Provident Sister

Cream Puffs – Lori Walters

2010-12-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

1 cup water
½ cup butter or margarine
1 cup flour
4 eggs

Heat oven to 400. Heat water and butter to rolling boil.
Stir in flour, turn off heat and stir vigorously about one
minute or until mixture forms a ball; remove from heat.
Beat in eggs, all at once; continue beating until smooth.

On ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by slightly less
than ¼ cupfuls about 3 inches apart. Bake 35-40 minutes
or until puffed and golden. Cool away from draft about 30
minutes. (I made my cream puffs much smaller and baked
them for about 15 minutes.)

Make the fillings. Cut off top third of each puff and pull
out any strands of soft dough. Fill puffs with filling; replace
tops. Cover; refrigerate until serving. Store covered in the
refrigerator.

Filling:
1pkg (4 serving size) vanilla instant pudding (can use sugar
free)
1 cup milk
2 cups whipping cream

In large bowl, beat pudding mix and milk on low until well
blended. Add whipping cream; beat on high speed for 1-2
minutes or until soft peaks form. Fill puffs. Serve
immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 3 hours. Just
before serving, dust with powdered sugar.

Eggnog Filling:

Use recipe above except add 1 tsp rum extract, 1 tsp
nutmeg and ¼ tsp ginger to the pudding and milk mixture.

Peppermint Whipped Cream Filling:

Whip 2 cups whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add ¼
cup granulated or powdered sugar and 1 tsp peppermint
extract and 5-6 drops red or green food color.

Can also fill with ice cream or anything else that sounds
good. Chicken or ham salad is great in these puffs.

Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Muffins

2010-12-06T16:37:00.000-08:00

(We still don’t know who brought these, but there were
delicious! Thanks!)

Muffins

2 ¼ cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp coriander
½ tsp salt
2 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup pumpkin
½ cup vegetable oil
½ tsp vanilla

Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and coriander
in a bowl. Set aside. In another bowl, mix eggs, sugar,
pumpkin, oil and vanilla. Mix well. Mix in dry ingredients,
stirring until moist.

Filling:

6 oz cream cheese
1 egg
1 tbsp sugar

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add egg and sugar. Beat
until well mixed.

Topping:

¾ cup coconut
½ cup finely chopped pecans
¼ cup sugar
½ tsp cinnamon

Combine all topping ingredients together. Spoon ½ batter
into muffin cups (cups should be filled half full). Spoon
about 1 tablespoon of filling on top. Fill with remaining
batter. Spread to edges. Sprinkle generously with
topping. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until wooden
toothpick comes out clean.

Cheese Ball – Loraine Pace – Wonderful Wednesday

2010-11-24T18:03:00.001-08:00

1 - 8 oz cream cheese
2 Tab. onion (I use fresh or dry onions)
1 Tab. parsley (I use dry parsley)
1/4 cup finely grated cheddar cheese (I use a generous 1/4
cup)
Add all ingredients and form into a ball and serve with
crackers.
optional:
1/2 of a small can of crushed pineapple
1/2 cup chopped nuts to roll cheese ball in (be sure those
you are serving aren't allergic to nuts)

Texas Sheet Cake – Jessica Day – Wonderful Wednesday

2010-11-24T18:02:00.003-08:00

Beat together:
½ cup butter
¾ cup white sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Add the following and beat together:
2 ½ cup flour
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
Beat in 2 squares unsweetened chocolate – melted.
Beat in 1 cup sour cream.

Put in ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 9-11
minute.

Topping:
2 squares unsweetened chocolate – melted
2 tbsp butter
2 ¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup sour cream

Beat together and spread on cake while still hot. Let cake
cool.

Pumpkin Pie Cake – Holiday Dinner

2010-11-24T18:02:00.001-08:00

1 18.25 pkg yellow cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup margarine, melted
1 29 oz can pumpkin puree
3 eggs
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup margarine
1 cup brown sugar

Directions:
1. For crust: Reserve one cup of cake mix from the
package. Set aside. Combine remaining cake mix, 1 egg,
and melted margarine. Press mixture in the bottom and
up the sides of a 9 x 13 inch pan to form a crust.

2. For filling: Mix together the pumpkin, 3 eggs, white
sugar, cinnamon, and evaporated milk until blended. Pour
over the crust.

3. For topping: Combine the brown sugar and the
reserved 1 cup cake mix. Then cut in margarine until
mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over the pumpkin filling.

Bake at 350 for 50 minutes. Test for doneness as you
would a pumpkin pie. Cool. Serve topped with Cool
Whip. Keep cake refrigerated.

Crock Pot Glazed Carrots – Holiday Dinner

2010-11-24T18:01:00.001-08:00

5 pounds carrots
1 cup brown sugar
1 cube butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Peel carrots and cut into 1" sections. Put in crockpot.
Sprinkle with sugar, salt and pepper. Top with butter
or margarine, cut into small pieces. Cook for 5 hours
(depending upon your crockpot). Stir occasionally during
cooking time.

Freezer Jam

2010-08-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

This is the freezer jam we made at the bread making class. Enjoy it on the whole wheat bread you make.

1. Mix well: 5 cups mashed fruit or berries with 1/2 cup corn syrup.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups sugar and 3 tablespoons clear jell powder.
3. Add together the berry mixture and the sugar mixture until all sugar crystals have dissolved.
4. Put into containers and freeze or just eat. This has less sugar than most jams so it may spoil or mildew quicker. We eat it too fast so it isn't a problem.

Regular Whole Wheat Bread

2010-08-07T21:17:00.001-07:00

6 cups warm water
2 tablespoons instant yeast
2/3 cup sugar or honey
2/3 cup oil
2 tablespoons dough enhancer or gluten
2 tablespoons salt
1/2 or 1 cup cooked oatmeal (optional)
about 16 cups flour

Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes (when in a small loaf pans)

Reduced stuff for healthier bread: Can cup oil, sugar, and/or salt in half.

This is the recipe from the bread making class.

Broccoli Salad

2010-07-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

5 cups broccoli
½ cup craisins
½ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup crumbled bacon
¼ cup red onion

Dressing
1 cup mayo
2 tbsp vinegar
½ cup sugar

Mix salad ingredients. Mix together dressing. Toss together. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cheating Brownies

2010-07-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

1 box brownie mix
½ bag marshmallows
1 cup chocolate frosting

Chocolate Frosting:
3 tbsp butter
2 cups powdered sugar
4 tbsp milk
5 tbsp Cocoa powder

Make brownie mix by directions. Cook for about 22 minutes, leaving at least 5 minutes to put the marshmallows on top. Cook the remaining time. Spread the marshmallows evenly and let cool. Add the frosting on top and serve.

Wheat Chili

2010-07-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

1 cups wheat, dry
1 cup onion, chopped
1 tsp canned tomato sauce
1 pound ground beef
1 medium green pepper
1 tsp oregano
20 large black olives, pitted

Boil wheat for several hours until soft, or soak overnight and cook until soft. Drain off all but ¼ cup water. Brown ground beef, onion, and pepper together in a skillet. Add to wheat. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Simmer 30-45 minutes. Pour into casserole dish. Top with cheese and serve. Makes 12 servings.

Spanish Wheat

2010-07-17T22:06:00.002-07:00

2 lbs ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 tsp chili powder
2 cups celery and leaves, chopped
½ green pepper, chopped
1 tsp garlic salt
1 large can tomatoes
2 8oz cans tomato sauce
3-4 cups cooked cracked wheat
Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese to sprinkle on top

Prepare cracked wheat by cooking 2 cups of wheat in 4 cups of water. Brown meat until about half done; add celery, onions, green pepper, chili powder, and garlic salt. Cook until vegetables are about half done. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce and simmer until mixture is well blended (about 30 min.). Add wheat, salt and pepper, and place in a baking dish. Set aside in refrigerator for as long as desired. When ready for use, bake 30-45 min. at 350 degrees. Cheese may be sprinkled over top just before serving. 10-15 servings.

Five Grain Hot Cereal

2010-07-17T22:06:00.001-07:00

Red wheat, rice, millet, corn barley (or grain of your choice)

½ cup cracked grain
2 cups water
¼ tsp. salt

Bring water to a boil. Slowly stir in cereal grain. Boil in pan until thick (10-20 min.) Top with honey and milk.

Shrapnel

2010-07-17T22:04:00.001-07:00

1 can great northern white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can sweet corn, drained
1 small can sliced olives, drained
2 avocados, diced
4 roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 medium red onion, diced
juice of 1 lime
3 to 4 ounces italian salad dressing, to taste
1 teaspoon cilantro

Mix it all together and eat with corn chips.

Beans and Rice

2010-07-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

You can basically make any flavor you want with this basic recipe.
The version that was at the mid-week meeting was made with garlic,
onion, chicken broth, V8, and polish sausage.

1 to 2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 medium red onion, diced
1 1/2 cups brown rice
1 can black beans
3 1/3 cups liquid (I used 1 can of low sodium chicken broth and 1
small can of V8 and the juice from the black beans, and topped it off
with water.)
Seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, cilantro, whatever you want.)
Polish sausage or chicken or any other type of meat if you want (optional)

Saute garlic and onion in 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil. Add dry rice and
stir frequently until rice starts to brown. Add beans and liquid and
seasonings. Bring to a boil and cook it for about 5 minutes, then
reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for approximately 1 hour -
until all the liquid is gone.

Serve as a side dish, or if you've added vegetables and meat, as a main course.

Low Fat (Bean) Cookies

2010-07-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

Preheat oven to 325
Lightly grease baking sheets

Stir together in one bowl:
2 cups regular oats
1 cup flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
In a large bowl or in your blender/food processor mix well:
1 14 oz. can white kidney, navy, cannellini, or any white beans blended with at least a few teaspoons of the liquid. (I cooked dry beans ahead of time and blended them, wrapped ¾ c. amounts in plastic wrap, and froze in a labeled plastic bag so all I would have to do is thaw one to make a batch of these cookies)
3 to 4 tablespoons softened butter
1 cup brown sugar
1large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Nearly combine your wet and dry ingredients and stir in:
1/3 cup raisins- If you want your raisins softer, plump them: cover with water and barely get to a boil in microwave (takes about 45 seconds in mine) and allow to sit for a few minutes. I also add some of the sweetened liquid to my dough but I think most people drain it all off.
¼ cup coarsely chopped pecans. You could try walnuts or almonds.
1/3 cup chocolate chips

Bake 14 minutes until golden around edges
Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Cool on wire rack and enjoy!

