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Video Recipes for the 5 inch Reversible Better Baker Bowl Maker
Cornbread Chili    Ice Bowl   Meatloaf  Chocolate Cakes

My mother passed away in 2006, but she always made this salad/dessert for the big family Christmas dinner. I usually make it once each season, and will be taking it to our son' in a few days.

Holiday Salad
Make this in a large Pyrex dish 9 x 13 or not much smaller.
1 large package of red Jell-O - make according to package directions and let set in pan. This is the first layer.

Middle layer:
Drain 1 medium can crushed pineapple, use the juice to help make liquid for l large package of green Jell-O. Put this green Jell-O with the cups liquid in a pan. Heat with 12 large marshmallows, 6 oz Philadelphia cream cheese and cook until melted and blended. Let cool. Add drained pineapple, some nuts, and 1 small container cool whip. Mix together well. Pour as a second layer over red jello. Let set.

Make a second large package of red Jell-O according to package. pour over second layer. Do not do this until second layer is completely set.

Tomorrow a jelly roll for Christmas morning.
www.watkinsonline.com/hutto
sunnywatkinsgirl@aol.com
Order Toll Free: 888-965-7070

Watkins Orange Spice Bread #05543 or Watkins Apple Spice Bread #05623 can be made into muffins or bread. Both would make a nice gift.

I made a special gift for your recipe club friends for Christmas. It's on this blog post: http://www.daisiecompany.com/blogs/audreyjeanne/

I created a Gingerbread Man Cookie Recipe card that they can down load with and without the recipe. I hope they'll enjoy it!

Hugs and Love and a Merry Christmas to you!!!
Love Always, Audrey

Audrey is my talented niece.  I am sorry I did not get to see you and your family at Thanksgiving.  Usually I spend both Thanksgiving and Christmas with Betty and my brother Joe in Arizona.  This year I went to Muleshoe, Texas for Thanksgiving and am staying home for Christmas.  For over 30 years while Betty and John lived in Alaska and when your mother and dad, Joe and Carol,  lived in California my holidays were spent without relatives.  It is wonderful to be able to enjoy the holidays with family.  Family is so important to me now.  Hope I can get to see you and your sister sometime soon.

Thank you so much for making the Gingerbread Man Cookie recipe cards.  Our recipe family members will love it.
http://www.daisiecompany.com/blogs/audreyjeanne/

Dear Nancy, fur babies and Nancylanders:
I need TNT sugar-free recipes for trifle to serve this Christmas. Any sugar-free or low sugar recipes would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Nancy for all your great work.
Mary D in LaFayette, Georgia

For Carolyn in Ohio who wanted a Crockpot Corn dish. She didn't specify any ingredients so I picked this one. It's very tasty and easy. I'm sorry I don't know who sent this in.
gramaj

I usually use three one-pound packages. To that add a large block of cream cheese and a stick of margarine. Add salt and pepper to taste. Just stir occasionally until well heated. I usually use the high setting on the crock pot to start the corn, and then reduce the temperature to low. The corn will come out with a very light cream coating, that makes it taste like the corn just came out of the field.

Crockpot Corn
1 large Bag frozen corn
8 ounces Pkg. Cream cheese
1 Stick margarine
Salt and pepper to taste

Melt cream cheese and margarine in microwave. Spray crockpot with vegetable spray. Put melted cream cheese and margarine in crockpot. Add corn, salt and pepper. Cook in crockpot for two hours on low.
Serving Size : 8

For Carolyn in Ohio, this may be the crockpot corn recipe you are looking for. I made it Thanksgiving before last, and it was a hit. Also, very easy to put together.

Crockpot Corn
2 cans hominy, drained.... I use Pepi-hominy for the color.
2 cans Shoepeg corn
1 cube butter
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1 7 oz or 2 4 oz. cans diced Ortega peppers
1 small can sliced black olives, drained
Combine all in a crock pot and put on low for the afternoon. Can be done in an oven but so easy to do and take in a crock pot.
Careen from Cortez

Dianne in Houston

This is for Carolyn in Ohio 12/5:

Crock Pot Corn Casserole
3-15 oz cans whole kernel corn, partially drained
3-15 oz cans cream style corn
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup milk
1/2 - pound Velveeta cheese, cut-up into cubes
3 rolls of Town House Crackers, crushed
1/2 cup sugar

Stir together in crock-pot. Cook on high 1-1/2 hr. Stir, replace lid and cook on low 1-1/2hr.
Cindy in Kansas City, MO

To Nancy in MT -- one more great recipe.
My niece got married in Oklahoma recently, and did not want to go the route of an alcoholic punch or one with sherbet.

Since her wedding colors were fall like, and I did a cake covered in a light cocoa almond icing to make a light brown, we wanted a yellow colored punch.

This punch went over so well, we filled a large punch bowl eleven times for a crowd of about 120.

For each punch bowl, you add:

1 46-oz can pineapple juice.
1 64-oz bottle of white grape juice
1 2-liter bottle of ginger ale or Sprite/7-up.

Then either use an ice ring or crushed ice.

This went over well, and even the men in attendance kept coming back for more.
Sandy H Blue Springs, Missouri

For CAMILLE, Commack, L.I., NY who wanted TNT recipe for Fish Cakes using mashed potatoes.

I'm sorry this isn't an exact recipe but here goes.

I take a can of Salmon (about 1 pound size) (usually around a dollar). About 2 cups of mashed potatoes. (I use leftover)
Finely chopped onion (Whatever looks/smells right to you) (I use about a heaping tablespoonful)
1 raw egg
Salt & Pepper to taste.
Hand form into patties and sauté in butter or bacon grease.
Fry til brown on each side.

