Vegetable Beef Soup

Here is a go-to recipe for the depths of winter. I would have most of the ingredients on hand. What a wonderful aroma to greet you when you opened the door. Memories are made of this.

Chicken bake

Yes, here is another chicken recipe. chicken is so versatile. add some noodles and gravy and you have a tasty casserole. In mixing bowl, place 3 tablespoons butter and 1 cup milk. In Dutch oven, melt remaining butter. Blend in flour, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add remaining milk all at once. Cook, quickly, over medium high heat until mixture thickens and is bubbly.

Turkey or Chicken Casserole

This recipe had a big surprise hidden in it: cooked chopped chicken. If there is not enough turkey for supper, extend it by using this recipe. The flavor will still be there and your family will never suspect you tricked them. Combine all ingredients. Spoon into buttered 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Bake at 400 F. for 30 minutes or until center is set. Serves 4.

Turk and noodles

Turkey has one big problem. There is often too much of it, whether it's the turkey breast or the whole bird. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to use leftover turk. I don't think noodles every saw anything they didn't like. They certainly like turkey. This recipe is a bit different.

Fancy ham loaf

Leftover ham doesn't freeze well. So what do you do with it? Make this loaf. In mixing bowl, combine ground ham and pork. In a medium bowl with electric mixer, combine eggs, bread crumbs and milk. Mix well. With into meat with hands. Place a greased 8 by 4 inch loaf pan, forming dome with hands. Top with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries. Bake in preheated 300 F. oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting with pineapple juice. Slice and serve with pieces of pineapple and cherries. Serves 6.

Frosted carrot bars

Here is a different cookie recipe. It reminds me of a carrot cake. Make these bars when you want a special cookie to serve, Beat eggs until light. Gradually beat in sugar. Alternate salad oil and flour sifted with soda, salt and cinnamon. Mix well. Fold in carrots, coconut and nuts. Spread evenly in 2 greased 9 by 13 inch baking pans. Bake at 350 F. for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and set on racks to cool. Spread with cream cheese frosting then cut into 1 inch by 3 inch bars. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

Chocolate caramel bars

You can't go wrong with a German Chocolate Cake mix. Add some nuts and caramels to it and you have a winner again. Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix dry cake mix, softened butter and egg until crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the mixture. Press remaining crumbly dough into an ungreased 9 by 13 inch baking pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until crust appears dry. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in small saucepan over low heat, combine the extra margarine, milk and caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramels are melted. Pour over crust. Sprinkle with nuts and reserved crumbly mixture.

Peanut butter rice crispies cookies

There are many good peanut butter recipes. Here is another one. This makes a lot of cookies. There will be some to share with your friends. In large mixing bowl, cream shortening, peanut butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg whites and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and baking powder. Gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in cereal, nuts, coconut and oatmeal.

Fudge Cupcakes

Cupcakes are so popular nowadays. And why not? They are individual portions that can be eaten out of hand. I remember when heavily frosted cakes were the norm. They needed to be eaten quickly before they dried out. Cupcakes stay soft inside their icing and paper wrappers.