Cranberry Fluff Fruit Dip with Fruit Wreath

Dip
1 (7-oz.) jar marshmallow creme
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup frozen cranberry-orange sauce, thawed
Fruit Wreath
1 bunch curly endive
2 red apples, sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 small clusters seedless red grapes
3 small clusters seedless green grapes
5 or 6 strawberries
1 star fruit, sliced, if desired
2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds, if desired

DIRECTIONS
1. In small bowl, combine marshmallow creme and cream cheese; beat until smooth. Stir in cranberry-orange sauce.
2. Line large platter with endive leaves. Place bowl of dip in center. Dip apple slices in lemon juice; arrange in circle about 1 inch from edge of plate, overlapping slices. Arrange grapes and strawberries on apples randomly around dip. Tuck slices of star fruit among other fruit. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over endive

Honey-Mustard Drummies

The perfect party snack -- easy and delicious!

INGREDIENTS
20 chicken wing drumettes
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons soy sauce

DIRECTIONS
1. In ungreased 12x8-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish, arrange chicken drumettes in single layer.
2. In 1-cup microwave-safe measuring cup, combine honey, mustard and soy sauce; mix well. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds. Stir until well blended. Drizzle honey mixture over chicken, brushing as necessary to coat chicken. If desired, cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours.
3. Heat oven to 375°F. Uncover dish; turn chicken drumettes. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until chicken is tender, glazed and no longer pink next to bone, turning chicken once halfway through baking time.
4. Just before serving, brush with honey mixture from dish.

Sharp Cheddar Cheesecake

Cheesecake
2/3 cup crushed crisp rye or pumpernickel crackers
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
2 eggs
8 oz. (2 cups) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers (from 7.25-oz. jar)
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Garnish
Green onion curls, if desired
Roasted red bell peppers, cut into shapes with cutters, if desired

DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, combine crushed crackers and butter; mix well. Press evenly in bottom of ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Beat cream cheese in medium bowl until light and fluffy. Add cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and eggs; beat until smooth and well blended. Stir in shredded cheese, roasted peppers and 1/4 cup green onions; mix well. Spread over partially baked crust.
3. Bake at 350°F. for 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set. Cool 30 minutes.
4. Loosen edges of cheesecake with small metal spatula or knife. Cool an additional 30 minutes. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
5. To serve, carefully remove sides of pan. Place cheesecake on serving platter. Garnish with green onion curls and roasted pepper cutouts. Surround cheesecake with apple and pear slices or assorted crackers.

Crescent-Wrapped Cranberry and Brie

INGREDIENTS
1 (8-oz.) can Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
1 (8-oz.) round Brie cheese
3 tablespoons whole berry cranberry sauce or cranberry chutney
1 tablespoon chopped pecans
1 egg, beaten
8 small seedless red or green grape clusters
1 pear, unpeeled, sliced
1 apple, unpeeled, sliced

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Unroll crescent roll dough. Separate dough crosswise into 2 sections. Press dough to form 2 squares, firmly pressing perforations to seal. Cut corners off both dough squares and reserve to use for cutouts. Place 1 dough round on sprayed cookie sheet.
2. Cut cheese crosswise into 2 equal layers. Place bottom half of cheese on center of dough circle on cookie sheet. Spread cranberry sauce over cheese. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Top with remaining cheese half. Bring dough up around side of cheese, pressing and pinching dough.
3. With small cookie or canapé cutter, cut shapes from reserved corners of dough; set aside. Place remaining dough on top of cheese round. Press dough evenly around side of cheese. Brush dough with beaten egg. Top with cutouts; brush with additional beaten egg.
4. Bake at 350°F. for 20 to 30 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool 15 minutes before serving. To serve, place warm pastry-wrapped cheese on platter. Arrange fruit around cheese.

Chutney-Glazed Meatballs

Meatballs
1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 cup Plain Bread Crumbs
1 tablespoon instant minced onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, slightly beaten
Sauce
1/2 cup chutney
1/2 cup ketchup
1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon grated ginger root

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients; mix well. Shape into 1-inch meatballs. Place in ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
2. Bake at 375°F. for 25 to 30 minutes or until meatballs are browned and thoroughly cooked in center.
3. In large saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients; mix well. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until bubbly.
4. Add meatballs to sauce; stir to coat. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.