This is a very forgiving recipe. Just suit yourself.
And a good cheap meal.
gramaj

This is in response to the Watkins lady in the 9-10 Nov, 2007 newsletter.

Applets and Cotlets candy
3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
3 cups apple juice or unsweetened apricot juice
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon lime juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
2/3 cup cornstarch
2 cups walnuts, chopped
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Soften the gelatin in 1/2 cup of the apple juice. Boil remaining juice with the sugar for 15 minutes to concentrate it.

Mix the lemon and lime juice, and add all but 1/4 cup cornstarch to dissolve it in the mixture. Add both gelatin mixture and cornstarch mixture to the boiled juice and boil again rapidly for 10 minutes until very thick, stirring constantly. Taste for sweet and sour and add more lemon juice if desired.

Mix in the walnuts and pour mixture into a 9-inch square baking pan that has been dipped in cold water. Let paste harden 12 hours or overnight, then cut with a sharp knife into squares.

Mix together the reserved 1/4 cup cornstarch and confectioners' sugar. Remove squares with a spatula and roll each in the confectioners' sugar mixture (the cornstarch helps keep the sugar dry).

Yields about 64 small cubes.
Nancyb

Carolyn -- Re: Crockpot Corn
I use 3 or 4 packages of frozen corn. To that, I add one 8-oz package of cream cheese, and 1 stick butter/oleo. Then cook over low heat in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally. The only other thing I add is a little salt and pepper, if desired.

Sandy H
Blue Springs, MO

Hi Nancylanders,
My dil always puts a aluminum roaster pan in her roaster to help with cleanup. Hope this helps everyone, I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, also i am praying that things get better for you Nancy, in the New Year.
Robert's wife in Ohio

For my family Christmas get together, we have established our own traditions. Because everyone (all 41 in total) has to have Christmas earlier in the day, we reserve our get together with our mother until after lunch, and then just go with family favorites.

My mother will make a huge pot of homemade ham and vegetable soup. I will do a large pot of chili, and also make a big pot of homemade chicken and noodles. Then, we have a sliced turkey and ham and brisket, lots of fresh veggies with dip, as well as various appetizers, such as my Mexican layered dip.

I will also do about six to eight loves of bread, and at least two pans of cornbread, and a pan of grease-bread.

For desserts, we all have "specialties." My sister bakes about 80 dozen cookies of various types and favorites, for the day and for take-home packages. A sister-in-law will bake about six or eight pies. On top of that, we always have some new recipes we want to try on each other.
Sandy H Blue Springs, Missouri

Hi Sybil in Fl,
We are going to have a pork roast for Christmas too. I just rub it with lemon pepper, garlic powder, celery salt, and rosemary. Then, I cut up some potatoes in small chunks and pour some olive oil over them and then add a package of Lipton dry onion soup mix (I guess any brand would work just so long as its dry). I then toss the potatoes till they are all coated and they go in the same pan as the pork roast.

All I have to do is make a vegetable. It is very easy to do and frees me up to do what I want. I serve it with Applesauce. You can make a green salad if you want and add some good crusty bread.
Jackie

Nancy, I just sent in a detailed recipe for Crack Cookies that I got from one of my husband's co-workers, but do not think it went thru. Will just send in this shortened version and see if anyone recognizes this cookie called Crack cookie. I can't get it to turn out the way she did and wondered if anyone else has made that cookie.

Question for all you great bakers. My husband had what he considered to be the best cookie at work one day so asked the person for the recipe. Here is the recipe she gave me but when I tried it, it spread out too much on the cookie sheet and just was not the same as hers. She called it a Crack Cookie. I think it is an old time cookie recipe. What am I doing wrong?

Crack Cookie
5 C flour
4 tsp soda
4 tsp. cream of tartar
Cream together:
2 C butter
2 C brown sugar
1 C sugar
Beat in:
2 eggs
4 tsp vanilla
Stir in flour mixture until well blended. Form into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. 350 for 10 min.
Thanks, Linda, OR

This is a big ole' thank you for Granny in IL. The breakfast for dinner idea is certainly a good one and the recipes sound delicious. I always make a big brunch for the fam on Saturday and Sunday so that we have the opportunity to sit down and eat breakfast together at least 2 times a week. I may just have these for "something new." I appreciate your help. Thanks again.
Susana in Louisiana

Nancy:
Could you please tell me what date of the newsletter the Cream Cheese Bars appeared in. It sounds so good and I would like to make them. Thanks so much.
Helen, Omaha, NE

Hi Nancy and everyone - This is for Betty T in GA. I received the Sanctuary Cookbook the other day and have read and re-read all the recipes. What a great job you all did and you must be pleased with the results of the sale since you are all sold out. Just how many of us Nancylanders bought the cookbook do you know? Just curious.

Please keep my daughter-in-law in your prayers. She had a double mastectomy last week and next week she goes in for melanoma surgery. She had a brain scan and pt scan today. Always everything at once.
Rita in NC

Help! Does anyone have a TNT favorite recipe for nuts cooked in the crockpot? I prefer something along the lines of spicy or BBQ flavor, but any TNT will do. I want to give these as gifts so would appreciate TNT recipes only.
Thanks all. Debi in beautiful NC

Hi, and merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. I was just surfing the web the other day and ran across this site. I thought some of you might enjoy. It is all about party planning etc. It is all free, just name, e-mail address and password. Quite a neat site. Rose in Wi
http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

Hello Nancy and all of you with much more cooking experience then myself. I'm hoping you may be able to answer a question for me. Can you freeze muffin batter after you have mixed it all up? My mom would love to be able to bake some muffins when friends come to visit and would prefer to mix and bake when they arrive rather then have already made muffins. If so are there certain types that freeze better then others? Thanks so much for your time.
Bea in IL

