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I am looking for a recipe for a dessert that uses a cake mix. 1 cup of the dry cake mix is set aside and 1 cup of flour is put in with the cake mix, oil and eggs, etc. The reserved dry mix has something added to make a streusel topping that is marbled into the cake. Anyone have something similar?
Tammy, Canada

On Oct. 24, Desperate Elaine of Ohio asked for help with her ceramic cooktop. I found the perfect , easy, thing, Elaine. Fuller Brush makes stainless steel "sponges" which do the trick in an instant. I was fearful that they'd scratch, but they don't. Here's the information you need.
The Fuller Brush Company
I used to buy liquid cleaners. That's no longer necessary. This will save a lot of money and give the results you want.
Corinne in Pittsburgh

Nancy I am getting ready to cook meal to freezer for when I can't cook. Chris NM you sent in a recipe for Reuben Casserole near the end of September. I have lost the recipe but I have all the ingredients to make it. Could be so kind to send it in again. Thank you so much.

Everyone have a great day. Nancy and 4 legged associate take care, stay safe and healthy.
Susie Indy

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This is for Diane WI, who in the 10/21/08 newsletter wanted a recipe for a pecan pie cheesecake with an oreo crust. I usually make this cheesecake in a vanilla wafer crust, but I am sure it would be great in an Oreo crust. I have included the recipe for Oreo crust that I use with other items that I make. I hope this is close to what you recently ate.
Robbie IN

Pecan Cheesecake Pie
Oreo Pie Crust – see recipe below
1 (8 oz.) cream cheese (softened)
1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 lg. egg
1 1/4 c. chopped pecans
3 lg. eggs
2/3 c. corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
¼ c. sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In medium bowl blend softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 egg until smooth. Pour mixture over Oreo Pie Crust. Sprinkle 1 1/4 cups pecans over top.

In another bowl blend 3 eggs, 1 cup corn syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Gently pour mixture over nuts. Bake on center oven rack 50-60 minutes or until center is set; cool on wire rack.
Serves 8.

Oreo Crust
1 1/2 c. finely crushed Oreos(about 23 Oreo cookies chopped fine)
2 tbsp. butter

Melt butter. Add cookie crumbs. Mix. Pat evenly over bottom of 8 or 9 inch springform pan.

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Did you know?
As a senior citizen you can eat at Cracker Barrel from the kids menu: Often my husband and I and another couple eat at C B on Friday evening. We get the kid's fish - 2 pc fish, 1 side, biscuits and cornbread, and a free drink of your choice. Two can eat for about $10.00.

At Steak and Shake seniors can eat from the kids menu. The kids hamburger and fries is the same size as the reg. size, but much less expensive.

Here are some tips if you are moving to another state for the cold season:
When you change your address at the post office, you can pay a small fee (I think about $10.00) and you will receive ALL of you mail.

Put your phone on vacation and your home phone bill will be greatly reduced.

If you leave a car at home in your garage, you can remove the collision part of your insurance for a great reduction. Just make sure no one drives the car if the collision part is taken off. You will still want the comp part of the insurance.
Brenda in IN

Good evening Nancy and All,
We are being battered by 80 mph winds coming from the Atlantic. Our power is coming and going, so I will try and get this out before it goes.

Back to the Vista situation. I have been having a few problems with a blank page every now an again. At first I was stumped, but then discovered if it was just minimized on the desk top, you could click the right button and then a small menu would come up and you could close it. The big problem was when it was expanded there was no way you could do anything. The only way out was to Ctrl+Alt+del simultaneously, this is something that I would normally only use in an emergency, this was an emergency each time it happened, because it locked up my lap-top. You could go into the task manager and blank page was running and you could end task and be free of it. On checking back, it would seem that it was a bug on the Vista programme and their is an update that fixes the problem, the DH is doing a comprehensive check on his computer to find out why the bug hasn't been straightened out on mine. He doesn't like or use Vista. As I have said before, no-one likes change, but all the new software that is being developed is being developed with Vista in mind. Is there any other Vista users out there who are, or have experienced this bug?