Refried Beans

2010-07-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

Refried Beans
Add 3/4 -1 cup boiling water to 1 cup dehydrated refried beans. Let sit 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 4 oz. tomato sauce and 3 teaspoons taco seasoning (more or less to taste). Place in saucepan and stir on medium heat until desired thickness is reached. Use on bean burritos.

Flour Tortillas

2010-07-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

Flour Tortillas
5 Cups Flour
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1/4 Cup Margarine (I forgot once & couldn't tell the difference)
2 Cups Boiling Water
Sift together dry ingredients. Add margarine (shortening) into flour mixture and pour boiling water over it. Stir ingredients together and knead dough for about 3 minutes. Pinch off small pieces of dough about the size of a small egg and roll out (very thin) on a floured surface. Cook on a hot griddle.

More recipes that call for oats

2010-05-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Oatmeal Meatloaf
1 cup tomato juice
3/4 - 1 cup regular oats
1 egg
1/4 cup chopped onion (or substitute 1 tbsp. dried onion flakes)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef

Preheat oven to 350. Combine first six ingredients, then add to ground beef and mix thoroughly. Press into 8 X 4 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Drain, then let stand for 5 minutes before serving. If desired, you can top meatloaf with ketchup or barbecue sauce before baking.

Apple Crisp
Filling:
10-15 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
3/4 - 1 cup sugar
1 tsp. apple pie spice
2 Tbsp. flour

Topping:
2 cups oats
2 cups flour
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup melted margarine

Mix apple filling ingredients and place in 9 x 12 baking dish. Thoroughly mix topping ingredients until crumbly and pour over apples. Bake covered, at 350 for 45 minutes. Uncover last 10 minutes.
Note: The topping recipe above is actually a double batch but my family eats the apple filling because they love the topping, so we have doubled that part of the recipe. You can also use the Dry Pack Cannery dehydrated apples, instead of fresh apples, in this recipe. Simply reconstitute them as directed on the can, and then follow recipe directions above.

Recipes that call for oats

2010-05-12T21:38:00.001-07:00

Here are the recipes for the foods that we had at the Taster's Table.

Granola Bars
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup flaxseed meal
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups crispy rice cereal or Kashi cereal
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup dried fruit bits
1/2 cup almonds
1/4 cup coconut
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Heat oven to 350. Grease 9 X 13 inch pan. Melt butter in large pan. Remove from heat. Wisk in sugar, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and flaxseed. Stir until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well until coated. Press firmly and evenly into 9 X 13 pan.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool thoroughly before cutting. Yields about 24 bars.

Homemade Instant Oatmeal
1) Pour 3 cups rolled oats in a blender or food processor and pulse five to ten times.
2) Measure 1/4 cup oats into individual containers. To each container add 1/4 tsp. salt.
3) Other things you can add: 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp. nuts or dried fruit, 1/2 tsp. powdered milk.
4) At preparation time, boil 1/2 cup water and pour over oatmeal and stir. Let sit for 2 minutes.

Unbaked Oatmeal Cookies
(Peanut Butter Fudge Candy)
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup milk
3 cups quick cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped peanuts (or other nuts)
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tsp. vanilla
In mixing bowl, melt butter for for 45 seconds. Add sugar, cocoa, salt and milk. Blend well. Cook on HIGH uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring once.
Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into greased 12 X 7 or 13 X 9 inch pan. Cool several hours at room temperature or in refrigerator. Cut into squares. Or to make individual candies, drop by teaspoon onto wax paper. This candy freezes well.

Oatmeal Cake
In a small bowl, add:
1 cup quick oats
1 1/2 cup boiling water
Let this soak for 10 minutes.

In a medium bowl, add:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 to 2 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup applesauce
2 eggs
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup sour cream

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together. Pour into a greased 13 X 17 pan. Sprinkle topping over it (recipe below). Bake 10 minutes, then rotate pan, bake additional 10 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Topping: Cream 1/2 cup butter, and 1 cup brown sugar. Add 2 Tbsp. flour and 1/2 cups oats. Mix until crumbly.

Yummy Oatmeal Breakfast Salad
1 1/2 cups old fashioned regular oats (quick oats don't work as well)
1 1/4 cup Soy Slender Chocolate Soy Milk (or skim milk)
2 Tbsp honey
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup sliced bananas
1 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
Stir together in a large bowl the oats, soy milk, honey and ground cinnamon. Place, covered in the refrigerator overnight. Just before serving add the fruit and nuts and gently mix together. Make 4 1 1/2 cup servings.

This is a great quick breakfast for the days you have little time. You can substitute 3 cups of whatever fruit you like for the strawberries and bananas (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc). During winter months when these fruits aren't available, try chopped dried apricots, dried cherries, raisins, or apples.

Peanut Butter Balls, Chews, and Play Doh (using Powdered Milk)

2010-04-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

These three recipes were featured at our Taster's Table:

Peanut Butter Playdough
1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1 cup Corn Syrup or Honey
1 ¼ cup Powdered Sugar
1 ¼ cup Powdered Milk

Knead together and play. Refrigerate between uses.

Peanut Butter Chews
2 cups Peanut Butter
2 cups Powdered Milk
¾ cup Honey

Combine all ingredients and roll into balls.

Peanut Butter Balls
1/3 cup Butter
2/3 cup Peanut Butter
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 cup Powdered Milk
2 cups Powdered Sugar
Water

With butter at room temperature, mix with peanut butter. Add vanilla and powdered milk and mix. Add powdered sugar a little at a time mixing until crumbly. Add a small amount of water (no more than a teaspoon) and mix thoroughly. It is ready when you can press together with your hands and roll into a ball. If it is too dry add small amounts of water until wet enough to stick together.

Caution: this requires only a small amount of water

Macaroni & Cheese (using Powdered Milk)

2010-04-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

This recipe was featured at our Taster's Table:
1 box elbow macaroni
1/4 yellow onion
1.5 tbs butter
1 tbs flour
2 cups reconstituted powdered milk
8 oz cheddar cheese
4 oz pepper jack cheese
Salt or garlic salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Macaroni: Cook and drain as the box directs.

Cheese Sauce: Mince 1/4 of a yellow onion. Put onion and butter in a sauce pan and cook until the onion is transparent. Add flour and mix to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the reconstituted powdered milk to your roux. Whisk until there are no lumps. Bring mixture to boil. Add 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese and 4 oz pepper jack while continually stirring the ingredients until cheese & milk form a sauce. Add macaroni, salt/garlic salt and pepper as needed. You can also cook & puree cauliflower and add to the cheese sauce to add extra nutritional value without altering the taste.

Hot Chocolate Mix (using Powdered milk)

2010-04-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

This recipe was featured at our Taster's Table:
5 cups Non-fat Dry Milk
2 cups Dairy Creamer
2 cups Powdered Milk
4 cups Nestle Quick
1-2 Tablespoons Cocoa (optional)

Combine all ingredients. Mix with hot water.

Lion House Rolls

2010-04-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

This recipe was featured at our Taster's Table:
2 Tablespoons Yeast
2 cups Warm Water
1/3 cup Sugar
1/3 cup Shortening
2 teaspoons Salt
2/3 cup Powdered Milk
1 Egg
5-6 cups Flour (*I use ½ whole wheat and ½ white)
Melted butter to brush the tops of the rolls

In a large bowl, mix yeast and water and let stand 5 minutes. Add sugar, shortening, salt, dry milk, egg, and 2 cups of the flour. Beat together until smooth. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough is formed.

Turn onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, or knead in electric mixer. Place in a greased bowl; cover and let rise until dough doubles in bulk. Punch down, divide into thirds.

Roll out one third of dough into a circle; cut into 12 pie-shaped pieces. Starting at the wide end, roll up each piece into a crescent. Place on a greased baking sheet with point on the bottom. Repeat with remainder of dough.

To freeze: Place rolls on a cookie sheet not touching each other. When the rolls are frozen place in a ziplock bag and label.

To bake: Brush tops with melted butter. Let rise until double in size. If dough is frozen allow 3-4 hours for this step.

Bake at 400 F for 10 minutes or until golden.
Makes 3 dozen rolls

Magic Mix

2010-04-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

2 ½ cups non-instant Powdered Milk (4 cups instant powdered milk)
1 cup flour
1 cup margarine or butter (2 sticks)

Combine powdered milk and flour. Cut margarine into dry mixture. Mix until it looks like cornmeal. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes 5 cups. Magic mix can be used as the base for many recipes.

Here’s one website with recipes using Magic Mix: http://www.storefood.com/Grain/ldscn/44.html

How to Mix up Powdered Milk

2010-04-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

1 gallon (16 cups) Water

3 cups non-instant Powdered Milk

1 teaspoon Sugar (optional)

½ to 1 teaspoon Imitation Vanilla (optional)

Combine half of the water and all powdered milk and vigorously mix with a wisk until the powder is disolved. Add remaining water and gently mix again with the wisk. For additional flavoring, add sugar and imitation vanilla. Chill before serving.

Powdered Milk Conversion Chart

2010-04-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

This conversion chart will help you to know how much water and how much powdered milk to use in your recipes. Just add the dry milk powder to your dry ingredients and then add water when the recipe tells you to add the milk. The Non Fat Dry Milk available at the Dry Pack Cannery is Non-Instant. If you are using Instant Non Fat Dry Milk, use about double the amount called for in the chart below.

Amount of milk called for:	Use this much water	Non-Instant Pwdr. Milk
¼ cup	¼ cup	¾ Tbsp.
⅓ cup	⅓ cup	1 Tbsp.
½ cup	½ cup	1 ½ Tbsp.
⅔ cup	⅔ cup	2 Tbsp.
¾ cup	¾ cup	2 ¼ Tbsp.
1 cup	1 cup	3 Tbsp.

How to Make Little Girl's Hair Bows:

2010-04-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

Korker Ribbons (The Curly Ones!)