Mini Reuben Turnovers

2 oz corned beef (from deli), cut into pieces
1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese (1 oz)
2 tablespoons well-drained sauerkraut, squeezed dry with paper towel
2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard
1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 egg, beaten, if desired
Thousand Island dressing, if desired

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 375°F. In food processor bowl with metal blade, place corned beef, cheese, sauerkraut and mustard; pulses 2 times for 3 seconds each or until finely chopped.
2. Remove half of dough in rolled section from can; refrigerate remaining half of dough in can. Unroll half of dough and separate into 2 rectangles; press each into 7 1/2x5-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. Cut each rectangle into 6 (2 1/2-inch) squares.
3. Place 1 teaspoon corned beef mixture on each square. Fold 1 corner to opposite corner, forming triangle and pressing edges to seal; place on ungreased cookie sheet. With fork, prick top of each to allow steam to escape. Brush tops with egg. Repeat with remaining half of dough and corned beef mixture.
4. Bake 9 to 14 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm with salad dressing, if desired.

Sausage and Cheese Crescent Squares

2 (8-oz.) cans Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
1 lb. hot or mild bulk pork sausage
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese
8 oz. (2 cups) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Unroll 1 can of dough into 2 long rectangles. Place in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish; press over bottom and 1/2 inch up sides to form crust.
2. Brown sausage in large skillet over medium heat until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Remove sausage from skillet; discard drippings. Add cream cheese to same skillet. Cook over low heat until melted. Add cooked sausage; stir to coat. Spoon evenly over crust in baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese.
3. Unroll second can of dough on work surface. Press to form 13x9-inch rectangle; firmly press perforations to seal. Carefully place over cheese.
4. Bake at 375°F. for 21 to 26 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes. Cut into small squares

Creamy Smoked Salmon Cups

4 oz cream cheese (from 8-oz package), softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
2 teaspoons small capers, drained
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 box (10 oz) frozen corn & butter sauce, thawed
4 oz smoked salmon, flaked
2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls (8 rolls each)

DIRECTIONS:
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1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 48 mini muffin cups with CRISCO® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray.
2. In medium bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until well blended. Stir in lemon-pepper seasoning, chives, capers and salt. Stir in corn until well mixed. Fold in salmon.
3. Separate dough from both cans into 8 rectangles; press perforations to seal. Cut each rectangle into 6 (2-inch) squares. Press 1 square in bottom and up side of each mini muffin cup. Spoon slightly less than 1 tablespoon salmon filling into each cup.
4. Bake 10 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from pan to serving platter. Serve warm

Crescent-Wrapped Brie

1 (8-oz.) can Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
1 (8-oz.) round natural Brie cheese
1 egg, beaten

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Unroll dough; separate crosswise into 2 sections. Pat dough and firmly press perforations to seal, forming 2 squares. Place 1 square on ungreased cookie sheet. Place cheese on center of dough.
2. With small cookie or canapé cutter, cut 1 shape from each corner of remaining square; set cutouts aside.
3. Place remaining square on top of cheese round. Press dough evenly around cheese; fold bottom edges over top edges. Gently stretch dough evenly around cheese; press to seal completely. Brush with beaten egg. Top with cutouts; brush with additional beaten egg.
4. Bake at 350°F. for 20 to 24 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Green Chile and Cheese Foldovers

Biscuits wrap around green chiles and cheese in these sassy appetizers.

INGREDIENTS:

4 oz. (1 cup) finely shredded Muenster or Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion tops
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Dash salt
1 (4.5-oz.) can chopped green chiles, drained
1 (16.3-oz.) can Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits

DIRECTIONS:
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1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray large cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. In small bowl, combine cheese, onions, cilantro, salt and green chiles; mix well.
2. Separate dough into 8 biscuits. With serrated knife, cut each biscuit in half horizontally to make 16 rounds. Press or roll each to form 3 1/2-inch round. Place 1 tablespoon cheese mixture in center of each round. Fold dough over filling; press edges with fork to seal. Form each filled biscuit into crescent shape. Place on sprayed cookie sheet.
3. Bake at 375°F. for 11 to 16 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Little Apricot Appetizer Tarts

Just four ingredients add up to an easy and awesome appetizer.