I hope you are all having a nice weekend wherever you are.
Sylvia <Scotland>

For Desperate - Elaine in Ohio (Oct. 24 2008 newsletter) RE: Ceramic cook top. I have had one for years. The original Corning ones I never could get perfect (I felt) but the one I have had for over 10 years which is also black, always looks brand new. I use stove top cleaner or soft scrub, which is the same type product (use a razor scraper first for anything really burnt on). I believe the trick with the cleaners is "Less is more" and really rub off the dirt. I always use a slightly damp, good quality, paper towel to clean and then polish with a dry lint free paper towel. When I just have finger prints etc. I use no cleaner and a "Super cloth" (This is Black European lint free cloth I got on QVC and it is Fabulous, but Pricey, It absolutely does what it says it will do, leaves glass and metal and furniture streak free. You use it damp, no chemicals or cleaners. Hope this helps. Joie in TN (I could not find this cloth on QVC right now, but this is the original site.

SUPERCLOTH the original

Sure hope someone can assist me in my quest to duplicate (or nearly so) the marinade that is used for chicken at El Pollo Loco fast food chicken places. It surely has a citrus base, and my husband loves it. We no longer live near one, and he constantly asks if I can figure it out. Help!
Thanks so much Azgranny

Good morning Nancy!
I am responding to several questions in the 10/24 newsletter.

For Renée, Ceres, CA in the 10/24/2008 newsletter and everyone else who were asking about the baking time for the Turtle Cake in the 10/22/08 newsletter, I found the following 2 recipes that are similar. The one minute is incorrect. It should be 20 – 30 minutes! Hope these 2 help!

Turtle Cake
http://www.nancys-kitchen.com/
1 box chocolate cake mix
1/4 c. butter
14 oz. bag caramels
2 c. walnuts or pecans
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1 c. chocolate chips

Mix cake according to package directions. Pour 1/2 of cake mix into buttered and floured 10 1/2 x 14 inch pan. Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Melt caramels in double boiler with milk and butter. Pour over partially baked cake. Top with nuts and chocolate chips. Pour remaining mix over top. Bake 20 minutes. Cool before frosting.

FROSTING:
1 c. sugar
6 tbsp. evaporated milk
6 tbsp. margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
8 lg. marshmallows
1 c. chocolate chips

Mix first 4 ingredients; boil for 1 minute. Stir in marshmallows and chocolate chips. Spread on cake.

Turtle Cake With Caramels ~~Not real Turtles :-)
1 German chocolate cake mix
4 oz. butter or margarine, softened
1-1/2 c. water
1/2 c. oil
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 lb. bag caramels, unwrapped
1/2-1 c. chopped pecans

Turtle Cake Frosting:
4 oz. butter
3 Tbsp. cocoa
6 Tbsp. evaporated milk
1 box (1 lb.) powder sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine & mix well cake mix, butter, water, oil & 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk. Pour half of the batter into a greased & floured 13"X9"X2" baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350 F. oven for 20-25 min. In a saucepan over low heat, combine caramels and 1/2 can Eagle Brand Milk. Stir mixture, heating until caramels are melted & mixture is smooth. Spread over the baked cake layer. Sprinkle generously with chopped pecans. Cover with remaining cake batter. Bake 25-30 min. longer. Frost with Turtle Cake Frosting.

Turtle Cake Frosting:
Combine butter, cocoa, & evaporated milk in a sm. saucepan. Heat, stirring, until butter is melted & mixture is well blended. Remove from heat & add powder sugar & vanilla. Spread over cooled cake. Tona in Bama in the May 5, 2007 newsletter
Chris in NM

Thank you so much Lisa (East Texas) for your suggestions using my new set of dough presses! That’s a great idea to use refrigerated rolls/biscuits! I have a little bit of my pork roast leftover, so may just make the BBQ one for dinner tonight! I love Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ sauce! I always buy the huge bottle. It tastes just like my homemade sauce! How long do you bake your empanadas? You didn’t say in the newsletter. Is it just till the biscuits are done? I would think that would work since the meat is already cooked!
Chris in NM