Thanks to all of you who sent in ideas for the vegetarian chili. They all look so good -- think I will pick one for the luncheon and save the rest for DH and I to try with meat added. Either ground round or beef stew meat - varies with my mood. Some very good ideas from some very talented ladies -- thank you so much -- all of you. We love chili and now that winter has set in -- 3inches of snow here today and freezing, horrible temperatures - I have a crockpot of soup or chili every Monday - love soup and chili.
Thanks a bunch.
Rosemarie in rural Kansas City

Recently, there was recipes for fruit cake. I finally found my recipe that was given to me by my mother 35 years ago. I have always loved this fruit cake. It is not like the traditional fruit cake. I have not made it in awhile, but thought I would share it. It is my favorite and the only one my family would eat. Makes me nostalgic for when I was young and home with my children and baking for the holidays was relaxing. Also, thanks for the replies on how to use Mexican vanilla.

Janice in Kansas where a sleet, ice and snow storm are on the way.

DARK SWEET FRUITCAKE
1 egg
1 cup water (I usually used some of the juice from cherries and pineapple as part of this)

1 package Pillsbury Date or Nut bread (I always used the Date)
1 cup pecans or English walnuts, chopped
1 cup raisins
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained but do not need to cut
½ cup crushed pineapple, drained. (Could also use pineapple tidbits.)

Grease and flour bottom and sides of pan. In large bowl, combine egg and water. Add remaining ingredients; by hand, stir until combined. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350° as directed for pan sizes (below) until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes; loosen edges and remove from pan. Cool completely. To store, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap; store in refrigerator.

8 x 4” LOAF PAN: Bake 70 to 80 minutes.
9 x 5” LOAF PAN: Bake 60 to 70 minutes

10 BUNDT PAN or TUBE PAN: Recipe must be doubled; bake 65-75 minutes

SOUP CANS (10½ OUNCE SIZE) – fills 5 cans ¾ full. Bake 35-45 minutes (I usually used small bread pans.)

MUFFIN CUPS: Line 18 to 24 muffin cups with foil or paper liners. Fill 2/3 full. Bake 20 to 25 minutes

**If desired, substitute 1 pound (2 cups) fruitcake mix for cherries and pineapple.

This is for Mimi who was looking for recipes using wonton wrappers.
From Merry M in MN

MANGO SALSA WONTONS
This recipe is so easy, you'll get it right in only one take.
Makes 24 wontons.
Vegetable-oil cooking spray
24 wonton sheets (1 package; available at supermarkets or specialty stores)
1 large ripe mango, peeled, pitted and diced
1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
Half a medium red onion, finely diced
2 to 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 to 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (or more to taste)
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Coat mini-muffin pans with cooking spray and line the molds with wonton sheets.
Bake at 350°F for 9 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool.
Combine remaining ingredients plus salt and pepper to taste. Fill each wonton with salsa and serve.
Nutritional analysis per wonton: 37 calories, 0.5 g fat (0 g saturated), 7 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein, 0.5 g fiber
Source: Chef Zipora Einav

Artichoke Wonton Cups
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped
1 package (12 ounces) wonton wrappers

In a small mixing bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, onion powder and garlic powder; mix well. Stir in the mozzarella cheese and artichokes; set aside.
Coat one side of each wonton wrapper with cooking spray; press greased side down into miniature muffin cups.
Bake at 350° for 5 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Fill each cup with 1 tablespoon artichoke mixture. Bake 5-6 minutes longer or until golden brown.

Serve warm. Makes about 4 dozen.
Source: Paige Scott at Taste of Home

Hi Nancy; hope you have gotten good news about your brother. Diana in KCK was asking in the December 5th newsletter about her mom wanting a vacuum that wasn't electric and had no batteries. About 2 or 3 years ago I purchased something like what she is asking for at Walmart here in Canada. I am not sure if they still make it but worth a look. It is made by Bissel and is called "Perfect Sweep." It can be used on any type of floors, has a flat heat and brushes on the
bottom. It will pick up going forward or backward. I used it all the time instead of a broom in between vacuuming - especially in the kitchen. I hang it on the wall going down to the basement and it hangs flat too. To empty it, there is a little tab in two places, you just push it down and the dirt drops out. I paid around $35 for it when I bought it. Perhaps that is something that she is looking
for. I found it easier to empty than a dust cup which sometimes can be hard trying to get it back in properly. Good luck in finding something.
Kim from Canada

For Terry, Lansing, IL:
http://www.preparedpantry.com/vol5iss11-29-RFF.htm
has recipes and cooking help for mini loaves.
grannym IL

Southern Style Pecan Fudge
A tried and true recipe

4 cups confectioners sugar
6 T butter or margarine
l/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
l/4 cup milk
l T vanilla extract
l/4 t salt
l cup nuts, pecans or walnuts

Put in microwave safe bowl and cook all ingredients until smooth stir nuts in quickly and put in foil lined 8x8 pan. MY microwave took 6 minutes, and I stirred mixture once, around 4 minutes.
Dee in W. Lafayette

To Susana in Louisiana, Jackiet from Louisiana and Grannym IL - thanks so much for your quick response to my request for breakfast casseroles. We had a snow/ice storm last night so I thinnk that I will try one of the casseroles for dinner tonight.

To Kathi in NM - thank you for the Mr. Breakfast.com site. I checked it out this morning and thought I would lose my mind. I will go back in and check the site later today -- it is awesome.

