forget I am a two finger typist, you can't forget that! (: I am not sure how many pictures I will have, as I am not a genius at the digital camera either. I look forward to sharing my family's favorite holiday recipes and a few new ones that I hope to try this year. And then...I am doing so well on watching what I eat, I really am hesitant to bake at all. How can I not bake at all? I can't.

Mini Chocolate Chip Shortbread...

2008-12-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

You can make dough ahead time and freeze it. Defrost when ready to use and follow baking instructions.

3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup white sugar
3/4 cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt, set aside. In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, then stir in the walnuts and chocolate chips.

Roll or scoop dough into walnut sized balls. Place them on unprepared cookie sheets 1 1/2 inches apart.

Flatten cookies slightly. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until light golden brown. Remove from sheets to cool on racks.

Sugar Cookies...

2008-11-29T15:50:00.002-08:00

This is my favorite sugar cookie recipe. I have made it for many different holidays and teas. Adults and children love sugar cookies!

Sift together and set aside:
3 C. flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt

Cream together:
3/4 C. margarine or butter. softened
1 1/2 C. sugar

Add and beat until fluffy:
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Add flour mixture to creamed mixture and beat until blended.Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

On lightly floured surface, roll out dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on a cookie sheet. Bake 6-8 minutes or until cookies are beginning to brown on edges. Cool.

Decorate with icing.
Makes 4 1/2 - 5 dozen 2 1/2 inch cookies.

Powdered Sugar Icing

3 1/2 C. powdered sugar
1/4 C. milk
1 tsp. almond extract

In a large bowl, mix sugar milk and almond extract until smooth. Add additional milk if necessary to make icing thinner. Spread from the inside to the outer edges of the cookie and sprinkle with candies or sugars.

Heath Bar Cookies...

2008-11-29T15:46:00.000-08:00

Cream together:
3 sticks margarine or butter
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 C. sugar

Add:
3 C. flour
1/2 tsp. soda
3 Heath bars, crushed in plastic bag

Mix the flour mixture with creamed butter mixture and beat well.

Separate dough into equal amounts.
Roll on wax paper into three rolls.

Place all three rolls side by side in a plastic bag.
Chill over night in the refrigerator. (Or you can freeze them.)

Slice and place on a cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Powdwered Sugar Cookies...

2008-11-29T15:38:00.000-08:00

This is such a good cookies recipe. I don't know how many years I have made these but it's been ever since my kids were young. Try not to over bake these cookies. The edges shouldn't begim turn brown. They are a light yet, rich sugar cookie.

2 sticks butter ( not margarine)
1 C. sugar
1 C. powdered sugar

1 C. vegetable oil ( prefer Crisco)
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. vanilla

4 C. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar

Cream sugars and butter together.
Add oil, then eggs and mix well.
Add vanilla.
Sift dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture.

Chill dough overnight.

Roll 1 tsp. of dough into a ball and roll in sugar.
Place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet.
Flatten with glass dipped in sugar.

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.

Apple Crisp Pizza...

2008-11-15T13:49:00.000-08:00

This is my friend, Mrs.T's recipe, it is delicious! You might want to check out her blog, she has great recipes and a Christmas blog too. I used a Pillsbury premade crust and whatever apples I had in my refrigerator. I made it for guests last week and it was a hit. Enjoy!

Pastry for a single crust pie.

2/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 medium apples, peeled and sliced 1/2” thick

Topping:
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup old-fashioned (or quick-cooking) oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 to 1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping

Roll out pastry to fit a 12-inch pizza pan; fold under or flute edges of pastry.
Combine sugar, flour and cinnamon in a bowl; add apples and toss mixture together well.
Arrange apple slices in a single layer over pastry in a circular pattern to completely cover pastry.
Combine the first five topping ingredients in a bowl; mix well and sprinkle over apples.

Bake at 350º for 35 to 40 minutes or until apples are tender.

Remove from oven and immediately, drizzle caramel topping over apples. Serve warm. Makes 12 servings

Cranberry Banana Bread...

