Hi family, I am looking for a recipe for cold macaroni salad, no mayo, made with Italian dressing. I've forgotten how to do it, also can this be made the night before, or does it get yucky?
Thanks, Boots in Va.

This is for Sylvia in Scotland: I would like to respond to some questions in the 3/22/08: you wondered about 'rubbing in': this is just sprinkling whatever spices/seasonings you are using (usually on meat) and then, using your hand just rub the spices into the meat before searing.

As for a stick of butter; in the States butter comes in 4 'sticks' or 'cubes' to a pound, so a stick is 1/4 pound or 1/2 cup OR 8 tablespoons. Many times we seem to forget that regional or area measurements are not recognized everywhere, so it is helpful to give out 'more exact' measurements when sending information to a wide readership. (Sorry, think I have also been guilty of that in the past!) Shortening is whatever kind of fat content you use in your baking and cooking, it is a solid, as opposed to a liquid, as in oil. For future reference, in the States it is commonly referred to as Crisco©.

A suggestion for you: I noticed in your entry for the 3/24 issue you mentioned an American lady living on the next farm. When I lived in Italy many years ago I became friends with an Italian Lady and I wasn't bashful in getting help for many of the things I didn't understand about Italian cooking (as well as other things!) It was a great help to me in figuring weights as opposed to volume measures. You might give your neighbor a try.

I am unable to help you with your sterling payment, maybe someone else can come forward with this information for you.
Hope this will be some help to you.
jsham in AR

This is for Barb in Michigan regarding Subway Sweet Onion Sauce. It calls for poppy seeds but I don't see why you couldn't just leave them out. Hope this is what you are looking for.

Thank you Nancy for all the hard work you put into this newsletter. Please know how much it is appreciated.

Subway Sweet Onion Sauce
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 T. minced white onion
1 T. red wine vinegar
2 t. white distilled vinegar
1 t. balsamic vinegar
1 t. brown sugar
1 t. buttermilk powder
1/4 t. lemon juice
1/8 t. poppy seeds
1/8 t. salt
pinch cracked black pepper
pinch garlic powder

Combine all ingredients in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat mixture uncovered in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes on high until mixture boils rapidly. Whisk well, cover and chill
Linda in upstate New York

This was sent in by Susan-NC and ...

Comment
I have made this many times and it is very good, just like what is used by Subway. If you can't tolerate the poppy seeds, just omit them.
Mary Alyce from WI

The newsletter will not be sent out every day while visiting with relatives this week.
Nancy

For Heather, who submitted the slow cooker enchilada recipe on 3/15.. it caught my eye the second I saw it, and I finally got to make it tonight. Glad I did, it was awesome! The only change I made was to double the soup, olives, and onions. That really worked out great. Thanks for the recipe, it is a keeper!
Lori in IL

Re: Steam Chicken
Pam in Tibbie (what's Tibbie?)
I use a steaming pan; put water in the bottom, and the skinned chicken breasts in the perforated top section, and cover. You could salt the water, and add bay leaf, etc., but I just do it plain.

Put on burner at high temp until the water in the bottom is boiling; then, turn burner down so water boils gently, and set timer for about 15 minutes.

When time is up, check to see if breasts are done (stick a fork in thickest part - juices should run clear). When it is done, just remove to another dish and either refrigerate or freeze. If freezing, let come to room temp before putting in freezer. I use it for salads, stir fry, etc.

Lori in IL: That was the best Good Housekeeping cookbook ever. The one we have is falling apart, but we still keep it.
jeanlock McLean VA

Here’s a tasty, nutritious, satisfying, and inexpensive family-style meal. This recipe can be expanded or contracted to suit your family’s needs.