Thanks again ladies and to you Nancy for making this great site available. Happy Holidays.
Millie D in Baltimore

For Mimi ~ What temp oven do you bake this pie?
Marilyn in Ohio

Chocolate Custard Pie
1 cup sweet milk
3 Tbsp. sweet butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 square unsweetened baking chocolate
2 egg yolks, well beaten
1 Tbsp. cornstarch dissolved in 2 Tbsp. water
pre-baked pie crust
2 egg whites
2 Tbsp. sugar

Place in a pan to boil, one cup of sweet milk, butter, sugar, unsweetened chocolate. Stir into this the yolks of 2 eggs well beaten and one tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little water. Cook until thick, stirring constantly to keep from scorching. Fill the baked crust and cover with a meringue made of the whites of 2 eggs well beaten, to which has been added 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Place in the oven and bake a light brown.
Yield - makes 1-9" pie

For Theresa in MI. I found a kit that you can use any ground meat and make good jerky. Go to web site www.nesco.com
On the left side there are selections. Click on "jerky spices ,kits & kitchen items. They have kits tro make jerky. I bought mine at "walmart" in the section that has the dehydrators. The kit has a jereky gun .Ground meat is use and come out in strips to tubes. I enjoy using it. The kit is called "Jerky Works"
Jack - Ohio

Hi
This is for Diana KCK regarding the vacuum that does not take electric or batteries. I think what your Mom means is a carpet sweeper. I have one I bought at Walmart and it is a Bissell Perfect Sweep. It picks up really well and I don't remember the price but I know it wasn't expensive. It was located with all the vacuum cleaners. I hope this helps.
Sherrie in Delaware

Good morning everyone! For Diane KCK.-the "vacuum" must be an old fashioned carpet sweeper. I think they are really really handy to have, I've had mine for about 30 years but can't remember where I got it. I know they're still for sale though.

And for Sybil FL; we don't do turkey for Christmas dinner - too much work! We start our Christmas Day with a champagne brunch while opening presents (even when the kids were little - NO they didn't have champagne but I put club soda in their orange juice) and that always took until 12 or 1. Then we were much to full for dinner, so we'd have a great soup of some sort and great bread. Our Christmas Feast then moved to "Boxing Day", day after Christmas, when I make Beef Wellington.

Nancy, our hearts are full of prayers for you and your brother. God is holding you all in his arms to help you through this.
Kathi in Virginia

Hi Nancy and Friends,
This has got to be my favorite fudge recipe and thought I would share with you.
Stan in PA

Velveeta Fudge
1 pound Velveeta cheese
1 pound margarine
1 tablespoon vanilla
4 pounds powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa
2-3 cups chopped nuts (optional)

In the microwave oven, heat cheese, margarine and vanilla until melted. While this is melting, mix the powdered sugar, cocoa and nuts together in a large pan or bowl. Pour the cheese mixture into the sugar mixture and mix thoroughly with your hands. You will feel the sugar dissolve. Spread into two or three buttered 9" x 13" pans. Chill and slice. Freezes well.

Good morning Nancy,
Lisa (East Texas) in the same newsletter, re mushy fries – Lisa, we fry our sliced potatoes with onion in the skillet, add salt and pepper and we call them fried potatoes and onions. Love them! Never thought of a sandwich with them, though! I am originally from NW Ohio, then Laramie, WY and now Alamogordo, NM.

Nancy, we have whatever we decide to have at the last minute for Christmas. It’s just the 2 of us for the holidays usually, so we either have steak on the grill or shrimp or lobster. Take care!
Chris in NM

Dena is looking for a healthy version of her husband's favorite cookies. The following recipe is from the American heart Association. We got it when my Dad was diagnosed with a heart condition and made them every week. They are now a favorite with all the men in the family. I often make them with Craisins ( cranberries) or sometimes mix Craisins with raisins.
Margo/Boston

1 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups Quick Quaker Oats (not instant)
2 egg whites, slightly beaten
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup Wesson oil
1/2 cup skim milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup seedless raisins
3/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. stir in oats. Combine beaten egg whites, brown sugar, oil, milk, vanilla, and raisins. Add to flour mixture, mix well and add walnuts. Drop batter a tablespoon at a time onto oiled cookie sheet ( I use parchment paper). Bake 1o- 14 minutes depending on the texture you like.

I have searched and searched and cannot find the recipe for Tona’s Rave Cake. Can you or someone tell me where it is, or how I can find it? I would like to make this for our Christmas dinner this year. Thanks!
Patricia in KY

I have a couple of questions about the Christmas Jell-O recipe in the December 5th newsletter. What size (in ounces) is the large sour cream? Also what size can crushed pineapple? Is it suppose to be drained before adding to the recipe? I also wonder how many ounces each of the two packages of frozen strawberries, or raspberries are suppose to be? I would very much like to make this, as sounds good, but I want to make sure I have the right size quantities of everything, so it will set up good. Thanks!
Judy (in Alaska)

Diana in KCK~ Sounds like your mother's wanting a good old handy "Carpet Sweeper."

No vacuum suction--it just sweeps dirt and crumbs into its inner pan. Am surprised they're still manufactured. If you read the product "Details" on this webpage to your mom, I think you'll find that it's what she wants (The Bissell Company has always made reputable products)
http://www.acehardware.com/

To Diana in KCK; The sweeper your mother is thinking about, is a sweeper that was made by BISSELL. No electric or batteries. I believe the brushes were attached to the wheels somehow and this caused them to rotate and pick up the dirt.
In the center between the brushes was a compartment for the dirt. The compartment had a cover that you opened to get rid of the dirt. This type of sweeper may still be sold but under another name.
Joseph J.

With regards to the vegetarian chili I really like this recipe. I'm not sure where I got it, might have been through this newsletter. It's fast and easy and very good.
Nancy in MT

Firehouse Chili (with Oatmeal)
Oatmeal gives a meaty consistency to this tasty, easy and healthful chili.