INGREDIENTS:
2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated garlic butter crescent dinner rolls (8 rolls each)
1 cup finely shredded pepper Jack cheese (4 oz)
1/4 cup Apricot Preserves
1/4 cup Chopped Pecans

DIRECTIONS:
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1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 24 mini muffin cups with No-Stick Cooking Spray.
2. Unroll each can of dough into a large rectangle; press perforations to seal. Cut each rectangle crosswise into 12 strips, about 1 inch wide. Place each strip in muffin cup, pressing dough to cover bottom and side, making sure all seams are sealed and forming 1/4-inch rim above cup.
3. Spoon 2 teaspoons cheese into each cup. Top each with 1/2 teaspoon preserves and 1/2 teaspoon pecans.
4. Bake 14 to 20 minutes or until crust is deep golden brown. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pan. Serve warm.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 (15.5-oz.) can sloppy joe sandwich sauce
1 (11-oz.) can Whole Kernel Corn, Red and Green Peppers, undrained
1 (6-oz.) can Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375°F. In large skillet, brown ground beef with onions; drain. Stir in sandwich sauce and corn. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.
2. Spoon mixture into ungreased 1 to 1 1/2-quart casserole. Separate dough into 5 biscuits; cut each in half. Arrange, cut side down, around outside edge of hot mixture with sides of biscuits touching.
3. Bake at 375°F. for 15 to 20 minutes or until biscuits are deep golden brown.

Italian Meatball Sub

10 frozen cooked Italian-style meatballs, 1 to 1 1/2 inch (from 16-oz bag)*
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 small onion, halved lengthwise, sliced
1 cup tomato pasta sauce
2 hoagie buns, split, toasted
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (1 oz)


DIRECTIONS
1. Place meatballs on microwavable plate. Microwave on High 2 to 3 minutes or until meatballs are hot.
2. Meanwhile, in medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add mushrooms, bell pepper and onion; cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender.
3. Add pasta sauce and meatballs; mix well. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.
4. Spoon 5 meatballs and half of sauce into each hoagie bun. Sprinkle with cheese.
*For meatball melts, arrange the sandwiches on a cookie sheet and broil 1 to 2 mins. or until cheese is bubbly.

Maple-Walnut Pumpkin Pie

Crust
1 Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crust (from 15-oz box), softened as directed on box
Filling
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
2 eggs
2 tablespoons real maple syrup or maple-flavored syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Streusel
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cold butter or margarine
Topping
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
Chopped walnuts, if desired

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425°F. Place pie crust in 9-inch glass pie plate as directed on box for One-Crust Filled Pie. In large bowl, beat filling ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Pour into crust-lined pan. Bake 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, the chopped walnuts and flour; cut in butter until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Sprinkle streusel over pie. Cover crust edge with 3-inch-wide strips of foil to prevent excessive browning.
4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes longer or until knife inserted 1 inch from edge comes out clean. Cool completely, about 2 hours. Serve or refrigerate until serving time.
5. To serve, in medium bowl, beat whipping cream and 2 tablespoons brown sugar with electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Serve pie with whipped cream; garnish with chopped walnuts. Store in refrigerator.

Dolloped Sweet Potatoes

4 small sweet potatoes
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
Scrub and pierce sweet potatoes; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 10-13 minutes or until tender, turning twice. Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice.
Cut an "X" in the top of each potato; fluff pulp with a fork. Dollop with cream cheese mixture. Yield: 4 servings.

Red Velvet Cake with White Truffle Frosting

1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® German chocolate cake mix
1 1/4 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 bottle (1 oz) red food color
1 tablespoon baking cocoa
Frosting
1 1/2 cups white vanilla baking chips
2 1/4 cups vanilla frosting (from two 1-lb containers)

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Grease or spray bottoms only of two 8-inch round cake pans. In large bowl, beat cake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Pour into pans.
2. Bake and cool as directed on box for 8-inch rounds. Slice each cake layer in half horizontally to make a total of 4 layers.
3. In medium microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips uncovered on Medium (50%) 4 to 5 minutes, stirring halfway through microwave time. Stir until smooth; cool 5 minutes. Stir in frosting until well blended. Place 1 cake layer, cut side up, on serving plate; spread with 1 cup of the frosting. Repeat with second and third cake layers. Top with remaining cake layer, cut side down; frost with remaining frosting.

Raspberry Walnut Torte

Ingredients:
1-3/4 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup ground walnuts
1-1/2 cups whipping cream
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/8 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
12 oz. jar seedless raspberry preserves

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and ground walnuts. Stir well with wire whisk to mix. In a small bowl, beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form and set aside. In large bowl, using same beaters, beat together sugar, vanilla and eggs for 5 minutes at highest speed, until light and fluffy.
Alternately fold dry ingredients and the whipped cream into the egg mixture. Begin and end with the flour mixture, and treat the batter very carefully.