Taco Supreme Casserole
1 box Cellantani (or other thick, corkscrew-shaped) pasta cooked according to directions on box and drained.
1 to 2 lbs Hamburg meat
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves peeled & chopped garlic
1 or 2 Envelopes Taco Seasoning (use your favorite brand)
1 pkg (2 cups) Taco, Mexican, or other style shredded cheese (use your favorite brand)
1 or 2 small jars Salsa (the heat strength you prefer – mild, medium, or hot)
8 oz Nacho Chips, crushed
Sour Cream (optional)

Sauté hamburger meat with onion and garlic, breaking up any clumps. When fully cooked, drain meat mixture and discard most or all of the fat.

Mix the Taco seasoning with the amount of water recommended on the package envelope and add to the hamburg mixture. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors. Pour over the hot cooked pasta.
Add the salsa, cheese, and crushed chips. Mix well and pour into a greased casserole. Bake @ 350 degrees F until heated through (approx 20-30 min.) Serve topped with a dollop of sour cream.
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

Just as good reheated the next day.
Enjoy! Liz @ Devens

The conversations about crock pots and slow cookers brought to mind a time about 35 years ago when I received a Rival crock pot as a gift. At the time both my son and I were working so I thought it was a great idea to make a special meal that would ordinarily take hours to cook. That morning, I set up everything, and went off to work. When I returned home later that evening, my son (who got home before me) asked "what's for dinner". When I told him, he said "you have to turn it on before it will do anything." I had forgotten to turn it on, so , P.S., He took me out to dinner that night. Also, that crockpot was the kind with an insert that could not be removed for cleaning. I hated it.
Emily, S. Fla.

You can buy dumplings already cut in the freezer section of some grocery stores. They are very good and easy to use. They are kept where the frozen breads and biscuits are kept. I know Kroger has them.
Phoebe W. in Atlanta GA

Hello Nancy & Gang,
Nancy-glad you are taking some well deserved time for your family-and the Celebration of Life sounds like a beautiful idea-please tell us about it when you return.

To Barb-MI-this is a clone of the Subway Sweet Onion Teriyaki Dressing that my niece sent me-I have not tried it yet, but I fully intend to. She said the person who gave it to her also put it over ham and turkey sandwiches as well as grilled chicken.

Subway Sweet Onion Teriyaki Sauce
Yield= 2/3 cup

1/2 c Karo syrup
1 T minced onion
1 T red wine vinegar
2 t distilled vinegar
1 t balsamic vinegar
1 t brown sugar
1 t buttermilk powder
1/4 t lemon juice
1/8 t poppy seeds
1/8 t salt
pinch of black pepper
pinch of garlic powder
Put all ingredients into a microwave safe bowl and whisk to blend. Microwave on HIGH for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until boiling. Remove and whisk well. Allow to cool and dress your sandwich.

Easy Veggie Seasoning
My niece's recipe-we eat it on fresh veggies.

1-1/2 T onion powder
1-1/2 T sesame seed
1-1/2 t dry mustard
1-1/2 t dill weed
1-1/2 t dried bell pepper
1 T dried chives
1 T tarragon

Mix all together well and store airtight in a jar. This is good on casseroles, veggies, soups, and even in sour cream for dip.
Mimi ^..^

Hello Nancy, I sure hop you and everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend. I want to share a pie recipe we had, was fantastic. But first, Trudy, Slidell Louisiana, about the stainless steel sink cleaner, I always use the Bartenders Friend powder, works wonderful for me. Some one else suggested using baking powder, which I think was used with great success also! And can't let the Dumplings issue pass me by. I swear by Bisquick! My Mother made them this way I have always done the same. We love them. Buy a box of Bisquick and the dumpling recipe is right on the box. You will not be disappointed.
Now for the pie: I got this off of www.allrecipes.com

Sugar Free Strawberry Pie
1 box cook and serve, sugar free vanilla pudding
1 box sugar free strawberry gelatin
2 cups of water
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
24 oz fresh strawberries, sliced
Graham cracker or baked pie crust optional.

Place the sliced berries in a 9" pie plate. Put the pudding and gelatin with water in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil stirring. Boil for 1 min remove from heat and add 1 tsp vanilla (if using), stir up and pour over the berries. Put in the refrigerator and chill 4-6 hours. Serve with sugar free whipped topping.

