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Thanks so much for the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe...this place is a wonderful place....thanks again for the help..
Pat-Il

October and Halloween Recipes and Ideas
Popcorn Recipes  (has some caramel corn recipes)
Candied Apple Recipes
Halloween Treats and Great Ideas for Halloween Parties
Halloween Face Paint Recipes

Halloween Articles
Pumpkin Coloring Pages 
How to Carve a Pumpkin
Halloween Arts and Crafts
Change Pumpkin Seeds To Pumpkin Sprouts
Getting Organized For Halloween: 10 Spooktacular Tips
Halloween Safety
How To Have A Safe Halloween
Ten Tips For A Healthy Halloween
How Glow Sticks Work
Halloween Tidbits (Halloween Decorations)
Halloween Happenings And Halloween Fun Ideas

For Sarah in Arkansas asking about freezing bread. I have had a bread maker for 12 years and haven't bought a loaf of bread in all that time. My husband and I don't eat much bread so I make a loaf a week. After it's cool I slice it, put it in a plastic bag and take as much air out of the bag as possible. I use a large tie bag as it's much easier to get the air out. I twist the bag from the where the bread is in the bag to the very top and put the tie on. I separate the slices as much as possible for freezing. After the bread slices are frozen then you can tie it tight. The bread is always nice & fresh. This is just another idea added to other others, hope it helps.
Muriel, Naples, FL

Hi Nancy, I wanted to add my favorite sweet potato recipe to the mix. I got this out of a magazine, way back when! I do not like the over sweet casseroles and this fits the bill perfect for us.

Berry Yam Bake
crumb mixture-
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal, regular or quick cook
1 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup butter or margarine

filling -
2 -16oz cans yams, ( I use Trappys when I use cans) or bake and peel fresh sweet potatoes, 4 to 6, cut in big chunks.
2 cups of cranberries

1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (optional)

Combine the crumb mixture, cutting in the butter to resemble course crumbs.
In a large bowl combine the potatoes and the cranberries. Add 1 cup of the crumb mixture, toss. Put all into a greased 2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the rest of the crumb mixture over the top. Bake for 35 min at 350. If using the marshmallows, sprinkle over the top and return to oven, under broiler, just till start to get golden. Enjoy!

I am looking for a cake log; one of my ex-supervisor’s used to make it. I never got the name of it, it was rolled like a log (cake like), with pecans, and I guess condensed milk was one of the ingredients? Does anyone know what I am taking about?
Alice from Texas

RE: Oct. 12th newsletter about Smelt recipes. When we lived on the Pacific Coast, we went smelting. I never could fix them as my friend from Denmark did. Guts and all fried. Yuck. However, I did fry them as several of the recipes suggested and we liked them. However, being a food junkie I had to think of something different to do with a BATHTUB FULL of smelt. After cleaning them, I smoked them as we did trout or salmon. They are good. If you have the time to try, do and I think you will be surprised. I froze them in ziploc freezer bags and we would just grab them to go when we took weekend trips, etc. They don't take as long to smoke as the bigger fish do. Thanks for reminding me of some fun family memories. I hadn't forgotten them, but they were buried in the 70's.
Shirley from the Ozarks.

Top 100 Recipe Sites

To Sharon, this is a recipe I made every since I was a young bride (57 years ago), it is really easy and very good.

Jell-O and Ice Cream
2 packs of lime jell-o (3 1/2 oz.) or flavoring of your choice
2 cups of boiling water
2 cups very soft Vanilla ice cream (1 pint)

Bring water to a boil and mix with jell-O until dissolved, then add your ice cream and mix well. Refrigerate until it is set, over night is best.

Note: You can make any quantity you want, I have made it in 9 x 13 pans for the community I cook for once a month.
JL in South Jersey

Hi everyone! Here is the recipe AtlantaPat mentioned in the 10/13 newsletter.

