Help support Dairy Farmers, they support their communities all year round

Hello I’m Emma Loch the 2018-2019 Wyoming Lackawanna County Dairy Princess. I am the 19-year-old daughter of Alan and Juliet Loch and a younger sister to Brandon, we currently reside on our family farm where my brother and I are 5^th generation farmers. I just finished my sophomore year at Delaware Valley University where I am majoring in Dairy Science. When I’m not at school I enjoy working with my dairy cows, market lambs, and market goats.

Did you know that June is national dairy month? A great way to help support your local dairy farmers is getting your 3 servings of dairy every day!  A few ways to get dairy in your diet would be yogurt with your breakfast, cheese with your lunch, and then a refreshing glass of milk with your dinner. With the current issues in the dairy industry it is now more important than ever to support an industry so near and dear to many people. When you think about dairy farm jobs, getting up before the sun, milking cows, and feeding calves probably come to mind. But the jobs go beyond that, there are plenty of other jobs that dairy farms support. From your local hardware store, to truck drivers, grocery stores, and lab technicians the jobs don’t stop there, farmers help support your local community.

Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said at a recent news press release, “The dairy industry contributes $14.7 billion annually to our economy and supports 52,000 jobs in the state.”  All this from 6,500 family dairy farms within our state.   There are thousands of people employed by an industry that is struggling to stay viable.  It’s becoming more and more common that small family farms are selling out.  The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture along with several other dairy organizations have launched a new campaign, “Choose PA Dairy: Goodness that Matters” The goal is to encourage people to buy locally produced milk, which will help their local farm families and over all community.

How can you do that?  It’s simple, check the code on the container, Pennsylvania processed milk carries number 42 on it. Some companies will have the PA Preferred logo on their containers, but not all will.  To learn more about the campaign visit www.chosepadairy.com.

Another way to be sure your helping your local dairy farmer, talk to them ask where their milk goes and buy that brand, if possible.  We salute these hard working and dedicated farmers for producing this wholesome product   As George Washington said “I would rather be on my farm than the emperor of the world”

— Emma Loch, Wyoming/Lackawanna County Dairy Princess

Thank you and farewell

Although my year as dairy princess was no “Cinderella Story”, it was an amazing year and has changed my life drastically. So, Cinderella may not be the most appropriate movie to describe my reign, there were a few movies I drew from to add some humor to and help me through my year and which I hope my successor will also find some comfort in. We’ll start from the very beginning.

I never had that awakening moment of, yes I want to be the dairy princess. It just never was one of my future goals. But then after two years on the junior court, Julie and Emma began to pester me about running. But I really wasn’t sure if I wanted it… it wasn’t the public speaking that bothered me and I mean it was my junior year so time was crunched but even that I knew I could handle. It was my own insecurity, I felt that my ag background made me different and people looked at me weird and judged me for it, especially the girls in school. So running for dairy princess,,, that would officially make me stand out. Which I wasn’t sure I wanted. In the famous words of Mia from The Princess Diaries “Incase I wasn’t enough of a freak already, let’s add a tiara!” But between Julie’s pestering and my family’s support I decided it was time for me to face this fear and run for dairy princess. I wrote my speech, prepared my skit, and tried to settle my nerves for the interview as pageant day rolled around. It came and surprisingly, I felt prepared…and it must have shown because I won.

Winning felt great until I realized that in a few short days I would have to make my first appearance as the princess, the Tunkhannock Memorial Day parade. I had to ride, on a float, as the dairy princess. With everyone from school there to see me…I was a nervous wreck. And according to my mother, apparently a little cranky about it. I don’t think I was cranky, I am NEVER cranky. But ya know, mom’s will say that about their teenage daughters. Anyway once we got on the float and the parade progressed, I came to a major realization. It didn’t matter what my peers saw me as. I was given the opportunity to represent an industry I was passionate about and educating my community on not only the foreign topic of dairy farming but also of their own nutritional needs. I was helping them, I was the face of all of the farmers who work so hard every day to create a product our society couldn’t live without. And this realization made my reign easier and much more enjoyable.