You will never miss the sugar. I made two of these for Easter and there was not a crumb left!
You can easily vary the flavors on this, mandarin oranges, drained, lemon pudding and orange gelatin will be my next adventure!
Enjoy, Billie in FL

Hi Nancy and all readers, Does anyone know what spices I would use to make a pound of hot Italian sausage? I don't like the taste of fennel seed so I thought maybe I could use ground pork and make my own. Any suggestions?
Thank you. Sandy in New Philly Ohio

Peppermint patties no name given it says mix the first 4 ingredient then add milk but milk is the 4th ingredient. What is missing?

Donna Thank you for helping me out with the chicken rice dish.
Mary Ann upstate N.Y.

Hi Nancy and friends.
I'm hoping someone could help me out with a recipe for a great hearty soup recipe using loose sausage instead of ground beef. We love soups, and I'm anxious to start making new kinds, hopefully from some old family favorites. I usually cook a few meals each week for my husband's sister and her husband. They can only use a microwave for cooking, and I like to make sure they get some good, nutritious meals instead of frozen prepared meals from the store every day. Any suggestions for good soups that might freeze well would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much in advance. I can always count on my " Nancy Friends ".
CindyO

Phoebe W. Atlanta Ga wanted a recipe for glazed carrots. I have used a few different recipes and I like this one the best. The secret is the sugar added to the cooking water. I got this from a 1940's cookbook.

Glazed Carrots
12-14 carrots, peeled, cut into 1/2 inch slices
salt
2 tsp white sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
3 tbsp butter

In a large pot add water, salt and 2 tsp white sugar; bring to a boil. Add carrots to the water; bring back to a boil and cook just until tender. Drain and set aside. In the same pot melt the butter and brown sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add cooked carrots back to the pot and stir. Heat on medium heat until well glazed.
Serves 12

For Liz, use the coconut milk in place of regular milk in recipes. For Anne, a box of confectioner's sugar measures 3 1/2 to 4 cups of sugar.
Ann in Jacksonville

Nancy,
I have a request for a clone recipe of Rubio's Baja Fresh Mexican Grill's fish taco sauce. I know it contains mayo and yogurt but that is all. I loved their fish tacos while in California.
Karen, SW Arkansas

Hello Nancy and Friends from a windswept corner of Scotland.
I was reading and enjoying March 24th newsletter at 5.20 a.m. today - could it be addictive? My youngest Son and his Irish girlfriend work and live in London and couldn't believe it when he saw his Mum on line at that time - he usually talks to me via skype on line at around 7 am.

Back to our newsletter. The nameless Lady who sent in Bacon and Egg salad, it was lovely of Nancy to offer to send me measures, it was also lovely to be called intriguing, unfortunately it has taken 61 years to get that compliment. Sterling is the collective name for our monetary system of pounds and pence (pre-decimalisation: pounds, shillings and pence), there are approx $2 to our £1 and changing every minute of the day, if we were going to the States at this time we would get a much better deal for our money than you would coming here.

Jackiets from Louisiana, we Scots are so used to our great countryside we are unfortunately inclined to take it for granted. I reckon you were probably talking about sometime from the 60s to late 80s about our kids in the prams and go-car outside shops. We also never locked doors, windows, garages and our older kids could go outside and play without any worries.

Things started changing in the late 80s, break-ins (I was broken in to and robbed in 1985), lager louts, junkies but worst of all we became aware of paedophiles and murderers. I'm sure it is a worldwide happening. Madeleine went missing when we were in Spain last year, even though she had been in Portugal I couldn't help checking out all the young blonde girls, just in case. I would like to make more comments, but I think if printed I've taken up enough of Nancy's valuable time and space, briefly what is a Simmental Congress?
Best wishes to all - Sylvia.