Desperate - Elaine in Ohio, I have a smooth black cooktop stove. I love it! Yes, it does take some work, but I use “Soft Scrub” to clean the top after it cools off. I also use a razor blade to get up cooked on foods, if I need to. Looks just like new! The soft scrub is just like the expensive cleaner they sell just for the smooth tops and cheaper. A good friend who has had a smooth top for years gave me this tip when we got ours! Works every time! Also, you can wipe down the entire stove with vinegar. No streaks.
Chris in NM

Candy, when I roast potatoes, they are usually with carrots, onions and a roast. I always add beef or chicken broth, about 1 cup or so, and roast it all that way. The potatoes are always just right and easily eaten, not hard at all. If you roast them separately, just add a little bit of chicken broth or water and they should be just fine! I never parboil them first.
Chris in NM

Re: Flat Top Stove
To Elaine in Ohio, My son the repairman said to put a tablespoon of baby shampoo, in a squirt bottle, fill it with water, spray on, wipe off. No more streaks. It works. I recently got a black flat stove top.
Fran in Fl out of NY

Good evening Nancy, I have probably sent this one in before, but thought since it is baking weather and we are all chocoholics, I would send it again. I am making these tomorrow. I can just taste them now! I like to make them at least once and maybe twice a year. We always give most away, because they are so rich.

Easy Raspberry Brownies
Based on a fudgey brownie mix, these quick-to-fix brownies combine the best of sweet flavors and chewy textures. Bet you can’t eat just one!

Prep: 15 min - Bake: 30 min - Cool: 1 hr - Chill: 1 hr 15 min

1 package (1 pound 3.8 ounces) Betty Crocker® fudge brownie mix
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup raspberry preserves
1 ounce unsweetened baking chocolate
1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Grease bottom only of rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. Stir brownie mix, water, oil and eggs in medium bowl until well blended. Spread in pan.

2. Bake 28 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean or almost clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack, about 1 hour.

3. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and preserves in small bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread over brownies. Refrigerate 15 minutes.

4. Place chocolate and butter in small microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on Medium (50%) about 1 minute or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Drizzle over brownies. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until chocolate is firm. For 18 brownies, cut 6 rows by 3 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes 18 brownies

Variation: If you prefer brownies with a more cakelike texture, prepare the mix with 3 eggs instead of 2. I always make the fudgey ones! Oh my!
LOL Chris in NM

JL in South Jersey

I tried your White Sugar Cookie recipe and they are fabulous.

Previously, I would never make a sugar cookie because most recipes asked to cut slices from a roll of refrigerated dough. Some slices I would cut too thin and some too thick and they were always a disaster for me. This recipe is so easy.

After refrigerating the dough for an hour I rolled about 1 tbsp of dough into a ball and dipped it into coarse (sanding) sugar first and then pressed them down with the end of a glass. They were all uniform and made a perfect presentation.

Yesterday I made them again and used almond flavoring and dipped them in sliced almonds and pressed them with the back of the glass and again they were wonderful and delicate. Thank you.
Judy/Buffalo

For Elaine in Oh.
I love, love my black glass topped stove. I clean it to a nice shine by squeezing some Wright's Cooktop Cleaner on it or any ceramic glass paste. If I have heavy or thick spills that are crusted I use the little hand held scraper that comes with the stove. It looks much like a scraper you would use to remove excess paint from a glass window. I scrub gently with the rough pad that comes with it. It is the texture of the scrubbing side of those Scott sponges. Then I wipe with paper towels and finish with a cloth one, buffing it to a great shine. I usually have to do this only once a week. In between this type of cleaning I us Fantastic Oxy Power multi surface spray and paper towels. My stove always looks clean and shiny.
Margo/Boston

To everyone who would like to buy the GT Express 101 and do not want to purchase one and get one other for free which you have no use for.. I have recently bought one at Target for $29.99. If you order the one online you are actually paying for two after shipping and handling charge ($26.99) which is ridiculous. Just thought this would be of interest to someone.
Joan from MA.

