Family Recipes

I love this time of year when I'm home on break and can have some time to cook/bake.  During the school year I just don't seem to have the time like I used to.  I thought when my kids were grown I'd have more free time.  Now it is just the opposite.  This week however I'm pulling out my favorite recipes and am making all my families favorites.  Here are 3 that are always a hit.

Raspberry Delight

This is an old family recipe and a favorite of my son's

1 large pkg. Red raspberry jello

1 16 oz. Jar applesauce

2 10oz. Frozen raspberries

2 cups boiling water

Disolve jello in the 2 cups boiling water.  Add berries, mash up a bit with a fork.  Mix in applesauce.  Chill until set.

Topping

1 bag mini marshmallows (use about ½ to ¾ of the bag)

1 large sour cream

Mix miniature marshmallows with sour cream.  Lightly spread over top of jello.

Artichoke Dip

1 can water packed artichokes
1 jar marinated artichokes (drained)
1 green chilies, (drained)
1 8oz. cream cheese
2 ½ c. sharp cheese
4 TBS  mayonnaise

Whirl in food processor, spread in a baking dish.  I use my pampered chef round stoneware. (it helps retain the heat.)  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until it starts to bubble.  Serve with wheat thins or triscuts.

 Green Bean with Apple Cider

 2 (16-ounce) bags whole frozen green beans 

Extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow skinned onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup apple cider
Salt and pepper

Put the beans in a large microwave safe bowl, loosely cover bowl with plastic food storage wrap and microwave on high 5 minutes. Uncover and stir the beans, then cover and microwave on high 4 to 7 minutes more, until desired doneness, from still-crisp to tender, but with a bite.

Heat a small skillet over medium low heat. Add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and the onions and cook until beginning to caramelize, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the cider, raise the heat to medium high and cook until liquid is reduced and syrupy, about 5 minutes.

Remove the beans from microwave. Season the beans with salt and pepper, to taste, and add to the pan with the onions and cider. Toss evenly to coat the beans and keep warm until ready to serve.

GOBBLE Till You WOBBLE