Supplies:
100% Polyester Ribbon
Wooden Dowels
Bobby Pins or Clothes Pins (to attach the ribbons to the dowels)
Fray Check or Clear Fingernail Polish

A rule of thumb is, the smaller the ribbon, the smaller the dowel. This will insure that you get a tight, not droopy, more perky curl. Wrap your ribbon around the dowel by attaching one end with the pin. Wrap the ribbon with no spaces between each wrap and evenly on the dowel. Again, this will make it more even and tighter curls. Keep about 1/2 - 1 inch on the bottom of the dowel free of ribbon, this is where you will grab when you take it out of the oven.
Heat your oven to 275 degrees. I found that putting the ribbons on the edges of a cookie sheet or on a muffin tin prevents my fingers from getting burned and the ribbon from picking up pieces of last night's dinner! Put your dowels in the oven for at least 15 minutes, up to 25. If you take your ribbon out at 15 min. and find they are not tight enough for you, put them in for 5 more min. Let the ribbons cool for a few min. on the dowel before removing. When you remove them, let them cool a little longer.
Cut your korkers into the desired length putting Fray Check or fingernail polish on the ends to prevent fraying. Gather a bunch together and tie them in their center using either another korker or a similar colored ribbon. Fluff and attach to headband or barrette. They can also be tied around a hair elastic.

Recipes Using Dehydrated Apples

2010-03-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Applesauce Recipe

Use equal parts of dried apples in boiling water and let stand for 5 minutes. Mix in a blender.

Applesauce Oatmeal Wheat Cookies

1 cup margarine creamed with 2 cups of sugar
Add: 2 eggs and 2 cups of applesauce
Add: 2 tsp. of baking soda, 1 tsp. of nutmeg, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
Mix well.

Add: 3 1/2 cups of flour (1/2 wheat flour), 2 cups of oatmeal, 1 cup of chocolate chips (optional)

Drop by spoonfuls on baking sheet and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes

Caramel Apple Spice Cake

2 cups dehydrated apples
boiling water
1 spice cake mix
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup water
1/3 cup oil
3 eggs

Cover the apples with boiling water. cover with a lid and let sit, off heat, for 5 minutes. Drain well. Mix together with all other ingredients. Pour into a greased 13x9 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Caramel Frosting:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Mix butter, brown sugar, salt and milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix well and pour while warm over the cake--it thickens very quickly, so work fast.

Apple Crisp

2-4 cups dehydrated apples
boiling water
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

Cover apples with plenty of boiling water. Cover with a lid and let it steam for about 5-10 minutes. Drain well. Spread the apples in the bottom of a greased 13x9 pan and sprinkle with the white sugar.

In a separate bowl, mix together oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, salt, and optional walnuts. Using a pastry blender or the tips of clean fingers, "cut" the butter in until the mixture resembles large pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle the oatmeal mixture on top of the apples. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crunchy on top.

Sour Cream Apple Pie

Preheat oven to 375

1 pie crust for 9" pie
2 eggs (*Note: 2 Tbsp. Dry egg powder + 1/4 cup water)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup sugar
4 Tbsp. all purpose flour
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1.4 tsp. salt
3-4 cups peeled, chopped, and cooked apples (*Note: It's faster to re-hydrate dried apples. Place 2 1/2 dehydrated apple slices in 3 1/2 cups boiling water and let stand for 5 minutes. Discard the excess water.)

In a large bowl beat eggs then add sour cream and sugar. Put in 4 Tbsp. flour, vanilla, and salt and mix well. Stir in apples, and then pour into pie shell. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.

Crumb Topping

3 Tbsp. butter - melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
6 Tbsp. all purpose flour

Meanwhile combind brown sugar, flour, and butter with wire whisk or mixer until crumbly (should look like small peas). After 20 minutes of cooking the pie, take the pie out and top with the crumb topping. Return to over and continue cooking for 20-25 minutes. Cool, cover, and store leftovers in the fridge.

Apple Brown Betty

Filling:
2 cups boiling water and 4 cups dried apple slices

Topping:
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup oatmeal
1/4 tsp. cinammon
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter

Pour boiling water over dried apples. Let stand at least 5 minutes. Meanwhile, mix dry topping ingredients together, then cut in butter. Place apples and any remaining liquid in a greased 9-inch square baking pan. Sprinkle topping over apples. Bake at 350 for 55 minutes.

Dutch Apple Pie

One pre-made pie crust (*Note: You can make your own or there are Pillsbury ones that aren't in a pie crust that you can use.)

Filling:
2 cups dried apple firmly packed
2 cups boiling water
Pour over apples and let set for at least 5 minutes.

Mix together:
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. Cinammon

Add to the apple mix and continue cooking until thick. Stir constantly to prevent scorching. Pour mixture into pie shell and dot with 1 Tbsp. butter.

Topping:
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup butter
Cut in until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple mixture and place in 350 oven for 55 minutes.

Apple Filled Cookies

Filling:
Chop or break 2 cups dried apples into small pieces. (*Note: Do not reconstitute!)
Place in saucepan then add:
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 Tbsp. flour

Cook together slowly, stir constantly to prevent scorching until thick.

Cookie Dough

Cream together:
1 cup butter
1 3/4 cups brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 cup water

Mix well:
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. cinammon
1 tsp baking soda

Blend in:
3 1/2 cups flour (wheat or white)

Drop by teaspoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Make a depression in the middle of each drop and place filling into the depression. Then place 1/2 tsp of dough on top of filling. Bake at about 350 for about 12 minutes.

Inexpensive Dates and Family Outings

2010-02-12T15:52:00.000-08:00

Art Galleries/Museums

ALLIANCE FOR THE VARIED ARTS: 35 West 100 South 753-2970

ART CENTER GALLER: 25 W. 100 N 753-0333

CAFFE IBIS GALLERY DELI: 52 Federal Avenue 753-4777

FUHRIMANS FRAMING & FINE ART: 75 South Main 752-0370

JERRY FUHRIMAN STUDIO-GALLERY: 28 Federal Avenue 753-9446

NORA ECCLES HARRISON MUSEUM OF ART: Utah State University, 650 North 1100 East  adjacent to Kent Concert Hall (435) 797-0163

PRINCE GALLERY: 2600 North Main  North Logan 750-6089

GLOBAL VILLAGES: 146 North 100 East 713-4347

TWAIN TIPPETS GALLERY: Chase Fine Arts Center, Utah State University  Student and faculty exhibits 797-3040

WINBORG MASTERPIECES GALLERY: 55 North Main 792-4278

CACHE MUSEUM DAUGHTERS OF UTAH PIONEERS: Chamber of Commerce Building, 160 North Main, Logan (435) 752-5139 (June-Sept.) or (435) 753-1635 Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 1-Labor Day, or by appointment

EVERTON GENEALOGICAL COLLECTION: Logan Justice Building (main floor), 290 N 100 West in Logan (435) 716-9143 / jcornelius@loganutah.org Tuse. 1-9 p.m., Wed.-Fri. 1-6 p.m., 2nd Sat. each month 1-6 p.m.

HYRUM CITY MUSEUM: 83 West Main (basement), Hyrum (435) 245-6033 Tues., Thurs., and Sat. 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

INTERMOUNTAIN HERBARIUM: Basement of the Junction Cafeteria, Utah State University, Logan (435) 797-0061 or (435) 797-1584 Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY: Old Main Building Room 252, Utah State University, Logan (435) 797-7545 or (435) 797-1240 FAX Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment www.usu.edu/anthro/museum

NORA ECCLES HARRISON MUSEUM OF ART: 650 North 1100 East, Utah State University, Logan adjacent to Kent Concert Hall, (435) 797-0163 Tues., Thurs., and Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wed. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sat. noon-4 p.m.

DAUGHTERS OF UTAH PIONEERS MUSEUM PARADISE: 8970 South 200 West, Paradise (435) 245-3842 By appointment.

DAUGHTERS OF UTAH PIONEERS MUSEUM RICHMOND: 29 South State, Richmond (435) 258-5277 Thurs. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appointment

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan (435) 797-2663 Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

DAUGHTERS OF UTAH PIONEERS MUSEUM WELLSVILLE: Wellsville Tabernacle, Main and Center, Wellsville (435) 245-3643, (435) 245-3745, or (435) 245-3256 By appointment only

LOGAN REC CTR: The recreation center features exercise facilities, a weight room, indoor track, and basketball, racquetball, and tennis courts.  195 South 100 West  (435) 716-9250  www.loganutah.org/site/id/parksnrecreation.htm

LOGAN SKATE PARK: This is one of the best parks in the state. Skateboard on a 17,000 square-foot park, featuring 8-foot bowls. The park is designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skaters.  500 South 595 West  Logan Parks and Recreation (435) 716-9250  Daily from dawn to dusk

WILLOW PARK ZOO: The setting offers walkways along shady willow trees and children can feed the ducks, geese, and trout. Picnic and playground areas are adjacent to the zoo.  419 West 700 South, Logan  (435) 750-9893  www.loganutah.org/site/id/parksnrecreation.htm  Daily 9 a.m.-dusk, except Thanksgiving,  Christmas, and New Year’s Day  50 cents admission

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN: A downtown walking tour guide and a historic home guide are available at the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau, 199 North Main Street.