1 onion, chopped
1 large bell pepper (red or green), chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 beef bouillon cubes or 2 teaspoons bouillon granules
1 cup water
1 28-ounce can Italian-style tomatoes, undrained
2 16-ounce cans kidney beans, undrained
1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or long-cooking style -- uncooked)
1 tablespoon mild chili powder
pinch cayenne, or to taste

Put the chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, bouillon cubes and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the onions are softened. Add the tomatoes and break them up with a spoon or knife. Stir in the beans, oats and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes.
4-6 servings

Extra-Quick Version: use a 1-pound bag of frozen onions and green peppers instead of chopping your own.

"Meatier" Version: add two frozen veggie burgers, broken into bite size pieces, along with the beans and oats.

I want to thank all that wrote in about the roasters. I think that I should reinvest in a different roaster like the Nesco. I must have just invested in the wrong brand.
Thanks again. Donna in Pa.

Hello to all you good cooks out there. I am looking for a recipe called Green Bean Bundles-have already checked on line at TOH-not the one I am looking for. This called for canned whole green beans, with 5-6 beans wrapped with 1/2 slice bacon and then some kind of sauce poured over and baked until the bacon is crisp. Seems like the sauce was some vinegar, brown sugar and maybe something else. Sound familiar to anyone? I would like to have this before Christmas. Thanks. Connie in TX

Welcome to Priscilla from Fort Meyers, Florida. Would you share your famous salad dressing recipe with us? It is the best, and is loved by everyone who has ever tried it.
Thanks. Anne.

Great newsletter Nancy.
I just bought a pizzelle iron, does anyone have any TNT recipes to make in it.
Thankyou. Toni in Canada.

Last night my two sisters and I went to a cooking school class at Market Street. The topic was "Christmas Candy for Gift Giving". The instructor made seven different candies, then we each got a box of candies to take home. One of the recipes (and the most simple one) was for Microwave Peanut Brittle. It took around 10 minutes to make and was very tasty. So I thought I would share the recipe w/ the group. Also, if you have never "done" a cooking class at high end market, I highly recommend it. A few years ago my sister gave me a gift certificate for one at Central Market, and I have been hooked ever since. The Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, all the "girls" (8 of us) in my family went to a hands on class based Diane Mott Davidson's book, Dark Tort. As a group, we made 5 of the recipes from the book and then ate them for dinner. We had a blast. Next month the book club class is going to be based on a Stephanie Plum novel. So, if you have a foodie on your Christmas list, you might want to surprise them w/ a gift certificate for a class. And as an added bonus, go w/ them and have some fun.
Make it a great day!
Lisa (East Texas)

What I forgot to say above is that I made this brittle this afternoon and it turned out great!

Microwave Peanut Brittle
1 c sugar
1/2 c corn syrup
1 c plain, roasted, salted peanuts (these were cocktail peanuts, not raw)
1 T butter
1 t vanilla
1 t baking soda (sifted to remove lumps)

Lightly spray a large baking sheet w/ veggie spray or cover w/ non stick foil and set aside. Mix sugar and corn syrup in a 2 qt or larger microwave safe bowl. I used my 2 qt Pyrex measuring bowl. Microwave on high for 4 minutes.

Stir in peanuts. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until color changes to light brown: Watch it carefully until you know how your microwave cooks. It only took me 3 minutes. Add butter and vanilla and stir well. Cook 1-2 minutes more. Nuts will be light brown and the syrup VERY hot.

Stir in baking soda and mix until light and foamy.
Immediately pour the mixture out onto the prepared baking sheet and allow to cool 1 hour.

Break into pieces and store in air tight container.

To make almond brittle, substitute 1 c roasted salted almonds for the peanuts and 1 t almond extract for vanilla. To make cashew or pecan brittle, substitute 1 c roasted, salted cashews or pecans for the peanuts.

Dec 5, 2007 newsletter
Carolyn in Ohio asking about corn cooked in crockpot. If it is the Easy Creamy Corn, it is in Nov. 27th newsletter. I miss some of the newsletters (sometimes unable to open them in Yahoo) so there may have been another that I didn’t see.

Nancy, do Siggy & Ditto have their Christmas Stockings ready for Santa?
Carolyn in Tulsa

Nancy
I am looking for a Chocolate Cake and Chocolate Fudge Frosting that has vinegar in it and no eggs.
Thanks, Yolonda

Nancy: Here are two pepperoni dips I had in my files re Anne's request Dec. 7 newsletter. Corinne

PEPPERONI DIP
8 oz. cream cheese--melted
1 can cream of celery soup
1 package pepperoni
1 loaf of French or Italian bread, sliced

Put cream cheese and soup in small crock pot. Mix well.. Cut pepperoni into fourths. Mix into crock pot. Serve warm with bread slices.

Meaty Italian Pizza Dip
1 T EVOO
1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 lb pepperoni, chopped
14 oz petite diced tomatoes-drain well
3/4 c shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 c grated Parmigiano Reggiano
RITZ Crackers

Cook sausage in oil over medium heat, then add garlic and onions-cook until tender. Remove and drain on paper towel. Warm pepperoni in the same pan then add back the sausage, garlic and onions. Transfer meat to bottom of a casserole. Sprinkle tomatoes over meat. Top with cheese. Place the casserole under the broiler until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately with the crackers for dipping.
Source: Rachel Ray
Makes 4 cups

Sybil in Fla wanted Christmas menus. Since we go so formal at Thanksgiving, we go super casual for Christmas. We bring our favorite appetizers, snacks, and desserts for Christmas. I will be making Southwestern eggrolls w/ pineapple dipping sauce (which my family requests for every get together all year long), baked onion dip, and prosciutto bites. For dessert I will be making homemade marshmallows, divinity, decorated cut out sugar cookies, and 3 different fudges. We stuff ourselves on all these goodies and are usually fuller than we are on Thanksgiving. Not sure what my sisters will bring, but I know one is bringing artichoke dip and one is bringing a spinach dip. We just go for fun stuff at Christmas.
Hope yours is a merry one!
Lisa (East Texas)

