Here we go again with another leftover ham casserole. Only this time I am pairing it with rice. Rice combines well with a lot of things, either savory or sweet. I think of Spanish Rice and Rice Pudding. This recipe is a bit different than most rice recipes. The uncooked rice is sauteed in butter until golden, rather than cooked before it is combined with the other ingredients. Don't worry, the rice won't get gummy. If you have never cooked rice this way before, you will be surprised how nicely it turns out.

Everybody knows about banana pudding. It is a favorite go to when you want to make a good impression. Have you ever thought about using strawberries instead? You don't need fresh strawberries. Frozen ones are in this recipe. Keep some vanilla wafers on hand. Everything else you probably have in your pantry.

This recipe is so easy it seems a shame to even write it down. Refrigerator biscuits are what make it easy. Turned out in front of your family on a large plate will make you the star baker at your house. Have plenty of hot coffee ready to pour and this sugary breakfast treat will be a hit.

When I see a reasonable price on fresh salmon fillets, I snap them up. Fresh salmon enjoys companionship with several fruits. Pineapple is a favorite of mine. You can find pineapple juice in small 6 ounce cans on the grocery shelf. Try this recipe. You might use it when you have a special guest. It is fancy and good.

GLAZED SALMON
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 salmon fillets, 6 ounces each

I first sampled this treat at a party long ago. Mozzarella cheese doesn't have a whole lot of flavor unless you gussy it up. This recipe does. Add it to your hors d'oeurves tray for your next get-together. Even if you don't use sun-dried tomatoes very often, they will keep in your fridge for quite a while. They are great in pasta or potato salads.

In years past, buying refrigerated shredded potatoes would have been an unacceptable luxury for this cash-strapped housewife. I don't even think they were available back in the day. Heck, refrigerators were still in the “gosh, what a luxury” category. Frozen french fries were unheard of and who would consider buying individual baking potatoes? My, how times have changed. You might already have a favorite hashbrown recipe, but if you don't, here is mine.

I like beets just about any way you can fix them. Fresh ones, topped and cooking in boiling salted water taste the best. Then peel them, slice them and top with butter and some of the warmed water they were cooked in. Everyone I know likes them fancied up. This is a fancied up recipe. Good, too. Please forgive me for using canned beets. Fresh ones aren't always available.

Hearty soups have meat in them. What if it's the day before payday and none can be found in the freezer? What to do? You can make potato soup, if the potato bin isn't empty. It doesn't need to be raining to make this soup, but it helps, especially if it is a cold winter rain and, maybe, spitting snow. That is what you call a soup day. I have several recipes for rainy day soups. It might not sound like something your family would go for, but ask yourself:
1. Does my family like potatoes?
2. Do they like dumplings?
3. Is there any milk leftover from breakfast?

Hot cider is an autumn treat. Have you ever thought of using grape juice instead of apple juice. It makes a warm drink. Great on a cold winter evening while sitting before the roaring fire in the fireplace. A can of frozen grape juice concentrate from the freezer or a can of grape juice from the pantry will get you started. There are more uses for grapes than just for wine. Try it.

MULLED GRAPE JUICE
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups water
6 whole cloves
1/3 cup lemon juice
6 ounce can frozen grape juice concentrate, thawed
2 or 3 lemon slices, sliced thin

Serve this at any holiday get-together and expect to be asked for the recipe. It's easy to make and doesn't require any special serving dishes. Just use your coffee mugs.

HOT WASSAIL PUNCH
2 quarts apple juice
2 cups orange juice
2 cups pineapple juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 whole cloves
4 three inch cinnamon sticks

In large kettle, bring all ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove cloves and cinnamon. Serve warm. Makes 3 1/2 quarts.
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