Mountain Man's Pot Roast

March 3, 1991
I dedicate this recipe to the memory of Fess Parker and his role of Daniel Bone and to the cast.


1 5lb. round bone pot roast                                    
2 1/2 t. salt
2 T. shortening
1/2 c. barbecue sauce
1/2 c. apple cider
8 carrots, peeled and cut into thick coins
6 potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 onion, sliced thin
1 10oz. pkg. frozen okra
1 1lb. can tomatoes, undrained chopped

Fess Parker

Rub meat with salt. In a dutch oven, melt shortening. Add meat. Using medium heat, brow, turning only once. Reduce heat, add bbq sauce and apple cider. Cover and simmer 4 hours. Add veggies and simmer 1 1/2 hours.

The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching it, not by smashing it...Arnold Glasgow

Hawaiin Delight

March 3, 1991

1 large can crushed pineapple
1 small box lime gelatin
1/2 c. milk
1/4 t. almond extract
3/4 c. crushed ice

Drain pineapple, reserving 3/4 c. of the syrup.
Bring syrup to a boil, add gelatin, stirring until gelatin is dissolved. Bear milk and pineapple until blended. Add gelatin mixture, almond extract and ice. Beat well. Pour into 6 dessert dishes. Chill one hour.

This is different and delicious, eating this and watching "Cops."

The heart is the toughest part of the body, tenderness is in the hands

Dad's Famous Candied Yams

March 8, 1992


1 1/2 T. cornstarch
3/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1/4 t. salt
1/3 c. oleo
1 1/2 c. orange juice
1/4 c. pecan pieces, optional
2 1lb7oz. cans sweet potatoes, drained

Combine cornstarch, sugar, salt and oleo in a saucepan. Add orange juice and cook until thickened and clear. Arrange yams in a 1 1/2 qt. casserole. Sprinkle on pecans. Pour on sauce, cover, and bake 1 hour at 350*.

There are chapters in every life which are seldom heard and certainly not aloud.

Big Al's Barbecue Sauce

March

Uncle Al Pinaire diving

1 envelope onion soup mix

1 120z. jar peach preserves

3/4 c. chili sauce

1 T. white vinegar

dash hot pepper sauce

Blend well. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

Big Al deserves his name. Big, strong, intelligent  and was married to my favorite aunt. He accomplished so much and one of Wichita, Ks's best detectives.

Words are like diamonds. Polish them too much and all you get is pebbles.

Chocolate Penuche

March 3, 1991


2 c. sugar
1 c. half and half
2 sq. unsweetened chocolate
2 T. light corn syrup
1/2 t. salt
2 T. oleo
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1/2 c. walnuts, chopped

Combine sugar and half and half with salt in a 2 qt. saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cook until mixture comes to a soft ball stage(236*) Remove from heat and add vanilla. Cool to lukewarm without stirring. Beat candy until it thickens and looses luster. Quickly stir in nuts and spread into an 8" buttered pan. Cool and cut. Makes 1/1/4 lb.

Debbie and I are getting our chocolate fix and watching movies.

What is the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector?

The taxidermist takes only your skin.

Garbanzo Dip

March 2, 1995

1 10oz. can garbanzo beans, drained
1/3 c. corn oil
2 T. water
1 T. cider vinegar
1/2 c. green onion, chopped
1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped

In a blender, or using a potato masher, combine beans, oil, water, and vinegar. Puree. In a bowl, combine bean mixture with remaining ingredients. Cover and chill Makes 1 1/4 cups.

It's Friday night and even with 4" of snow my friends and two daughters are coming to play cards.

There is no secret to success. It is the result of hard work, preparation, and learning from failure.

Chicken Puffs Almondine

March 10. 1988


1/2 c. chicken broth
1/4 c. oleo
salt / pepper
1/2 c. flour
2 eggs
1 flat can chicken sandwich spread
3 T. chopped toasted almonds
1/4 t. almond extract

Bring broth to a boil over medium heat. Ad oleo, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to lo. When oleo is melted, add flour all at once. Stir briskly 1 minute or until mixture leaves sides of pan and makes a ball. Remove from heat, add eggs one at a time, beat thoroughly. Add chicken and almond extract. Blend well Chill 1 hour.