Hi there Nancy and gang,
Re: Need a few recipes using canned coconut milk. I picked up 2 by mistake instead of cream of coconut. Thanks. Liz

I like to use Coconut milk in curries, just use it as the liquid for the curry. It can also be used in custards.
Elizabeth, Bendigo, Australia

Hello, I love the newsletter, thanks for all your hard work.. I make home made hot tamales and would like to hear how other make theirs, some new recipes and sometimes mine stick to the hot tamale papers... Anyone have any tips to prevent this.? My dough is cornmeal , oil and hot water...My filling is ground beef, oil chili powder and whatever spices I have on hand - Garlic, cumin or crushed red pepper.
Thanks, Trudymay in Tennessee

I tried this recipe that I found on a RV magazine and my husband loved it, hope you will give it try...

Taco Salad for Two
1 can (15 0z.) chile with beans
3 cups shredded lettuce
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips, optional

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat the chile. Meanwhile, divide the lettuce, tomato and onions between two salad plates. Top with chile, salsa and cheese. Serve with tortilla chips if desired.
NOTE: I also added some sour cream on top.
Phyllis

Nancy I am sorry but I don't remember the person wanting the Easy Scalloped Potatoes but the following is the recipe that she wanted.

Easy Scalloped Potatoes
1 bag frozen Ore-Ida hashed browns, thawed slightly
pinch salt
dash of Watkins pepper
1 teaspoon onion flakes
1 can Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 stick butter
1/3 lb. Velveeta cheese
1½ soup cans milk

Mix potatoes, salt, pepper, onion flakes in 9x13" pan. Heat together remaining ingredients and pour over potatoes. Blend. Bake 45 minutes at 350º.

A friend of mine makes these potatoes and they are good for a change. Her husband hates onions so she has to cook without them.

Easy Scalloped Potatoes
1, 2 lb., bag hash browns
1, 16 oz., jar mayonnaise, NOT SALAD DRESSING
1 lb. Velveeta cheese

Mix together and bake at 350º for 1/2 hour, then stir and bake another 1/2 hour.

I have been making the following Scalloped Potatoes for over 30 years and my family really like them.

Susie Scalloped Potatoes
4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
1 small to a medium onion, sliced
salt and pepper to taste
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 cup milk
Shredded cheddar cheese

Grease the casserole dish that you are using. Mix the chicken soup and milk together in a bowl. Put a layer of sliced potatoes, then salt and pepper the potatoes, putting a layer of onion, then some cheese, then pour some of the soup mixture over all. Continue to layer with potatoes, salt and pepper, onion, cheese and soup mixture until all the potatoes are gone. The last item that you will use is the soup mixture. Bake this in a 1 1/2 to 2 quart casserole dish at 350º for 1 hour and then uncover for 15 more minutes. This will serve 4 to 6 people. I use on each layer a small handful of cheese.

Everyone have a great day. Nancy and 4 legged associates take care and stay safe.
Susie Indy

Hi Nancy and nancyLanders, good evening from Scotland, not sure bout the time difference, but I can read the newsletter at 4.00 a.m.

Nancy thank you so much for your kind offer of measuring cups etc., I think I have it all under control. Got some product comparisons as well from the net - so there will soon be no stopping me. I have felt useless for 7 months as I have been recovering from a broken hip and several complications including being diagnosed as having arthritis and osteoporosis. I have since made a few changes to my cooking styles i.e. bread machine, rice cooker and aero garden, which for the uninitiated is a hydrophonic indoor garden for growing herbs, salad greens, tomatoes and almost anything that saves wandering round the garden. If any of the nancylanders have any hints, tips or guidance on, particularly rice cooking I would be extremely grateful.

I am currently taking note of the type of recipes you all seem to like and I promise I will submit some of my tnt recipes, when I decide what you may not already have or possibly would like. Please don't ask me about haggis (I have a severe allergy to the beastie who runs around our heather strewn moors (there should be a Mr. Smiley here)). One comment about the Capital of Scotland - Edinburgh, is not pronounced Edinborough, we had an old registered blind American chap living here for a short time about ten years ago; after lots of coaching and laughing we eventually got him to pronounce Edinburgh i.e. Edinburra. I still find myself smiling at the thought of Jimbo Martinez, god bless him. I look forward to the next newsletter.
Tooraloo - Sylvia.