Community Events And Festivals

SUMMERFEST ARTS FAIRE (Thurs.-Sat. of Father's Day weekend)  Logan Tabernacle Grounds 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (435) 213-3858 www.logansummerfest.com

ART ON THE LAWN (Last Saturday in June)  1491 East 2300 North  North Logan (435) 752-4749 www.artonthelawn.net 

Local Events Calendar:

MAY:

Mendon May Day (435) 753-3326

Smithfield Health Days (435) 563-0048

Richmond Black and White Days (435) 258-2092

JUNE:

Celebrate Providence (435) 752-9441

Clarkston Pony Express Days (435) 563-9090

Millville Fun Days (435) 750-0924

Nibley’s Heritage Days (435) 752-0431  Logan Summerfest (435) 213-3858

JULY:

Logan’s 4^th of July Fireworks (435) 716-9250

Lewiston’s 4^th of July Celebration (435) 258-2141

Hyrum’s Star-Spangled Week (435) 245-6033

Utah Festival Opera (435) 750-0300

Logan’s 24^th of July at Willow Park (435) 716-9250

Preston’s Famous Night Rodeo (208) 852-3199

AUGUST

Utah Festival Opera (800) 262-0074

Bear Lake Raspberry Days (800) 448-2327

Cache County Fair and Rodeo (435) 716-7150

Martin Harris Pageant (435) 563-0059

River Heights Apple Days (435) 752-2646

Paradise Trout and Berry Days (435) 245-6737

Beach Blast Luau (435) 716-9250

SEPTEMBER

Wellsville Founder’s Day (435) 245-3686

Celebrate America Show (435) 753-1551

OCTOBER

Providence’s Annual Sauerkraut Dinner (435) 752-9441

North Logan Pumpkin Walk (435) 752-1310

Halloween Haunt (435) 716-9250

Logan’s Novemberfest (435) 716-9250

DECEMBER

Cache Community Celebrates New Year’s Eve (435) 716-9250

Food Tour

AGGIE ICE CREAM & TRUE BLUE CHEESE Utah State University: Nutrition & Food Science Building  750 North 1200 East, Logan  (435) 797-2109  Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.  Tour: 1:30 p.m.  Monday thru Friday

BLUEBIRD CANDY FACTORY: 75 West Center, Logan  (435) 753-3670  Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  Tour: 11:00 a.m.  Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday  (Memorial Day - Labor Day)

COX HONEYLAND AND GIFTS: 1780 South U.S. Hwy. 89-91, Logan  (435) 752-3234 Mon.- Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  Tour: 11:30 a.m. daily year round 3 p.m. Memorial Day - Labor Day

CRUMB BROTHERS ARTISAN BREAD: 291 South 300 West, Logan  (435) 792-6063  Tour: 9:30 a.m.  Monday thru Thursday

GARDENER'S MARKET: Merlin Olsen Park? (435) 755-3950  Saturdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.  mid-May to mid-October

ROCKHILL CREAMERY: 563 South State St., Richmond  (435) 258-1278 Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Cache Valley's Micro Dairy  Tour: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturdays  mid-April to mid-October

WEEKS BERRIES OF PARADISE: 8560 South 800 East, Paradise  (435) 245-3377  Working farm w/raspberries, strawberries & blackberries  Tour: 10 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Mondays & Fridays May - October or by appointment

WEBSITES:

www.tourcachevalley.com

www.logancanyon.com

www.bearriverheritage.com

www.bridgerlandaudubon.org

www.parenting.com

www.brighamcity.utah.gov

www.variedarts.org

www.usu.edu/calendar

http://library.loganutah.org/local/events

http://Aggieserve.blogspot.com/

www.eventful.com

OUTDOORS

Canoeing www.bridgerlandaudubon.org/wetlandsmaze

Benson Marina, 3000 North and approx. 4800 West, near Benson; Cutler Marsh Marina, 200 North and approx. 4800 West; Cutler Canyon, SR23 and approx. 6200 North; Upper Bear River, approx. 3000 North 2900 West.

Caves And Arches

WIND CAVES  - 5.2 miles up Logan Canyon, off U.S. Hwy. 89

MINNETONKA CAVE  - The cave is cool, so bring a jacket. 9 miles up St. Charles Canyon, north of Bear Lake and west of St. Charles, Idaho Memorial Day-Labor Day 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (435) 245-4422 or (208) 942-2407

Stokes Nature Center

2696 East U.S.Hwy. 89, 1 mile up Logan Canyon (435) 755-3239 Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 2^nd Sat. of each month 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CHEAP DATES

Challenge family members/friends to a game of backyard badminton, charades or another board or card game, pitting you and your date against other teams of two.

For Home Bodies: Pull out some bug spray and a cozy blanket and curl up together in your backyard or a local park for some stargazing.

Have a movie night with your date, challenging each other to bring a flick within the allotted theme of the night – such as worst movie of all time or the best classic you’ve never heard of. You could even go so far as to make a cheap date weekend out of it and create your own personal Oscars screening or private themed film festival.

Raid the dollar store for BINGO game items you don’t already have. Use peanuts or some other inexpensive markers and let the games begin.

For Kids at Heart: Find a swing set, playground or park and spend the cheap date there together.

Farmers markets and street fairs usually cost nothing and you’ll enjoy some time together learning more about your community’s offerings.

Visit the zoo together.

Challenge each other to a contest. Anything works, and the sillier the better! Try sand castle building, hop scotch, name that tune, marbles, or kite flying.

For Sports or Activity Lovers: Learn a new sport or activity together, such as ultimate frisbee or mountaineering, or geocaching.

Invite some friends over for a big game or pay-per-view event and make a day of it, complete with munchies and prizes for the most supportive at-home fans.

For Thrill Seekers: Read through the Guinness Book of World Records together, and find something the two of you could potentially achieve as a couple and then do it together as a cheap date idea.

Go for a drive together where you only stop or turn when you encounter a pre-determined area or event, such as a garage sale sign or a street that starts with the letter M. Travel games are also a great idea for those dating with kids.

For Those Who Thirst for Knowledge: Attend a poetry or book reading together. Most of these events are free, and you’ll learn something new to discuss over later.

Sign up to volunteer together for a cause that you are both passionate about or a festival that otherwise would be too expensive to attend.

More Cheap Date Ideas

Tip: Eliminate babysitter fees by co-oping with family friends: you watch their kids one night a week and in trade, they reciprocate.

Play Frisbee golf

Create an “International Night”. Decorate your home with an international theme, dress up, prepare ethnic foods, listen to appropriate music, and watch a foreign film on DVD

Try letter-boxing or geocaching

Enjoy an art walk, gallery to gallery

Watch a high school play

attend a matinée movie.  

Spend an evening playing board games by candlelight

Attend a book signing at a local bookstore. 

Design a scavenger or treasure hunt. Write clues on pieces of paper and leave them all around the house, neighborhood park, or town. Design each clue to lead to the next. Place a small gifts, or picnic basket at the end of the hunt

Attend a free concert or festival. Check the local newspaper for an upcoming event schedule. 

Go to a free library event Check the university schedule (if you live in a college town) for lectures, films and concerts

Visit a 4-H fair or carnival For group dates, create a thematic dinner club. Participate in a progressive dinner Join a book club for couples or families. 

Have a fondue party 

Take a factory tour

Visit the zoo or museum

Star Gaze

Check with the local home improvement store for free do-it-yourself instruction classes. Craft a new scrapbook page

Make homemade gifts or greeting cards

Take a drive through the countryside

Give one another facials or pedicures

Create a time capsule and bury it

Share a book by reading it out loud

Take a stroll through downtown

Bake and decorate cookies, then deliver them to friends

Perform a random act of kindness – pick a store or other public place and look for opportunities to be kind/be of service; you could eve make it a competition (who can do the most kind things in 10 minutes . . .)

Play around: Visit a quiet playground (without kidlets).

Interview each other

Fly a kite

Go fishing - fish farm in Smithfield

Enjoy a classic movie marathon

WEBSITES:

www.tourcachevalley.com

www.logancanyon.com

www.bearriverheritage.com

www.bridgerlandaudubon.org

www.parenting.com

www.brighamcity.utah.gov

www.variedarts.org

www.usu.edu/calendar

http://library.loganutah.org/local/events

http://Aggieserve.blogspot.com/

WEBSITES:

www.tourcachevalley.com

www.logancanyon.com

www.bearriverheritage.com

www.bridgerlandaudubon.org

www.parenting.com

www.brighamcity.utah.gov

www.variedarts.org

www.usu.edu/calendar

http://library.loganutah.org/local/events

http://Aggieserve.blogspot.com/

Ten Tips to Decorating on a Budget....

2010-02-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

Start with a Plan.

1. Rearrange Furniture or Re purpose Furniture -
*focal points *purpose of space

2. Paint a Wall

3. Bring in Plants or Flowers -
*scale - both large and small, potted or flowers in vases

4. Lay an Area Rug -
brings color, warmth, pattern, texture

5. Hang Pictures or a Mirror -
*if you have kids, they can paint or draw pictures, then you can hang them up in frames to personalize the space
a. group pictures in 3's
b. 1 large or
c. many small (like a collage) *scale - different sizes

6. Add Decorative Pillows -
*bed sheets from D.I. or Ross can be made into a pillow, or old blankets, etc

7. Group Figurines -
*collectibles or knickknacks - instead of spread out everywhere, try to group together

8. Replace or Update Light fixtures and Lamps -
*silhouette lamps (cut shapes in shades)
a. paint base
b. make tassels for drawstrings on ceiling fans or lamp shades

9. Add a Throw or Afghan -
*color, patterns, scale, texture

10. Eliminate Clutter -
*Keep it (decor) simple *use what you already have!
a. Organize
b. Donate

*Paint - $25 or Less -
different kinds and uses of paints (both spray and brush) for rugs, ceramics, metal, wood, stone.
a. ideas for painting - walls, furniture- wood or metal, doors, lamp bases, ceiling fan blades
b. Kids Room or Office - Chalk Board Paint or Dry Erase Paint (Home Depot or Lowes or Hobby Lobby)

Pasta Recipes

2010-02-11T17:56:00.000-08:00

Baked Spaghetti

(This was in the 9x13 baking dish at the Taster’s Table.)

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped green pepper (optional)

1 tbsp. butter or margarine

1 can (28 oz.) tomatoes with liquid, cut up

1 can (4 oz) mushroom stems and pieces, drained

1 can (2 ¼ oz) ripe olives, drained

2 tsp. dried oregano

1 pound ground beef, browned and drained

12 oz. spaghetti, cooked and drained

2 cups (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

1 can (10 ¾ oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted

¼ cup water

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

In large skillet, sauté onion and green pepper in butter until tender. Add tomatoes, mushrooms, olives and oregano. Add ground beef. Simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes. Place half of the spaghetti in a greased 13 X 9 X 2 inch baking dish. Top with half of the meat/vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Repeat layers. Mix the soup and water until smooth; pour over the casserole. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes, or until heated through. Yield: 12 servings.

Baked Spaghetti

(This was in the 9X9 baking dish at the Taster’s Table.)

