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This is a good, basic bread pudding recipe.

Bread Pudding
4 cups crumbled bread (white or French or mixed)
1/2 cups raisins (optional)
4 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 ½ cups milk
1 tsp Watkins Vanilla #01008
1/2 tsp Watkins Nutmeg #01937 (on sale)

Preheat oven to 350º. Spray a 9" baking dish and place inside a 9 x 13 metal pan. Put bread into baking dish and sprinkle raising over that. Put remaining ingredients into blender, and blend until well mixed. Pour over bread-raisins. To the 9 x 13 pan add enough water to come halfway up the sides of the dish containing bread pudding. Bake at 350º for 1 hour 10 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serve warm or chilled. Server 6 to 8.

www.watkinsonline.com/hutto
email: sunnywatkinsgorl@aol.com
Order 765-271-9041

Gourmet seasoning blends are on sale:
#01961 Apple Bake Seasoning
#01959 Chili Seasoning

I would like to thank Judy (in Alaska) for her delicious "Lemon Filled Coffee Cake" recipe in the 1/6/08 Newsletter. My lemon lover husband thought it was great - and so did I!

Also to Fran in FL, the Egg McMom recipe is in the 1/16/08 Newsletter.
Barbara in AL

The issue of whether a family member or friend will not share a recipe has two sides. Some expressed they were angry with others that don't share their recipes. When it comes down to it, everyone a right to their point of view and if the friend or family member doesn't share the recipe --- you still don't have the recipe. Getting angry at them will not get the recipe. You can always ask again later and maybe in a weak moment they will share it.  There was not enough room for all the opinions and recipes in today's newsletter so I chose to post all the recipes.
Nancy Rogers

Quick And Easy Chicken Meal
4 chicken breasts, split, boned & skinned
Salt & pepper to taste
6 slices Swiss cheese
1 can cranberry sauce
1/4 lb. melted butter
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 c. Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix

Place chicken in casserole dish and cover with cheese. Mix soup and cranberry sauce until smooth (no water). Pour over chicken. Mix together melted butter, soup and stuffing mix and sprinkle over top of mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Check several times so not to over cook.
Tona in Bama

I made something this weekend that I had not made in awhile and is very tasty, want to share. I do not remember who gave to me, it was Marylynn in Fl I think! I had requested low fat dishes a while back.

Take some chicken breast halves and put in a casserole that you have sprayed with Pam. Then scatter around large chunks of whatever veggie you like. I used red and white pepper, zucchini, red and green bell pepper, carrots, celery and a couple potatoes. (this part varies each time, whatever veggies I have on hand) Then I take spicy or use regular, V8 Juice and pour over just to cover. I add garlic powder, crushed black pepper and a bit of salt. Cover and roast about 45 min or till all is done. Very healthy and very tasty. I have also done the same and used round steak and cooked for about 1 1/2 hours. you can thicken the sauce up with a bit of cornstarch slurry if you wish. Is great over rice of your choice.
Billie Fl

Hello Nancy & Gang,
Sandy-thanks for the peach cobbler recipe-looks yummy.
Leasa-re the French Onion rolls (Jan 14 th letter)-Sorry about that. The temp should be 375*, but they won't get real brown. I should have noted that at the bottom-sorry, but I am glad you like them, and my hubbie sucks them up, too!

For Roz:

Italian Garden Salad
1 bag Italian salad greens
1 red bell pepper-julienne
1 red onion-julienne
8 oz fresh mushrooms-sliced
14 oz whole, pitted black olives-drained
5 boiled eggs-quartered
1 c mozzarella cheese-shredded
3 T parmesan cheese
4 Roma tomatoes-seeded/quartered
1 jar whole banana peppers-drained
** Mimi's Parmesan croutons and Red Pepper Vinaigrette dressing*

Mix first 8 ingredients together, then add tomatoes and peppers, folding gently. Serve with croutons and dressing.
Mimi ^..^

Hi Nancy, for Roz in Indy wanting meatless recipes, I have some good meatless lasagna recipes, veggie and seafood I will send to you. Will dig them out tonight and get them to you. Don't forget good old vegetable soup or bean soups. You can make with vegetable broth or mushroom broth which is very good to get a full body flavor.
Have a great day all, Billie in Fl

Has anyone baked "Pineapple Pecan Cake (submitted by Tona) in a tube or bundt pan?
Thanks.. Sherry in West Texas

For Marie in VA from the Jan 22 newsletter ask for the Kenny burger sauce try this You can buy real Kenney Burgers at the Bobbie-Jo Pancake House in Salem, VA. Turn off 419 toward the Veteran's Hospital. The Habitat for Humanity sauce is the real sauce, but it's still not the real burger if you just put it on a regular hamburger. Bobbie-Jo's also has perfect French fries, the old crinkle-cut, crispy on the outside, very light on the inside.