This parade also taught me a second very valuable lesson, how to handle the five most frequently heard and most annoying words I heard throughout my reign: “Look! It’s the Dairy Queen!” Yes, I am the dairy queen. Do I look like a fast food restaurant? I am the dairy PRINCESS people, look it’s written right here in blue letters on my sash for you all to see. Is what I really wished I could say to some people after a long promotion when my feet hurt and I had a crown headache. But…on the outside I had to stay poised and proper and calm. So in these moments, I drew from the penguins in the animated movie Madagascar, “Just smile and wave boys, just smile and wave.” I found that this was sort of my motto throughout my reign as I discovered that there are some people you will never get through to.

But I soon discovered that I wasn’t alone in this journey as I skip ahead to seminar. Yet another one of the things I’d been dreading turned out to be one of the best times I had throughout my reign. At Dairy Princess Training Seminar, I realized how large our program actually is. I met with 30 other girls who were very passionate about the industry and our job as dairy princesses. I learned not only how to promote to the best of my ability, but also how to be a well spoken and proper young lady as I made lasting friendships. One girl and I are actually going on college visits together and hope to be able to make that step in our lives together. The only downside about seminar was the clothes…three straight days of promotion attire. And it was hot which meant dresses or skirts…which meant the much-dreaded pantyhose. Putting those on at 6:00 in the morning, hobbling around stubbing my toe on dressers, falling all over the place made me feel less like a princess and more like a drunk flamingo. As Joe from The Princess Diaries says, “I’ve never worn pantyhose… but they seem dangerous.” I learned throughout my year that for such light pieces of fabric, they really can be dangerous.

Speaking of dangerous, this speech is getting dangerously long and I’m afraid I’m putting you all to sleep. So now for the most depressing part of my speech, the thank yous and the conclusion. I’d like to start with my court, I know we didn’t do a lot together as a team but with our busy schedules and two counties to cover it was quite the challenge. You guys were great and it’s obvious that you have a passion for this program and because of this I know that Kaelynn, you will make an amazing princess and with Tony at your side will accomplish great things. Ryleigh I know I won’t get a chance to work with you but I can already see that you will wear that tiara well. And if any of you have any questions don’t be afraid to contact me! Next, the board, thank you for all of your support and for always keeping me stocked up to promote to my fullest extent. With a special thank you to Julie and Emma for really pushing me to run for princess, handling my last minute work and procrastination, and although I was a pain never giving up on me. Thank you to my grandma and grandpa mecca for always being the first to call and tell me they read my articles and for cutting them out for me to treasure always. And for your never ending support and love. Thank you to my grandma carpenter for always making sure I was ready and able to get to promotions and for allowing me to steal your computer to type all these speeches and articles. Thank you to my grandpa carpenter for always pushing me to excel past my limits and do better and make the most of my year. Although sometimes I got annoyed, I now see that you just wanted me to succeed and because of all those pushes, I now feel like I do. Daddy, thank you for being who you are. My solid rock to lean on. You helped to keep me going and to stay focused throughout this year. Lukey pookey, sorry for being such a royal pain this year. I know there were times when mom and I were both cranky and tired and it seemed like this dairy princess thing would never end. But you never complained about me stealing mom for weekends, having to listen to me give yet another speech, or having to help me straighten my crown on the way out the door. Mary, Mr. Bill, and Rachel thank you for always making sure I made this year count. At the beginning when you’d tell me it would be over before I knew it and I was going to miss it like crazy I thought you were nuts. As I stand here today, I finally understand. Thanks for helping me keep that in perspective and for always giving me your support and love.

Last, but certainly not least, my mother. We made it. We survived this legendary year. And I could not, in any way shape or form have done it without you. You were the behind the scenes to keep this princess running in tip top shape. There is a reason I had you pin my sash on at every promotion. You are what holds everything together, the pin that keeps me from falling. From all nighter working on my scrapbook, to proof reading my speeches, listening to me rehearse my skit a thousand and one times, my chauffeur all over the county and state, and a photographer. A bad photographer at that but I mean you did it all, and we can’t all be good at everything. All joking aside, I love you and you are what made this day possible and this year a success.

The movie quote I’d like to end on is from Winnie the Pooh, he says “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” This year has been an incredible journey for me and the changes it has made in my character, my work ethic, and my mindset is unbelievable. It has left me feeling more prepared for my future as I close this chapter of my life and prepare for the next one, but that doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye to and make it officially a memory and a part of my past. I feel truly blessed to be able to call myself the 2016-2017 Wyoming/Lackawanna County Dairy Princess. It will forever be a part of who I am and the lessons I learned this year will be carried with me throughout my entire life. But now, I am sad to say it is time to keep MOOving on. Pun, fully intended. Thank you.