Does anyone have Paula Deen's recipe for Gooey Coconut Cake?
Faye

Every year I bake several kinds of Christmas cookies and distribute platters to neighbors, friends. However, Im invited to a cookie swap this year and want to make something new and different from what I have made, and something really impressive. Does anyone have an ideas and recipes that they could share. I have to make 6 dozen.
Sue

Hi, I wanted to ask Mimi, in the recipe for the Pecan Drop Candy, how do you measure 1 pound of sugar? I buy sugar in the 4 Lb. bag, sometimes 5Lbs. I'm not sure how many cups are in a pound of sugar. That sounds like a wonderful recipe. I just made a bunch of Divinity, Pralines, Fudge and Peanut Brittle. I need to make a bunch more for Christmas.

Nancy, thanks for the wonderful job that you do creating this Recipe newsletter. I enjoy it so much. Merry Christmas to you Nancy and to all of you out there in Nancy land. God Bless you all, Evelyn S. South Central Texas.

Hi everyone--here's one I've wanted to know for a long time: has anyone ever cooked a turkey in a Roaster the night before you need it? Let me know how many pounds, what degrees, any little tricks in preparing the turkey or the roaster? Also, any tricks of how to keep it ready for later the next day?

This seems like a great idea if it would work. Has anyone ever cooked anything else 'big' for the holidays the night before in either a roaster or crockpot?

Thanks everyone ... just trying to figure out easier ways and have a feeling maybe someone has already done so!
Anna

Thanks to Connie in TX for sharing in the 12/4 newsletter what she had read in an article on the Taste of Home site about using Splenda or Sweetners in recipes.

Does anyone have a recipe for Sugar Free Pecan Pie? My hubby bought me a bag of giant Pecans that are really tasty. I would love to make a pie with them.
Must be as sugar free as possible.
Thanks! Dee in S. IL. patiently waiting for snow .... (I love snow!)

Hi everyone. When I was a child, my mother would fix what we called Soakie. My husbands family called it Coffee Soup. A biscuit was broken apart, a big lump of butter would be put on top of the biscuit and hot coffee would be poured over that. It was either sweetened with sugar or seasoned with salt and pepper. It really was good. Has anyone else had this?
Jean in TN.

Hi Nancy,
I am sorry, but I do not remember who sent in this recipe, but I wanted to let everybody know that it is delicious. I had to do two batches as the first one went so fast that I had none for the parents to taste when they got home from work.
Here is the recipe:

No Brainer Cookies:
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
5 Tablespoons flour
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts
confectioners sugar

Melt butter in square baking pan over low heat. Beat eggs slightly.
Combine sugar, flour, soda and nuts. Stir into beaten eggs and vanilla. Pour mixture over butter. Do not stir. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until center is set. Invert pan onto rack. Cut into squares and dust with confectioners sugar.

I wish you good health and better news about your brother.
God Bless.
Agnes, Ottawa, Canada

Hi to all readers out there, I have a recipe which I want to make but it calls for 2 cups of ground walnuts, what can Ii use instead ? It is   for a coffeecake, hope someone has a suggestion, thanks
Delores

To Jae in Ok...
When I prepare beans for dinner or a potluck supper, I add mustard greens or sometimes sauerkraut and weiners, have also taken some kielbasa sausages along too.. All are great additions along with the fried potatoes w/onions.
Sherry in WV

I have a really good pepperoni dip that I have used several times with great success. TIA, Anne – PA asked for a recipe.

Pepperoni Dip
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 8 oz. Package cream cheese
1 6-8 oz. Package sliced pepperoni (chopped)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Soften cream cheese. Finely chop pepperoni. Mix pepperoni, cream of mushroom soup, and cream cheese in casserole dish. Add sour cream to thin. Cover and bake in oven at 350 for 20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes. (Be careful not to add too much sour cream because the oils from the pepperoni will start to rise while it bakes.
Leslie

Hi Nancy and friends, This is a request for help with a Christmas gift. I have been collecting vintage jewelry for my granddaughter for Christmas. I have 22 pairs of screw on and clip on earrings from the 40's and 50's. Problem?

How do I display, wrap, these as a gift? I am at a loss as how to do this.
Thanks, Boots in Va.

Can someone tell me what was the best corn casserole in a crockpot? I didn't think I would be making anything like that but now need something to go with Mexican lasagna for an open house? Any suggestions- I figure I can always add green chilies to whatever to make it match somewhat!!!!
Thanks, Barb in N CA

Hello Nancylanders,
How do you keep a pumpkin roll from cracking. I've really researched this and it still cracks.
thank you, Roberts wife in Ohio

I am just loving all the holiday recipes and family feeling from all the members.
Jane in Colorado

For Kathy, FL

Asparagus Appetizer
1 15 oz can asparagus spears or artichoke hearts, drained, finely chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Beat together and pour into an 8 or 9" pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees 25 minutes. Serve with assorted crackers.

Chicken curry Crescent Snacks
4.2 oz can chicken spread
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup cashews, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp curry powder
8 oz can refrigerated crescent roll dough
Mango chutney (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, combine chicken spread, raisins, cashews and curry powder; mix well. Separate dough into 8 triangles. Spoon 1 tbsp chicken mixture onto shortest end of triangle. Roll, up, starting at shortest side of triangle. Place rolls, point side down, on ungreased cookie sheet; curve into crescent shape. Bake 8-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. Serve topped with chutney, if desired.