Hi there Nancy and Furbabies, Nancyland Pals,
Here is a tasty soup for all you to try. It is a good one to use up left over vegies from last nights dinner.

Creamy Vegetable Soup
Make a thin white sauce
2 T. butter, or margarine
2 T. plain flour
3 C. milk (can be reduced fat)
1/2 tsp salt

Melt butter add flour and blend. Add milk and salt; cook til slightly thick, stirring constantly. Makes 3 cups

Add and add 2 cups cooked diced vegetables - potatoes, pumpkin, kumara, sweet potato (don't cook to mush!) Season with salt and pepper.
Makes 6 servings

You can use one type of veg or a combination. If you happen to have some left-over ham, you may like to add some chopped ham to a diced potato soup. Or, you may chop a couple of onions, cook in melted butter until tender but not browned; add to soup. And, I have added asparagus tips to the soup.

While you all suffer from the cold we are having a heat wave.
Elizabeth, Bendigo, Australia

Valentine Recipes
Crock Pot recipes
Copycat/Clone Recipes
Fresh and Canned Tomato Recipes

Biscuit Taco Casserole
8 servings
Prep Time: 40 Min Total Time

1 6-oz. jar Taco Sauce
1 12-oz. can Pillsbury Golden Layers Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits
4 to 6 oz. (1 to 1-1/2 c.) shredded Cheddar cheese
4 to 6 oz. (1 to 1-1/2 c.s) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 2.25-oz. can sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1/4 c. chopped red bell pepper, if desired
1/4 c. chopped green bell pepper, if desired
1 4-oz. can Mushroom Pieces and Stems, drained, if desired
1. Heat oven to 400°. Lightly grease 13x9" (3-qt.) baking dish. Spread taco sauce evenly over bottom of greased dish.
2. Separate dough into 10 biscuits; cut each biscuit into 4 pieces. Place biscuit pieces in taco sauce; turn to coat. Sprinkle biscuits with 1/2 to 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese, 1/2 to 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and the olives; mix gently. Bake at 400° for 15 to 18 minutes or until bubbly.
3. Meanwhile, in large skillet, combine ground beef, bell peppers and mushrooms. Cook until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain.
4. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over mixture in casserole; top with ground beef mixture. Bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes or until mixture bubbles vigorously around edges.

NUTRITION INFORMATION:
1 Serving: Calories 360 (Calories from Fat 190); Total Fat 21g (Saturated Fat 10g); Cholesterol 50 mg; Sodium 1150mg; Total Carbohydrate 24g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 3g); Protein 19g Percent
Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch; 2 Medium-Fat Meat; 2 Fat
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More recipes have been added to the Jan 2008 Alphabetical Index today.  The WW beside the recipe indicates Weight Watcher Points have been calculated for for that recipe. More will be submitted to the index tomorrow morning as well.

Mimi was asking about out blackberry cobbler recipe..
I hate to say it, but it's one of those "just known" recipes. It doesn't really have measurements. The way we make it is that we use our basic pastry recipe and sweetened berries. I make my pastry in the food processor:

Basic Pastry
2 c flour- all purpose
1/2 t salt
1/2 c Crisco
1/2 c ice water (may use less)
Pulse flour and salt a couple of times, add shortening and pulse 6-8 times. Then with processor running, slowly pour in water until it forms a ball and leaves the sides of bowl. Can refrigerate if desired. Roll it out and cut into 1 inch strips. We do a lattice style crust instead of a whole sheet. Depending how big a cobbler you are making (9 x 9 or 9 x 13), depends on the amount of blackberries needed, either 4 cups or 6 cups. Place berries in a sauce pan and add desired amount of sugar depending on how sweet the berries are. I usually use close to 1 cup. Heat over low until berries start to break down and the juice soaks up all the sugar. I add a slurry of cornstarch and water if the juice looks thin. Sometimes I add a grating or two of fresh nutmeg at this time and a squeeze of lemon juice. Butter your pan and lay out the pastry strips from end to end and side to side. Cover with half the berry mixture. Make another layer of pastry and cover with remaining berries. Then do the top lattice layer of pastry. Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake 45 minutes to an hour. Use leftover pastry strips to make pastry crackers. I like to dip the crackers into the open spots on the cobbler after it is done and cooling on the stovetop. :o) that's one of those leftover from childhood things. lol