• RaeAnne Carpenter, 2016-17 Wyoming-Lackawanna Counties Dairy Princess

Wyoming-Lackawanna Counties Seek Dairy Princess, Junior Representative Candidates

The Wyoming-Lackawanna Dairy Princess Committee has begun the search for the 2017-18 dairy promotion team.

In order to compete for the title of Wyoming-Lackawanna Dairy Princess, the girl must live within the two-county area. In addition, she must be the daughter, granddaughter, niece, or cousin of a dairy farmer or someone who works within the dairy industry. She is also eligible if she owns dairy cattle, works within the dairy industry, or serves one year as a junior dairy representative. She must be between the ages of 16 and 23 by June 1, 2017.

At the dairy princess pageant, dairy princess candidates will present an educational skit promoting dairy to students and give a dairy-related speech for an adult audience. Each candidate will also participate in an interview and answer an impromptu question.

Young women between the ages of 13 to 15 can compete for the title of Dairy Maid. Girls between the ages of 8 to 12 have the opportunity to serve as Dairy Miss. Young men between the ages of 13-18 interested in dairy promotion can become a Dairy Ambassador.

To compete for any of these titles, the interested person must live within the two county area. Applications are due by March 31. The committee will host dairy princess tea at 7:30 p.m. at the Perkins, Route 6, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.

To receive an application, contact Julie Loch at 570-906-0897, Judy Shupp at 570-351-7761, or Dale Shupp 570-690-1158.

Remembering a princess

Why does a princess’ crown sparkle? To draw attention to the girl underneath it, of course. I write this to draw your attention to, and to honor, a girl who wore a crown identical to mine four years ago.  Brianna Smarkusky, the 2012-13 Wyoming/Lackawanna County Dairy Princess.  She died unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017. I believe that it is important for people to know who she was.  She touched the lives of many people, and here is the story of what she did for me.

My first experience with Brianna was when I was 9 years old and just starting 4-H.  I decided I wanted to show pigs, but this was something new for my whole family.  We bought two pigs and raised them, but how to show a pig and what you needed to be successful, that’s where we were clueless.  I thought we were on our own, but Brianna took time out of her busy summer to come over and show me the ropes.  That was six years ago.  Now, I am one of the senior 4-H members and I have learned from Brianna’s example.  I make sure that I take the time to help the incoming    4-H members to teach them and show them that they aren’t alone.

Later, in my 4-H career, during Brianna’s reign as dairy princess, I decided that I wanted to show at a higher level, the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Once again, I was clueless about what I was up against in this new environment.  However, Brianna, again the veteran, took me under her wing.  She invited my hog and I to travel with her and her father to Farm Show.  She opened my eyes to a bigger world of showing and without complaint became my mentor.

During Brianna’s reign at the Wyoming County Fair, she was fulfilling her princess duties and I can remember teasing her about walking around in a dress.  She teased back telling me to be careful, because I would be in her shoes someday.  She kept teasing about joining the court, but kept saying that someday I would be the dairy princess, just like her.  It seemed absurd, me wear a dress and a crown? No way!  Well, Brianna was onto something.  She knew me better than I knew myself.  Look at where I am now, under my own crown, standing in Brianna’s shoes.  She was right, although if she were here I certainly wouldn’t tell her that.  I’d never live it down.

One of the greatest things Brianna did for me, she probably didn’t even realize she was doing.  She showed me how to follow my dreams.  Since I was in fourth grade, a veterinarian was all I’ve ever wanted to be.  But I’ve always had doubts of “am I smart enough?” – and have been unsure how I’d ever afford it, after all, I’m just a farm girl.  Well, Brianna was finishing up her undergraduate degree and applying to medical schools fulfilling her dream of becoming an eye doctor.   Whenever I’d ask her about this she was always confident and had faith in herself, but was also realistic about things.  She showed me that the boundaries I was placing on myself were all in my head and that I could achieve whatever I wanted if I put my mind to it, and Brianna was proof.