2008-11-14T16:21:00.000-08:00

Sift: 2 C. flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 C. sugar
1/4 C. orange juice
1 C. fresh cranberries, ground

Cream:
4 Tbsp. butter
1 egg
1 C. mashed, ripe bananas
1/2 C. milk
1 C. pecans, coarsely chopped

Sift dry ingredients and set aside.
In a medium sized bowl place sugar, orange juice and chopped cranberries.
In a large bowl, cream butter, beat in egg and dry ingredients. Stirring until just blended.
Stir in cranberries, bananas, milk and nuts.
Pour into greased 9x5x3 pan or 2 small.
Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until tooth pick comes out clean. For smaller loaf pans the time will be less. Floured loaf pan at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.

Cranberry Fruit Nut Bread...

2008-11-14T16:18:00.000-08:00

This bread spread with the orange butter is delicious!

2 C. flour
1 C. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 Tbsp. shortening OR butter
1 tsp. grated orange peel
1 well beaten egg
3/4 C. orange juice
1 C. fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped (can be frozen)
1/2 C. chopped nuts

Sift together dry ingredients.Cut in shortening.
Combine peel, juice and egg.
Add to dry ingredients, mixing just to moisten.
Fold in berries and nuts.
Turn into greased loaf pans.
Bake 350 degrees for 60 minutes. Cool. Wrap and store overnight.

Orange Butter
Whip 1/2 C. soft butter
Add 1 Tbsp. powdered sugar
And 1/4 tsp. grated orange peel. (more if desired)

Cranberry Bread...

2008-11-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1 Pkg. cranberries, chopped
2 Tbsp.grated orange zest
4 C. flour- unbleached, whole wheat or half-half mixture\
2 C. sugar (all white or 1 C. white with 1 C. brown sugar)
1 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. vegetable oil or butter
1 1/2 C. orange juice
2 eggs, beaten
1 to 1 1/2 CC. chopped nuts (optional)

Chop cranberries if you have a food processor (they work without being chopped, too).
Mix cranberries, nuts and orange peel. Set aside.

In large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in shortening.
(I usually use oil, which I just mix with the orange juice and eggs before adding to flour mixture.)
Stir in orange juice and eggs, mix just to moisten.
Fold in cranberry mixture.

Spoon into prepared pan.
Bake 60 minutes. Cool 15 minutes before taking out of pan.
For muffins: Preheat oven to 400 degrees and bake 25 - 35 minutes

Pumpkin Cheesecake Roll...

2008-11-14T11:59:00.000-08:00

Cake:

3/4 C. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs, slightly beaten

1 C. sugar
2/3 C. canned pumpkin

1 C. chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.Grease jelly-roll pan and line with wax paper, greased and floured.
Sift baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg and salt.Beat eggs and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy and thick, beat in pumpkin.

Stir in dry ingredients and pour into prepared pan, spreading evenly, sprinkle with nuts.
Bake for 15 minutes or until center springs back.

Loosen cake around the edges with a knife and lift onto clean towel dusted with powdered sugar, topside down.
Peel off wax paper; trim 1/4 inch from all sides, roll up cake and towel together and place side seam down on wire rack: cool completely.

Filling:

8 ounces soft cream cheese

1 C. powdered sugar

6 Tbsp. soft butter

1 tsp. vanilla

Beat the filling ingredients together until smooth. Unroll cake and spread with filling. Re-roll and refrigerate.

Cranberry Punch...

2008-11-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

2 pints raspberry sherbet
1/2 C. lemon juice
2 C. orange juice3/4 C. sugar
1 1/2 quarts cranberry juice cocktail (48 oz.)
2- 28 oz. bottles ginger ale, chilled

Soften 1 pint of sherbet.
In a punch bowl, combine softened sherbet, lemon juice, orange juice and sugar.
Stir to dissolve sugar.
Add cranberry juice.
Refrigerate for 5 hours.
Before serving punch, add ginger ale, mixing well.
Scoop remaining sherbet into balls and float on top of punch.
Makes 30 (4 oz.) servings

I made this recipe at Christmas for the family progressive dinners that we had years ago. it was also a hit for ornament exchange parties that we had every year.