I hope the directions are clear enough for you to understand how to make it. It's kind of hard to type up a recipe you just know, 'cause you assume everyone else knows how to do it too. lol
Have a great day!
Lisa (East Texas)

I am looking for a recipe. It is for fried cheesecake bites, like they have at Arby's. Thank you in advance.
Carol Shurr from Reading, Pa

I am having a large party in March of approx. 200 people. I am looking for ideas for some type of a sauerkraut and corned beef soup. Hopefully not cream based as they will be made in Nescos and simmering quite awhile All ideas will be appreciated.
Rusty

To Wendy, Perth, Ontario (1/21 newsletter) regarding how to get dried glue from a glue stick off of furniture and mirrors. Try "Goo Gone". I use it to get glue stick off my desk when I get carried away.
Tracey in OK

Here's a quick tip I thought I'd share. Patience is not my greatest virtue and I wanted to make Tona's Peaches and Cream cobbler, but the cream cheese was not soft enough. So I put the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl and used my pastry blender to cut the cream cheese into the powdered sugar and it was very soon softer and creamed together. It was definitely smoother than if I had tried to use a whisk and I didn't have to get out the hand mixer. I'm going to use this idea again to mix cream cheese with other ingredients, for icing, etc. I wonder why it's taken me so long to figure these things out!

By the way Tona's cobbler was YUM! My husband loved it and I tried a bite and it was delicious. I may have to break down and eat some more.

Everyone have a great week!
Eureka, IL

I am interested in the Low Carb. recipes from Patricia in the 1/18 letter.
Thank you, Connie

Comment
I will make a special section on the alphabetical index for Low Carb recipes if Patricia would like to share them.
Nancy Rogers

From Knitter in Illinois in the January 21 newsletter:
Re: porcupine meatballs, In the past I made them just as meatballs, or used the mixture in stuffed peppers, and baked in the oven. Last week my homeworker and I made the recipe sent in by Shelley in PA. I have never thought to make them on top of the stove. I used instant brown rice cause that was all I had. We only had to cook them an hour, and got 8 BIG meatballs out of 2 pounds hamburger. It smelled so good we each ate one soon as it came out of the pan. There definitely was no waiting.
Thanks a lot , Shelley. Knitter in Illinois

I am looking for a recipe. It is for fried cheesecake bites, like they have at Arbys. Thank you in advance.
Carol S from Reading, Pa

Jalapeno - Cheese Pinwheels
1 pkg. flour tortillas
8 oz. soft cream cheese
Chopped jalapeno (or chili) peppers

Mix cream cheese with finely chopped jalapeno peppers to taste (approximately 2 tablespoons per 8 ounce container). Spread mixture on flour tortillas. Roll up and slice about 1/2 inch wide pieces. (The pinwheels look nicer, if the cheese mixture is spread about 1/8 inch thick before rolling and slicing.)
Tona in Bama

Firecracker Casserole
2 lbs. ground beef
1 lg. onion, chopped
2 tbsp. chili powder
2 to 3 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. salt
1 (15 oz.) can Ranch style beans
6 corn tortillas
1-1/2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1-1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (10 oz.) can Rotel tomatoes
1 can mushroom soup

Brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet. Add chili powder, cumin and salt, stir well. Spoon meat mixture into 9x13x2 inch baking dish. Layer beans, tortillas and cheeses over meat. Pour Rotel liquid over cheese. Chop Rotel tomatoes and spread over cheese. Spread soup over all. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Tona in Bama

Hi Nancy! Pat from SC would like to make sure that I didn't make a mistake when copying the recipe for Julia Child's Beef Bourguignonne. Here it is again. Sorry!