What are the true qualities of a dairy princess besides being passionate about the dairy industry?  Someone who is smart, reliable, helpful, influential, tangible, caring, dedicated and the list goes on and on.  But in my opinion, the greatest princesses are the ones who demonstrate these qualities both with and without her crown.  This not only makes a great princess but an incredible person.  So you see, a great princess and incredible person are not made by the crown it simply attracts you to learn more about the person underneath it.  Brianna had all those qualities and more and demonstrated them without even knowing it.  Brianna left me with some big shoes to fill.  I hope I can touch someone else’s life, just as she touched mine.  I write this article and will pursue the rest of my reign, 4-H career, and life with Brianna’s memory in my heart and will honor her both with and without my crown.

A scholarship has been set up in memory of Brianna Smarkusky.  Donations may be made to: People’s Security & Trust Co., P.O. Box 346, Nicholson, PA 18446.

— 2016-17 Wyoming/Lackawanna County Dairy Princess RaeAnne Carpenter

Cheeseburger Soup to warm up on a cold day

This has to be a favorite request in many of our dairy princess royalty homes. It’s a soup that usually fits the bill after a cold day working outside, after milking or spending the day sledding. So the next time you are looking for a recipe idea, give this a try.

Farmers work 365 days a year to take care of their cows and farm. Rain, sleet, snow, and freezing cold, they have to still put in a full day’s work. This soup is a welcomed treat.

Enjoy.

Cheeseburger soup

1/2 pound ground beef

3/4 cup chopped onion

3/4 cup shredded carrots

3/4 cup diced celery

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

4 tablespoons butter /divided

3 cups chicken broth

4 cups diced peeled potatoes (1 3/4 pounds)

1/4 cup all purpose flour

8 ounces processed American cheese, cubed (2 cups)

1 1/2cups milk

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup sour cream

In a 3-quart saucepan, brown beef; drain and set aside.

In the same saucepan, sauté onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1 tablespoon butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Add broth, potatoes, and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet melt remaining butter. Add flour; cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes or until bubbly.

Add to soup; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.

Reduce heat to low. Add cheese, milk, salt and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts.

Remove from the heat; blend in sour cream.

 

Happy Chocolate Cake Day!

 

Do you really need a day to have an excuse to eat chocolate? If so, today is your lucky day – it’s chocolate cake day. Yum!

 

Now, you might wonder why celebrate such a day, but what goes better with chocolate cake? Milk! And, with it’s 9 essential nutrients, milk is a great add-on to any meal.

 

So, whip up your favorite chocolate cake recipe (homemade or from a box) or try a different twist with Chocolate Mousse Brownies. And Enjoy!

 

Chocolate Mousse Brownies

 

Brownie layer

¾ cup flour

½ cup cocoa powder

½ teaspoon salt

12 tablespoons butter

1½ cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 eggs

 

Mousse layer

¾ cups miniature marshmallows

¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

¼ cup milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×9 inch square pan with nonstick foil and lightly grease.
2. Melt butter over medium heat. Once completely melted, continue to stir over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the color changes from yellow to a golden amber color. Remove from heat.
3. In a large bowl whisk flour, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar. Add melted butter, vanilla, and eggs and mix to combine.
4. Pour brownie mixture into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
5. While the brownie layer is baking, begin to prepare the mousse. Add marshmallows, chocolate chips, and milk to a medium sauce pan and stir over medium-low heat until melted and smooth. Allow mixture to cool while brownies cool.
6. When brownies are cooled, finish the mousse layer. Add heavy cream (it should be very cold straight from the fridge) to a large bowl and mix until stiff peaks form. Add cooled chocolate mixture and mix til smooth. Spread mousse over cooled brownie layer.
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars and serving.

Cookie Bonanza! Ideas for last minute inspiration

Cookies – a wonderful holiday tradition and a great partner for a cold glass of milk. Cookies can come in all shapes and types from a bar cookie to drop cookies, refrigerator cookies, rolled cookies and shaped cookies. Most of these cookies can be baked ahead if they are properly stored. When storing cookies don’t mix soft and crisp varieties in the same container because crisp types will soon become soft.

Here are a couple of cookie ideas for this year’s list.

Classic Gingerbread Cookies

3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 cup butter

¾ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

1 large egg

2 tablespoons hot water

1 ½ teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon unsulfured molasses

Preheat the oven 350 F.

