1 lb. confectioners sugar

5 T. butter

1/2 c. shortening

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. vanilla

2 1/2 T. milk powder

1/4 – 1/2 c. water

Add all ingredients together alternating with water. Mix, scrape, mix, scrape. Do not make icing too wet. Whip until fluffy.

This recipe came from Mom in 1980.

1 T. Regular or Quick Cooking Oats (use up to 3 T. if desired)

Soak overnight in 3 T. water

Add 3 T. yogurt

1 t. lemon juice

1 t. honey

1 grated apple

Fold all together. Top with chopped almonds. Makes one serving.

This recipe is from Mom in 1979.

2 lbs. stirfry steak already in strips

2 large green peppers cut into strips

1 onion cut in slices

2 c. water

1/4 c. oil

1/2 t. ginger (or fresh)

1 T. sugar

2 T. corn starch

4 T. soy sauce

Heat oil in wok or skillet. Add meat and cook until done. Add onions and ginger. Cook until done. Add green pepper and cook until tender. Add water. Combine sugar, corn starch and soy sauce in a bowl. Stir well to combine. Add to meat mixture and bring to a boil. Cook several minutes until it forms a thick sauce. Serve over rice with Chinese noodles.

1/2 lb.  grape or cherry tomatoes

1/2 lb. fresh green beans, ends trimmed & cut into 2″ lengths

6 fresh basil leaves, torn

1/4 c.  red onion, diced

1 T. red wine vinegar

1/4 c. olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

Place green beans in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave until beans are tender (approx 2 mins depending on the microwave). Place hot beans into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and cool. Cut tomatoes in half . Combine tomatoes, beans, red onion and basil in a bowl. Pour vinegar and oil over them and toss to cover. Add seasoning to taste. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

12 graham crackers

1 1/2 stick butter (no substitutes)

1/2 c. sugar

1 c. sliced almonds

2 T. sesame seeds (optional)

Place graham crackers in a jelly roll pan 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 “. This is the only size pan to use because the crackers fit perfectly. Combine the butter and sugar in a pan. Boil for 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. Spread mixture over crackers. Sprinkle with nuts and seeds. Place pan in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes until the butter bubbles and turns golden. Do not over brown. Cut while still warm. Cool on a wire rack.  Tip: The recipe says butter – no substitutes. I tried a healthier version of butter, trying to make this alittle healthier for me. It didn’t work. I guess they are correct when they say no substitute for butter.

This recipe is from Mom in 2008.