Stripped Delight
http://www.nancys-kitchen.com/

35 Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed (about 3 cups)
6 T, margarine, melted
1 ( 8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. sugar
2 T. cold milk
1 ( 12 0z. ) tub cool whip, thawed and divided
3 1/4 c. cold milk
2 pkgs.( 4 servings) instant chocolate pudding

Mix crushed cookies and margarine in a medium bowl. Press firmly onto bottom of 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Refrigerate 10 minutes. Beat cream cheese, sugar and 2 t. milk in medium bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Gently stir in 1 1/4 c. cool whip. Spread over crust. Pour 3 1/4 c. milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk for 2 minutes or until well blended. Pour over cream cheese layer. Let stand 5 minutes or until thick. Drop remaining cool whip by spoonfuls over pudding. Spread to cover pudding. Refrigerate at least 4 hours. Cut into 24 squares. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Makes 24 Servings. Star Chris in NM

Here’s a great sounding recipe for the holidays!

Oreo Bon Bons
http://www.nancys-kitchen.com/

2 cups crushed Oreo cookies
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1/3 cup coffee-flavored liqueur (Bailey's is good too)
1/4 cup sugar
6 oz. pkg. chocolate chips, melted

Combine first 5 ingredients. Chill 1 hour. Shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar, then dip in chocolate. Place on waxed paper. Chill until set.
Carolyn in tx
Chris in NM

Can you tell I am gearing up for baking for the winter? It’s been cool enough, now just have to find some extra time! LOL

For Nancy in Fl., I had a recipe for corn balls in one of the more recent newsletters. It is also posted on Nancy’s message board in the “Holiday” recipe section. http://whatscookin.proboards4.com/index.cgi?
Chris in NM

Billie in Fl, I agree wholeheartedly about not using “cooking” wines. Way too salty for one thing and really not too flavorful! The real stuff does wonders to kick those dishes up a notch or two! I always keep marsala, Madeira, merlot, chardonnay and dry sherry on hand. That way I have all the bases covered! Remember, never use a wine for cooking that you wouldn’t drink! Chris in NM

Here’s another Halloween recipe!

Halloween Monster Slime Juice
http://www.abbys-kitchen.com/

1 (6 ounce) package Kool-Aid
(pre-sweetened Berry Blue)
1 (12 ounce) can orange
juice concentrate
1 gallon water

Mix juice and Kool-Aid. Add water, stir and watch it turn green! Great for parties! Chris in NM
You all take care!
Chris in NM

 
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Re: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf:

<<Makes 42 5 ozs. servings.>> I just had a good laugh - went to copy the recipe and realized that it took 10 lbs of ground beef to make 42 servings. We can all have a piece!! :) Think I shall scale it down to feed just one family :)
Diana

Comment
It should say 42 (5 ounce) servings.
Nancy Rogers

Sue in GA and her Caper request.

Capers are a great flavor enhancer. Just remember to use a small amount because they have their own strong flavor. One of my favorite ways to use them is in a cauliflower dish. Really dresses up that vegetable because it can be very bland.

Cauliflower with Caper's
Cook 1 cauliflower cut into flowerets by:
Roasting (toss flowerets with 2 tbsp olive oil and salt/pepper and Bake in 400 over for 25 minutes. The most flavorful way to cook it)
OR Steaming (with a little salted water.)

If steaming do not overcook this vegetable it becomes mushy and watery.

Cool to room temperature

In container/lid mix together:

2-4 tbsp olive oil (or more depending on size of vegetable)
2-3 tbsp lemon (Never the bottled variety).
1 tbsp mashed capers (Use a fork to mash or rub between your fingers.
s/p to taste
Hot red pepper flakes to taste if you like.

Pour over room temperature cauliflower being certain to cover all the veggie and let marinate. The longer it marinates the better. Serve

Can also be used in a:

Lemon & Caper Sauce for Pasta
In a saucepan mix:
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp crushed capers
2 tbsp finely minced onion or shallot

Sit altogether until onion is soft but not brown. Pour over cooked hot pasta and toss. Top with grated Italian cheese of your choice. This recipe can be doubled/tripled depending on the amount of pasta. You just want to coat the pasta not a soupy mass on the bottom of the plate.