Drop by small scoops onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 12 minutes at 400*

Each of us shine in a different way, but this doesn't make our light less bright.

My Own Salad Dresing

March 27, 1987


1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. catsup
1 1/2 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 T. apple cider vinegar
1 T. mustard

Combine. Shake or blend. Makes 1 cup

I was out of dressing for a tossed salad and I came up with this very successfully!

Currently living in Newton, Kansas and missing the big city.

You can't keep trouble from coming, but you needn't give it a chair to sit in.

Saucy Barbecued Chicken

March 10, 1983

2 to 21/2lbs frying chicken pieces

1/3 c. catsup
1/4 c. water
2 T. brown sugar
1 1/2 T. lemon vinegar, but any fruity vinegar works well
2 T. oleo, melted
1 1/2 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. sea salt
1 t. mustard
dash seasoned pepper

Place chicken skin side down in a greased 12" x 7 1/2" x 2" baking dish. Sprinkle with sea salt and bake 30 minutes at 400*. While chicken is baking, combine remaining ingredients. Spread over chicken and bake 30 more minutes, basting occasionally. Remove fat when you can. Serves 5.


Love is clean as mountain water
Shining down in sparkles...so pretty
Sparkling the nights away
Awaiting for a blue sky's bounty..By Joyce Montague

Macaroni and Meatballs

March 14, 1994


1 c. spaghetti sauce
1/4 c. water
1 8oz. can jellied cranberry sauce
1/3 c. bbq sauce
salt / pepper
1/2 t. Italian seasoning
2 1/2 c. cooked elbow macaroni
24 prepared meatballs

In a large skillet, put spaghetti sauce and water over low heat, covered, slow simmer 10 minutes. Stir in cranberry sauce and bbq sauce, stir and add seasonings. Add meatballs. Heat, uncovered over medium heat 20 minutes. Serve over macaroni. Serves 6.

It's a hot day 80*! Watching" Weinerville" on tv.

Porcupine Meatballs

March 25, 1995


1 can condensed tomato soup
1 lb. ground beef
1/4c. uncooked rice, any type
 1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4 c. onion flakes
2 T. dried parsley flakes
1/2 t. salt
1 t. garlic powder
2 T. shortening
1 c. water

Mix 1/4 c. of the soup with ground beef, rice, onion, egg and seasonings. Shape into 16 meatballs. Brown in a skillet with shortening. Blend in remaining soup and water. Cover and simmer 40 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally. Serves 4

We woke up to a thunderstorm, but by noon was sun came out. Trai and Devin are watching "Spiderman" cartoons and eating Fruit Loops.

In eight grade, my school clothes consisted of bell bottoms, mini skirts, white go go boots, cola flavored lipstick and freshly ironed hair I bought my first 45' record for .69..Ferry Cross the Mersey" by Gerry and the Pacemakers".

I still have that record...I love you guys

Kansas Plains Beans

March


1 lb. dry Lima beans
1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced
1/2 c. green onions
1/2 t. garlic powder
4 beef bouillon cubes
splash hot pepper sauce
6 c. water
1/4 t. chili powder
1/4 t. dill weed

Place everything in a dutch oven, Mix well. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat 3 hours. Add water as needed. Serves 5

People who jump off bridges inn Paris are in Seine.

Aunt Bernice's Spanish Rice

March


1 lb. ground beef
1 green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1lb. can of tomatoes, chopped, undrained
2 c. cooked rice
salt / pepper

In a large skillet, brown meat with green pepper and onions, drain. Season to taste. Add tomatoes and rice and slow simmer 20 minutes.

How economical and easy!

Divorces happen and family:re: in laws get lost and scattered. Wherever you are Aunt Bernice, I still love and miss you. I still fix this

Watch my babies, as they sleep
Lying in softness, baby innocence.
Bless their souls, their health to keep
Guard their safety with total reverence.
   Amen.
I love you my daughters,
                 Mother-1978

Aunt Georgia D's. Green Beans

March


1 1lb4oz. pkg. frozen green beans
1 t. crushed marjoram
1 small can pearl onions, drained

Prepare frozen beans as directed, drain well.  Coarsely Chop the onions and add to beans and heat through.