After I was married and took my children back to PA, they were served very tiny little chocolate chip cookies at their grandfather’s house. His sister made them about the size of a nickel. My stepfather is deceased as I believe is his sister now. Does anyone have a recipe for these little gems. My children are all adults now and said they tasted different from regular chocolate chip cookies, the size wasn’t the only difference. They now want me to make them for my grandchildren. If anyone can help me, please send in the recipe.
Thanks, Geri in TN.

Was wondering if anyone uses the Cook'n recipe software from DVO. I would like to hear your comments on it.
Thanks, Marge in OH

Hello Nancy & Gang,
Just wanted to pass on tweek I did on the Hot Dog custard. I used honey buns, and added cinnamon. I took this to a neighbor who lost her FIL the day before Easter. She said the kids really enjoyed it and I passed on the recipe. I also made some stuffed eggs, (imagine that!) that were a tad different that were enjoyed, as well. I will post if anyone would like to see the changes.

Simple Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Kraft Food & Family Spring 2008-This is really good.

12 oz (3/4 of 1 lb bag) frozen meatballs-thawed
16 oz frozen stir fry veggies
1/4 c apricot jam
1/4 c Kraft Catalina Dressing
2 T soy sauce

Mix all ingredients into a large skillet and cook on med high for 10 min or until meatballs and veggies are well heated, stirring occasionally. Serve over hot cookd rice or pasta if desired.
*I used Kraft Honey Catalina dressing, added a bit of garlic powder, salt and a dash of cayenne to zip it up. I served it on rice and baked some wonton on the side.
Mimi ^..^

Thanks to all for the great Pina Colada Cake Recipes,
Donna In De.

Nancy to Dorry in VA, newsletter 3/24, I put all the vegetables in the bottom of my Crock Pot including the potatoes and cabbage, add about 1 cup to 2 cups water, then I sprinkle half of the spices over the vegetables that come with the corn beef, then I put the corn beef on top of the vegetables fat size up and then I sprinkle the rest of the spices over the corn beef. I then set the crock pot on low and let it cook 8 to 10 hours. It is so tender and so easy to cook it this way. When I have done it in the oven it never turns out tender. I have cooked this meal this way for so long.

In the newsletter 24 Donna Georgia said that she had made the Easy Scalloped Potatoes could she please post it. I must have missed it. Thanks.

In the 3/22 newsletter Janet Marlene-Tennessee was wanting how to use her Crock Pot for late dinners. Sometime back my DH bought a timer to put in the outlet and then plug the Crock Pot into it. Every Sunday I get our dinner ready at 8:00am and put it in the Crock Pot. Sometimes the meat is still frozen and other times it is half way defrosted. Then we set it for the time to come on and then set the time to go off. I am so happy that we have this because it makes getting dinner really easy for us. Some Sunday's we don't eat dinner until 6:30 to 7:00.

Everyone have a great day. Nancy enjoy your time with your family.
Susie Indy

Thanks for all the GREAT recipes!! Now, I have a question. Many of my late Mother's things have a strong odor. It is like a very musty, closed-up smell. Like things lacking fresh air. I have aired out these things, but to avail. Right now I have the inside of her old Fry Daddy soaking in Pine Oil. Does anyone have a problem solver for this? Many thanks in advance.
Lynda in Texas

I need ya'll to help me out with a nice ham salad recipe -- no celery please. Want to use up the rest of the Easter ham and this would be a good way to do it, I think. Thanks to all who share in advance. - Susana in Louisiana

I just wanted to thank every one for the recipes for hamburger. I am trying them all. I tried the hamburger steak fingers when we had company and they went fast.