Also a topping for burgers and especially meats.

Caper Sauce
Mix together and let marinate before serving:

1 cup sour cream
3 oz cream cheese
1/2 tsp italian dried basil or oregano
1/2 tsp onion and garlic powder
1 1/2 tbsp crushed capers
1/2 tsp hot red pepper flakes (optional)
S/P to taste

Judy/Buffalo

Recipes using Peanut Butter
Cabbage Recipes
Green Bean Casserole Recipes
Thanksgiving Recipes
Cranberry Recipes
Holiday Recipes
Meatloaf Recipes

This is for Pat in IL. This is not the recipe for Cracker Barrel's meatloaf but one we like very much.
Grannygirl inOhio.

Meat Loaf
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 cup onions, diced
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1 1/2 tsp. Tabasco
salt and pepper to taste
2/3 cup cracker crumbs
1 egg, beaten

Mix well and form into a loaf. Place in a loaf pan or casserole dish. Top with sauce or leave plain.

SAUCE:
1 small can tomato sauce
1/4 cup vinegar ( I use a little less)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
Mix well and pour over loaf.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Grannygirl inOhio.

RE 
I would like to prepare some frozen meals (especially chicken) for a friend who will be undergoing cancer treatments. The meals need to be child-friendly. Any suggestions?
Nancy, Ottawa

Nancy, I am thinking that any type of meatloaf would freeze nicely -- maybe made with ground turkey if you don't want to use beef. Or, shredded chicken cooked in the crock pot ( I do freeze this ) made with BBQ sauce ( like pulled pork ).
Diana

Crockpot Beef
1 pound stew meat, cut in cubes
1 envelope Lipton onion soup
1 can golden mushroom soup
1/2 cup red wine
1 can (4 ounce)

Mix all together in crock pot and cook 6-8 hours on low. Serve over rice or noodles.
Sue

Sue, 1 can ( 4 oz ) of what???

Re:I would like to prepare some frozen meals (especially chicken) for a friend who will be undergoing cancer treatments. The meals need to be child-friendly. Any suggestions?
Nancy, Ottawa

Nancy, here's a recipe for enchiladas - this comes from a friend of mine who can't cook, hence the "easy" directions!! It's really very good and freezes well, I usually make a couple at a time. Bless you for being such a good help to your friend!

Enchiladas
Serves about 6 people

4-5 Chicken cutlets
8 ounces of Philadelphia cream cheese
Two, 8 ounce packages of Cheddar Jack Shredded Cheese
2 cans of mild enchilada sauce
2 cans of tomato sauce
1-2 packages of flour tortillas (medium or large)
small can of sliced black olives
bag of tortilla chips

take chicken cutlets and boil them; once cooked you cut/shred them up. Put cooked/cut up chicken in pan. Add cream cheese and mix it up with a small amount of the enchilada sauce (make sure the cream cheese is softened). Take the enchilada sauce and tomato sauce and mix them in a separate bowl. Take the flour tortilla, and put a spoonful of sauce mixture in the center of the tortilla; then add the chicken/cream cheese mixture. Add shredded cheese into the tortilla. Add black olives into the tortilla. Roll up and fold in the ends. Stack in pan (13” by 9” pan). Sprinkle Cheddar Jack Cheese on top of all the tortillas in the pan, along with black olives. Pour tomato sauce on top as the last step. Bake at 350, covered, for 30-45 mins. Serve with tortilla chips.
Diana

My thanks to Judy from Buffalo and Chris from NM for the noodle kugel recipes. Just what I wanted!!!!
JoAnn, Brookfield, Wi

It is a rainy day here in Lubbock. Ditto's bird watching wasn't exciting today and he was bored. Debbie in Lubbock gave him a package of little toy catnip mice. To cheer up Ditto and make his day more exciting I hid 12 of the toy mice in the garage and let Ditto search for them. All afternoon I could hear him squeal with joy everytime he found one. Ditto is now a tired but happy cat.
Nancy Rogers

I just noticed there was no amount of time for baking the cream of wheat cornbread.
Helen

Nancylanders, This is a basic hamburger mix that I keep in the freezer at all times.

