Scintillating cinnamon

These snickerdoodles are so yummy. I could/would/did eat a whole plate's worth in one sitting. They are simple and economical as far as cookies go. Thanks to good old Betty Crocker for this one.

THE RECIPE:

1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, slightly softened
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs
2 3/4 c. flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 c. sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, butter, shortening and eggs. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. In separate, small bowl, mix 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls, then roll in cinnamon mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Even when they are done, they will still seem a little doughy between the cracks on top. Don't overbake, or cookies will be crunchy when cooled. Cool on wire rack.

Enchiladas with texture

I have been making these creamy almond-chicken enchiladas for years now. The recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens and calls for cream of chicken soup. I don't like to use cream soups very much in my cooking -- we are trying to be healthier -- but I keep them in my food storage. This recipe is a great reason to use canned foods. I absolutely love the addition of almonds. They give great texture.

THE RECIPE:

4 c. diced chicken breasts
3/4 c. slivered almonds
1/2 c. chopped onion (sometimes I use green)
2 4-ounce cans diced green chilies
6 oz. cream cheese
2 Tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
10 flour tortillas
2 15-ounce cans cream of chicken soup
12 oz. sour cream (I used light)
2 c. milk
1 1/2 c. shredded cheese

In large skillet, cook chicken. Add onions and 1/2 cup of the almonds, then saute. Add 2 tablespoons green chilies. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 2 tablespoons milk and cumin. Add chicken mixture. Spoon into tortillas, then roll and place side by side in 9x13 baking dish. In medium bowl, combine soup, sour cream, 2 cups milk and remainder of chilies. Pour over tortillas. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and remaining 1/4 cup almonds. Bake, uncovered, 5 minutes more. (Sometimes I put the cheese in the tortilla filling instead.)

Garden fresh

I apologize for my long absence. I have had computer problems. Anyway, I'm back in action with this beautiful strawberry spinach salad. We grew our own spinach in the spring, and we have been enjoying all kinds of fresh salads lately. Homemade dressings are the way to go. I think you'll love this one. It's perfect for summertime. I halve the recipe for my small family.

THE RECIPE:

10 oz. fresh spinach
1 quart strawberries, sliced
1/2 c. slivered almonds

2 Tbsp. sesame seeds
1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. olive oil
1/4 c. white vinegar
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. minced onion (I used a little onion powder)

Toss salad ingredients. Mix dressing ingredients thoroughly. Apply as desired to individual servings. I like to make my dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it before use.