Hummus

Place 16 oz can Chickpeas, rinsed into a food processor with 1/4 cup water and process until smooth. Add 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice, 3 tablespoons Tahini, 2 cloves Garlic, 1/4 teaspoon Salt, 2 1/2 tablespoons Olive Oil, 1/4 teaspoon Paprika, 1/2 teaspoon Cumin, and 1/4 Celery Salt. Process until smooth and blended.

Store in a closed container. Makes about 2 cups Hummus.

Lemon Pecan Pie

Cream Cheese Pastry

Blend 3oz. Package Cream Cheese, 1 stick (1/2 cup) Butter--both softened with 1/4 teaspoon Butter Flavoring and 1 cup Flour, sifted. Chill dough, then press into 9-inch pie plate. Trim and flute dough.

Lemon Pecan Filling

Slightly beat 3 eggs. Blend in 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 Pinch of salt, 1 cup Corn Syrup, 1/3 cup melted Butter. Add 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 1 tablespoon Lemon Extract, and 1 teaspoon Butter Flavoring. Pour 1 1/2 cups Pecan Pieces onto bottom of crust. Pour filling over them.

Bake on a cookie sheet at 350 for 50-60 minutes. Until center of pie is almost set. Cool for at least 1 hour before cutting.

Easy Pie Crust

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Place all ingredients in 9 inch pie pan. Stir together with fork. Pat mixture into bottom and up the sides of the pan. Poke holes in bottom and side of crust.
3. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light brown. Use as directed in favorite pie recipe.

"Pimento" Cheese

Stir together 3 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 2 cups smoked Gouda cheese, and 4 oz. sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped. Mix until combined.

Makes a lot.

Great Granola

In a large bowl, combine 4 cups old-fashioned oats, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and/or (1 cup coconut, 1/2 cup wheat germ, 1/2 cup sesame seeds, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup almonds.) Mix well.

In a sauce pan, cook 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup honey, 1/3 cup water, 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon Almond extract, cook until sugar is dissolved.

Pour liquids over dry ingredients and mix well. Spoon onto greased baking pan. Bake at 325 for 20-30 minutes, stir every 10-15 minutes while baking.

Cool completely and stir in 1/2 cup dried fruit and/or 1/2-1 cup chocolate chips, if desired.

Makes 7 cups granola.

Calypso Burritos

Shred 2 small Zucchini and 2 medium Carrots. Chop 1 medium Onion. Cook in a large skillet in 1 Tbs. Oil over medium heat, until tender.

Drain and rinse 1 16-oz. can Kidney Beans, 1 15-oz can Black Beans, 1 15-oz can Corn. Stir into vegetables with 1 1-oz package Taco Seasoning, 2/3 cup Salsa, 2 Tbs. Cumin. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped Cilantro.

Serve in warmed Tortillas. Top with Shredded Mexican-Style Cheese, Sour Cream and Guacomole, or other favorite taco toppings.

Adapted from: Taste of Home, Southwest Magazine

Substitute for Kraft Garlic Cheese Rolls

1 1/2 pounds sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 pound Velveeta
3 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
garlic powder to taste

Soften cheeses. Mix all together well. Shape into four rolls and wrap well in foil or plastic wrap.

This makes a good spread too.

OR...
6 ounces Velveeta and 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder = one roll Kraft garlic cheese.

OR...

3 ounces Velveeta, 3 ounces smoked American cheese, and 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder.

Found on the internet.