Apple Dumplings...

2008-11-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

Pastry:

2 1/4 C. sifted flour

3/4 tsp. salt

3/4 C. shortening

5 Tbsp. cold water

Apples:

6 medium tart apples

1/2 C. sugar

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 Tbsp. butter

Syrup:

1 C. sugar

2 C. water

4 Tbsp. butter

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

To prepare pastry, sift together flour and salt. Cut in shortening.Ad cold water and form into a ball. Roll dough into a large rectangle and cut into 6 equal squares.

Peel and core apples.Place whole apple in center of each square.

Combine 1/2 C. sugar and 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and fill cavity of each apple with this mixture. Dot with butter.
With water moisten 4 points of each pastry square and bring opposite points up over the apple overlapping them. Seal well.

Arrange about 2 inches apart in 13x9 baking pan.

To prepare syrup combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes. Pour hot syrup over apples.

Bake at 425 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Pecan Pie...

2008-11-14T11:36:00.000-08:00

Pecan Pie was one of the first pies I ever made. We almost had to use a chain saw to cut it. It makes us laugh every time I make one. Some people use chopped pecans and other use the pecan halves. I think it's easier to cut when they are chopped but a prettier pie when they are left halved. Enjoy!

3eggs, slightly beaten
½. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 C .light corn syrup
1 C. pecans
1 tsp. Vanilla

Mix together and pour into an un-baked 9 inch pie crust.
Bake 450 degrees for 10 minutes.
Reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake for 30-40 minutes or until knife comes out clean. The filling should be firm but not dry.

Holiday Hermits...

2008-11-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

Hermit cookies can be made at Thanksgiving and will keep until Christmas in an air tight container. They get even moister and more flavorful as time goes by. Some people call these fruit cake cookies..but they don't have the fruit cake fruits. You know... the kinds that make people not like fruit cake? These are a nice addition to a cookie platter during the holidays.

1 4oz. bottle maraschino cherries
1 8oz. can of pineapple tidbits
1 box raisins
1 C. chopped walnuts
16 oz. chopped dates
3 C. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1 C. butter or margarine
1/2 C. packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Drain juice from cherries and pineapple to make 1/2 cup liquid. Set aside.

Quarter cherries and half tidbits. Place on paper towel to drain thoroughly.
Put in bowl with raisins, walnuts and dates. Set aside.

Heat oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease cookie sheets.

Sift flour with baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

Cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.
At low speed, blend in flour mixture, in fourths, alternately with cherry juice, in thirds. Beginning and ending with flour mixture.
Add fruit and nut mixture. Stir until just combined.

Drop by tablespoons about 2 inches apart.

Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Makes 6-8 doz.
Frost with vanilla buttercream icing or store bought frosting works just as well. Decorate with piece of cherry.

Holiday Recipes...

2008-11-12T13:20:00.000-08:00

I have been reposting my holiday recipes. Remember, I delted this blog a few months ago? So, if you'll scroll down you'll see some of my favorites. I hope to put new ones one every day. Enjoy... from my home to yours.

Sweet Potato Casserole...

2008-11-12T13:09:00.000-08:00

I love this recipe for the holidays. My son had this dish served to him when he was on bussiness in Mississippi and later was sent the recipe. Our family is sure she did! I have cut down on the sugar by a quater of a cup. I only mash the potatoes just a little bit. I have posted the recipe just as it was sent to us. Enjoy!

3 cups mashed potatoes (I use canned potatoes)
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/3 oleo stick
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix these together and put in greased casserole dish.

Topping:
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour (self rising)
1 cup chopped nuts ( I use pecans)
1/3 stick melted oleo

(I mix these together and use my hands to just sprinkle on top.)

Bake 35 min. at 350 degrees. (Sometimes I let it cook longer so it will set up a bit more. I like it more firm than thin.)

Apple Oatmeal Cookies...

2008-11-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is my friend Tina's recipe. They were delicious and the apples were picked from her own trees.

