Fluffy Orange Salad
This fruity salad is a refreshing springtime treat.
2½ cups water
2 boxes (3 oz. each) orange gelatin
1 package (3 oz.) cream cheese
20 marshmallows
1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple
Mandarin orange segments
In a saucepan, heat water; add gelatin and mix until dissolved. Add cream cheese and marshmallows; mix well with an eggbeater. Remove from heat and allow cool. Stir in pineapple.
Pour into a 9-by-12-inch pan. Chill until almost congealed. Decorate with orange segments. Chill until firm. Yields 9 to 10 servings.
Phyllis Schmalz
Kansas City, Kan.
Apple Ham Bake
Try this delectable main dish for Easter dinner.
3 medium tart apples, peeled and sliced
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
3 cups cubed, cooked ham
3 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon curry powder
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup apple juice
1 cup pancake mix
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
½ teaspoon ground mustard
In a large skillet, combine apples, potatoes, ham, brown sugar, salt, pepper and curry powder. Cook over medium heat until apples are crisp-tender; drain and return to skillet.
In a bowl, combine cornstarch and apple juice; mix until smooth. Stir into apple mixture and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until mixture is thickened.
Pour into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Cover and bake at 375°F. for 10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
In another bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, butter and mustard. Pour over ham mixture and bake, uncovered, for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until crust is puffed and golden brown. Yields 8 servings.
Sharon Raasch
Champion, Neb.
Low-Cal Banana Bread
This bread is tasty, whether plain or with butter.
1¼ cups mashed bananas
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup sugar
1 cup raisins
½ cup chopped walnuts
1¾ cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
In a bowl, combine bananas, egg, applesauce, oil, sugar, raisins and nuts; mix well.
Into another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and cloves; stir into applesauce mixture.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 1 hour. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan.
Suzan Wiener
Spring Hill, Fla.
M&M® Bars
This dessert is sure to be a hit with the family.
2/3 cup butter
4 squares unsweetened chocolate
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1¼ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup M&M® candies
In a saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over low heat; cool slightly. Mix in sugars, eggs and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder and salt; mix well.
Spread in a 9-by-13-inch pan. Sprinkle candies evenly over the top. Bake at 350°F. for about 30 minutes. Cool; cut into bars.
Arlene Walker
Sanborn, Iowa