Fondest memories of you and Uncle Joe and Max:)
How small is small? You know you're in a Kansas small town when:

1. Third street is on the edge of town.
2. You don't use your turn signal because everyone knows where you're going.
3. You are born on June 12th and your family receives gifts from the local merchant because you are the first
    baby of the year.
4. You speak to each dog you pass by name and he wags his tail.
5. You dial the wrong number and speak 15 minutes anyway.
6. You are run off Main Street by a combine
7. You can't walk for exercise because every car that passes offers you a ride.
8. You drive into a ditch outside of town and word reaches back before you do.
9. You write a check on the wrong bank and they cover it for you anyway.
10. You miss Sunday at church and receive a get well card.
11. The pick ups on Main Street outnumber the cars three to one.

Plum Crazy

March


2 cans purple plums
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 c. sugar
1 t. baking powder
14 t. salt
1 egg
1/2 c. oleo, melted

Drain fruit, cut plums in half and depit. Place fruit in a baking dish. Combine brown sugar, 3 T. of the flour, and pumpkin pie spice. Sprinkle over plums. Combine remaining flour, sugar and salt Add egg, stirring with fork until mixture is crumbly. sprinkle over plums. drizzle on oleo. Bake 30 minutes at 375*. Serves 6.


Another season passed away
From bitter cold to fresh green spring
Another season's come to stay
Clean fresh air and pretty birds sing.

 Your Mother

Mazetti

March


1 lb.ground beef
8oz. wide egg noodles, almost cooked tender, drained
1 medium onion, chopped
1 c. celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 T. oleo
1 can condensed tomato soup
1 large can mushrooms, drained
1/2 c. milk
salt / pepper
1/2 lb. cheddar cheese, grated

In a large skillet, saute onion, celery and garlic in oleo. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add noodles, then remaining ingredients. Bake, uncovered, in a casserole 25 minutes at 400*. Serves 5

After browning beef, place in a colander and rinse in water to remove nearly all the fat, then season.

It would be a lot easier if sin didn't always seem to be in such jolly good company.

Frankfurter Special

March 10, 1986


1/3 c. catsup
2 T. each: green pepper and onion
4 bacon strips
4 frankfurters
cheese spread
4 hot dog buns, split
1 T. brown sugar

In a small saucepan, combine catsup, veggies and brown sugar. Slow simmer 8 minutes. Wrap a bacon strip around each frankfurter and secure with a toothpick, Place on a broiler pan and broil until bacon is done. Remove toothpicks. For each sandwich, fill buns with some cheese spread add a frankfurter. Broil 1 minute longer. Serve with sauce.

Today is another phase gone by.
It's called the present, a part of past.
Knowledge learned through trial and error
Patience and anger, one learns so fast
   By me

Primavera Pie

March 11, 1983

4c. cooked pasta, drained
1/2 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
2 eggs, slightly beaten
salt / pepper
1 4oz. pkg. pepperoni slices
1 c. cheery tomato halves
1 c. broccoli pieces
1 c. sliced mushrooms

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, grated

Combine pasta, 1/4 c. of the Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, eggs and seasonings. Mix gently. Pour into a greased 10" pie plate. Bake 20 minutes at 350*. Fry pepperoni until edges curl. Add veggies and cook until tender. Stir in the other 1/4 c. of Parmesan cheese. Spoon over pasta. Cut into pie slices. Serves 8

Whatever shape your pasta is, cook in lots of boiling, salted water until just barely tender. I use 3 qts. water

  per 1/2lb. pasta and 1 T. salt. Don't cover and stir occasionally. shake vigorously on a colander to drain without rinsing.

 There are a lot of people who mistake their imagination for their memory.

Chili Rotelle

March 9, 1993


1 c. rotelle, uncooked

1 lb. ground beef

1 c. onion, chopped

2 cans condensed tomato soup

2 can red kidney beans, undrained

1 t. chili powder

dash red cayenne pepper

Cook pasta as directed, drain. Meanwhile, in a dutch oven, cook meat until almost done. Add onion and finish cooking, drain. Stir in soup, beans, and seasonings. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat. Stir in hot pasta, heat thoroughly. Serves 4.

Pretty fair out at 47*. The whole world is watching the OJ trial it seems.

