Bon Appetit Friends

1 can tomato sauce (15 oz) 1 can tomato paste (6 oz) 1-2 cloves of garlic, crushed 1 T. Italian seasoning (or 1 1/2 t. each oregano and basil or whatever you feel like!) 1 t. paprika 1/2 t. onion powder 1/2 t. sugar Just combine ingredients and spread on crust. Makes enough for about 3 large pizzas. It doesn't freeze perfectly, but I still freeze it every time. Recipe Source: Adapted from one I found on allrecipes.com

Tammy made this after I had Finn and I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. I called her or texted or something the next day and basically demanded that she give the recipe to me. It got water stained and eventually misplaced, so I begged her for another copy. Both of our printers were down so I scanned it. I used to be very intimidated by yeast, but I am gradually overcoming it. Maybe I already have? Anyway, here you go: I just mix the yeast and the sugar with a spoon and I let it rise in the bowl. Don't tell anyone. Maybe I should try it as written and see if it makes a difference. You probably have to click on the photo to see it better.

1 cup powdered dishwashing detergent (like Cascade) 1 quart bleach 1 gallon water (1 to 4 to 16) Put it all in a plastic bucket and let the powder dissolve. Soak stained items for about 20 minutes, then wash like you regularly would, but not with other things. This is kind of a last resort for stained clothes - especially whites. I used it on my baby clothes that I have stored in the attic, and I was surprised at what it got out. You can use it on colors, but it might change the color. If you don't care if it turns a blue outfit to khaki, then go for it. Only use it if you don't care if it gets ruined.

Men like soup that is more MEAT than soup - this one is yummy and meaty 2 lbs beef chunks 2 TB vegetable oil 4 c. water 1 medium onion, diced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 TB salt 1 TB lemon juice 1 tsp. Sugar 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ½ tsp. Pepper ½ tsp. Paprika 2 bay leaves dash of allspice 6 carrots, peeled and chopped 3 potatoes, diced Brown meat (opt.) then put in crockpot. Add remaining ingredients. Cook on HIGH 4-6 hours or LOW 10-12 hours. Mix ¼ c. flour and ½ c. water and stir into stew before serving.

1 box Corn Chex cereal (I used all Rice Chex, and it was fine.) 1 box Crispix cereal 7 oz. coconut (I used unsweetened, but I don't think it matters) 1 c. slivered almonds 2 c. Karo syrup 2 c. sugar 2 c. butter 1/8 t. salt 2 t. vanilla Mix together cereal, coconut and almonds. Mix Karo syrup, sugar and butter together and boil 2 minutes. Add salt and vanilla. Pour over cereal mixture and stir until evenly coated. Spread onto a cookie sheet or wax paper to cool. Someone used to bring this to us at Christmas time, and we would devour it. Lo and behold, I found it in my extensive ward cookbook collection. It is as easy as rice crispy squares.

3 or 4 parts milk to 1 part half & half then use whatever hot cocoa mix you want, but just add 1/3 more than the recipe calls for This is what I imagine the hot cocoa tasted like on "The Polar Express" "as thick and rich as melted chocolate bars." I only recommend drinking this about once a year. I've already had it twice this week. I better stop.

24 small brussels sprouts 1 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for rubbing fine-grain sea salt and fresh ground pepper 1/4 c. grated cheese of your choice Wash and trim sprouts and cut in half stem to top.  Gently rub each half with olive oil, keeping sprout intact.  Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in large skillet over medium heat.  Place sprouts in pan cut side down in single layer, sprinkle with a couple pinches of salt, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes.   Bottoms should show only a hint of browning.  Cut into or taste to gauge if tender throughout.  If not, cover and cook a few more minutes.  Once just tender, uncover, turn up heat, and cook till flat sides are deep brown and caramelized.  Use metal spatula to toss once or twice and get some browning on rounded side.  Season with salt and pepper and dusting of cheese. This is for all of you who get brussels sprouts in your produce basket.  My boys LOVE these and ask for seconds.  No kidding....