Grandma Mary's Peppermint Bark

1 pkg white choc chips
24 starlight peppermints

Melt chocolate chips and stir until smooth (microwave or double boiler).

Put mints in a bag and break them up with a hammer. Put them in a strainer to remove big chunks. Stir peppermint dust into white chocolate and pour out onto foil. Sprinkle remaining candy on top.

from Helen Macfarlane who got it from her mother

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

10 marshmallows
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 pkg microwave popcorn

Cook popcorn in microwave and leave in bag. Put other ingredients in a microwave dish and cook 1 minute. Stir and cook in 30 second increments until melted. Put popcorn in a bowl (I shake the bag so the seeds go to the bottom and then try not to let any get in the bowl). Pour caramel mixture over the top and stir.

from Helen Macfarlane

Helen's Artichoke Dip

1 1/2 cups artichoke hearts, chopped (about one can, use NON marinated)
1 4oz can diced green chilis
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup mayonaise

Blend well and bake until heated through (bubbling in center). Serve with crackers. I like Triscuit triangles best.

from Helen Macfarlane

Blue Cheese Ball

1/2 lb blue cheese, or cheddar cheese or half and half.
1/4 lb butter
1/2 lb cream cheese
2 Tbsp Sherry (or cooking sherry or none)
1/2 tsp dry mustard

Blend in food processor. Chill for several hours. Roll in fresh parsley, chives and chopped pecans.

from Helen Macfarlane

Party Cheese Ball

8 oz softened cream cheese
8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 Tbsp finely chopped onion
1 Tbsp chopped red bell pepper
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp lemon juice
Dash ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired)

Beat cream cheese and Cheddar in small bowl with mixer until well blended. Add all remaining ingredients except nuts. Mix well. Refrigerate several hours. Shape into ball; roll in nuts. Serve with crackers.

from Helen Macfarlane

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

1 C wheat flour
1 C white flour
1 tsp baking powder
¾ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 stick butter
1 C packed light brown sugar
½ C peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
3 bananas, peeled and mashed
1 C chocolate chips
¼ C buttermilk

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla, buttermilk, peanut butter, and bananas.

Mix together dry ingredients and add to wet.

Mix well and add chocolate chips.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

from Sarah E. Bybee

Becky’s French Bread

1 ½ cups warm water
1 Tbs yeast
1 Tbs sugar
1 Tbs oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
4 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water, sugar, oil, and one cup of flour. GRADUALLY add rest of ingredients, and knead for 5-6 minutes. Stir until well mixed. Let rise until double; punch down. Shape into 2 long loaves, or one large loaf. Sprinkle pan (cookie sheet) with cornmeal. Place loaves on pan. Brush with egg whites. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds and slice across about ¼ inch deep three times (or snip with kitchen shears). Let rise until double. Bake at 350 degrees for -25-30 minutes or until lightly brown

**This bread makes great pizza dough and cheese sticks.

For cheese sticks: Pull off a racquetball or tennis ball size piece of dough and dip it in milk. Then roll in cheese (parmesean, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Asiago, ect.). Any kind and any combination work great! Then twist and pull dough into a stick or bar and place on a greased pan dusted with cornmeal.

I use my baking stone sprinkled with cornmeal. Sprinkle cheese sticks with a little salt and cover with a light towel to rise until double. Bake at 375 for 12-20 minutes or until light golden brown.

You may also roll dough in powdered ranch dressing mix for a yummy variation.

***Makes two large pizzas. Bake 375-400 degrees for 20 minutes.

from Sarah E. Bybee