About beef brisket:
Beef brisket should be simmered in a pan with a tight fitting lid. This keeps the steam in and makes the meat tender. Boiling makes the meat tough

Citrus Marinade

March 3, 1992

1 c. barbecue sauce

1 T. lemon juice

1/2 t. grated lemon peel

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 t. dill weed

1/4 t. grated orange rind

Combine and mix well. Pour over your choice of meat and marinate overnight. Drain, reserving liquid to baste meat with. Makes 1 cup.

Wow! I tried this for my first cook out this year on butterfly pork chops, so good and fresh corn with dinner rolls and a chocolate cake too.

This recipe goes out to Diane Sawyer of Prime Time. I love you and you are a perfect role model.

What is right if often forgotten by what is convenient... Anthony House

Parsley Butter

March 3, 1994

1 stick oleo
1 T. dried parsley flakes
dash lemon juice
2 drops yellow food color
dash seasoned pepper

Whip until blended. Chill , covered or in a butter mold.

My daughters love this on baked potatoes and rolls

A smile is a curve that can set a lot of things straight.

Praised Chicken

March 19, 1995

 2/1/2 to 3lb. frying chicken pieces

1 T. oleo, melted

1 can cream of broccoli soup

In a 12" x 8" baking dish, place chicken skin side down, drizzle with oleo. Bake 40 minutes at 375*.
Spoon soup over chicken and bake another 20 minutes or until chicken is fork tender. Stir sauce before serving. Serves 4

We celebrated the first day of spring with this easy recipe amid the OJ trial.

Our fortune is like muddy water. Be patient, don't stir it, and it will clear.

Herb Butter

March 12, 1992


1 stick soft butter
1 1/2 t. fresh parsley, chopped
1 1/2 t. dried chives
1/2 t. dried rosemary
1/4 t. dried dill weed
1.4 t. leaf oregano

Whip together until airy and blended. Make scoops into small balls for a special look. I keep little ramekins for this recipe.

A modem is better than a mate..Why?

1. They don't sit and complain if you play on the computer all night.
2. They don't complain if you talk to other modems.
3. A modem will sit patiently by the phone.

Corned Beef Bake

March 26, 1989


3 c. pasta twists
1 can cream of celery soup
1/2 c. milk
1.2 c. warm water
1 T. dill seed
1 T. horseradish
1 small jar pimientos, drained
1 20oz. can corned beef, cubed
buttered bread crumbs

Cook pasta as directed on pkg. Drain, rinse under hot water and drain again. Combine soup, milk, dill seed and horseradish. Cover and heat to boiling occasionally. Add pimientos and corned beef, Place pasta in a buttered 1 1/2 qt. casserole  Add the meat mixture, mix well.  Top with  buttered bread crumbs. Bake
20 minutes at 350*. Serves 4

Our last frost warning!

An excerpt from my diary, March 12, 1977

Lord, help me.

Today my three girls and 3 cousins, Vinessa. Pat, and Denise walked to the TG&Y and each girl had a dollar. They behaved like a using a blender without a lid.

Jody has her first loose tooth and won't let me pull it

Basic Omelet

March


5 eggs
3/4 c. milk
2 slices American cheese
salt /  pepper

Whip eggs with milk and seasonings. Pour into a lightly greased skillet. Let cook, folding edges so middle will run down. Place on one half side of omelet and fold in half, Let cook 2 minutes, turn, and cook other side.
Serves 2.

A Halloween Song..tune..East Side West Side
East side, west side
All around the town.
The pumpkins shine in the windows
And the leaves are falling down
Fin'lly it's October
And that's the time of the year
When we'll be coming to trick or treat

'Cause Halloween is near.

East side, west side

Kids are bout' to burst

Counting calender days until

October 31st

Orange, red and yellow

Replace the summery green

And we'll be coming to trick or treat

On happy Halloween.

Schmroodles

1 can cream of mushroom soup
3/4 c. milk
2 c. fresh grated Parmesan cheese or 1 c. grated/dry
3 c. hot cooked egg noodles
1/3 c. oleo, melted
salt / pepper

Combine in saucepan, soup, milk and cheese. Heat thoroughly. In a bowl combine noodles with oleo.
Add soup mixture and blend well. Serves 5.