Boeuf Bourguignonne
2 lbs. lean beef (sirloin tip or top round cut in 1/2" pieces) and then marinate in the following for one day:

2 Tbs. lemon juice
2 Tbs. oil
1 small onion, chopped
salt and pepper
2-3 cloves of garlic

Heat 2 Tbs. butter in a heavy skillet. Brown the meat quickly. Transfer the meat to a casserole and salt lightly. In the remaining butter in skillet (or add a little more), sauté 24 small whole small onions, 12 large quartered mushrooms lightly until nicely coated. Add to the casserole. Next, to the remaining liquid in the skillet, stir in 1 Tbs. tomato paste, and 3 Tbs. flour. Add slowly the 1 cup of beef consommé or 1 bouillon cube dissolved in a cup of hot water, and 1/4 cup red burgundy wine.

Stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Season to taste and pour over the contents in the casserole. Bake in a slow 300 degree oven for 2-3 hours until fork tender, stirring and adding the rest of the wine at intervals. Cover casserole for the first 2/3 of cooking time and then leave uncovered. Serve with noodles and a green salad. It's wonderful!

For Colleen In Florida,
Thanks for the Bran Muffin recipe. It looks like a must try! I will have to get these ingredients and get started. I like the benefits of bran in my diet.
Take care, Fran, Upstate New York

Mimi: I, too, am wondering what the oven temperature should be for your French Onion Rolls.
grannym IL

Hi Nancy,
I have a request for everyone. Does anyone have recipes for the expensive coffees, latté’s, cappuccinos, etc.. My daughter and husband spend a lot of money on these weekly and if they can make them at home it would save a lot of money. Are there any gadgets that you use.. Thanks for all your help. You do a great job with the newsletter..
Debbie in ND

For Kim who wanted recipes using left over beef, here is a great way to use left over pot roast. If you don't like German cooking, don't try this. I thought it tasted a lot like traditional Sauerbraten which has a distinctive, mild, sour taste.

Easy Sauerbraten
10 oz jar beef gravy
1/2 c apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp sugar
5-6 whole cloves
1 c water
1/2 c crushed Ginger snaps (12)
2-3 c sliced cooked pot roast
Combine the gravy, vinegar, sugar, water, cloves and ginger snaps in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook stirring on medium heat for 6 minutes. Add the cooked pot roast and heat through. Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
Serves 4

Shredded Beef Filling for Enchiladas
1 med. onion, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 c finely chopped or shredded lean cooked beef (pot roast works great)
1 can chopped green chilies (4oz)
1 tsp cumin
1 cup enchilada sauce
In a skillet, sauté onion in the oil. Add beef, chilies, cumin, and enchilada sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use to fill enchiladas (can be used in chimichangas, tacos or tamales).
Makes 2-1/2 cups

Easy Enchilada Sauce
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp flour
1/4 c chili powder (for mild sauce use 2 tbsp)
2 c chicken stock
1 can tomato paste
1 tsp oregano
1 rounded tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
In a med. pan heat oil; add flour, smoothing and stirring with a wooden spoon. Cook for 1 minutes. Add chili powder and cook for 30 seconds. Add stock, tomato paste, oregano and cumin. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken and smooth out.
You'll never buy store bought again.
Bobbie/Frankfort/IL

Roz in Indy was was looking for some meatless recipes for lent. Here is one I like and use.
Margo/Boston

Chili Bake
2 tablespoon butter
1-1/2 cups chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp ground cumin (optional)
1/8 tsp salt
3 cups cooked long grain rice
1 1/4 cups egg substitute
1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 14 oz can Mexican style stewed or cut up tomatoes with chili peppers, undrained
1 &1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese (I use low fat)
3 4oz cans whole green chiles drained and cut into strips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt butter in medium sized skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté 5 minutes. remove from heat and stir in salt and cumin. Combine this with the cooked rice and egg substitute. In another bowl mix tomatoes and tomato sauce. Spread 1-1/4 cups of tomato sauce mix on bottom of a 13 x 9 inch pan and top with 1 1/2 cups rice mix. Arrange 1/2 chiles on top of rice and sprinkle 1/2 of the cheese over this. repeat this procedure with remaining tomatoes, rice, and chiles.
Bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Sprinkle top with remaining cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes. Serves 6. cal 315, fat 0.5g

Hi Lori,
My friend and I just made a batch of mini muffins. She used a box mix, made 90 of them and baked them 15 minutes and they came out perfect.
Barb, Fl.

