Caramel Squares

This is usually the dessert our second son, Tim, requests for his birthday. These bars boast a soft short-bread like bottom, gooey caramel in the middle, and rich chocolate to top it off. What's not to like!?

Crust:
3/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
2 c. flour
3/4 c. confectioners sugar
1 1/2 Tbs. milk

Cream butter, gradually adding sugar. Add vanilla, milk and salt. Blend in flour; mix well. Press into bottom of a 9x13 pan. Bake 20 minutes at 350.

Filling:
28 caramels
1/4 c. butter
1 c. chopped pecans
1/4 c. evaporated milk
1 c. confectioners sugar

Combine caramels and milk in top of double boiler. Heat until caramels melt, stirring occasionally. remove from heat and add butter and sugar. Mix well. Add nuts. Spread over crust.

Icing:
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 c. evaporated milk
2 Tbs. butter
1/2 c. confectioners sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Combing chips and milk- melt. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well. Drizzle over the caramel. Cool. Cut into squares before serving.

Potato Casserole

Even when making 2 batches of this yummy casserole, there is rarely any left! It is great for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish at dinner. (this recipe can be found in Homemade with Love: Treasured Family Recipes of Marilyn Boyer )

2 lb. frozen hash browns
3/4 c. melted butter, divided
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1pint (16 oz.) sour cream
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
2 c. crushed corn flakes

Thaw potatoes. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, salt, pepper, onion, soup, 1/2 c. of the butter, sour cream, and cheese. Place in a 3 qt. casserole dish. Mix remaining butter and corn flakes. Sprinkle over the potato mixture. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. YIELD: 12 servings.
* To prepare ahead of time, cover with foil and store in the refrigerator. Allow more time to bake if cold.

Light Whole Wheat Bread

This is an excellent recipe for a good wheat bread. I make it often
~Kari

In bread machine combine the following ingredients:

1 1/4 c. water
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3 Tbs. honey (or sugar)
1 1/2 Tbs. butter
1 1/2 Tbs. dry milk
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. yeast

Set bread machine on dough cycle. When completed, lightly knead and form into a loaf. Place in a greased loaf pan. Let rise in a warm place (30minutes- 1 hour) Bake at 350 until done (approx. 25-30 minutes)