What's for lunch? I said sandwiches and noodles, hmm not much interest. So I said "Sandwiches and Schrmoodles". They loved it:)

My moon's a self made photo book

He knows all my dreams and secrets

Every sin forgiven, every peeve and pet

Promises of love in time I;ve never met

Rocky Road Fudge

March


1 c. broken walnuts
2 c. sugar
1 c, evaporated milk
1/4 t. salt
1 12oz. pkg. semi sweet chocolate chips
3/4 t. vanilla
2 c. miniature marshmallows
oleo

Spread nuts on a buttered 9" x 9" x 2" pan. Set aside. Butter sides of a large heavy saucepan. /in pan, combine sugar, milk and salt. Bring to a rolling boil and boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and vanilla. Beat until chocolate is melted and blended. Cover nuts with half the chocolate,
cover with marshmallows, then remaining chocolate Chill 1 hour.

An excerpt from my diary, March 2, 1978

I had to wash all our coats from winter slush and my little Debbie said thank you mama.

We walked to TG&Y and bought socks, underwear, toothbrushes and candy and a jigsaw puzzle and paint for the front door.

Corn Dogs

March


2/3 c. cornmeal
1 t. salt
3/4 c. milk
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1 egg
1 c. flour
2 T. shortening
8 hot dogs
oil for frying

Mix dry ingredients. Cut in shortening. Combine milk and egg and mix with dry ingredients. Dip hot dogs in batter and deep fry at 365* or until dark brown.

Rainy non edible project for cold March days, requires 2 day cooling period so plan ahead:

4 c. flour
1 c. salt
1 1/2 c. water
Combine flour and salt and SLOWLY add water until mixture resembles putty. Knead 5 minutes. Roll out to a 1/4" thickness on a floured surface.
Dip cookie cutters into flour before cutting. Locate cutters also from kids' kits
Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 325* for 30 minutes or until light brown. Let cool for 2 days.
If you plan on making hanging ornaments, before baking, pierce a hole with a drinking straw.
Have fun with paints, glue, glitter, glue guns. Children never forget a fun quality art project.

Baked Beans Deluxe

March 28, 1990


4 strips bacon
1/3 c. onion, chopped
1 16oz. can pork n' beans
1 15oz. can chili beans
1/2 c. catsup
1 T. brown sugar
2 T. maple flavored syrup

Fry bacon until crispy curled. Drain fat except 1 T. Saute onions in fat 1 minute. Combine onions and remaining ingredients in a 2 qt.casserole. Bake 30 minutes at 375* or until bubbly. Makes 6 cups.

We had this at our picnic today, wore ourselves out and now watching "Roseanne."

Sweet and Sour Chicken

March 27, 1992


1 1/2 c. instant brown rice
1/2lb. chicken, cooked, cut in pieces
1 T. oil
1 c. bell pepper, cut in julienne strips
1 T. cornstarch
1/4 c. soy sauce
1 8oz. can pineapple chunks
2 T. vinegar
2 T. brown sugar
1/4 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. garlic powder
2 t. corn syrup

Prepare rice as directed on package. Heat chicken in skillet with oil until sizzly. Add bell pepper and cook 1 minute. In a small bowl, stir cornstarch and soy sauce together. Add soy sauce mixture, pineapple chucks with juice and garlic powder to skillet. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Serve over rice Serves 4.

An excerpt from my diary March 14, 1977 Tuesday

I've not written in awhile. I'm babysitting Jackie's kids today and my hands are full of kids.
Wednesday: Callison's Restaurant called me to work some split shifts which is most difficult but good money.
I came home, folded clothes, got high, did my hair and sang songs with my daughters. We sing along to Patsy Cline, Maresy Dotes, Just Because, mainly Lawrence Welk songs that my mother sang to me

It is 2011 and we still sing those songs together.

Chickem In the Oven

March 10, 1983

2 1/2lbs. frying chicken pieces

1/3 c. catsup

1/4 c. water

2 T. brown sugar

2 T. apple cider vinegar

2 T. oleo, melted

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 t. salt

1 t. mustard

Place chicken skin side down in a greased baking dish and bake 30 minutes at 400*. Combine remaining ingredients and brush over chicken. Bake another 30 minutes, basting twice. Skim fat from sauce. Serves 4.

About Avocados:
Cut avocados in half lengthwise around the seed. Twist halves to separate. Carefully whack a kitchen knife in to the seed, twist, and lift out. To mash or chop, scoop fruit out of skin with a spoon. To slice or dice, place cut side down and remove skin with your fingers.