Basic Hamburger Mix
2 pounds ground chuck
1 pound bob evans Italian sausage
1-1/2 16 oz jars of favorite salsa (I use my home made)
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp chili powder (optional, according to the heat in your salsa)
salt & freshly ground pepper to taste ( I use 1 tsp of each)

In a large deep skillet brown ground chuck and sausage together, breaking it up very finely with a spatula. Drain well in colander. Return to same pan and add the rest of ingredents. Simmer on med-low for 15 min or until it is hot and the liquid has cooked off.

This recipe freezes very well and is great for wet/dry burritos, tacos, chili, spaghetti,
and sloppy joe's.
Lindy in Indy.

Hi Nancy, since you are a cat lover like me, maybe you can help me with this one. One day a small cat came to our house and stayed. He had a sore behind his left ear so we took him to the Vet. Now the problem is we already have a 13 year old in the house and they are not getting along at all. We are going to keep the young one and have him fixed and declawed soon. Do you have any ideas from you or our newsletter fans for me. The little one will be an indoor kitty too.
This is Bev. from Bay City, Mi. Thank you!

Just wanted to comment on the Vista users having problems. I agree with Doris in Ok. City about it being the programs you use etc. I went from Windows 98 to Vista about 6 mos. ago and haven't had any problems getting nancy's letters or anything else. It just takes getting use to and discovering where everything is.
BB in IN

Would anyone have a good potato soup recipe?
Thank you, Gerri

Nancy in Oct 13 newsletter, Susan, in middle Georgia requested Sweet potato pie recipe, this is a correction in my reply. Cook potatoes and then mash them I usually boil mine with peelings until tender, then peel. Some llike to bake theirs first.
Sorry Nancy. Louise , Al

For Dineen in Mi and Muriel in FL: I will probably try the onion soup in the green bean casserole for Christmas.

I quit cooking TG dinner several years ago because I cook the same thing for Christmas. And since my Mom passed away in '99, there's just no point of cooking twice. We usually just go to a buffet restaurant here in town that has a TG buffet. I do wish I could teach them how to make dressing! They make it but it has very little seasoning. Oh well, I'm not supposed to eat it anyway. We have also gone to a SIL house for TG but she's not really able to cook anymore. As long as hubby is working the same place he is now, he'll get a turkey for Christmas. I will probably cook it and some of the rest of it. It's not so much as can't afford it (for now), it's just loss of interest. I might cook something totally different, but that may not fly. It's the one time of the year that my son and his wife, they still live with my hubby and I, HAVE to eat at our table. Anyway, it's early yet. A lot can or cannot happen between now and then.
I hope everybody has a great day.
Sandee in West TN

Hello all Nancy landers. I hope yall can help me. Do yall have any idea how to make the crust for pizza bites (Totino's). My four year old son eats them like candy. I can not afford to keep buying them nor want the additives in them. It is the same crust they make the little egg rolls I ate when I grew up. It has little bubbles in it. I want to make these for my son and freeze them so I have them on hand.

Also I wanted to share that you can use grape juice in place of wine in a recipe. Use the same color as called for in the recipe. White grape for white wine red for red wine ect... I do this all the time and we live it.

Chicken in Tomato Gravy
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
4 Boneless Chicken Breast
1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes
1 medium onion sliced thin
1/2 c grape juice
1/2 can water
Beat chicken with a meat mallet until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Place oil in electric skillet. Brown chicken on all sides. Place the tomatoes, onions, and grape juice over chicken. Add water as necessary. Bring to a bubble and cook down until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

I used fresh grape juice I canned in this. It was the dark purple kind.
Amy B

I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to thank all the people that responded to my request for the name of the cookbook with "funeral" in the title. So a big thank you everyone. I'm thinking ahead about dishes for the holidays. Will my Nancyland friends share your favorites? Take care and God bless.
Jean in TN.

