VERMONT MAPLE OATMEAL PIE

from the Files of Saundra Carriker

It's that time of year, ya'll.....this is one of those recipes that you will definitely want to try and you will most definitely want to mix the taste of vanilla ice cream and a good cup of coffee with it! Let me know what you think.

I always use Pillsbury Pie crust - but you can use whatever you like - you will need one of those, unrolled and plated in a 9 inch pie pan; flute the edges.

In a large bowl, combine 4 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 3 T flour, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir in 1 cup quick-cooking oats, 3/4 cup corn syrup, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup butter that's melted and 3 tsp vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into pie crust.

Sprinkle with 1 cup flaked coconut and Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until set. Cover edges with foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent overbrowning if necessary. Serve this up with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Be sure to refrigerate any leftovers.

Happy Cooking!!

Saundra

THE BEST ITALIAN CREAM CAKE

I've made lots of sweets in my lifetime, but I'm telling ya - this is the best Italian Cream Cake recipe that I've made! It takes a while, but it's delicious and you can be proud to serve it at any occasion.

ITALIAN CREAM CAKE

From the Files of Saundra Carriker

Cream 1 stick oleo & 1/2 cup Crisco & 2 cups sugar

Add 5 egg yolks one at a time and beat well

Add 2 cups flour, 1 tsp soda alternately with 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 small can angel flake coconut and 1 cup chopped pecans

Fold in 5 stiffly beaten egg whites

Bake in greased and floured 9" pans (3) in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes. Cool

Icing

1 8 oz package cream cheese

1/2 stick oleo

1 box powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Spread between layers and on top

Sprinkle with chopped pecans

Happy Cooking!

Saundra

TWICE BAKED POTATOES

These are the best Twice Baked Potatoes I've ever tasted - My youngest son, Janson, first experienced these when his best friend, Marshall, invited him for dinner and they had these. So.....I had to get the recipe from Carol, Marshall's mom because Janson talked and talked about how great they were!!! Thanks, Carol, for sharing these over the years - they will always be a favorite in our home.

TWICE BAKED POTATOES

Carol Morris, Abilene, Texas

4 large baking potatoes

8 slices bacon

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

4 T butter

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

8 green onions, sliced and divided

Bake the potatoes @ 350 degrees till done. Fry the bacon; drain and crumble. Let potatoes cool for 10 minutes when done. Slice potatoes in half and scoop out the flesh; save the skin. To the potato flesh add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 the green onions. Mix with mixer. Spoon the mixture back into the skins. Top with cheese, green onions and bacon. Bake for another 15 minutes @ 350 degrees.

Happy Cooking!!

Saundra

COKE CHICKEN

COKE CHICKEN

This is one of those recipes that you can put on when you're home at lunch and have it ready when you get off work - it's awesome & easy - AND it tastes great!! Put it with a salad and baked potato and you have everything you need. Enjoy!

6 bone-in chicken breast halves

2 cups ketchup

2 liters coke

Place the chicken breasts into a 2 quart or slightly larger crock pot. Pour in ketchup and coke. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce is thick and sticky, about 2 hours. You can eat it like this with the salad or baked potato - OR try pulling it off the bone and serving it on buns.

Happy Cooking,

Saundra

HEAVENLY FRUIT DIP

I don't remember where I got this recipe - I just know that if you try it, you're going to think the same thing I did - IT REALLY IS HEAVENLY!!!! Enjoy.....

HEAVENLY FRUIT DIP

1 (3 3/4 oz) pkg instant vanilla pudding mix

2 1/2 cup half and half

1 Tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp rum extract

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Combine in small mixing bowl. Beat with mixer at low speed for 2 minutes. Cover and chill several hours or overnight. Makes about 3 cups. Serve as a dip with fresh fruit or as a dressing over fruit salad.

Happy Cooking

Saundra

KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS BREAD PUDDING

Ok, ya'll!!! Here it is!! I've looked and looked for this and now I've tried it! WHEW!!!! What a sweet dessert - hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

KRISPY KREME BREAD PUDDING

2 dozen Krispy Kreme Donuts

1 pinch salt

1 9 oz box raisins

2 eggs, beaten

2 4.5 oz cans fruit cocktail (undrained)

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk (I use Eagle Brand)

1 or 2 tsp cinnamon

Butter Rum Sauce:

1 stick butter

1 pound box powdered sugar

Rum to taste

Directions:

Cube donuts into a large bowl. Pour other ingredients on top of donuts and let soak for a few minutes. Mix all ingredients together until donuts have soaked up the liquid as much as possible.

Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour until center has jelledf. Top with Butter Rum Sauce.

Butter Rum Sauce:

Melt butter and slowly stir in powdered sugar. Add Rum and heat until bubbly. Pour over each serving of Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding.

