Pistachio Salad

1 large container Cool Whip
2 small pkgs. pistachio instant pudding mix
1 large can crushed pineapple
1 c mini marshmallows
1 c chopped pecans
sliced almonds on top

Mix cool whip with pudding until smooth
Add marshmallows, pineapple and pecans, stir well
Add extra marshmallows and almonds to the top and chill thoroughly.

-For Lydia G. =)

Wyatt's Oatmeal Cookies

1/3 c butter
2/3 c shortening
1 c white sugar
1 c brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3 c quick oats

Cream together shortening, butter and sugars
Mix in eggs and vanilla
Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl
Add dry ingredients to the mixture
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven 10-12 min

-Kacie Sanders

Strawberry-Heath Bar Ice Cream Pie

1 pint strawberry ice cream, softened (not melted)
1 9 inch graham cracker pie crust
1 c toffee bits
1 c heavy whipping cream, chilled
1/2 c powdered sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract
chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries (optional garnish)

Spread half of softened ice cream across bottom of prepared crust (drop it in small flat portions)
Smooth with rubber spatula
Sprinkle 1/2 c toffee bits over top of ice cream layer
Add another layer of ice cream and toffee using the rest of each.
Place in freezer while preparing whipped topping

Combine whipping cream, powdered sugar and extract in large bowl.
Beat until cream holds soft peaks.
Remove pie from freezer and top with whipping cream; spread evenly over pie
Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until frozen, at least 3 hours or up to one or two weeks.
After pie is frozen you can also cover with foil on top of the plastic wrap
Soften pie slightly before cutting and serving.
Serve with fresh strawberries on each piece and drizzle with chocolate sauce.

One Bowl Banana Bread

2 c all-purpose flour
1 c sugar
1 Tbs baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 c mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
1/3 c milk
1/4 c vegetable oil
1 egg
1/2 c chopped nuts (optional)

Spray bottom only of bread pan with cooking spray
Combine dry ingredients (except nuts) in large mixing bowl
Add remaining ingredients,
Stir just until moistened
Pour into prepared pan
Bake @ 350 for 60 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.
Cool in pan 10 minutes
Loosen sides of loaf from pan
Remove from pan and cool completely

-Pampered Chef recipe

I always double the recipe to make two loaves and I use my Pampered Chef stoneware loaf pans to bake this. It always turns out perfect!

Bread Bowls

1 loaf Rhodes bread dough, thawed but still cold

Cut dough into halves or thirds depending on the size you want.
Form each piece into a ball.
Place on baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
Brush with beaten egg
Cover with sprayed plastic wrap
Let rise until doubled in size.
Remove wrap and bake at 350 F 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and slice off top.
Hollow out and fill with favorite dip, chili or soup.
Save bread that comes out of the middle to eat with your dip or soup.

-Lor'L Whitehead

You can also use your own homemade bread dough with the same directions.

Elephant Ears

Otherwise known as scones or sopapillas. I grew up calling them Elephant Ears and they were a staple in our house. We would make them almost as big as the plate. Mom always made homemade bread so there was always fresh bread dough to use.

Fresh bread dough
Cooking oil 2 to 3 inches deep in skillet, heated

Break off chunks of dough and flatten all around with hands
Fry in hot oil on both sides until golden brown
Remove and drain on paper towels

Serve hot. Topping suggestions: Honeybutter, butter, jam, powdered sugar

We have started a tradition now of making these on Halloween evening after the trick-or-treating is done and we are all back home. The kids can bring their friends and we usually have some grown-up friends too. They go great with Hot Cocoa!

Hot Cocoa Mix

16 c dry instant milk
1 1/2 c powdered sugar
2 2/3 c dry dairy creamer
32 oz. Nestle Quick

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
Store in an airtight container.

To serve: Mix 1/3 cup mix to 1 cup very hot water and stir.

-Dawn Eves

Hot Wassail

6 c cranberry juice
6 c pineapple juice
3 c water
2/3 c brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 cinnamon sticks
1 1/2 tsp whole cloves

Place cinnamon sticks and cloves in a cloth pouch (thin, clean dishtowel tied in a knot)
Mix all ingredients together in a large pot.
Place cloth pouch into pot also.
Simmer for about 15 minutes.

-Dawn Eves

Fun Christmas tradition for quiet family nights at home or for Holiday parties with friends and family!