Sugar Beets

February

4 T. oleo
2 T. sugar
2 1# can sliced beets, drained

In skillet, melt oleo, stir in sugar. Add beets. Heat through until beets are glazed. Serves 6.

If you boil some eggs, peel and let them soak in the beet juice, then slice. Kids love this!

An excerpt from my diary, February, 1977

Debbie's granddaughter, 2011, Coraline

Pneumonia is something terrible to suffer through and I did have to stay in the hospital for four days and I was pregnant with my second child. My doctor advised me to get an abortion because my baby might have poor lungs. That was in 1974. It is now 1977 and Debbie has excellent lungs. and healthy. We are so blessed.

Grungies

February

1lb. ground beef
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/4 c. green pepper
1/2 c. catsup
1/4 c. water
1 t. mustard
toasted buns

Brown beef with onions and peppers in skillet until nicely browned. Pour off excess fat. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer 5 minutes. Serve on buns. Serves 4

A tad messy, but so tasty and affordable.

On BBQ sauce:

Adding sauce too soon will burn the meat, because of the tomato and molasses bases.
For teaks and chops, add sauce the last 3 minutes of grilling.

For chicken, add sauce the last 10 minutes, turn once, baste the other side.

For hot dogs or sausages, add the last 5 minutes.
For smoked meats, add sauce the last 30 minutes.

Pheasant

February


2 dressed pheasants
salt / pepper
1/4 c. oleo, melted
1/2 c. beef bouillon

Season pheasants inside. Truss. Place in a roasting pan. Pour on oleo and bouillon. Bake 45 minutes at 350*.

Serves 5

The difference between politics and baseball is when you get caught stealing, you're out.

Lo-Cal Whipped Topping

February


1/2 c. chilled water
2 T. lemon juice
1/2 c. instant milk
4 T. sugar

Sprinkle dry milk on water. Beat with chilled beaters until stiff peaks form. Add lemon juice. Beat in sugar.
Serves 6.

From beer to maternity

Jackie"s Apricot Crumble Cake

February


8oz. pkg. cream cheese, room Temp
1/2 c. oleo, room temp
1/4 c. milk
1 t. vanilla
2 c. cake flour
1 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1 10oz. jar apricot preserves
2 eggs

Combine cream cheese. oleo and sugar, blend well. Gradually add milk, blend in eggs and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients together and add to creamed mixture. Mix well.Pour half of the batter into a greased and floured

North High School

13" x 9" x 2" baking pan. Dot with preserves, cover with remaining batter. Bake 40 minutes at 350*

More things grow in the garden than the gardener sows.

Coconut Cookies

February


1 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs
1 t. salt
1 t. baking powder
1 t. vanilla
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. coconut
1 T. water

Blend ingredients in order listed until smooth. Drop by teaspoonfuls 1" apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.Bake 7 minutes at 375*

About chocolate:

Store chocolate in a cool, dry place. Since it contains cocoa butter, chocolate will develop white spots if allowed to get too warm. Chocolate will keep up to a year if air sealed.

Heart Cheese Ball

February 14, 1990


2 8oz. pkgs. cream cheese
2 pkgs. wafer slice beef
1 bunch green onions
2 T. parsley flakes
2 T. Worcestershire sauce

When cream cheese is at room temp.. add chopped beef and minced green onions. Mix in parsley and Worcestershire sauce. On a pretty platter, arrange the cheese into a heart shape, chill. When ready to serve, add crackers around the sides.

Today is icy and the streets are sheets of ice. My husband is not fond of sweets so I surprised him with this after he warmed up and turned his favorite non-sport tv show "Unsolved Mysteries."

Plus his favorite beef stew in the crock pot:)

Crock Pot Tips:
Just a little water is needed and don't use dairy products as they will curdle.
Place hard  fresh vegetables, as carrots, first, then meats.
Use whole leaf herbs so they won't evaporate. Always keep the lid on.

This recipe goes out to Petula Clark..Forget All Your Cares.