1 package (16 oz.) spaghetti

1 ½ pounds ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

½ cup chopped green pepper

1 can (10 ¾ oz. ) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted

1 can (10 ¾ oz.) condensed tomato soup, undiluted

1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

1 cup water

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. dry basil

1 tsp. dry oregano

½ tsp. dry marjoram

½ tsp. dry rosemary

1/8 tsp. garlic salt

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded part skim mozzarella cheese, divided

Break spaghetti in half; cook according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the soups, tomato sauce, water, brown sugar and seasonings. Drain spaghetti; stir into meat sauce. Add ½ cup of the cheese. Transfer to greased 9x13x2 inch baking dish. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 10 to 15 minutes more, or until cheese is melted.

Chicken Spaghetti

(This was in the Crockpot at the Taster’s Table)

1 can cream of Chicken soup

1 can Cream of Mushroom soup

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can green chilies

1 lb. favorite cheese

12 oz. cooked spaghetti

1 ½ lb cooked chicken

Add all ingredients except spaghetti to Crockpot and heat for 2 hours. Then add spaghetti.

Suped-up Mac n' Cheese

(This is one of the recipes from the February cooking class, which we sampled at the Taster’s Table.)

1 lb elbow macaroni noodles
1 onion
1 box frozen spinach, thawed and drained well
1 quart milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 cup flour
1 lb shredded colby-jack (or cheddar) cheese
8 oz (1 box) cream cheese
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup diced deli ham
1 tsp crushed garlic (1 or 2 cloves)
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
1/2 tsp dried dill
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 cup dried breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs

Instructions:
1) Boil a large pot of water. When it gets boiling, add about 1 tbsp salt and pour in the pasta. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until al dente. Different pastas will vary in cooking time, so be sure to check. Meanwhile:
2) Heat the milk for 4 minutes in the microwave.
3) Chop the onion. In a 2 quart skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat and add the onion. Sautee until the onion gets soft, about 3 minutes. Pour the cooked onion into a really big bowl (this bowl will eventually hold the entire dish, so make sure it is big enough).
4) Put the same saucepan back on the stove and lower the heat to medium-low. Add the butter, let it melt. Then sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine. Keep whisking for about 1 minute. This is called a roux, and will thicken the sauce.
5) Add the hot milk to the roux and whisk constantly until the milk gets nice and thick. A few bubbles might show up. Now this is called a white sauce, or bechamel. (by the way, have you checked on your noodles?) Add the cream cheese and the grated cheese, stir it really well, until things melt. Turn off the heat.
6) In that big bowl, put in the drained spinach, the completed cheese sauce, and all the ingredients EXCEPT the breadcrumbs . Stir everything together. Drain the noodles (if you haven't already,) and add those. Fold the entire mixture gently, but thoroughly, until everything is mixed and looking yummy. Pour into a big casserole dish, about 15x11". This makes a lot.
7) Sprinkle the top of the casserole with breadcrumbs. Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes, or until heated through, bubbly, and golden on top.

Sweet & Sour Noodles

(This is the other recipe from the February cooking class, which we sampled at the Taster’s Table.)

12 oz Spaghetti Noodles

1 onion

1 red bell pepper (or green)

1 (Small) head broccoli

3 carrots

1 can pineapple chunks

2 cups frozen shelled Edamame

1 can sliced water chestnuts

3 tbsp olive oil

Sauce:

½ cup soy sauce

¼ cup pineapple juice

1 tsp garlic

¼ cup honey

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp pepper

½ cup ketchup

3 tbsp cornstarch

1) Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tbsp salt and the spaghetti noodles. Return to a gentle boil and cook for 8-10 minutes or until spaghetti is al dente. Drain.

2) Meanwhile, wash vegetables and chop into bite-size pieces. Drain Pineapple, reserving juice for the sauce. Drain water chestnuts.

3) In a large wok or frying pan, heat 3 tbsp olive oil until it begins to smoke. Add the onion, pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry over high heat for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables just begin to soften.

4) Mix together all sauce ingredients in a bowl or measuring cup.

5) When the spaghetti is done cooking, add the drained, cooked noodles to the stir-fry vegetables. Also add the pineapple, water chestnuts, edamame, and sauce.

6) Cook for about 5 more minutes until everything is hot through and edamame are bright green.

7) Serve immediately. Makes 6-8 adult servings.

Rice Recipes

2010-01-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

Basic Cooked Rice
2 cups water
1 cup rice

Rice cooker Method:
Place ingredients above in rice cooker. Add 1/2 tsp salt if desired. Put on lid and turn on cooker. Fluff and serve when it turns off.

Stove Top Method:
Put rice, water, and salt if desired, in a pan with a lid and at least 1 inch room on the top. Put on lid and bring to boil. Watch carefully, because it can boil over. Once at a boil, leave the lid ON and turn OFF the heat. Don't touch the pan, or the lid (really! Don't take the lid off!) for 30 minutes. It does NOT need to be stirred. After 30 minutes, fluff and serve.

Brown Rice:
Do the same as the stove top directions, but after boiling, turn the heat to lowest of low and simmer for 10 minutes. Check the water level--if it is looking dry, add 1/2 cup of boiling water. Then turn off the heat and let sit for 40 minutes to 1 hour. Again, do not lift the lid. (Brown rice has a shorter shelf life and is not recommended for food storage.)

Alternative Stove Top Method for White Rice:
1 C rice with 2 C water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil in a covered pan. Lower the heat to simmer and cook about 20 minutes. OR
[Put the amount of rice you want in a pan. cover with cold water until when you put your finger in it and you touch the rice, the water should reach your first knuckle. Bring to a boil and turn to low for 20 minutes. {Never take the lid off or stir} Take the pan off the heat and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Stir to fluff rice and serve.]

Rice-a-Roni (but better)
1 cup rice
1 onion, chopped
1 cup spaghetti noodles, broken into 1” long pieces
4 cups chicken stock or broth
1 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp butter
2 cups cooked chicken
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and Pepper to taste

1. In a large skillet, add the oil and butter. Place over medium-high heat and let the butter melt. Add the chopped onion, rice, and spaghetti noodles (dry). Cook for about 5-8 minutes, or until the noodles are beginning to toast and the onion is soft.

2. Add the chicken stock and stand back—there might be some steam and hissing. Bring to a boil. Cover immediately, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check half way to make sure there is still enough liquid in the pan. If it is looking very dry, add 1 cup of water and reduce heat even lower.

3. When the rice and noodles are no longer crunchy, remove the cover and add the peas and chicken. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper accordingly.

4. Serve immediately. Makes 4-6 large servings, and this is a complete meal by itself.

For flavor variations try adding: A) 1 bell pepper, color of your choice, chopped and cooked along with the onion. B) beef stock instead of chicken, C) any of your favorite frozen vegetables at the end instead of the peas.

Crock Pot Rice Pudding (made from cooked rice)
4 cups cooked rice
1 cup raisins
1 12oz can evaporated milk
3 Tbsp butter or margarine,(softened)
1 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla
1/4 cup water
1 tsp cinnamon
Spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. In large bowl, mix rice, both milks, sugar and water, combining well. Then add remaining ingredients, stirring until well combined. Pour mixture into slow cooker and cover. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, until done. Check often near the end so it is not overcooked. Remove from crock pot, stir well, then serve. (A good way to use leftover rice.)

Crock Pot Rice Pudding (made from uncooked rice)
¾ cup sugar
6 cups milk
2 cinnamon sticks
1 cup rice (not minute rice)
1 tsp. vanilla
Place sugar and milk in crock pot and stir to dissolve sugar. Stir in rice, cinnamon sticks and vanilla. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the rice is tender. After it starts to simmer, stir it once or twice to make sure rice isn't clumping. The longer it cooks, the thicker it will become. Do Not overcook or it will be “rice mush” rather than rice pudding.
When done, pour into a serving dish, sprinkle with nutmeg and allow to cool.

Juk Juk (Rice Balls)
1 cup uncooked rice (not minute rice)
2 cups Water
3/4 cup granulated Sugar
Coconut
Cook rice as you normally would, but stir in sugar when you add the rice to the water. When the rice is cooked immediately squish and roll into balls (be careful it will be hot and very sticky). Roll in coconut. Store in an air tight container in the fridge.

“Porcupine” Meatballs
1 lb ground beef
½ cup uncooked rice
½ cup water
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. garlic salt
½ tsp. pepper
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup water
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Mix meat, rice, ½ cup water, onion, salts, and pepper. Shape into balls. Place in 8X8 pan. Mix tomato sauce, 1 cup water, Worcestershire sauce. Pour over meatballs. Cover with foil. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes, uncover and bake 15 minutes more, or until done.

Fried Rice
1 Cup Chopped meat (ham or bacon)
6 green onions, sliced
3 Tbsp Oil
2 eggs, beaten
6 Cups Cold Cooked Rice
1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tsp Sugar
Sautee meat and onions in oil. Add eggs and cook like scrambled eggs then add remaining ingredients and heat.

Pork Chops and Rice
4-6 Pork Chops
2 Cups Rice
1 pkg Dry Onion Soup Mix
1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 Cup Milk
Brown pork chops. Add rice, 3 cups water and dry soup mix. Steam until rice is done. Mix mushroom soup and milk then pour over rice and chops and simmer 10 minutes.

Broccoli-Cheese-Rice Casserole
Cook 2 Cups rice and line casserole dish
Cover with cooked broccoli and cooked chicken pieces
Cover with sauce:
2 C. Mayonnaise
2 tsp Lemon Juice
½ tsp Curry
2 Cans Cream Soup
Grate sharp cheese over top and cover then bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

Oh Boy Supper
1 lb Ground Beef
1 Chopped Onion
½ Cup uncooked Rice
1 Cup diced celery
1 ½ C Warm Water
¼ C. Soy Sauce
1 Can each Cream chicken and mushroom soup
Chinese noodles
Fry hamburger and onion. Mix together and bake @ 350 for 30 minutes with cover on then 30 minutes with cover off. Cover with Chinese noodles and bake 10 minutes more.

Hawaiian Haystacks
Cook 2 cups rice and top with chicken gravy. Add any of the following: grated cheese, chopped celery or onion, crushed pineapple, coconut, Chinese noodles, frozen peas, diced tomatoes, or slivered almonds.

Holiday Dinner Recipes

2009-11-13T20:56:00.000-08:00

Chicken Bacon Dinner Salad

1 head red lettuce
1 head green lettuce
1 head iceberg lettuce
8 oz. mozzarella cheese, grated
1 cup dried cranberries
1 pound cooked, crumbled bacon
6 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Toss salad greens, cheese, cranberries, almonds, bacon, and chicken. When ready to serve, drizzle with dressing, toss again, and serve immediately.

