Quick Black Forest Torte

I first heard of this black forest cake 'short-cut' a few years back from my sister-in-law. She insisted it was moist and delicious...and so simple to prepare. When I needed a birthday cake in short order recently...this recipe came to mind. It went over well!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mini-marshmallows
• 1 chocolate cake mix
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 1 large container of Cool Whip (or 2 cups whipping cream)

Method:

1. Pour four cups of mini-marshmallows into a greased 9x13 inch cake pan.
2. Prepare chocolate cake mix according to directions on package. Pour over marshmallows.
3. Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over cake.
4. Bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes...or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Cool.
6. Top with whipped topping. (If using whipping cream, whip 2 cups of cream with 3 Tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla until almost ready to form peaks.)
7. Serves 15.

And don't forget...the cherry on top!

Skillet Steak Dinner

Steak tenders smothered with tomatoes, peppers, onions and mushrooms...and served on a bed of noodles. That's my idea of a perfect winter comfort meal. I made noodles for the first time recently....just like my mother-in-law used to. I decided to make a skillet steak to go with the noodles...just like my mother-in-law used to as well. Good meals make for good memories!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. sirloin steak
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 can diced tomatoes (19 oz. / 540 ml)
• 1 can mushroom soup (14 oz. / 398 ml)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons molasses * (optional)
• 1/2 onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 sweet pepper (green, red or yellow) julienned
• 1 can sliced mushrooms (14 oz. / 398 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Method:

1. Cut steak into serving size pieces.
2. Combine flour, salt and pepper.
3. Dredge steak in flour...and pound each piece.
4. Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat.
5. Brown meat well on all sides.
6. Add diced tomatoes.
7. Cover tightly and simmer for 1 hour.
8. Add remaining ingredients, stirring to mix well.
9. Cover tightly and simmer 30 minutes longer.
10. Serve on a bed of noodles or rice.

* I'm sure the molasses could be left out, but it adds a nice flavour.

Crispy Jumble Cookies

Now that the Christmas baking has disappeared...it might be time for some extraordinary ordinary cookies!  My grandson loves to bake cookies when he comes to visit...and they all must include chocolate chips.  Here's an old favorite that I pulled out of the archives...one that my children would remember from their lunch boxes of years gone by.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups Rice Krispies or Special K cereal
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts, optional 

 Method:

1. Beat butter and sugar together until well blended.
2. Add egg and vanilla and beat until smooth.
3. Combine flour, soda and salt.  
4. Add to creamed sugar mixture and mix until combined.
5. Stir in rice cereal and chocolate chips (and nuts). 
6. Drop by tablespoon onto parchment lined cookie sheets.
7. Bake at 350° F for  10-12 minutes...or until lightly browned.
8. Allow to cool for several minutes, and then transfer cookies to wire rack to cool completely.  Or better still...eat them warm!
9. Yield: about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.