1 C. brown sugar, firmly packed
½ C. white sugar or honey (I used sugar)
¾ C. butter, softened
1 large egg
½ C. applesauce
1 C. fresh apple, peeled and finely chopped (I used 1 ½ C. of fresh apple instead of applesauce)

Cream sugars and butter together; add egg and blend; stir in apples.

Add flour mixture below and blend. Add raisins if desired.

2 ½ C. flour
1 C. oatmeal ( I used old fashioned oats)
½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon (I used 1 ¼ tsp. of apple pie spice instead of cinnamon and cloves)
¼ tsp. cloves
1 C. raisins (opt.)

Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheet, 1 ½ inches apart.
Bake @ 350 degrees, 9 – 12 minutes.

Yield: 3 dozen

Mom's Pumpkin Bread...

2008-11-12T07:58:00.000-08:00

I like making this bread with sliced cherries and dates. The cherries give it a festive look and the dates give just a different twist on the traditioanl pumpkin bread with raisins. Enjpy!

Blend together:

4 eggs, well beaten

3 C. sugar

Add and blend together:

2 C. pumpkin

2/3 C. water

Sift together:

1/2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. soda

3 1/2 C. flour

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. cloves

Add to your taste. Chopped nuts, marachino cherries, dates or raisins.

Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour

Pumpkin Cookies...

2008-11-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup mashed pumpkin
1 egg
2 cups flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup raisins (optional)
Cream shortening , sugar and pumpkin.
Add eggs and mix well.
Add sifted dry ingredients and raisins.
Drop from spoon onto greased cookie sheet and bake at375 degrees F. for 10 to 12 minutes.

Frosting for Pumpkin Cookies
3 Tbsp. butter
4 tsp. milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 tsp. vanilla

Cook butter, milk and brown sugar until dissolved:
Cool and add powdered sugar and vanilla .
Spread on warm cookies. Yield 4- 5 dozen.

Pumpkin Pie Bars...

2008-11-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

This is a simple tasty dessert this time of year. The last time I made it the men in the family said thy liked just as much as pumpkin pie. You have to use the pumpkin pie mix in a can, not juthte regular pumpkin. I made that mistake once and we couldn't eat it.

Crust:
1 yellow cake mix (reserve 1 c cake mix for topping)
½ c melted margarine
1 egg

Grease 13x9 pan.
Combine above ingredients and press into pan.

Filling:
3 c (1 lb 14 oz can) pumpkin pie mix
2 eggs
2/3 c milk

Combine filling ingredients and pour over crust.

Topping:
1 c reserved cake mix
¼ c sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ c margarine

Combing topping ingredients and sprinkle over filling.
Bake at 350 or 45-50 minutes. Cool. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Cranberry Mousse...

2008-11-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite recipe using cranberries. I have made it for years and it has become a family favorite. I've tried using various brands of whole berry cranberry sauce, but I always go back to Ocean Spray. I have made this with and without the pecans, but in recent years I have made it mostly without, because the grandchildren will eat it without the nuts. It is good either way. I originally found this recipe in a magazine. I am not sure if it was a recipe advertising Jell-O or cranberries. I hope if you try this your family will enjoy this as much as mine does.

1-20 oz. can crushed pineapple in juice

1-6 oz. pkg. strawberry Jell-O

1 C. water

1 can whole berry cranberry sauce

3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. fresh grated lemon peel ( I use orange)

1 /4 tsp. ground nutmeg

2 C. sour cream

1/2 C. chopped pecans

Drain pineapple well, reserving liquid.

Add juice to Jell-O in a 2 quart saucepan.Stir in water.Heat to boiling and stir to dissolve gelatin.

Blend in cranberry sauce with a fork until blended. (Lumps dissolved.)

Add lemon juice, peel and nutmeg.

Chill until mixture thickens slightly.

Blend in sour cream.

Fold in pineapple and pecans.

Chill until firm in a bowl or mold.

California Pilaf...

2008-10-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

When I was 15 years old I worked after school for a doctor and his family. Today I would probably be called a Nanny. I went with them on vacation and after school activities and I cooked dinner every night for the children. One of this family's favorite meals was this recipe.