Could someone please explain to me what a GT Express 101 is? It sounds like something I would use, since I only cook for one.
JL in South Jersey

To Mary in Phx, AR and Lurinne/Mississippi.. Use a 1/2 cup of each. I use 1/2 cup Crisco and a 1/2 cup of a good margarine.
JL in South Jersey

To Sally in Pa.

Powdered Sugar Icing
2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons milk

Mix the powdered sugar with the vanilla and milk. Then add more milk a bit at a time until it is thin enough to drizzle over a cake. Once you've iced your cake, it's best to let it stand for one or two hours.
JL in South Jersey

Sorry about that, thanks for bringing any and all mistakes to my attention.

Corrected Turtle Cake Recipe
1 German Chocolate Cake Mix
12 oz. of caramels
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Prepare cake batter as per box instructions. Pour half of the batter in a 9 x 13" pan and bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes. Melt caramels and evaporated milk and pour over baked cake. Top with chips and pecans. Pour rest of batter over this and bake for 20 minutes at 350°. Top with powdered sugar frosting or store bought frosting.

Top with powdered sugar frosting or store bought frosting.
JL in South Jersey

Hi, Nancy,
For Nell in VA with the burnt on pears on her favorite pot. Heat up the pot really hot and then stick the pot into COLD water in the sink. Scrape with wooden spoon immediately and all the burnt on food should come off pretty easily. I know this works.

I also heard sticking a fabric softener sheet in the pot with water will help it loosen up, but I've never tried it (don't use or have fabric softener sheets at home).
HTH, Lisa in Minden, NV

Hello Nancy, Love you Newsletter. I am addicted to recipes and am handicapped now and hubby is learning the ropes of using them from me. Its a kick.

This is to help out Candy with the roasted Potatoes.
Peel potatoes and cut them in 1/2 or 1/3's if they are big. Dry your potatoes on paper towels and rub them with butter or bacon grease. Place in preheated 400°F oven for 1 hour and 15 min. They can not be rushed. Put a little space between them. Enjoy! Annie in WA
Shirley

Hi Nancy, Re: 10/24 N/L This is for Desperate Elaine in Ohio. My stove top is black glass. I have found DAWN power dissolver will remove burned off food from the drip pans. I clean the stove top with a clean soapy dish wipe. Then wipe down with plain wet cloth. Then dry with a paper towel or paper napkin. I cleaned the self-cleaning oven yesterday. I put the oven racks and the stove top grate in the shower, sprayed with Dawn Power Dissolved, let sit for several hours, then rinse in shower, washed in warm sudsy water in kitchen sink. The racks and grate look like news. Instructions for cleaning oven says not to leave racks in the oven while it is being self cleaned if so the racks will dull and have to be wiped with cooking oil on bottom side to be able to slide in oven.
Margaret

For Candy who asked how to roast potatoes so they wouldn't be hard. I learned this from my mother in law, who was a wonderful cook. She would parboil the potatoes, drain the water and then leave the pot on the heat for a minute or so to dry the potatoes. Then she would roast the potatoes, both white and sweet with the meat. They will come out nicely browned by not hard as a rock. She then used the potato water for her gravy. She also saved and used the water from the veggies that she cooked for the gravy.
Anne

Please give my thanks to Billie in Florida for giving exact size of Uncle Ben's long grain & wild rice. It's getting colder here and once snow comes...plan on making this soup. It sounds delicious. Thanks again!
Celia -Maine

This message is for Candy regarding roasting potatoes.
I too love roasted potatoes and I found thru trial and error how my family likes them best.

I usually cut a med sized potato in half and then half again, then mix them with oil, and spices.

I put them in a roasting pan about 1/2 full and turn the oven up to 400 degrees.

After one hour I "stir" them and put them back in the oven for another hour.

They are so soft inside and they disappear very quickly.
Good Luck. Wendy, Ontario Canada