This is a response to Lori Grant on 1/21 newsletter asking about mini muffins. Any muffin recipe can be used for mini muffins ..almost any recipe. I bake them for 12 minutes. It only takes about a tablespoon of batter for each mini muffin.

I like choc. chip mini muffins and orange cranberry. Be sure to use cooking spray in the muffin pans if you don't use the paper
liners........Donita/Stayton,OR

In the January 21 newsletter Wendy from Perth, Ont asked about getting glue, etc off....

I just had a problem with tape, glue, etc all over mirrors, china, etc from 'unprofessional' movers after an international move. I bought a can of 'Sticky Stuff' remover On the can it says DeSolv.It is the Registered Trademark of The Orange-Sol Group of Companies Ltd. I purchased it at a HomeBase hardware store here in the UK, but perhaps someone in Canada distributes it as well. It worked GREAT, I was surprised!
Sylvia C, Bray Berkshire UK

This is Bev. from Bay City, Mi. When we got our two cats from my sister-in-law ten years ago, we came home with them from a long trip and they were scared to death, they both found the same place to hide in out bathroom closet. It was a few weeks and they started to venture out little. We just left them alone and they soon knew we wouldn't hurt them. Now we have just one left and he still looks for his brother in that same closet and it's been ove a year now, and he calls to him too. You have to be patient, the kitty will come around.

Hi Nancy,
It did my heart well to see that someone else is having problems with a biting cat. As you might remember, I've written in the past about my cat and his biting. His bites are not love bites, he has left many bad bleeding bites on my arms.

Someone in Nancyland said not to point your extended finger at them when you scold them, but rather to bend it, that seems to work..

The thing that has really seemed to work is to pay attention to his body language.. when the pupils in his eyes begin to dilate, I pick him up from behind and tell him it's time for him to have some alone time, I put him in the room where his litter box is, along with food and water, close the door and he stays there for an hour or so, has a nap and by then he's forgot about attacking me!

Also, in the morning he likes to jump up on my bed, I keep my hand and arm covered well with the bed sheet, and let him attack my arm seems to get his urge to bite out of his system. He's still not totally trained with the biting problem.. but it's getting MUCH better than it was.
Gaye

I did not post any recipes with Weight Watcher points today. I just ran out of time. but will post some in tomorrow's newsletter.
Nancy Rogers

Hi Nancy, Hope you and your furry "kids" are staying warm! In reply to Ruth Ann in Il. regarding Pepper Poppers: My hubby also loves them. We use the Jalapeno Peppers and the Pillsbury Grands Biscuits. He cuts off the stem, seeds the pepper while I roll the biscuits out between two pieces of waxed paper. Then stuff pepper with cheddar cheese, place pepper in center of flattened biscuit, press the biscuit completely around pepper. Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake follow instructions for baking biscuits.
Margaret, Tulsa

Hi Nancy, for Roz in Indy wanting meatless recipes, I have some good meatless lasagna recipes, veggie and seafood I will send to you. Will dig them out tonight and get them to you. Don't forget good old vegetable soup or bean soups. You can make with vegetable broth or mushroom broth which is very good to get a full body flavor.
Have a great day all, Billie in Fl

Spinach Filling For Ravioli
1/2 c. ground beef chuck
1/4 c. well-drained chopped cooked spinach
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. finely chopped parsley
1/3 c. fine dry bread crumbs
1/4 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper

Cook meat in skillet, stirring with fork to break it up, until it loses its color. Drain off excess fat and mix with remaining ingredients. At this point, instead of hand beating, a meat grinder would do a fine job. Cool before using. Makes 1 3/4 cups filling.
Tona in Bama

Easy Chicken Meal
4 chicken breasts, split, boned & skinned
Salt & pepper to taste
6 slices Swiss cheese
1 can cranberry sauce
1/4 lb. melted butter
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 c. Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix

Place chicken in casserole dish and cover with cheese. Mix soup and cranberry sauce until smooth (no water). Pour over chicken. Mix together melted butter, soup and stuffing mix and sprinkle over top of mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Check several times so not to over cook.
Tona in Bama

Mimi's Fresh Parmesan Croutons
1/2 loaf any day old bread (crusty or artisan types work best)
olive oil
Parmesan cheese
ground black pepper
salt
garlic pepper

Cube bread in 1" pieces and put on a baking sheet. Drizzle well with oil and sprinkle on seasonings and cheese. Toss to mix well and toast 15 minutes. Top salads, soups, or casseroles-cut 2-3" cubes and serve with cheese fondue, dips, or party bread.