Hi Nancy -- Lately I've had a problem when receiving the newsletter. I guess it's because there are so many replies and new recipes, but when the type size is changing from the normal to
probably 7 or 8 point it's impossible to copy and print. My guess is that the print size is changed so that the entire newsletter can appear on one page instead of two. I use Safari, and, while I can up the size of the print to read the recipes with no problem, when I copy them and then paste, they're right back to the tiny print and nothing will increase the size. I'm having to retype every recipe I want to save. I'm on a MAC not a PC so most of your readers won't be able to help me. Any Apple people out there that have come up with a workaround?
Thanks, Nancy Z-R in S FL

Nancy this is for , Susan in Middle Ga., I hope you have a fast recovery time. Surgery is not pleasant no matter how small or great. I would be happy to share recipe. This was my g'mothers recipe. Susan instead of making 10 sweet ones I also made 5 with splenda substituting for sugar, also very good.
Enjoy, Louise

Sweet Potato Pie
1-1/2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
dash of cinnamon
2/3 c evaporated milk
1 tsp lemon or vanilla flavoring
1 unbaked 9 inch pie shell

Mix eggs and sugar add butter . Mix well. Add potatoes, cinnamon, mix then add milk and flavoring. Some times I just put all in bowl and mix. Pour into pie crust and bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes
then reduce temp to 350. Bake 45 minutes or until a toothpick or knife inserted comes clean. After removing from oven and cooling the pie will settle in the middle. Some people use cinnamon and nutmeg. I prefer the lemon flavor.
Louise

Hi Nancy.....there's been several mentions from folks in the newsletter about hard times and money shortages for food etc. Even though it's not in all places, they might want to go to the www.Angelfoodministries.com web site and check it out. For $30.00 you get a box a food that will feed an average family of 4 for a week. They have other boxes such as a senior box, which are precooked meals, a fresh fruit and veggie box etc. Every month the boxes are different. The web site explains it all and has a search box to see if there is one in your particular area.
Hope this is able to help our Nancylander friends who are going through rough times. My good thoughts and prayers to you all.
Barb in San Diego

Hi Nancy & Landers!!!
This note is forJudy Ring from Cocoa Fl. who was asking about idea's to send care packages to her son in Afghanistan.

Ive adopted a soldier from Iraq about 1 year ago and send packages so heres some ideas.

The U.S. Post Office has Flat Rate boxes that are more reasonable to send your care packages ... I personally use the large flat rate boxes which cost 10.95

Ziplock bags are a real necessity, try to put stuff inside ziplock bags and seal as it keeps the sand out... even if its commercially packaged I still put it in a ziplock as it really protects from sand getting in....protects from leaks etc... and the guys can really use those ziplocks for storing all sorts of things.

Q-tips are a big request as they use them to clean thier weapons. Wet Ones/ diaper wipes are wanted items, but you must be sure the ones you send are alcohol free.

Skin care products like lip balms, sunscreen, lotions etc are much needed and always ziplock those in case of leakage.

I llike things like Pringles that are in there own secure packaging ... they tend not to get rushed/broke up.

A lot of the guys like the pre packaged microwavable meals.
Wal-Mart and Meijers have great variety....and cost.
Susan R

Correction to Ten Minute Beef Stroganoff, instructions should read 2 1/2 tablespoons flour, NOT 2 1/2 Tablespoons floor. I must be having senior moments.