I also wanted to pass on a recipe that my mom use to make called CREAMED BEEF. You take three packs of Carl Buddig Beef or corn beef and slice it into slices. You brown it is a little butter. Set it aside and a tablespoon more butter and some flour to make a rue. Add your milk and 2 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Return the meat and let thicken. Serve over toast points or noodles. I have to double this so my children can have it left over the next day for lunch.
Amy

This for Patty in 3/25/08 letter. Just wanted to let you know your recipe for sweet and sour chicken sounds delicious and I plan on making it very soon.
Thanks, Jan in Fl

Easy Sweet Bread
In a bowl mix:
1 cup flour
1/4 c sugar
1 pkg dry yeast
1 tsp salt

Add:
2/3 cups warm water
2 Tbsp soft butter and beat together

Add:
2 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup dried fruit
1/4 cup nuts
1/2 tsp anise seed (optional)
Then stir in additional 1 3/4 and knead altogether to form a 'soft' dough. Then 'only if necessary' add up to 1/4 cup more flour (you may not need) dough may be soft enough.

Place in greased bowl covered in warm place for 1 hour to proof. Punch down and either make 2 individual loafs or make 2 ropes and twist for one long braid. Let rise 1/2 hour more and Bake 350 30-35 minutes. Cool and drizzle with frosting. Delicious toasted and either eaten plain or buttered. Judy/Buffalo

Liz,
You wanted some recipes for canned coconut milk. Here's a link to All Recipes with coconut milk put in the "ingredient search":
http://allrecipes.com/
Jinger

Hi Nancy, glad you are having fun with your relatives. We all deserve this, but especially you because of allyou do for us. Thanks!

For Joseph J, : Reading about starching doilies with sugar water brought back memories of my childhood. When I went to school in the winter time, I wet my hair and combed it. By the time I reached school, my hair was dry and the wind messed it up. I then decided to put some sugar water on my hair and comb it.

Surprise! My hair stayed combed and stiff all day and still looked good when I went to bed. Please do not do this in the summer as you will draw flies. This was in the late 20's and early 30's.

I found this very funny. Nobody knows how we all fix problems privately. Good thinking, Joseph!
Hudson Valley Kathleen

To dear Nancy Rogers,
I made your scalloped corn for our Easter dinner, since hubby only eats corn and green beans (spoil sport!) He really loved it and has been taking the leftovers for his lunches. I did add about 3/4 C shredded cheddar for a twist. I don't know if that affected the the overall product, but I cooked it longer, and the middle never did set up, so I stirred it up..lol After another 10 mins, it was fine..just not as pretty a presentation. Very tasty though!
(I printed this recipe out on 3/21)

Thanks for the recipe and I'll be making it again when I want broccoli..ha ha
Leasa in Iowa

Hello Landers-
I’ve been experimenting with Asian cooking for a long time but have yet to find a good recipe for Asian pickled carrot or mango/daikon radish salad such as the one served at Heng Lay Restaurant in Lowell, MA. It seems so simple, but I can't get the balance of flavors just right. Does anyone have such a recipe?

I can’t begin to tell you how much pleasure this newsletter has given me. Many thanks to all of you – and especially to Nancy – who makes it all possible.
Liz @ Devens

For the lady who wanted a TNT method of making chicken and dumplings:
I boil the chicken in some water. Drain about half of the water off the chicken and replace with milk. When chicken cools, tear it up into chunks and add it back to the water/milk mixture. For dumplings, I take flour tortillas and cut into 2' wide strips and the strips into about 3 pieces. Add these to the chicken and liquid. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The tortillas become very soft and light. They are delicious.
Pat in OK

Hello All,
In the March 16th newsletter, Marge in OH. asked if she could use Splenda in the Blender Cheesecake. I have made the blender cheese cake with Neufatchel cream cheese, Egg Beaters, Splenda , and low fat cottage or ricotta cheese. It's much better with the ricotta. I am allergic to wheat and even used 1/2 cup of rice flour instead of the reg. flour. Tastes fine to me, and I don't feel guily eating it.
Bev in NC

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