1 lb. lean ground beef'
2 Tbsp. oil
4 ounce can chopped ripe olives (1/2 cup)
1/2 C. chopped bell pepper
1/3 C. chopped onion
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/3 C. rice, uncooked
2 C. hot water
6 ounce can tomato paste
1/1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper.

Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Brown meat in oil and add remaining ingredients.
Bake one hour.

Corn Casserole...

2008-10-26T10:52:00.001-07:00

This recipe is like a deluxe corn bread. Thick, chewy and moist!

½ C. butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 (8.5 ounce) package dry corn bread mix
1 (15 ounce) can whole corn, drained
1 can creamed corn
1 C, sour cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x9 baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine butter , eggs, corn bread mix, corns and sour cream.

Spoon mixture into greased dish.

Bake 45-50 minutes or until top is golden brown.

*This recipe can be doubled in a 13x9 pan.

Zucchini Bread...

2008-10-23T21:22:00.000-07:00

4 C. coarsely shredded zucchini
3 C. flour
2 1/2 C. sugar
1 1/4 C. vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 C. chopped nuts

Grease pans.
Blend all ingredients on low, then beat on medium for 1 minute.
Bake 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.
Or bake until tooth pick comes out clean when inserted in middle of loaf.

This is one of my favorite bread recipes. I started making it in 1972.

Chicken Lasagna...

2008-10-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

1/2 lb. pkg. lasagna noodles

1/3 C. chopped onion
1/3 C. chopped green pepper
1 Tbsp. margarine

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 C. milk
4 oz. can sliced mushrooms
1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
3-4 C. diced cooked chicken

1 C. cottage cheese
2 3 oz. pkgs. cream cheese

1/4 C. sliced green olives
1/4 C. snipped parsley
1/2 C. buttered bread crumbs

Cook noodles until firm to the bite in boiling salted water. Drain well.Cover with cold water and set aside. Drain before adding to casserole.

Sauté onion and green pepper in margarine until transparent. Add chicken soup, milk, mushrooms, seasoning and chicken. Simmer until heated through.

Beat together cream cheese and cottage cheese. Stir in olives and parsley. Spread 1/3 C. soup mixture across bottom of lightly greased 7x12 baking pan. Layer with half the noodles, 1/2 of the cheese mixture and half the remaining soup mixture.

Repeat layers and top with bread crumbs.

Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting into squares to serve

Peanut Butter Cookies...

2008-10-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

I have always been on the lookout for a good peanut butter cookie...well, I found this one a couple years ago and it's been my favorite ever since then. It's moist and chewy and DELICIOUS!

1 C. butter

1 C. brown sugar

1 C. white sugar

2 eggs, well beaten

1 C. peanut butter

3 C. flour

2 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

Cream butter and sugar. Add the remaining ingredients. Shape into balls, the size of a walnut, flatten with fork. Bake until golden brown at 400 degrees, about 9 minutes.This makes 4 dozen large cookies.

Quiche Lorraine...

2008-10-18T13:26:00.001-07:00

I love this quiche! I have made it for bible study brunches and it was always a favorite. It makes a good dinner dish as well.

1 1/2 C. milk
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
2 C. (8oz.) shredded Swiss cheese
2 Tbsp. flour
1/2 lb. bacon crisply cooked and crumbled
1-9 inch unbaked pie shell

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine milk, eggs and seasonings, mix well.Toss cheese with flour, add cheese and bacon to egg mixture. Pour into pie shell. Bake 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Persimmon Cookies...

2008-10-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

1 C. sugar

1/2 C. shortening
1 egg

1 c. chopped nuts

1 C. chopped dates

1 C. persimmon pulp
2 C. flour

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. cloves

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy.
Blend in the egg.
Add fruit and nuts.
Sift flour then measure and sift with remaining ingredients.
Add to creamed mixture and blend thoroughly.
Drop by teaspoonfuls on a greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Roll in powdered sugar while still warm.

Makes about 4 1/2 dozen soft cookies.

This was my Aunt's cookie recipe. It's moist chewy cookies. Great flavors for fall. You can freeze left over persimmon pulp and make these any time. Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Crinkles..