Vegetable Sauce For Dipping
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup chili sauce
1 small onion, grated
2 tbsp, heaping, horseradish
2 tsp mustard seed
Tabasco sauce

Blend together; this dip is delicious with shrimp or raw vegetables such as cauliflower and cucumbers. Chill 1 hour before serving.
Yield: 1-1/2 cups.

Cocktail hot dogs
1 bottle pure currant jelly
Prepared mustard to taste

Melt jelly in saucepan. Add mustard. Cook 1 minute and pour over heated hot dogs.
grannym IL

Hello, I'm here with a request. My sister has been looking for checkerberry extract for quite a while. I've been the winterberry route with her and that is not what she wants. I know it's very similar and all but she wants checkerberry, period! If you have any idea where to find it I'd love to know about it. I've looked online and can't find any.
Thanks, Betty in ME.

This is for Mimi, a question about the Cow Pie recipe in the Dec. 1-2 newsletter. Is 3 lbs. of chocolate the correct amount? Just wondering, as it seems like a lot compared to the amount of the other ingredients to be added. Also, after the raisin amount you have an * , is it a mistake or does it mean that something else can be substituted?
It looks like a easy, fun and tasty recipe, thanks for posting it
Barb in San Diego

for Dawn in MN 11/30
You might have had the candy made with Condensed milk and choc chips. It is somewhat like what you are describing. Almost like the inside of a truffle.
Barb in N CA

Hi everyone. Nancy, I hope your brother is doing better. You know a lot of prayer is being lifted up for him.

Kathy Smith wanted an old fashioned cookie made with sour milk; here is one I made often about 50 years ago. It was soft and nice for even small children.

Old Fashioned Jumbles
Mix:
1/4 c. soft margarine
1/4 c. soft shortening, like Crisco
1 c. sugar
1 egg

Then stir in:
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. milk, made by putting 1/2 T. cider vinegar in a measuring cup, then adding the milk to make 3/4 c.

Sift together and add:
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Now you can add raisins if you want, or leave plain.
Mix well and chill at least 1 hour.
Drop by teaspoonfuls 2" apart on greased cookie sheets.

Sprinkle with:
Cinnamon and sugar, not too much.
3-1/2 to 4 dozen.

Jae, Central OK, wanted a suggestion for a side for beans and cornbread; we often have creamed cucumbers, or sliced cucumbers, onion, and tomato in sour cream. A good contrast in taste and texture and appearance.

Doris, S. Indiana, I like to hear about the recipes that have been tried too. I really owe a lot of you sincere thanks for some delicious stuff we've been eating at our house from this letter. Will try to figure out at least some of them and send the list as soon as I can find a few spare minutes.
Meantime, a very merry Christmas to you all.
Marilyn in FL

For Colleen, looking for Food Network cookie recipe.
She's looking for Rugelach made by Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa.
Find it here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/
gramaj

Info was also sent in by Andee In Los Angeles, Linda, Ft. Collins, CO; Billie in Fl, JJS, Nancy Z-R in S FL, Mary in Va, Judy in Milw., Mimi ^..^,Sally in Pa, mj-Indy, Sue (Cooky) in Indiana, Chris in NM

I have a request for everyone. I have to make gluten-free or wheat-free cookies or cakes for a meeting. If any of you have any tried and true recipes, could you please submit them? Thank you!
Andee In Los Angeles

Question for Barb in N CA Quick Fondant recipe of Dec. 3, 2007: Is this something you could use to cover a cake? Could you tint this and/or use some almond extract in it? Thanks! By the way, what do you use it for--let us know.
Anna

Nancy: Here are some Won ton recipes for Mimi - Dec. 5 newsletter. Hope these fit the bill. Use however many you have room for in the newsletter. Corinne, Murrieta, CA.

Artichoke Spinach Dip in Wonton Basket
1 WW point for 4!!

32 wonton wrappers
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons instant chicken stock mix (Knorr brand)
1 (6 oz) bag baby fresh spinach, chopped
1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts in spring water, drained and chopped
1/2 cup grated low fat Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
cooking spray

Coat a mini-muffin tin with cooking spray and press the wontons into each tin to form a cup. Lightly coat with cooking spray and bake for 7 minutes in a 350 degree oven or until lightly brown. Remove from the oven and cool.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion, garlic and chicken granules. Cook until onions are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach, artichokes, and cheese and continue to cook until spinach is wilted. Cool slightly and add the sour cream. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into the wonton cups.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes Ready in: 25 Minutes

These are absolutely incredible….serve warm or cold. You can have 10 for only 2.5 points! I may try adding some chopped water chestnuts
next time.

Chocolate-Banana Wontons
2 serving butter-flavor cooking spray
1 large banana(s), diced
6 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
24 items wonton wrapper(s), (half a 12 oz package)
1 Tbsp powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine banana and chocolate chips; mix gently.

Place wonton wrappers on a flat surface. Drop banana mixture by teaspoonfuls onto center of each wrapper. Moisten edges of wrapper with wet fingers, fold over one corner to make a triangle and press sides together to seal. Transfer filled wrappers to prepared baking sheet and coat surface with cooking spray.

Bake until wontons are golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Sift powdered sugar over wontons before serving. Yields 4 wontons per serving.

To Sue:
In the Christmas Balls recipe using the cherries: Where it says cover completely, I took it to mean cover the cherry completely with the dough. Then bake. I saw another recipe very similar to this one and instead of cherries, it used a Hershey's kiss.
That way, when you bite into the cookie you get a surprise: Cherry or Chocolate :)

Thank you Margaret in Tulsa for the Chocolate Drop Fudge recipe :)
Jackie

Hello Nancy, Kitties, and Nancylanders! Thank you Dee in S. IL for the Peppermint Marble Angel Cake recipe. I'll definitely be adding that to the web site, giving both you and Nancy credit of course!