Beat the butter and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy for about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs.

In a small bowl, stir together the hot water, baking soda, and molasses until baking soda is dissolved. At a low speed, gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture. Beat until well blended. Turn to low speed and add in the flour, cinnamon and ginger in several additions, mixing just until combined. Remove dough from bowl and wrap airtight. Chill for at least 2 hours (up to three days).

To cut the cookies. Pull one quarter of the dough at a time out of the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface roll dough to a thickness of 1/8 inches. Cut and bake cookies, decorate when cool. Be careful to not over work scrapes or add too much flour which will diminish the quality of the cookie.

Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Gingerbread frosting

2 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup shortening

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

5-6 teaspoon milk

Mix all ingredients until smooth and spread.

 

 

Peanut Butter Blossoms

½ cup shortening

¾ cup creamy peanut butter

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons of milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

Hershey kisses

Granulated sugar for rolling

Heat oven to 375 F. Beat shortening and peanut butter in a large bowl until well blended. Add sugar and brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla beat well. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add to peanut butter mixture, beat until blended.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls, roll in sugar and place on cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Place a kiss on the top of each cookie, pressing lightly.

 

Magic cookie bars

½ cup of butter

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

1 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/3 cups flaked coconut

1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a 13 by 9 inch pan, melt butter.

Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over butter; pour sweetened condensed milk over crumbs. Top with remaining ingredients, press down firmly with a fork.

Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars.

Note: nuts can be replaced with chocolate chips, mini candy coated pieces, dried cranberries, raisins, or butterscotch chips.

Rice pudding — a Hug Family Tradition

Family traditions can come in many shapes and sizes. For many, it can come in the form of a recipe, like this one from committee member Tony Hug. For our 25 recipes of Christmas challenge, he offered up the family rice pudding recipe. Tony says, “This recipe is a couple of generations old unknown where it originated from.” But, like very good recipe its more than words on recipe card. It’s memories, traditions and stories.

Enjoy!

Rice pudding
1 quart milk
1 quart water
1/2 cup rice
3/4 cup sugar
3 egg
1 tablespoon vanilla.
Pinch salt (optional)
1 cup raisins (optional)
Boil rice in water until water is absorbed.
Add milk and cook an additional 30 minutes.
Beat eggs, sugar, and salt together then add to rice mixture.
Cook additional 3 minutes.
Stir in vanilla and raisins.
Let cool

Here are some fun milk facts to read as you whip up your pudding.

. Milk has more protein than you may think. An 8-ounce glass of real milk has 8 grams of high-quality protein. In fact, it has 8 times more protein than some other plant-based beverages, like almond milk. A glass of almond milk has only one gram of protein per serving. In addition, milk protein is a complete protein, while most plant protein sources are missing some of the amino acids your body needs.

2. Milk has no added sugar. The sugar you do find in milk is from naturally occurring lactose, not added sugar. This is true if you buy whole, lowfat or skim milk (also known as fat free milk). Many types of almond milk, have added sugar so look at the ingredient list for what’s added. Ingredients like cane sugar or cane juice indicate sugar has been added.

3. Milk’s ingredient list is short and simple. Real milk’s ingredient list is short — simply milk and vitamins D and A. And, dairy milk is a nutrient powerhouse naturally providing many nutrients, including protein, calcium and potassium. Compare that to other plant-based milks, like almond milk, which provides no nutrients naturally. Plus, when you look at the ingredient list of many plant-based milks, you’ll find more than 10 ingredients, including stabilizers and emulsifiers like locust bean gum, sunflower lecithin and gellan gum.

Tony Hug, Wyoming-Lackawanna Counties Dairy Princess Committee

Cheese fudge- a go-to holiday gift

Cheese fudge is a very popular recipe in our court. People usually ask “cheese fudge?” when we give them some to try, however once they try a piece, they are hooked.

The popular feature of this recipe is its ease to make. No candy thermometer is needed for this recipe to set up correctly.

 

Cheese Fudge

8 oz. Velveeta Cheese       1 c. butter

1/2 cup cocoa                       2 lbs. confectioners sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

 

Directions: Melt cheese and butter. Mix in remaining ingredients. Press into a buttered 9x 13 pan and refrigerate until hardened. Cut into cubes and serve. Refrigerate leftovers.