2008-08-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

1/2 C. soft butter
1/2 C. packed brown sugar
1/4 C. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1 1/3 C. flour
1 C. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large bowl cream butter with sugars, vanilla and egg.
Beat in cream of tartar, soda and salt.
Add flour, mix dough until stiff.
Add chocolate chips.

In a small bowl combine:
2 tsp. cocoa
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 Tbsp. sugar

Form small balls of dough and coat with cinnamon mixture
.Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 8-10 minutes.

Crockpot Chicken Chop Suey...

2008-08-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

4 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. minced crystallized ginger
1 C. sliced celery
1 small can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 onion, sliced
2 C. chicken broth
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 C. sliced fresh mushrooms
1 16 ounce can bean sprouts
1/2 cup slivered almonds

Cut chicken into strips 2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
Place in crock pot with salt, ginger, celery, water, chestnuts, onion, broth and soy sauce.
Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours..Turn control to high.
Add mushrooms and bean sprouts.
Cook 15 minutes more.
Sprinkle with slivered almonds when serving.
Serves 4-6

Pizza Burgers...

2008-08-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

1 1/4 lb. extra lean ground beef
1 ounce (10-12 slices) pepperoni
1/4 C. bottled pizza sauce
1/4 C. Italian style bread crumbs
4 thin slices mozzarella cheese
4 hamburger buns

Turn gas grill to medium high.
Place ground beef in a large bowl.
Coarsely chop the pepperoni and add it to the bowl.
Add the pizza sauce.
Using your hands, mix until the sauce is fully mixed into the meat.
Shape into 4 patties.
Grill until the meat is done but not dry.
Place a slice of cheese over each burger and cook until the cheese melts.
Serve on a bun and serve with condiments.

This was my Mom’s recipe and she liked to add chopped onions and bell pepper to the meat mixture. These burgers can be broiled or even fried in a frying pan rather than on the grill.

Layered Strawberry Salad...

2008-08-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

First Layer:
1 large pkg. of Strawberry Jell-O
1 small box frozen strawberries
1 small can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 1/2 C. boiling waterIn a medium bowl, pour boiling water over Jell-O to dissolve. Stir.
Add strawberries and pineapple.
Pour into a 13x9 glass dish.Chill until firmly set.

Middle layer:
Spread 1-16 oz. carton of sour cream over the Jell-O mixture. Put back in the refrigerator.

Third Layer:
1 large pkg. of Strawberry Jell-O
1 small box frozen strawberries
1 small can crushed pineapple
1 1/2 C. boiling water
1/4 C. chopped walnuts

Mix the same as the first layer, adding the nuts.
Let set until cool, but not set.
Pour carefully over the sour cream layer.
If it is poured hard it will stir up the sour cream.
Chill until set. Cut in squares to serve.

Baked Spaghetti...

2008-08-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

1 lb. ground beef
1 C. chopped onions
1 C. chopped green pepper
1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1 can (28oz) cut up tomatoes with liquid
1 can mushrooms, drained
1 small can sliced black olives
2 tsp. dried oregano
12 oz. spaghetti, cooked and drained
2 C. shredded cheddar cheese1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/4 C. water
1/4 C. Parmesan cheese

In a large skillet brown meat. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same pan saute onion and bell pepper until tender. Add tomatoes, mushrooms, olives and oregano.
Add ground beef and simmer for 10 minutes.
Place 1/2 the spaghetti in a greased 13x9 baking dish.
Top with 1/2 the meat mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheese. Repeat layers.
Mix the soup and water until smooth; pour over casserole. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Muffins...

2008-08-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

2 eggs
1/2 C. oil
1 C. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 C. flour
1/2 C. sugar
1/4 C. cocoa
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 /2 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Prepare muffin pan. Grease muffin pan or fill with paper liners.
In a large bowl add and combine eggs, oil, milk and vanilla.In smaller bowl add and combine well, flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, salt and chocolate chips.
Combine wet and dry mixtures and fold together gently until just mixed.Spoon into prepared pan.Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.Remove from pan and cool on rack.

Optional: Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of each muffin before baking.