YUM YUM!!!!

This should be about 24 servings

THE BEST BLOODY MARY'S!!!!

THE BEST BLOODY MARY'S!!

The Best Bloody Mary's

from the files of Saundra Carriker

1 46 OZ can of V-8 juice

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp salt

1 T Worcestershire sauce

1 lemon, juiced

1 T celery seed

4 shakes hot sauce (I use the Louisiana bright red hot sauce)

Ice Cubs

10 celery sticks

Pour V-8 juice into large pitcher. Add the pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, vodka, celery seed, hot sauce. Pour over ice cubes and use celery sticks as a garnish.

Happy Cooking!!

Saundra

BANANA SPLIT CAKE

While I will still be posting cold drinks for these hot summer days, I will still post some really great recipes for other things as well. I thought about this recipe that I ALWAYS made during Little League All-Star season. As moms, we would all bring a dish for a meal after practice and this was a favorite by many of the little leaguers, moms and dads. I hope ya'll enjoy it! I'm going to make it for our famiy for 4th of July.

BANANA SPLIT CAKE

from the files of Saundra Carriker

2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs

1 stick melted butter

Blend and press in 9 x 13 pan

2 sticks butter, melted and cooled

2 eggs

1 box powdered sugar

Beat with electric mixer for 15 minutes, pour over crumb crust

1 #2 can well drained pineapple (crushed)

4 to 5 bananas sliced

Some strawberries, either fresh or frozen

Layer these ingredients over the sugar mixture, bananas first, covered well by the pineapple and then some strawberries

**I also use some chopped pecans to throw in there as well and when I want to be really creative, I'll drizzle a little chocolate syrup on top of all of these.

Top with:

1 large container frozen whipped topping

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1 jar maraschino cherries

Chill and serve. Delicious!!

Happy Cooking!

Saundra

HALLEY'S MOJITO RECIPE

One of our Marketing Specialists, Halley, offered us this recipe for one of her favorites! We hope you enjoy trying this basic Mojito Recipe!

BASIC CUBAN MOJITO RECIPE

shared by Halley

Ingredients:

3 fresh mint sprigs

2 tsp sugar

3 tbsp fresh lime juice

1 1/2 oz light rum

club soda

Method - the Procedure

In a tall thin glass, crush part of the mint with a fork to coat the inside. Add the sugar and lime juice and stir thoroughly. Top with ice. Add rum and mix. Top off withg *chilled* club soda (or seltzer). Add a lime slice and the remaining mint, and serve.

Happy Cooking!

Saundra

FROZEN MARGARITAS

This drink recipe is always a hit in West Texas on a HOT July day.......or anytime for that matter.

FROZEN MARGARITAS

from the files of Saundra Carriker

lime wedge

salt

1 (6 oz) can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed, undiluted

3/4 cup tequila

1/4 cup Triple Sec liqueur

crushed ice

Rub rim of 4 cocktail glasses with lime. Place sale in saucer and spin rim of each glass in salt to coat. Combine limeade, tequila and Triple Sec in blender container; blend well. Add crushed ice and blend until crushed and thickened. Pour into prepared glasses. Serves 4.

Happy Cooking

Saundra

BEST MINTED TEA

This is another great cold tea for the summer - try it! Awesome!

BEST MINTED ICED TEA

1 quart boiling water

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup instant tea granules

2 to 4 tablespoons slightly crushed mint leaves

2 quarts cold water

1 (6 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed, undiluted

Combine boiling water, sugar, tea granules and mint in 4-quart non-metal container. Let stand 15 minutes. Stir in cold water and lemonade. Serve tea over ice. Serves: 12

Happy Cooking!!

Saundra

SUMMER DRINKS

Many apologies for not posting lately, but I've been quite busy with work and a little vacation. I just returned from New York City today and have to say that I thought about blogging some summer drinks while I was there. So.....for a few days that's what you'll see. It's that time of year and some days we have some scorching dry weather and what could be better than a refreshing new drink to try. First up is some Almond Tea - let me know how you like it! It's delicious.

Almond Tea

from the files of Saundra Carriker

1 1/2 quarts water

1 1/4 cups sugar (optional)

juice of 1 lemon

grated peel of 1 lemon

1 (6 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, undiluted

2 cups strong tea or 1 family size tea bag plus 2 cups water

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 tablespoon almond extract

Combine water and sugar in saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add lemon juice and peel. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Add lemonade concentrate and tea or tea bag and water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Remove tea bag if used. Stir in vanilla and almond flavorings. Serve tea warm or cold. Sweeten with sugar substitute if sugar is omitted. Serves 16.

Happy Cooking!