 

Alternatives: for vanilla fudge remove cocoa.

 

For peanut butter fudge, remove cocoa and add 3/4 c. peanut butter.

Here are several fun cheese facts to go along with the recipe.

1. It takes 10 pounds of milk to make 1 pound of cheese.

2. The dairy food group is the top source of dietary calcium in the American diet.

3. Cheese is the No. 2 source of dietary calcium for Americans.

4. Cheese is more than just calcium; it also provides high-quality protein needed to help stay healthy.

5.For those with lactose intolerance, cheese can be an important source of calcium. Natural cheeses such as Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, mozzarella and Swiss contain minimal amounts of lactose,because most of the lactose is removed when the curds are separated from the whey in the cheese making process.

6. Process cheese is made from high-quality natural cheese so it also provides important nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and protein. And it can be made to have more calcium. Historically, process cheese was used to provide shelf-stable cheese for wartime and for shipping

to warmer climates.

The processing halts the aging process so the cheese maintains its flavor, texture and smoothness. Process cheese is customizable for flavor and qualities such as a smooth melt that make it a versatile, tasty and easy-to-use food. The amount of salt used impacts firmness, flavor, safety and preservation.

– Cheers! From the Wyoming-Lackawanna Counties Dairy Princess Committee

Recipe Sides for your holiday table

It’s a week until Christmas! If you are looking for a new idea for a holiday side, drink or dish, these are a couple of ideas from the Wyoming-Lackawanna Dairy Princess Court if you are looking for something new to try for your holiday dinner, potluck or gathering.

Remember to raise a glass of milk to dairy farmers this holiday season. Farmers are committed to providing you with safe, high-quality milk and dairy products. That commitment to quality means taking good care of the cows and the land.

 

Broccoli Casserole

1 package chopped broccoli         2 small onion chopped finely

½ cup grated cheddar cheese       1 egg beaten

½ C mayonnaise                               Ritz cracker crumbs

½ of a can cream of mushroom   2 Tablespoons Butter

soup

 

Cook the broccoli and drain after 5 minutes.

In 9×13 pan, spread out broccoli and top with shredded cheese.

In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise and soup. Add in egg and onion. Pour soup mixture over broccoli. Top with crushed crackers. Dot with butter.

Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees

 

Green Bean Casserole

2 cans of green beans drained                     1/8 tsp pepper

3/4 cup milk                                                     1 can French fried onions

1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup

 

Combine soup, milk, and pepper. Pour over green beans.

Bake in a 1 ½ quart casserole at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Top with onions and bake additional 5 minutes

 

Cowboy Cheesecake

2 8oz package crescent rolls                        1 Tablespoon  vanilla

2 8oz package cream cheese, softened    1 cup sugar

1 egg                                                                 1/4 cup cinnamon-sugar

Unroll first package of crescent rolls; press into 9X13 pan.  Mix together cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla; spread over rolls. Unroll second package of crescents and arrange over top of mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.  Cut into squares to serve.

 

 

Scalloped Pineapple

4 Cups fresh bread cubed small    1 large can crushed pineapple

½ cup sugar                                                      3 eggs

3/4 cup milk                                                     ½ cup butter melted

 

Mix eggs, sugar, and milk. Add pineapple, bread and butter.

Pour into a greased casserole dish. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees

 

Paradise Pumpkin Pie

1 unbaked 9- inch pie shell                           ½ cup sugar

8 ounces cream cheese                                 ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 egg                                                                 1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ cup sugar                                                      dash of salt

½ teaspoon vanilla                                         1 cup evaporated milk

1-¼ cups canned pumpkin                             2 eggs beaten

 

Combine sugar, cheese, vanilla, and 1 egg; mix well.

Spread on bottom of pie shell. Mix pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, milk, and eggs until well blended. Pour slowly over the cheese layer. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until done. Serve warm or chilled.

 

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

4 cups milk

3 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped

4 peppermint candy canes, crushed

1 cup whipped cream

4 small peppermint candy canes

 

In a saucepan, heat milk until hot, but not boiling. Whisk in the chocolate and the crushed peppermint candies until melted and smooth. Pour hot cocoa into four mugs, and garnish with whipped cream. Serve each with a candy cane stirring stick.