Marshmallows

about 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 3 1/2 envelopes (2 tablespoons plus 2 1/2 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin 1/2 cup cold water 2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup hot water (about 115°F.) 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 large egg whites* 1 teaspoon vanilla *if egg safety is a problem in your area, substitute […]

Chocolate Mousse

8 (1 oz) squares semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 1/2 C water, divided 2 Tbsp butter 3 egg yolks 2 Tbsp sugar 1 1/4 C whipped cream, whipped In a microwave or double boiler, heat chocolate, 1/4 C water and butter until the chocolate and butter are melted.  Cool for 10 minutes.  In a small heavy […]

Pumpkin Crisp

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin 1 can evaporated milk 1 C sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 (18.25 oz) package butter flavored yellow cake mix 1 C chopped pecans 1 C butter, melted Whipped cream Ground nutmeg Stir together first 5 ingredients.  Pour into a lightly greased 9×13 in dish.  Sprinkle […]

Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut  3 cups half-and-half (or coconut cream)  2 large eggs eggs, beaten  ¾ cup white sugar  ½ cup all-purpose flour  ¼ teaspoon salt  1 teaspoon vanilla extract  1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked  1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the coconut […]

Karen’s Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli Florets Cream of mushroom soup 2/3 C mayonnaise 2 eggs sliced onion 1 C  (or more) grated mild cheddar bread crumbs or saltines 1 Tbs or 1 1/2 Tbsp butter Cut florets and parbroil until beginning to get cooked; add 1 can cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, eggs, onion, cheddar and mix it through.  […]

Texas Caviar

1 can black eyed peas 1 can shoepeg corn 1 green pepper (diced) 1 red onion (diced) 2 small avocado (diced) optional 1 tomato (diced) 1/4 bunch of cilantro (without stems) 2 limes (squeeze juice) 2 Tbsp vinegar 1 can black olives (diced) Serve as dip for chips. . . or over greens for salad? […]

Papaya-Avocado Salad

Note: serves 4.  Papaya seeds are edible and have a slightly peppery taste.  It’s ok if some of the pulp sticks to the seeds.  The dressing is also good as a sauce for fish or chicken. 1 ripe papaya (about 1 lb) 1 large ripe avocado 2 Tbsp chopped green onions 2 C endive leaves […]

Roasted Potato Leek Soup

Prep: 35 min Cook: 1 hr 35 min Ingredients 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks 4 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts, cleaned of all sand (4 leeks) 1/4 cup good olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 cups baby arugula, lightly packed 1/2 cup […]

Pasta Fagioli Soup

4-6 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1 onion, chopped fine 3-4 stalks celery, chopped fine Saute until clear, then add: 6 link hot Italian sausage cut in half lengthwise and then sliced thin Cook until sausage is cooked through.  Add: 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can chicken broth 1 can cannelloni beans (or other white beans) […]