And thanks to Dawn in SW GA; I'll try the mini peanut butter Ritz dipped in chocolate. Also I have to thank two of our family for their recipes. I always make Spinach Quiche for Christmas breakfast, but wanted to try something different this year. I've looked and looked but nothing seemed exactly right. Well, now my problem is which to serve - Susana in Louisiana's Hash Brown Quiche or Jackie from Louisiana's Crockpot Western Omelet Casserole LOL! What a terrific recipe family we have,
thanks to you, Nancy! (Both recipes are in the Dec. 5th newsletter).

For Sybil in FL:
For Christmas, I'm serving roast pork, stuffing, mashed potatoes, whatever vegetable strikes my fancy, and I always have peppermint ice cream for dessert with homemade cookies if anyone is kind enough to give me some. There are only two of us here and my sons only eat chocolate chip cookies so there's no point in baking.
grannym IL

HI Nancy, Regarding Green Tomatoes this time of year. Most grocers have them in their back storage room. I've ask the person working in produce several times if they have any. They have always gone to the back and brought out however many I needed.
Magaret, Tulsa

Does anyone know where I could purchase terrycloth bib aprons? I saw one a few weeks ago, but the person wearing it couldn't remember where she got it. It was really nice because you can wipe your hands in it while working without looking for a towel and it just gets thrown into the washer.

I hope someone can help me because I would like to purchase several for Christmas gifts for my grown up kids who like to cook.
Rosemary P

Hi, everyone....I've noticed so many trying to find Paula Deen's "Favorite Recipes of The Lady & Her Friends" cookbook. As everyone already knows, this particular book was originally published by Paula herself in the very beginning of her career. The huge amoutnts of money this book is commanding on Ebay, etc, is ONLY because it was under her name as publisher, but I thought maybe what I found online would answer the question for all of you.

This quote is from www.culinaryvegetableinstitute.com/PaulaDeen
and the quote is as follows:

"In 1997, Deen self-published her first cookbook, Favorite Recipes of The Lady and her Friends. As luck would have it, a major publishing house picked it up when one of their literary agents walked into the restaurant to escape a rainstorm. She bought a copy of the cookbook and realized its potential. Shortly after, the name was changed to The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook and Deen found herself on QVC selling the cookbook."

So I hope this helps, and anyone looking for that book can find it in bookstores or online under the 2nd title but with all the same recipes.
----Jenny in Va

She mentioned something like pushing it along the floor picking up dirt, etc. then turning it over to empty the dirt.

Maybe your mother is referring to a carpet sweeper. Bissell makes some good ones.
Dianne in Houston

Hi. Nancy.
This is for Diana in KCK whose mother wants a vacuum that does not use batteries and is not electric. I think she is looking for a "Bissell Sweep Up" which is a push sweeper with rotating brushes that catches dirt and dust in two pans on the bottom. You lift the lever to empty them. They are really handy and quick to use. I purchased mine at K-Mart and it was less than $20.00. Hope this helps.
Dianamae in Mattydale, NY

Re: This is for Diana asking about a vacuum without batteries or electric in newsletter December 5th.

I have one and purchased it about 15 years ago in a store called Ames. It was like a Wal-Mart store here. I would try now to find one in an old fashion hardware store. Or even Amish country if you live near one. The vacuum has a long handle and you turn it over to empty the dirt out by flipping the bottom. You push it back and forth.
Good luck, Lois in Grafton

For Gay, L.I. in the 12/2 newsletter requesting suggestions regarding housebreaking her 7 month old Chihuahua. I have a had two puppies in the last two years and I have found this to be a simple way to train them. I put in a dog door and went to the pet store and got a fence that was low but circled the dog door. Its large enough for his bed and water and food. Dogs will not soil their own sleeping area. I taped up the flap on the dog door until they learned to push against it and open it on their own. I gradually lowered the door flap until it was closed and they went out on their own. I work full time so I could not stay home to train them and I felt that I couldn't confine them to a tiny pen and this works in the exact same way except they can go outside. Until they went outside I put a poppy pad in there and kept moving it towards the dog door and then took it away after they went outside by themselves. When I knew they were trained I took the fence away and kept them in the family room only for a about a year and they have never had a accident. It kept me from feeling bad about leaving them as I left treats and toys in the fenced in area. Hope this help you If you don't want to put a dog door in your wall you can get one that goes in a patio door or screen door. Chris in California

For Oma in L.A. (lower Alabama) I have a male chihuahua that is going on 7. He is for the most part house trained, but mainly because I let him out often. He is so attached to me that it is not normal. He lays on the back of a chair and waits on me if I go somewhere. I decided about 6 months ago, that I had to break him from my bed( He slept on my feet). He was making me get up several times a night with him. So, I bought him one of those pet carriers that are enclosed and you zip them up from above or zip them up at the door. He never gave me any trouble and I am sleeping much better. I have it by my bed so he isn't far away. I love it! Maybe it would work for you too.
Edie in Arp Texas

Hi Nancy, Reply for Diana in KCK regarding a sweeper. See the website above for Home Trends, there is one by ( Oreck on pg. 28) Margaret, Tulsa.

I agree with Diane in Houston, the dog doesn't know he a dog. He wouldn't use much space. We have at least 3 cats sleeping with us at night, one is 12 lbs. The girls are smaller.

*This may be a repeat recipe.  I could not remember if it had been posted before.

** Paid advertisement.

Messages that pertain to canning and home remedies are no longer included in the newsletter.  Messages that pertain suggestions and opinions about health issues are not posted as well.

Some messages have been edited to avoid duplicate information that has been posted in recent newsletters.
Nancy Rogers