Onion Ring Special

Over the years I have collected many recipes from friends and family...and whenever I prepare that particular dish I am always reminded of the one from whom it came.  Today's recipe is a prime example.  My Aunt Kay e-mailed this recipe to me one summer...thinking it might be something we would enjoy.  And we do!  Two years ago this month my aunt passed away.  I have many good memories of her...and this salad always brings her to mind. If you love the fresh produce of summer..then here is a side dish of multi-coloured bell peppers and onions that most easy to prepare ahead and have on hand in the fridge.  So...if you have a peck of peppers that need picking...here's a recipe for you!

• 1 large sweet onion, sliced in rings (like Walla Walla)
• 1 red pepper, sliced in rings
• 1 green pepper, sliced in rings
• 1 yellow pepper, sliced in rings
• 1 orange pepper, sliced in rings
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/3 cups white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons oil

1. Thinly slice all the vegetables and place in large salad bowl with a lid.  
2. Combine sugar, salt, vinegar, water and oil in a saucepan.
3. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.
4. Pour over veggies.
5. Cover and chill for at least 24 hours. 
6. Serve as a salad or a meat condiment.

 

Smartie Cookie Pizza

It is simply a giant cookie...also called a cookie pizza or a cookie-cake.  It's a fun dessert for all ages...is easy to transport to a party or picnic or to give as a gift.  Write a message on it with icing and serve it for any occasion.  We took one to a picnic at the lake awhile back...and it doubled as a birthday cake for our granddaughter. Have fun with it!  

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter or margarine
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
• Smarties or M and M's to decorate

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. 
2. Line a 14-inch round pizza pan with a circle of parchment.
3. Cream butter and sugar with mixer until smooth. 
4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. 
5. Add flour, baking soda and salt together. Mix until smooth.
6. Fold in chocolate chips.
7. Put the dough into the pizza pan and press it into a circle...leaving a generous 1 inch gap around the rim.
8. Press smarties into the top...as desired.
9. Bake on center rack for 20 minutes or until cookie is golden and set.

Instant Raspberry Frozen Yogurt

This is so simple, it can hardly be called a recipe.  It is rather like 'cheater ice-cream' and really hits the spot on a hot day.  All you need is frozen berries and Greek yogurt.  Simple and delicious!

• 2 cups / 500 grams Greek yogurt
• 2 cups frozen raspberries
• 2-4 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)

1. Put yogurt into food processor (or good quality blender).
2. Add frozen berries and sugar.
3. Blitz until blended.
4. Serve immediately. 

Serves 4.