Saundra

GRAND PRAIRIE SALAD

This is a recipe that Sybil Van Zandt shared with me years ago. You can serve this salad anytime of year, but it is especially good during spring or summer when it's warm outside! It's a cold salad and one that you can make ahead of time. Try it once and it will become a favorite forever! Thanks, Sybil!

GRAND PRAIRIE SALAD

1 pkg lime jello

2 cups boiling water

20 marshmallows

1 cup grated American Cheese

1 small can crushed pineapple

1/2 pint whipping cream

1 cup pecans

Dissolve Jello in boiling water; add marshmallows. Boil mixture until marshmallows have dissolved. Let set. Add cheese, pecans, pineapple, whipped cream and mix. Return to refrigerator until ready to serve.

Happy Cooking!!

Saundra

Corn bread salad may sound a little funny to some of you, but I can promise that it's always a "hit", especially in the summer or during any holiday! It's especially good when you cook some pinto beans and grill some chicken. Try it and let me know what you think.

CORN BREAD SALAD

1 (6 oz) pkg corn bread mix, baked according to directions, cooled and crumbled

8 slices crisply fried bacon, crumbled

1 cup salad dressing

1 med. onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 lg. tomato, chopped

Mix and serve in place of potato salad. You may add boiled eggs, pickles, relish, pimentos or anything you like in potato salad.

Happy Cooking!!

Saundra

ENERGY COOKIES

This is a recipe that was shared by Michele Hall. Her grandmother, Nettie Lee from Anson, Texas made these cookies and Michele says that the recipe makes "a bunch" of cookies. I can't wait to try this one and plan on making these very soon - they sound absolutely delicious! So, thanks Michele and thanks Nettie Lee for sharing this wonderful recipe!

ENERGY COOKIES

From the Files of Michele Hall, Abilene, Texas and

Nettie Lee, Anson, Texas

2 cups granulated sugar

2 cups brown sugar

3/4 cup oleo or butter

1 cup oil

4 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

3 cups flour

2 tsp salt

2 tsp soda

3 cups oats

2 cup coconut

1 cup nuts

1 cup chocolate chips

2 cups raisins

Cream: Sugars, oleo, oil, eggs & vanilla. Beat.

Sitr in flour, soda & salt.

Add remaining ingredients.

(Dough will keep in frig a week or two)

Bake @ 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

Happy Cooking!

Saundra

SEND ME YOUR RECIPES

SEND ME YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY OR FRIEND RECIPE

If you have a favorite recipe from a family or friend, I hope you will take the time to share it. We can NEVER have too many recipes.

It's a great time of year to share salad recipes or fresh veggie recipes.....and you know that we always LOVE anything sweet.

So....my challenge to you is to send me your favorite(s) at scarriker@ktab.tv. Then.....log on from time to time to see if I tried it and posted it. Should be fun!!! Yum Yum!!

Happy Cooking!

Saundra

DORITO SALAD

This is a simple yet delicious recipe that you can pull together in no time! Great for those long "daylight savings" days when you've been gardening or enjoying the outdoors. I've used this recipe for years and you can get creative, especially with fresh veggies from the garden - use your imagination - but it's great as noted below. Enjoy!

DORITO SALAD

Saundra Carriker

1 lb ground meat

1 can Ranch Style Beans

1 16-oz can tomatoes

1 can green chilies (chopped)

1 bag Doritos

Lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, onion

Brown ground meat. Add beans, tomatoes and green chilies. Simmer 30 minutes. Serve over Doritos with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and onions. Serves 5-6.

Happy Cooking!

Saundra

CINNAMON FRUIT DIP

CINNAMON FRUIT DIP

From the Files of Saundra Carriker

Mix this up ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use. Absolutely wonderful!!! I would suggest this any time!

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8 oz) jar honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

Combine cream cheese, honey, vanilla and cinnamon, blending until smooth. Chill for at least 2 hours. Serve with fresh strawberries, melon, bananas, pineapple and other fresh fruit. Makes 1 cup.


Happy Cooking!

Saundra

VANILLA WAFER CAKE

Delicious! - The only word to describe this cake! I've made it many times over the years and every time it turns out the same. Let me know what you think of this recipe - Happy Cooking!

VANILLA WAFER CAKE

From the Files of Saundra Carriker

2 Sticks margarine, softened

1/2 cup milk

6 beaten eggs

1 cup pecans, chopped

7 ounces coconut

2 cups sugar

12 ounce box crushed vanilla wafers

By hand, mix it all up. Pour into a sprayed Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 to 20 minutes.

BEER IN THE REAR CHICKEN

Hey, ya'll......this will result in SUPER MOIST chicken for the SUPER BOWL!!!! Try it and let me know what you think.