Dressing
1 cup sugar
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped red onion (blend thoroughly)
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup canola oil

Blend first four ingredients together in blender and slowly pour in oil while blending.

Crock Pot Glazed carrots

5 pounds carrots
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup water
1/2 tsp salt

Peel carrots and cut into 1 to 1 1/2 inch chunks. Place carrots in crock pot and add remaining ingredients. Cook on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Turn crock pot to low and cook for 4 to 5 more hours, stirring once every hour. Turn to warm setting until ready to serve.

Pumpkin Pie Cake

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
3 eggs
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 large can pumpkin
1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tbsp. butter or margarine, melted

Crust: Combine yellow cake mix (reserve 1 cup for topping), 1/2 cup melted butter (or margarine), and 1 egg. Press into 9 X 13 inch greased pan.

Pumpkin Layer: Mix together 2 eggs, milk, and pumpkin. Pour over unbaked crust.

Topping: Combine the reserved 1 cup yellow cake mix that was set aside, with the cinnamon and the 1 1/2 tablespoons butter (or margarine). Sprinkle over the pumpkin mixture.

Bake at 350 for 45 to 50 minutes. Test for doneness same as you would as pumpkin pie. Cool. Serve topped with Cool Whip.

Wonderful Wednesday Pie Crust Demonstration Recipe

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October Cooking Class Recipes

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Here are the recipes that were demonstrated in the October Cooking Class:

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apple and Sausage

1 large (or two small) acorn squash
1 lb bulk sausage
1 onion
2 apples
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Brown sausage in a large skillet. Peel and chop onions and apples. Add to sausage, cook for 2 to 3 minute, until soft. Add seasonings. Half the squash and clean out seeds. Fill with stuffing, cover with foil. Bake at 350 for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until soft.

Roasted Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Carrots

1 head of broccoli
1 head of cauliflower
3 carrots
3 or 4 tsp vegetable oil or olive oil
2 cloves (1 tsp.) garlic
salt and pepper

Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into florets. Peel and slice the carrots. Toss with oil, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Spread on a large baking pan. Bake at 400 for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender. (Optional: Top with cheese in the last 5 minutes. Also try lemon/lime zest or a drizzle of honey.)

Cucumber-Peach Smoothie

1/2 cucumber, peeled and seeded
1 can (2 cups) peaches (frozen)
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 -2 cups skim milk
2 tbsp. sugar, if desired

Blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Paper Bag Mixes

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Rather than using jars or mugs, place your mix in a zipper bag, and then put in paper bag. Fold down top, punch two holes and tie with a piece of raffia. Glue label to outside of bag.

We displayed a hot spiced cider mix, a biscuit mix, a muffin mix, and a hot chocolate mix, all of which were in paper bags.

Mug Mixes

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Brownie Mix in a Mug

4 T. instant brownie mix
Measure all small Ziploc baggie, seal.
Place in a Mug lined with Tissue paper, attach pretty tag.
Attach Tag:
Pour mix into mug add. 2 Tbsp water & mix well. Microwave for 1 minute.
Add ins: (Choose 1 of the following)
1 T. mini m&m's
1 T. Chopped Walnuts
1 T. Chopped Pecans
1 T. Dried Chopped Cherries

Jello Cake Mix in a Mug

1/3 cup any flavor cake mix
1 T. any flavor Jello
Measure into small Ziploc baggie, seal & shake to combine.
Combine the following into a small baggie & label as Glaze Mix:
2 T. Powdered sugar
1/2 tsp Jello
Place in a Mug lined with Tissue paper & attach tag & small wire whisk with ribbon.
Attach Tag:
Empty mix into mug, add 2 tsp oil, 1 T. Water & 1 egg white, Whisk WELL.
Microwave on high 2 minutes. In the meantime, mix glaze while cake is cooking by adding a couple drops of water to the glaze mix (mix it right in the bag!) snip off a corner and squeeze gently onto your cake

Jar Mix Recipes

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Here are some of the Jar Mix Recipes we had on display.

There are so many others online that you are sure to find some you like.

Sand Art Cookie Mix

1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup crisp rice cereal
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Measure each item into layers in a quart jar.

Recipe Tag Directions:
Combine the following until well blended:
1 Pkg Mix
1 large egg
½ cup of margarine melted; mix well.

Form dough into 1 inch balls and bake at 350 on greased cookie sheet for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Butterfinger Cookie Mix

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon powdered vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 butterfinger bars broken into little pieces

Layer all ingredients in jar. (This one we had on display, and we used a three cup container that was purchased at DI for 50 cents. It was really cute.)

Attach Tag:
Butterfinger Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1 Jar Mix

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine mix, butter and eggs and mix well until combined. Shape into small 1 " balls, pressing them down with a fork. Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes on greased cookies sheet. (My batch needed a little more flour than the recipe calls for.)

Brownie Mix

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups white sugar

Mix ingredients together and place in a jar or container. When you are ready to make brownies add

1 cup melted butter

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix until well combined. Grease a 9×13 pan. Spread batter evenly and bake for 22-25 minutes or until done.

Texas Cornbread Mix

2 cups yellow cornmeal
2 cup sifted flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
8 teaspoons baking powder

Wash, rinse and thoroughly dry canning jar, lid and band.

Pre-mix flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Alternate layers of flour-sugar mixture and cornmeal, as if doing a sand-art creation.

Cut a 7-inch circle from cotton fabric. Top jar with fabric circle, and tie with ribbon or raffia.

Attach the following instructions on a gift tag:

1 jar Texas Cornbread Mix
2 eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup shortening

Heat oven to 425. Grease one 9 X 13 pan, or large cast iron skillet, or cast iron cornbread mold.

Place cornbread mix into bowl, mix thoroughly. Add eggs, milk and shortening. Hand-beat until smooth, about one minute. DO NOT OVERBEAT!

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes for pan or skillet, 15 to 20 minutes for cornbread mold.