Red Pepper Vinaigrette
about 3/4 cup dressing

1 red bell pepper-seeded and cubed
1/4 c balsamic vinegar
1/2 c olive oil
2 T honey
a pinch of salt and pepper

Put all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend smooth. Strain thru a seive, and serve.
Mimi ^..^

When was the firehouse chili posted? I'd like to try it.
Phyllis K Baker, mt

Here are some Lenten recipes for Roz in Indy

NOTE:
Nancy - I'm sure you won't be able to use these all at one time so feel free to spread them around wherever you can .
Susana

This is my friend Ana’s recipe. It’s one of my favorites and I hope you will like it too.

Shrimp and Corn Soup
1/2-lb bacon
12-cup oil
1-cup flour
1 large onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2-cup chopped celery
1(14.75-oz)can cream corn
2(14.5-oz)cans Mexican stewed tomatoes
2-qts water
1 ½-tbspn Creole Seasoning (I use Tony Chachere's)
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 ½-lbs shrimp, peeled/deveined, seasoned with Creole Seasoning
1(14.75-oz)can whole kernel corn
1(10-oz)can Rotel tomatoes

I cook this one in my stock pot too. Ya’ll know how I like to have plenty of stirring room. If you don’t have a stock pot, the dutch oven will be fine. Slowly cook bacon so drippings don’t over-brown. remove bacon, crumble and set aside. Add cooking oil to drippings and add flour to make a gold brown roux. Add onions, garlic, celery and bell pepper to the roux. Sauté until onions are tender. Add corn, tomatoes, 1 1/2-quarts water, and Creole Seasoning. Add potatoes to soup and cook until tender. Add additional 1/2-qt water as is needed. After potatoes are tender. Add shrimp and crumbled bacon. Cook 10 minutes, just until shrimp turn pink.

Makes plenty. Invite friends.

Shrimp and Okra Gumbo
4-cups okra, freshly cut or frozen
1/2-cup oil
3/4-cup flour
3/4-cup oil
1-cup chopped onion
3/4-up chopped bell pepper
1/4-cup copped celery
4 quarts water
salt and pepper to taste
2-lbs fresh peeled shrimp
1/2-cup chopped green onions, tops and bottoms

Smother okra in oil for about 20 minutes on medium heat, stirring constantly not to burn In a large pot, make a roux by browning the flour and oil until they reach a peanut butter color. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery and sauté until they wilt. Add okra and water and season with salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat for an hour. Add shrimp and green onion tops. Cook for 20 minutes at medium boil. Serve over rice.


Shrimp Casserole
This is a Cajun dish that my mother-in-law loves. It’s a spin off on one she used to make over 80 years ago. Imagine!

1-LB peeled raw shrimp
1/4-cup margarine
1/2-cup chopped onion, chopped green pepper and chopped celery
additional 1/4-cup margarine
Cream of Mushroom Soup -1 can
Cheddar Cheese Soup - 1 can
2 1/2-cups cooked rice
1/2-cup chopped green onions, tops and bottoms

Preheat oven to 350°. Sauté shrimp in margarine. Sauté onion, green pepper and celery in margarine. Add soups and shrimp, mixing well. Add rice and green onions. Mix thoroughly. Pour into 9X13X2-in. baking pan (dish) that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake in preheated oven for 30 -40 minutes. (Serves 9)

This is really good with a spinach and mandarin orange salad.

Marilyn in Ohio~ It probably won't take too long for your new kitty to come out of 'her' room if you'd place food (& water bowl) in the next room, BUT within her sight--moving it a little further away each day. And, if she's playful, pulling a string tied to a small fuzzy toy away from her room might entice her to forget where she is by chasing it.
Carol/SoCal

Hi Nancy and furbabies, I sure hope you guys are doing well!

Marilynn in Ohio, don't worry about your kitty wanting to stay in the room, just leave the door open and she will come out when she is good and ready. I had one do the very same thing once and one day all of a sudden, here she was ready to join the rest of us!
Billie Fl