Grease and flour 2 9" round cake pans line bottoms with waxed paper. Pour the batter evenly into the pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until top springs back when touched, and cake layers begin to pull away from edges of pan. Cool 15 minutes, then remove layers from pans, peel off waxed paper, and cool completely.

In large bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, 1/2 cup whipping cream, 1/8 tsp. salt and 2 tsp. vanilla until light and fluffy, scraping sides of bowl often. You may need to add a bit more powdered sugar or cream as needed to get a light and fluffy frosting consistency.

Now split each layer of the cake in half. To do this, place toothpicks around each layer, sticking out around the edge, to mark the halfway point. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut the cake layers in half. You will then have four layers. Here´s a new trick I learned from Martha (you know who I mean!). To transfer the delicate layers, carefully slide a very thin cookie sheet, without edges, in between the cut layers. Then slide it onto the serving plate.

Place the bottom half of one layer on the serving place and spread with 1 cup frosting. Top with top half of that cake layer and spread with 1/2 cup raspberry preserves. Repeat with third and four layers, topping with frosting and raspberry preserves, respectively, reassembling the layers back in their original form. Then frost the sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. If you like, you can pipe frosting in a decorative pattern on top of the preserves that top the cake. Store in refrigerator.

Okay, now that you are thoroughly threatened by this recipe, there is an easier way! Don´t cut the cake layers in half. Simply put the two layers together with about 1/2 cup of raspberry preserves, then frost top and sides with the cream cheese frosting - pile it on. You'll still have a wonderful cake, with less work.

User Reviews

Berries and Cream Cake Roll

Ingredients:
Crisco® Flour No-Stick Spray
4 large eggs, separated
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup Pillsbury SOFTASILK® Cake Flour, or Pillsbury BEST All Purpose Flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup Smucker's® Strawberry Preserves, or SMUCKER'S Low Sugar Strawberry Preserves
Fresh fruit and mint sprigs for garnish, if desired

Directions:

HEAT oven to 375°F. Spray 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan with no-stick cooking spray.
BEAT egg whites on high speed for 4-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat egg yolks for 3 minutes or until slightly thick and light lemon colored. Add sugar and vanilla to egg yolks; continue to beat for 1 minute. Sift together the dry ingredients. Add to egg yolk mixture. Fold in beaten egg white. Pour into prepared pan spreading batter evenly.
BAKE for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle powdered sugar onto a clean kitchen towel. Loosen cake edges from pan. Immediately invert onto towel. Gently roll cake with the towel into a log, starting at the long end. Cool completely, about 45 minutes.
BEAT whipping cream until stiff. Stir preserves slightly in order to spread smoothly on cake. Unroll the cake. Carefully spread with preserves, then with the whipped cream. Reroll cake without towel. Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 2-3 hours or overnight.
SPRINKLE with powdered sugar and garnish with fruit and mint, if desired, before serving.
Yield: 12 Servings

Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 cup panko (coarse) or plain bread crumbs
1/4 cup Canola Oil
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces linguine, cooked according to package directions
3 cups prepared marinara sauce, heated

Directions:

Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to form 4 thin cutlets, or pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness and slice each chicken breast half into 2 cutlets, for a total of 4 cutlets.
Beat egg and ¼ teaspoon salt in a small pie plate. Mix breadcrumbs, ¼ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in another small pie plate. Dip both sides of each cutlet in the egg, then the bread crumb mixture.
Heat all-vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cutlets and sauté until golden brown on each side, 5-6 minutes total.
Heat broiler in oven. Transfer cutlets to wire rack over cookie sheet or jelly roll pan. Sprinkle each with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Broil 4-5 inches from heat source until cheese melts and begins to brown, about 2 minutes.
To Serve: Divide pasta between 4 serving plates, top with warm marinara sauce and then chicken.

