Cranberry Salad

1 pound Cranberries
2 package cherry Jello
2 cups sugar
3 cups of hot water
2 oranges
1/2 cup crushed pineapple
1 cup pecans
1 cup of chopped apples

Grind cranberries and oranges in food processor. Chop pecans and apples in bit size pieces. Add sugar and jello to hot water. Mix in all other ingredients. Pour into 8" x 8" x 2" deep dish. Refrigerate for four to six hours.

Note: This dish can be made in advance. It travels short distances well. Can serve with whipped cream or non dairy whipped topping. You can also use raspberry if you prefer for your Jello favoring. This salad can be placed in individual serving dishes to be refrigated in for really simple and elegant table service. I like to use a piece like our Square Dessert Bowl & Plate. It is available in several patterns and designs including, custom monogram pieces, and the Fleur de lis pattern. This item can be used to serve desset, soup, dips and just about anything. They are dishwasher and microwave safe perfect for our busy life styles.

Enjoy and do not be afraid to try something different to make this your own dish!
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

Creole Syrup Cake

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup molasses
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup hot water
1 egg beaten

Sift flour once, then measure and sift again with soda and salt. Cream shortening and sugar, cream together until light and fluffy. Add beaten egg and molasses. Add sifted dry ingredients and hot water, beat until smooth. Pour into greased and floured 9" x 13" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until done.

Note: This is a family favorite. We enjoy this dish warm, served shortly after baking. Be careful not to serve too hot. It is especially good served with whip creamed. I like serving this cake on a plate like our fleur de lis, 8".

Enjoy and do not be afraid to try something different to make this your own dish!
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

Easy Salsa Dip

Enjoy the flavor of salsa in this very simple dip.

1 cup of mayo
1 cup of sour cream
1 cup of salsa

Mix all three ingredients and chill.
Dip must be refrigerated.
Serve with chips of your choice.

Note: This dip is easy to make. I made it for the first time just by chance. I did not have enough salsa to serve unexpected company one day. I love this dip with corn chips. I normally use thick and chucky salsa because it gives the dip a nice texture. You can garnish with chopped tomatoes around the top edge of your serving dish.

Enjoy and do not be afraid to try something different to make this your own dish!
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com

Creole Shrimp Casserole

2 tablespoons cooking oil*
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 pound of smoked sausage sliced
1 pound peeled shrimp (raw)
1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
1 cup uncooked rise (DO not use instant rice)
2 cups water

Saute onions, celery, bell pepper, parsley, and sausage for about 15 minutes. Do not let onions and celery turn brown. Saute until onion is clear. Add salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and tomato sauce. Cook for 20 minutes on medium heat. Remove from fire, add uncooked rice, water, and raw shrimp. Stir well and pour into a 2 quart casserole dish, cover and bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until rice is done. Do not stir or uncover during cooking time in oven. Serves 4.

* Use the oil to saute the onions, celery, etc.

Note: This was one of my grandmother's recipes. It is an old one dating back I think to the 1950's if not before. It has been a traditional family recipe for our family for years and we hope you will enjoy it. It is easy to cook and we have enjoyed it for generations just like our family. Food and cooking is a wonderful way of connecting families and a wonderful to share and spend time together.

Enjoy and do not be afraid to try something different to make this your own dish!
Marilynn
www.giftsetc.com