Tex Mex Bean Dip

February, 26, 1993


Bottom layer: 2 squat cans of bean dip

Middle layer:
 3 medium ripe avocados, mashed
1 t. garlic salt
1/2 t. Worcestershire sauce

Top layer:
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. salad dressing
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
2 T. taco sauce

Topping:
1 squat can black olives, sliced, drained
3 green onions, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
8oz. cheddar cheese, grated

Spread bottom layer evenly over bottom of a pizza pan. Mix together middle layer and spread over beans.
Mix together top layer and spread over middle layer. Sprinkle topping on evenly. Wrap in foil and chill 6 hours before serving

I serve with crisp broken taco shells or a variety of tortilla chips.

Garlic is one of my favorite seasonings. Which ever type of garlic you buy, read labels.

One clove garlic means one section of a peeled fresh garlic. Garlic has no cholesterol, pus low in calories.

Peanut Butter Crunchies

February


1/4 c. oleo
4 c. miniature marshmallows
1.4 c. peanut butter
5 c. rice cereal, dry
1 T  oleo

Melt the 1/4 c. oleo in a large saucepan over lo heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
Cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Add cereal and blend well. Using a rubber scraper, press mixture evenly into a buttered 13" x 9" x 2" pan. Cool and cut into 24 squares.

I throw salted peanuts, skins removed, in my blender and process to make peanut butter. Do not use dry roasted as you need the oil.

A review of a tv program:

"This show has an exceptionally hollow core. If this were a tree, dozens of endangered species could build life saving nests in its center, with room left to set up a magazine stand."

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

February


3/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. oleo, softened
1 egg
1 1/4 c. rolled oats
3/4 c. flour
1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate morsels
3/4 t. baking soda
1 T. water

Cream oleo and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg. Stir in remaining ingredients. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 12 minutes at 375*. Makes 48 cookies.

Sports do not build character. They reveal it.

Aunt Wanda's Fresh Peach Cobbler

February


3 c. fresh peaches, sliced
1 c. sugar
1/4 t. almond extract
1 T. lemon juice
1 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 egg, beaten
3 T. sugar
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/3 c. shortening
1/2 c. milk

Arrange peaches in a greased 8" x 8" x 2" baking dish. Combine sugar. almond extract and lemon juice and sprinkle over peaches. Keep in a warm oven while preparing dough. Blend dry ingredients together. Cut in shortening until coarse. Add milk and egg and stir until just moist. Sprinkle with 2 T. sugar. Bake 40 minutes at 400*.

The trouble of living alone is it's always your turn to do the dishes.

Flounder Filets

February


2 pkgs. frozen broccoli spears, thawed
2lb. flounder filets
1 can condensed cream of celery soup
1 T. lemon juice
salt / pepper
parsley

Divide broccoli spears between filets. Roll up and secure with toothpicks. Lay in a shallow baking dish. Bake 20 minutes at 350*. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over fish.Bake an additional 25 minutes. Serves 6

Parsley:

To store fresh parsley. trim stems and remove any bruised areas. Wash and drain well. Place in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid in the refrigerator.

Toad Soup

February


1 c. onions
2 T. oil
7 c. water
3 beef bouillon cubes
1 160z. can stewed tomatoes
1 10oz. pkg. frozen mixed vegetables
1 1/2 c. pasta rings
salt / pepper
1 t. garlic powder

In a dutch oven, cook onions in oil until tender. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring, reduce heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.

Toad comes from the nickname of my oldest daughter Jody. White haired during her young years and called
"Jody Toady". She loved it.

About garlic:

Rubbing your hands with coffee grounds will remove garlic odor from hands. Also try rubbing your hands with stainless steel under running water

This recipe goes out to Gary Lewis and the Playboys...Count Me In..I love you

I Can't Believe It's A Cookie

February

1 c. peanut butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg

Blend all ingredients. Drop by tablespoons full on a greased cookie sheet. Press down tops with a fork. Bake 8 minutes at 375* or until dry.

A young fellow says he used to be labeled a party pooper, but je's more popular now that his role is designated driver...Joyce Mattingly

Our Fish Fry

February

12 crappies
3 c. crushed saltines
1 t. black pepper
1 t. lemon pepper
1 t. seasoned salt
1/2 c. oil
2 eggs

Cut filets in bite size pieces. Dip pieces in beaten egg. Combine crackers with seasoning, then dip coated fish in crumbs. Fry in hot oil 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serves 4

As ones goes through life, one learns that if you don't paddle your own canoe, you don't move..