TUXEDOED STRAWBERRIES

Ingredients:
24 to 26 strawberries
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening
1 1/2 cups white chocolate, chopped

Directions:

Line a large baking sheet with wax paper. Wipe strawberries clean. Dry with paper towels.
Place semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power, or defrost, for 45 seconds. Stir. Repeat until chocolate is soft and shortening is melted. Stir until mixture is smooth. Repeat process with white chocolate and remaining 1 tablespoon shortening.
Holding 1 strawberry by its green top, dip 3⁄4 of berry into melted white chocolate. Let excess drip off. Repeat with remaining berries. Place on prepared baking sheet.
Dip each white chocolate-dipped berry at an angle into melted semi-sweet chocolate, creating one side of the “lapel”. Repeat at an angle on the other side of the berry. Place on prepared baking sheet.
Place a small amount of melted semi-sweet chocolate into a small resealable plastic bag. Cut small tip off one corner. Pipe on buttons and a bowtie. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until chocolate coating is firm.
TIP
Can be prepared up to 8 hours ahead but they are best eaten the same day. Keep refrigerated.
Yield: 24 to 26 strawberries
WWW.CRISCO.COM

Fresh Corn Salad

8 ears fresh corn, husked and cleaned
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1-1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt, optional
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 largge tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1/3 cup chopped sweet red pepper
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In a large saucepan, cook corn in enough boiling water to cover for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender. Drain, cool and set aside. In a large bowl, mix oil, vinegar, lemon juice, parsley, sugar, salt, if desired, basil and cayenne pepper. Cut cooled corn off the cob (should measure 4 cups). Add corn, tomatoes, onion and peppers to the oil mixture. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Yield: 10 servings

From: "Taste of Home

Christmas Eve Mice

24 double-stuffed Oreo cookies
1 cup (6 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips
2 tsp. shortening
24 red maraschino cherries with stems, well drained
24 milk chocolate kisses
48 sliced almonds
1 small tube of green icing gel
1 small tube of red icing gel
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Carefully twist cookies apart; set aside the halves with cream filling. Save plain halves for another use. (Or munch on them while you make this recipe!) In the microwave or heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Holding each cherry by the stem, dip in melted chocolate, then press onto the bottom of a chocolate kiss. Place onto the cream filling of the cookie, with cherry stem extending beyond cookie edge. For ears, place slivered almonds between the cherry and kiss. Refrigerate until set. With green gel, pipe holly leaves on the cream. With red gel, pipe holly berries between leaves and pipe eyes on each chocolate kiss. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Yield: 2 dozen.

Apple Kuchen

3/4 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
5 Golden Delicious apples, pared and cored
2 Tbsp. melted butter or margarine
2 Tbsp. brown sugar, packed, to sprinkle on top

Directions
1. Cream butter and sugar and add eggs. Beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla. Stir in flour and salt to make a smooth dough.

2. Spread into a buttered 13-by-9-inch dish or 10 or 11-inch buttered tart pan with removable bottom.

3. Halve the apples. Make cuts in the apples 1/4-inch apart but not all the way through, so the halves still hold together.

3. Press the halves flat side down, making an attractive arrangement on the top of the batter. Brush apples with melted butter. Sprinkle with the brown sugar.

4. Bake at 425

White Chocolate Berry Cake

For the cake:

6 egg yolks
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/3 cups self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
5 1/2 oz white chocolate, melted

For the filling and topping:

9 1/2 oz white chocolate, melted
2 cups mixed summer berries

TO MAKE THE CAKE:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 9-inch springform pans and line bases with parchment or waxed (greaseproof) paper.

Combine the egg yolks, 1/4 cup of the milk,
and the vanilla in a bowl.

In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the softened butter with the remaining 3/4 cup milk and add to dry ingredients. Beat on low speed to combine, 3-4 minutes. Gradually add the egg mixture in 3 batches, beating well after each addition. Add the melted white chocolate and beat to combine, about 2 minutes. Pour the mixture into the prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.


TO MAKE THE FILLING AND TOPPING:
Spread one-third of the warm melted white chocolate over 1 cake layer using a large metal spatula.


Place the berries, reserving a few for decoration, on top of the cake layer spread with the chocolate. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the assembled cake with the remaining melted white chocolate. Decorate with the reserved berries and serve.

Source: Close-up on Cakes

Sausage-Cheese Balls

3 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1 pound bulk pork sausage
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (16 ounces)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
Barbecue sauce or chili sauce, if desired

1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease bottom and sides of jelly roll pan, 15 1/2x10 1/2x2x1 inch.
2. Stir together all ingredients, using hands or spoon. Shape mixture into 1-inch balls. Place in pan.
3. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until brown. Immediately remove from pan. Serve warm with sauce for dipping.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft) Heat oven to 375ºF. Decrease Bisquick to 2 1/2 cups; stir in 1/2 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour. Bake 25 to 30 minutes