Catchy Sayings for Quick and Easy Holiday Gifts

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1. "You're getting 'muffin' for Christmas" tied to a box or jar of muffin mix.
2. "May your holiday's be merry and sprite" on a jug of Sprite soda pop.
3. "Jelly is like love-you can't spread it around without getting some on yourself." Attach to a jar of homemade jelly or jam.
4. "We whisk you a Merry Kiss-mas." Fill a wire whisk with chocolate kisses and attach greeting.
5. "Have a jolly Christmas!" on a bag of Jolly Ranchers or Jolly Time popcorn.
6. "When Santa "Chex" his list, he won't find anyone nicer than you." Give with Chex mix.
7. "Hope you have a 'ball' this holiday season." Attach to popcorn balls.
8. "We're 'rooting' for you to have a Happy New Year" on a jug of root beer.
9. "We're nuts about you! Merry Christmas." Share with your special blend of nuts.
10. "Blot out your troubles and absorb the Christmas Spirit." Fill the center of paper towels with a favorite holiday treat. Hold in the treats with crumpled foil, tissue paper, or paper towels!
11. "Holiday hugs from me." Attach to a handful of Hershey's Hugs.
12. "No one matches you as neighbors! Merry Christmas." Stick to a box of matches; include a candle or scented fire-starter pinecones.
13. "May your holiday's bubble over with fun!" Send along with bubble-gum or bubble bath.
14. "Knew you'd need (or knead) a little extra 'dough' for Christmas." Tie to a tub of cookie dough or frozen bread dough.
15. "Snap, crackle, pop! We think you're tops!" Place on a plate of rice-crispy treats.
16. "Wishing you a souper holiday season." Tag along with soup mix.
17. "May your holiday's be sprinkled with love and laughter." Decorated sugar cookies or cookie decorating basket-sugar cookies, icing, cookie cutters, and sprinkles.
18. "Wishing you a sparkling holiday season." Tie around a bottle of sparkling cider.
19. "Your friendship has warmed us the whole year through." Send with hot cocoa mix.
20. "Raise a little cane this season." Attach to a large candy cane or bag of candy canes.
21. "I hear you've been naughty/ So listen, here's the scoop . . . / I'm running short on coal this year, / Enjoy this 'Snowman Poop." / Love, Santa Tape this poem to a bag of marshmallows sent along with hot cocoa mix. Or simulate a melted snowman by giving a bottle of water, two pretzel sticks, enough raisins for eyes, buttons, and mouth, and a handful of marshmallows in a reclosable sandwich bag.
22. Any sweet treat: "Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!"
23. A plate of cookies: "Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, from your "crummy" neighbors.
24. Barq's Root Beer: "Have a wonderful Christmas, it shows you're "Barqing" up the right tree!"
25. Any soda: "We're "soda-lighted" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
26. Popcorn: "We just "popped" in to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
27. Loaf of bread: "For being there when you were "kneaded", for "rising" to the occasion, large or small. For never "loafing" on the job, for helping others "heel" with TLC. No matter how you "slice" it, you do a terrific job loving others."
28. Bananas: "If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we'd go "bananas" trying to find a better "bunch" than you!"
29. Bear Shaped Honey: "Hoping our "honey" of a friend has a "beary" Merry Christmas".
30. Microwave Popcorn and 2-liter of soda: "Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a good friend you is!"
31. Mug with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends so dear, wishing you a cup of cheer."
32. Eggnog: "Have an "udderly moovalous" holiday!"
33. Ice Cream: "Have a cool yule!"
34. Hershey's Kisses in a Wire Wisk: "We "whisk" you a merry "kiss" mas.
35. Paper Towels: "Blot out your troubles, "absorb" the Christmas spirit!"
36. Candle: "Hope your Christmas is full of light"
37. Pencil and notepad: "Hope your Christmas is something to write home about!"
38. Matches: "To our matchless friends"
39. Bubble Gum or Bubble Bath: "May your holidays "bubble" over with fun!"
40. 7Up: "7 Up ideas for a wonderful holiday season" (include 7 uplifting thoughts/ideas)
41. Sprite: "May your Christmas be Merry and "Sprite"!"
42. Rootbeer: "We're "rooting" for you to have a Happy Holiday Season!"
43. Any Pop: "We're "soda-lighted" to have you as our friends!"
44. Popcorn: "We're "popping" by with a holiday HI!"
45. Chocolate Covered Cherries: "Wishing you a very "cherry" Christmas"
46. Mints: "We "mint" to wish you a Merry Christmas"
47. Snickers Candy Bar: "Don't "snicker" - just be glad you got something!"
48. Cookie Dough - "Here's a little extra "dough" for Christmas"
49. Jar of Jam: "Hoping your Christmas is "jam" packed with cheer"
50. Veggies & Dip: "Dip into the holidays and a healthy New Year!"
51. Pasta: Have a "pasta-tively" happy holiday!"
52. Muffins or Muffin Mix: "You're gettin' "muffin" for Christmas!"
53. Grater & Cheese: "To a "grate" neighbor"
54. Seasoning Mix: "Seasoned with love - Happy Holidays!"
55. Any Sweet Treat: "Wishing you a season full of sweetness!"
56. Whisk Broom: "Take a break, From a Busy Day, and Sweep All Your Cares Away!"
57. Basket of Bath Items: "When you feel like a basket case, take a break...and slow your pace"
58. Basket of Rolls and Honey Bear: "Have a honey of a Christmas"
59. Hershey's Kisses: "Merry "Kiss"mas"
60. Bath oils, bubbles, salts: "The holidays can be a strain on our body and brain, so when you feel stressed, a hot bath is best, it truly will help keep you sane!"
61. Soup mix: You're "souper" - Merry Christmas"
62. Wooden spoon w/ favorite drink or baking mix: "Not a creature was "stirring"..."
63. Oven Mitt filled w/ treats: "We have to ad-"mitt" you're a great neighbor!"
64. Frozen cookie dough w/ cookie cutters: "Bake up some Christmas cheer!"
65. Apple Cider w/wassail mix: "Spice Up Your Christmas!"
66. Bag/Box of Whoppers: "Hope you have a "whopper" of a Christmas"
67. M&M's: Have a Merry and Most Wonderful Holiday Season!"
68. Frozen or Ready-To-Bake Pizza: "Warm up to a wonderful holiday season "topped" with Christmas cheer!"
69. Apples and Hershey's Hugs: A teacher can't live by apples alone...she needs hugs too!"
70. Popcorn Balls: "Hoping you have a "ball" this Christmas season"
71. Jolly Ranchers: "Have a holly "jolly" Christmas"
72. Chex Party Mix: "Remember Santa "chex" his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice...so be good for goodness sake!!!
73. Box of Hostess Ho-Ho's:" Hope a merry "Ho-Ho-Ho" fills your heart the whole year through!"
74. Jar of Jelly: "Jelly is like love -- you can't spread it around without getting some on yourself!"
75. Christmas Tray: "We "tray"sure your friendship!"
76. Bell: "With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true, and bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through!"
77. Yule Log: "We send you warm greetings this Christmas seasoning"
78. Potpourri: "May this weet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmasses long ago!"
79. Cleaners: "You add sparkle and make our life brighter!"
80. Nuts: "We're nuts about you!"
81. Lifesavers: "You've been a life saver!"
82. Juice pitcher filled with candy canes: "We pitcher you raising a little "cane" during the holidays"
83. Broom or Feather Duster: "You're "dust" the finest neighbors we know!"
84. Measuring Cup or Spoons: "Wishing you a joy beyond "measure"!"
85. Star ornament: "Remember the reason for the season!"
86. Chocolate Mousse Mix: "Merry Christmousse to our "deer" friends!"
87. Wooden Spoon: "Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles; You'll find this sppon useful in so many ways. But whatever it's use, it says, "Merry Christmas from us to you!"
88. Flower: "If friends were flowers, we'd pick you!"
89. Heart Ornament: "May the joy and love you give away, come back to you on Christmas Day"
90. Cinnamon Sugar for toast: "May your Christmas be sprinkled with laughter and love!"
91. Christmas music: "May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice!"
92. Filled Basket: "Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings"
93. Salsa: "Add a little spice to your holidays"
94. Stocking or Filled Jar: "Have a fun filled Christmas this year!"
95. Candle: "May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year bright!!!"
96. Calendar: "Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!"
97. Sugar Cookies: "Rolling out a batch of Christmas cheer, for someone we think is very dear!"
98. Cherry 7-Up: "Just a little Christmas cheer from Happy Hearts this time of year!"
99. Sparkling Cider: "Wising you a sparkling hoilday season!"
100. Warm casserole or bread: "Bundled up with warm wishes"
101. Eggbeater: "Have an "eggstra" special holiday!"
102. Pie: "Wishing you a scrupmtuous Christmas"
103. Oranges: " Orange" you glad we're Friends!?" Merry Christmas!!
104. Chocolate Orange: "Orange" you glad it's Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a Sweet one!
105. Ice Cream Snowballs and Hot Fudge: "Here's some packaged"snowball" treats - Just Drizzle Hot Fudge and its ready to eat!...Enjoy!!"
106. Box of Light Bulbs: "Have a bright and radiant Christmas"
107. Anything Santa: "Ho - Ho - Hoping your Christmas is Heavenly!"
108. Anything Angel: "Hoping you have a Heavenly Christmas!!"
109. Gingerbread House: "Nibble, Nibble like a mouse, We hope you'll nibble at this house!" Merry Christmas!!
110. Mugs with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends who are so Dear, We wish you all a cup of Cheer!"
111. Cocoa Mix: "Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!"
112. Gum: "By Gum, You're a great Neighbor!! "Have a Merry Christmas"
113. Christmas Shaped pasta: "Have a Pasta-tively Happy Holiday!"
114. Jar of Jam: "Hoping you have a Holiday "Jammed" packed with fun!!" "Have a "Berry" nice holiday season!!" Or "Hoping your Christmas is "Jam-packed" with Christmas Cheer!!"
115. Homemade Frozen Rolls - "Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that's all you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you"
116. Brownie Mix (or other mix): "Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a "rich" Holiday Season!!" (Attatch the recipe!)
117. Homemade carmels: Hoping you have a "Rich" and "wonderful" Holiday!!"
118. Pie: "Just a "Holiday Hi" and a tasty Pie!! Happy Holidays!!"
119. Divinity: "May your Christmas be "Devine" and your Holidays so Fine! Sweet Christmas Wishes!"
120. Rice Krispie Treats: "Snap, Crackle, Pop" We think You're really Tops!"
121. Toffee or Brittle: "Any way you break it, We think you're the greatest!"
122. Fudge: "Fudge" a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday Season!"
123. Cheese Ball and Crackers: "We don't mean to sound "Cheesey", we just hope you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season! Or "Spread a little Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!"
124. Apple Anything (pie, cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.): "Sending you a "Bushel" of love this holiday Season!!" Or " You are the apple of my eye, Teacher!"
125. Banana Bread: "Banana Bread just for you, because you have so much to do... We also love you a whole "Bunch" too! Merry Christmas!"
126. Cinnamon Rolls: "Here's a sweet treat "Rolled" up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!"
127. Homemade Chocolates: "You're so sweet...having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!"
128. Cake or Cupcakes: "You take the "Cake" neighbor, We think you're first rate! Happy Holidays to you!!"
129. Cornbread or Mix: "We're not trying to be "Corny" we just want you to have Merry Christmas!"
130. Carrot Cake: " I Really "Carrot" alot about you!! Merry Christmas"
131. Spiced Drink Mixes: "Hoping your Holidays are "Spiced" Just right!"
132. Recipe: "Just like you friend...it's tried and true, just for you! Happy Holiday Baking or Merry Christmas Cooking!"
133. Pizza - "Hope your Holiday has a touch of "Pizza - z!!" Merry Christmas!!"
134. Crayons and Coloring Book: Hope your Holidays are Colorful!
135. Plant: "The kindness you showmakes our friendship grow and grow! Hope you have a Happy Holiday!!"
136. Stuffed animal: "Pawsing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
137. Donuts: "Donut" you know we love you??? Have a happy Holiday!!"
138. Tree shaped pasta, tree shaped container or a small Christmas tree: "Hope your Christmas is "tree-mendous"!"
139. Payday candy bar: "It's the "nutty" time of the year again, so please don't lose your cool! Relax, and much this little treat and have a happy yule!"
140. Squeeze-It Juice drink & a Hershey's Kiss: "Here's a "squeeze and a "kiss", to remind you you're loved all through the year!"
141. Salsa & Tortilla Chips: "Have a hot and spicy Christmas!"
142. Scouring pad/sponge: "I scoured the earth for a friend like you!"

103 Quick and Easy Christmas Gift Ideas

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1. M&M's - "Have a Merry and Most wonderful Holiday Season!!"

2. Soup or soup mix - Wishing you a "Souper" Holiday Season!!

3. Frozen or ready to bake pizza - "Warm up to a wonderful Holiday Season Topped" with Christmas cheer!"

4. Apples and Hershey's Hugs - A teacher can't live by apples alone...She needs "Hugs" too!!

5. Popcorn Balls - Hoping you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season!

6. Loaf of Bread - For being there when you were "Kneaded", for "Rising" to the occasion, large or small. For never "Loafing" on the job, for helping others to "Heel" with TLC. No matter how you "Slice it", you do a terrific job loving Others. Merry Christmas!!

7. Jolly Ranchers - Have a Holly"Jolly" Christmas!!

8. Rootbeer - We're "Root"ing for you to have a Happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful New Year!!

9. Chex Party Mix - Remember Santa "Chex" his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice...so be good for goodness sake!! Merry Christmas!!

10. Box of Hostess Ho-Ho's - Hope a merry "HO - HO - H0" fills your heart the whole year through! (Put a Santa sticker on the label)

11. Wire Wisk - (Filled with Chocolate kisses) "We WHISK you a Merry KISSmas!!"

12. Jar of Jelly - jelly is like love - you can't spread it around without getting some on yourself! Merry Christmas!!

13. Christmas Tray - We "Tray"sure your friendship! Merry Christmas!!

14. Bell - With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true. And bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through! Merry Christmas!

15. Yule Log - "We send you warm greetings this Christmas Season!!"

16. Potpourri - "May this sweet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmases long ago!" Merry Christmas!

17. Cleaners - "You add sparkle and make our life brighter!" Merry Christmas!

18. Nuts - "We're nuts about you!" Merry Christmas!

19. Lifesavers - " You've been a life saver!" Have a great Christmas!

20. A juice pitcher filled with candy canes- "We pitcher you raising a little "cane" during the holidays!" Have a merry Christmas!!