BEER IN THE REAR CHICKEN

From the files of Saundra Carriker

1/4 cup Mayonnaise

Fated Zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp paprika

3/4 tsp celery seeds

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1 4-pound chicken, rinsed and patted dry

1 12-ounce can beer

Stir together the mao, zest, paprika, celery seeds, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Rub the chicken down (inside and out) with this mixture, place the chicken in a bowl and put it in the refrigerator while you get the grill ready.

Prepare the charcoal or gas grill for indirect grilling. If you use a gas grill, preheat it to medium and place a drip pan in the center of the grill. If you use a charcoal grill, light the coals. When they are red hot, use tongs to move them into two piles on opposite sides of the grill. Let coals burn until they are covered with a thin layer of gray ash. Set a metal drip pan in the center of the grill between the piles of coals.

When the grill is ready, open the beer can and drink a few sips (or just pour a little out). Put the can in the chicken's rear cavity, keeping the can upright. Stand the chicken upright on the grill grate over the drip pan. Cover the grill and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the chicken is very tender and nearly falling off the bone. Remember that if you're using charcoal, you will need to add 10 to 12 fresh charcoal per side after 1 hour). When the done, the internal temperature of the chicken should register 180 degrees F on a meat thermometer insterted in teh thickest part of the thigh but not touching the bone.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board or serving platter, but be careful! Don't spill the hot beer. Let the chicken stand for about 5 minutes; remove and discard the beer can and carve the chicken.

Happy Cooking!!!

Saundra

GREAT HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE

GREAT HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE!!
From the Files of Saundra Carriker

2 ripe avocadoes - peeled, pitted and chopped coarsely
Finely grates zest and juice of 1 lime
1 medium tomato - finely chopped
1 small red onion - finely chopped
1/3 cup sour cream
1 clove garlic - minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper


Place the avocados in a bowl and mash lightly with a fork. Add all the remaining ingredients. Stir. Mash all of this mixture to desired consistency. Serve with tortilla chips.

Happy Cooking!!
Saundra

JALAPENO CHEESE LOG

When I use this recipe, I think about the trip that Pat and Jet took to Louisiana when Jet was looking for a college where he could get his degree and continue playing football. They brought me back a cookbook that is FULL of delicious and sometimes quite spicy recipes. This is one! Perfect for the Superbowl game......and once you start you cannot stop eating it! Enjoy. Oh, and by the way.....he did go to college in Louisiana, played football, and met our precious daughter-in-law, Stephanie.

JALAPENO CHEESE LOG

from the files of Saundra Carriker

1 (16 oz) pkg processed cheese, softened

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

hot pepper sauce

3/4 cup finely chopped green onions

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

3/4 cup finely chopped jalapeno peppers

Place cheese on buttered wax paper and roll to 1/2 inch thickness. Spread cream cheese on cheese spread. Sprinkle with hot pepper sauce and spread evenly on cream cheese. Sprinkle green onions, pecans and jalapeno peppers on cream cheese layer. Lifting 1 end of wax paper, roll cheese to form log. Serve as a spread with crackers. Serves 10.

WHITE CHOCOLATE PARTY MIX

WHITE CHOCOLATE PARTY MIX

From the Files of Saundra Carriker

Mix this up the day before the big party! If you're expecting 30 or more people you will want to double or even triple this.

1 (16 oz) package white chocolate

3 cups rice cereal squares

3 cups corn cereal squares

3 cup O-shaped oat cereal

3 cups stick pretzels

2 cups dry roasted peanuts

1 (12 oz) package candy-coated plain chocolate candies

Melt white chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water. Combine rice, corn and oat cereal, pretzels, peanuts and candies in large bowl. Slowly pour melted chocolate over cereal mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Spread mixture on wax paper and let stand until cool. Break into bite sized pieces. Store in air-tight container in refrigerator to keep fresh.

Happy Cooking!

Saundra

SuperBowl 7-Layer Dip

SuperBowl Party time is the next best thing to Christmas at our house. We've had SuperBowl parties for years. There have been times when we've had as many as 30-40 people, and times that it's been very few - BUT.....no matter if it's 2, 20 or 40....we always have plenty of home cooked food! I will do my best to post some good SuperBowl Grub from now till the big day - so keep logging in and try some of the recipes that I've tried through the years.

SuperBowl 7-Layer Dip

1 can (16 oz.) refried beans

1 Tbsp. taco seasoning mix

1 cup Sour Cream

1 cup salsa

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 cup Mexican Style Shredded Cheese

1/2 cup chopped green onions

2 Tbsp. sliced pitted ripe olives

MIX the beans & taco seasoning mix. Spread onto bottom of a 9 inch pie plate.

LAYER remaining ingredients over bean mixture; cover. Refrigerate several hours or until chilled.

SERVE with tortilla chips or fritos.

GO TEAM!!!! Enjoy.

Saundra