Ten Minute Beef Stroganoff (Corrected)
1 pound beef tenderloin, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 cups mushrooms
1 can condensed beef broth
1 cup sour cream
2½ tablespoons flour
salt to taste

Fry beef in 1/4 cup butter quickly. Push to one side add onions & mushrooms. Add beef broth (do not boil). Then add quickly the sour cream, flour and salt which has been stirred together. Heat thoroughly & serve over buttered noodles.
JL in South Jersey

For Sandee in West TN who wanted to know if you could use another cream soup instead of mushroom soup in the Green Bean Casserole. You could use any of the cream soups. My daughter-in-law has always used cream of chicken and it is very good.
Immoejean in Michigan

Pirohi Lasagna
1 pkg. of lasagna noodles
1 stick of butter
1 large chopped onion
salt and pepper, to taste
homemade mashed potatoes, fresh or leftover or instant mashed potatoes
1 lb longhorn cheese, shredded or sliced thinly

Boil one package of lasagna noodles and drain. Spray a 13X9x2 pan with Pam. Heat oven to 350º.
Melt one stick of butter in a sauce pan and add a large chopped onion to it. Cook until onion is soft. Add salt and pepper to taste.

You can make homemade mashed potatoes, use leftover or make instant. You want enough potatoes to do one or two layers in your casserole dish. While they are hot add 1lb of shredded or thinly sliced Longhorn cheese and stir until the cheese melts into the mashed potatoes.

Put a little bit of the onion & butter mixture in the bottom of the 13x9 pan. Put two layers of noodles on top of that and a light layer of butter and onions and then a layer of mashed potatoes, do another two layers of noodles, butter then potatoes and end up with another two layers of noodles topped with onions and butter. It doesn't have to be perfect, it all comes out the same. Cover with foil and bake at 350º for 30 minutes.

You can try different types of cheeses, too, like Velveeta, etc...
Hope you enjoy! Shelley from PA

Of all things, I inquired about the Tin Can Soup from teacher in TX and I forgot to print out the recipe. Can you please send the date of the newsletter it was posted.?
Thanks, Ella in CA

I was wondering if all you great cooks could help me. I have been roasting veggies in the oven with olive oil and Herbs De Provencal. We love the taste so I would like to get ideas on what else this herb mixture is good on. I do not know much about Herbs but would love to learn. What are your favorite herbs and how do you use them?
Thank you in advance for all your help.
Barbara in Wentzville MO

Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe
Use a chocolate or vanilla cookie crust, or a graham cracker crust, to make this Mississippi mud pie.

1/4 lb. butter, 1 stick
2 (1 oz. each) squares unsweetened chocolate
3 eggs
3 tablespoons white corn syrup
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
9 inch graham cracker, chocolate or vanilla wafer pie shell

In a saucepan, heat butter and chocolate, stirring often, until melted and well blended. Beat eggs; stir in the corn syrup, sugar and vanilla. Add the chocolate mixture to egg and sugar mixture, stirring well. Preheat oven to 350°. Pour filling into prepared pie shell. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until top is slightly crunchy and filling is set. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.
MH

Nancy, I am wheat intolerant and have been searching for recipes. I have bought a bag of Bob's Red Mill biscuit & baking Mix. This baking mix is supposed to be for biscuits and other baking by adding shortening or eggs or liquids. There are only two recipes on the bag and I would like to know if any of your readers have any tnt recipes made with this baking mix.
Thanks Linda in Indy

What is the recipe for the potion that kills fruit flies? A few bananas became over right and now my kitchen is over run with hundreds of the little pests.
Peggy in East Tennessee

I just wanted to throw in my two cents on getting rid of fleas. I get the biggest, cheapest box of laundry detergent I can find and put it in my broadcast spreader and put it all over my lawn. You want to make sure it isn't going to rain soon! We don't have any problems with fleas on the dog.
Jae, Central OK

Cat Prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray this cushy life to keep.
I pray for toys that look like mice,
And sofa cushions, soft and nice.

I pray for gourmet kitty snacks,
And someone nice to scratch my back,
For windowsills all warm and bright,
For shadows to explore at night.

I pray I'll always stay real cool
And keep the secret feline rule
To never tell a human that
The world is really ruled by cats!
Marge