21. Broom - You're "Dust" the finest neighbors we know! Merry Christmas!

22. Paper Towels - "Blot out your troubles; absorb the Christmas Spirit!"

23. Measuring Cup or Glass Measure - "Wishing you Joy Beyond Measure!

24. Bananas - If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we'd go bananas trying to find a better bunch than you!!"

25. Any Star ornaments - "Remember the reason for the season!"

26. Chocolate Mousse Mix - "Merry Christmousse" to our "Deer" Friends!

27. Wooden spoon - Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or soufflés; You'll find this spoon useful in so many ways. But whatever it's use, it says, "Merry Merry Christmas from us to you!"

28. Flower - "If friends were flowers, we'd pick you! Happy Holidays!! Or "You make friendship bloom all year round!"

29. Heart Christmas Ornament - "May the Joy and Love you give away, come back to you on Christmas day!"

30. Cinnamon Sprinkles - (Cinnamon & Sugar, or cookie sprinkles) "May your Christmas be sprinkled with laughter and love!" Merry Christmas!

31. Hershey's Hugs - "A friend always knows when you need a little hug!"

32. Christmas music CD or Tape - "May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice!" Or "May the merry sounds of Christmas bring a Joyful Melody to your holiday season" Merry Christmas!!

33. Filled Basket - "Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings"

34. Salsa - "Add a little Spice to your Holidays!" Merry Christmas!

35. Stocking or filled Jar - "Have a fun filled Christmas this year!"

36. Lamb - "Have "eweself" a Merry little Christmas!!"

37. Candle - "May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year Bright!!

38. Holly - "Happy Holly days!"

39. Calendar - "Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!"

40. Shaped Sugar Cookies - "Rolling out a batch of Christmas Cheer, for Someone we think is very dear!!"

41. Cherry 7-up - "Just a Little Christmas Cheer from Happy Hearts this time of year!! Merry Christmas!!"

42. Sparkling Cider - "Wishing you a Sparkling Holiday Season!"

43. Warm Casserole or Bread - "Bundled up with warm wishes!!"

44. Popcorn or Carmel Corn - "Just "Popping" by with a Holiday Hi!" Or "May your Holidays be Poppin'!"

45. Seasoning Mix - "Seasoned with Love" Merry Christmas!!

46. Eggbeater - "Have an "Eggstra" Special Holiday!!"

47. Hershey's Hugs and Kisses - "Christmas Hugs and Kisses to You " Or "Holiday Hugs and Kisses to you!"

48. Apple Pie of Apple Crisp - "Wishing you a Scrumptious Christmas!"

49. Fruit Basket - "May your New Year be Festive and Fruitful!!"

50. Any Sweet Treat - "Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!"

51. Oranges - " Orange" you glad we're Friends!?" Merry Christmas!!

52. Chocolate Orange - "Orange" you glad it's Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a Sweet one!

53. Sprite - " May your Christmas be Merry and Sprite!"

54. Ice Cream Snowballs and Hot Fudge - " Here's some packaged"snowball" treats - Just Drizzle Hot Fudge and its ready to eat!...Enjoy!!"

55. Snicker Bar - "Don't "Snicker", just be glad you got Something!!"

56. Mints - "Friends like you are worth a Mint!!" Merry Christmas!!

57. Matches - "No one Matches you as neighbors!" Merry Christmas!

58. Strainer - (With a Christmas bow) " We couldn't restrain ourselves from wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!"

59. Box of Light Bulbs - "Have a bright and radiant Christmas"

60. Bubble Gum or Bubble Bath - "May your holidays "Bubble" over with fun!!

61 Pencil and Notepad - "Merry Christmas from our pad to yours!!" or Merry Christmas to a "noteworthy" friend!"

62. Jar of Pickles - "Just in brine, Our wish for a merry Christmas!!"

63. Grater and Cheese - " To a Grate Neighbor! Merry Christmas!"

64. Ice Cream - "Have a "Cool" Yule!!"

65. Bear shaped Honey - "Have a Bear Sweet Christmas!!"

66. Santa - "Ho - Ho - Hoping your Christmas is Heavenly!"

67. Angel - "Hoping you have a Heavenly Christmas!!"

68. Eggnog - " Have an "Udderly Moovalous" Christmas!!"

69. Gingerbread House - "Nibble, Nibble like a mouse, We hope you'll nibble at this house!" Merry Christmas!!

70. Mugs with Hot Chocolate Mix - "To our special friends who are so Dear, We wish you all a cup of Cheer!" (One Mug would be a special gift for a Teacher. "To a Special Teacher dear, wishing you a "Cup of Cheer"!"

71. Cocoa Mix - "Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!"

72. Muffins or Muffin mix - " You're getting "Muffin" for Christmas!!"

73. Gum - "By Gum, You're a great Neighbor!! "Have a Merry Christmas"

74. Veggies and Dip - "Dip into a wonderful Holiday season and a Healthy New Year!"

75. Christmas Shaped pasta - ( Or any Pasta and a bottle of Sauce ) " Have a Pasta-tively Happy Holiday!"

76. Jar of Jam - "Hoping you have a Holiday "Jammed" packed with fun!!" "Have a "Berry" nice holiday season!!" Or "Hoping your Christmas is "Jam-packed" with Christmas Cheer!!"

77. Cookie Dough - "Here's a little extra "Dough" for Christmas! Or "Everyone Needs a little extra "Dough" for Christmas!!"

78. Homemade Frozen Rolls - "Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that's all you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you"

79. Brownie Mix - (Or any Mix) "Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a "rich" Holiday Season!!" (Be sure to attach the recipe!)

80. Homemade caramels - Hoping you have a "Rich" and "wonderful" Holiday!!"

81. Pie - "Just a "Holiday Hi" and a tasty Pie!! Happy Holidays!!"

82. Divinity - "May your Christmas be "Devine" and your Holidays so Fine! Sweet Christmas Wishes!"

83. Rice Krispie Treats - "Snap, Crackle, Pop" We think You're really Tops! "

84. Toffee or Brittle - "Any way you break it, We think you're the greatest!"

85. Fudge - "Fudge" a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday Season!"

86. Cheese Ball and Crackers - "We don't mean to sound "Cheesey", we just hope you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season! Or "Spread a little Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!"

87. Apple Anything - (Pie,Cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.) "Sending you a "Bushel" of love this holiday Season!!" Or " You are the apple of my eye, Teacher!"

88. Banana Bread - "Banana Bread just for you, because you have so much to do... We also love you a whole "Bunch" too! Merry Christmas!"

89. Cinnamon Rolls - "Here's a sweet treat "Rolled" up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!"

90. Homemade Chocolates - " You're so Sweet...having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!"

91. Cake or Cupcakes - "You take the "Cake" neighbor, We think you're first rate! Happy Holidays to you!!"

92. Cornbread or Mix - "We're not trying to be "Corny" we just want you to have Merry Christmas!"

93. Carrot Cake - " I Really "Carrot" a lot about you!! Merry Christmas"

94. Spiced Drink Mixes - " Hoping your Holidays are "Spiced" Just right!"

95. Homemade Ice cream of a Frozen Treat - "Here's the Scoop,,,,Hoping your Holidays are a "Blizzard" of fun!"

96. Recipe - "Just like you friend...it's tried and true, just for you! Happy Holiday Baking or Merry Christmas Cooking!"

97. Pizza - "Hope your Holiday has a touch of "Pizza - z!!" Merry Christmas!!"

98. Candle - "You Light up my Life!" Thanks for your friendship! May your Christmas be Merry and Bright!"

99. Crayons and Coloring Book - Hope your Holidays are Colorful!

100. Plant - " The kindness you show makes our friendship grow and grow! Hope you have a Happy Holiday!!"

101. Soda Pop - "I'd "Soda" like to wish you a merry Christmas!

102. Stuffed animal - (Beanie Baby) "Pawsing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"

103. Donuts - "Donut" you know we love you??? Have a happy Holiday!

-- Source Unknown

Provident Sister

Cream Puffs – Lori Walters

Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Muffins

Cheese Ball – Loraine Pace – Wonderful Wednesday

Texas Sheet Cake – Jessica Day – Wonderful Wednesday

Pumpkin Pie Cake – Holiday Dinner

Crock Pot Glazed Carrots – Holiday Dinner

Freezer Jam

Regular Whole Wheat Bread

Broccoli Salad

Cheating Brownies

Wheat Chili

Spanish Wheat

Five Grain Hot Cereal

Shrapnel

Beans and Rice

Low Fat (Bean) Cookies

Refried Beans

Flour Tortillas

More recipes that call for oats

Recipes that call for oats

Peanut Butter Balls, Chews, and Play Doh (using Powdered Milk)

Macaroni & Cheese (using Powdered Milk)

Hot Chocolate Mix (using Powdered milk)

Lion House Rolls

Magic Mix

How to Mix up Powdered Milk

Powdered Milk Conversion Chart

How to Make Little Girl's Hair Bows:

Recipes Using Dehydrated Apples

Inexpensive Dates and Family Outings

Local Events Calendar:

JUNE:

JULY:

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER

Cache Community Celebrates New Year’s Eve (435) 716-9250

Canoeing www.bridgerlandaudubon.org/wetlandsmaze

Caves And Arches

WIND CAVES - 5.2 miles up Logan Canyon, off U.S. Hwy. 89

Stokes Nature Center

CHEAP DATES

More Cheap Date Ideas

Play Frisbee golf

Ten Tips to Decorating on a Budget....

Pasta Recipes

Rice Recipes

Holiday Dinner Recipes

Wonderful Wednesday Pie Crust Demonstration Recipe

October Cooking Class Recipes

Paper Bag Mixes

Mug Mixes

Jar Mix Recipes

Here are some of the Jar Mix Recipes we had on display.

There are so many others online that you are sure to find some you like.

Sand Art Cookie Mix

Catchy Sayings for Quick and Easy Holiday Gifts

103 Quick and Easy Christmas Gift Ideas

WIND CAVES  - 5.2 miles up Logan Canyon, off U.S. Hwy. 89