Katherine Hepburn

Pralines

February


3 c. light brown sugar
1/4 t. cream of tartar
dash salt
1 c. milk
1 t. vanilla
2 1/4 c. pecan halves

In saucepan pecans,, mix sugar, cream of tartar, salt and milk. Melt over lo heat until sugar is dissolved. Cook to a soft ball stage, then cool to luke warm. Add vanilla and beat until creamy. Drop by spoons onto waxed paper. Let stand until firm.

There is a fine art to packing brown sugar. Simply add 2 tablespoons to your measured amount.

Barbecued Cow Chips

February


4 potatoes, unpeeled
3/4 c. catsup
1 T. dark corn syrup
1/t. paprika
1 t. salt
1/4 t. bbq spice

Slice clean potatoes to 1/2" slices. Place chips on a greased pan. Combine remaining ingredients and brush on chips. Bake 1 hour at 425* or until done. Serves 6

High expectations are the key to everything.. Sam Walton

Cheddar Cheese Tokens

February 16, 1985

1/2 lb. cheddar cheese. shredded
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. oleo
1 t. dry mustard

Preheat oven to 400*. Blend ingredients. Shape into 1" balls and place 2" apart on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 15 minutes. Makes 3 dozen Serve hot

My oldest daughter Jody prefers these over sweet cookies.

An act of justice closes the book on a misdeed, an act of vengence writes one of its own.

Marjorie vos Savant

Smokin' BBQ sauce

February 5, 1988

1 c. strong black coffee

1 1/2 c. Worcestershire sauce

1 c. catsup
1/2 c. oleo
1/4 c. lemon juice
2 T. sugar

1 T. salt

2 t. cayenne

1/4 t. marjoram

In a medium saucepan, simmer ingredients for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over ribs.

In the deep south,there is a bbq sauce based on black coffee instead of catsup, this is in between the two.

Southerners use a tea ball full of chicory to the sauce, but I'm not of fan of chicory.

Opportunity knocks only once, after that it's your neighbor wanting to borrow the snow blower

Apple Raisin Pancakes

February, 28, 1993


1 small box Jiffy brand apple cinnamon muffin mix
2 eggs
2/3 c. water
2 T. oil
1/2 c. raisins

Combine muffin mix, eggs and water. Beat until smooth. Stir in oil and raisins. Using 2 T. batter for each cake, cook over a lightly greased griddle. Makes 24.

My birthday!. "Collectors" is on and I'm hoping to learn the value of my antique cookbooks.

Finance is the art of passing currency from hand to hand until it finally disappears..Robert W. Sarnoff

Mushroom Broccoli Chicken

February 29. 1996


1 T.oil
2 c. mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 can cream of broccoli soup
1/2 t. parsley flakes
salt / pepper
2 1/2 to 3 lb frying chicken

In a large skillet in hot oil, cook onions and mushrooms 1 minute. Add half the chicken, cook 10 minutes or until browned. Remove and repeat process with the other half of chicken. Spoon off fat.  Return entire chicken to skillet, stir in soup and seasonings. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered 35 minutes. Stir occasionally. Serves 4

Watching "Hard Copy" and rocking a sick child.

Putting your best foot forward at least keeps it out of your mouth..Morris Mandel

Change is such hard work...Billy Crystal

Island Pork Chops

February 26, 1995


1 8oz. can pineapple chunks
1 T. cornstarch
2/3 c. chili sauce
1 1/2 T. brown sugar
1/8 t. allspice
1 lb. boneless pork loin, cut into 4 slices
1 T. oil
hot prepared rice
1/3 c. raisins

Pour pineapple with the syrup into a small bowl. Add cornstarch and stir until dissolved. Stir in chili sauce, raisins, brown sugar and allspice. In skillet, sear meat in oil, drain fat. Pour pineapple mixture over meat. Cover and slow simmer 20 minutes or until meat is done. Serve over rice. Serves 4

 Winter is almost over and my birthday is on the 28th. Crocuses are blooming and it's 76* out.

About pork:

 Roasting or baking pork without a lid is a dry heat cooking method best for tenderloin, chops and ribs.

Place raw meat on a baking pan on the bottom rack in oven and roast at 350*. If you have coated chops, increase heat to 425*

Listening to The Luvin' Spoonful:

Hotter than a Matchead...I love you