Mashed Potato Meal

Here’s something easy, cheesy and pleasy. Is pleasy a word? ... OK, maybe not, but it rhymes! It is a pleasant experience when everyone in the family loves what’s for dinner – especially when one youngster is somewhat picky. This is a homemade replica of a dish my husband enjoys from a popular restaurant which stars a colonel. It’s easy as pie, and perhaps even tastier!

Ingredients to make 6 servings:

8 potatoes, medium sized
1/2 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. butter
1 jar (12 oz.) chicken gravy (such as Heinz HomeStyle)
1 1/2 C. frozen corn
Popcorn chicken, in frozen foods section
1 1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese

Place scrubbed potatoes in large pot with just enough water to cover and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil and simmer with lid on for 15-20 mins., until fork tender. Pour off water and set potatoes aside to cool. Peel and mash, adding 4 Tbsp. butter and about a half cup of milk. Salt and pepper to taste.

While the potatoes are cooking, bake the popcorn chicken according to directions and cook the frozen corn. Warm the gravy.

Layer ingredients in six separate dishes: mashed potatoes, 2-3 Tbsp. gravy, 1/4 C. corn, 3/4 C. popcorn chicken and 1/4 C. cheese. If you prefer, microwave for 30 seconds to melt the cheese.

Serve immediately.

Angel’s tips: If you prefer all homemade, shredded or cubed chicken could be used, and homemade gravy. On the other hand, if you’re in a big rush, mashed potatoes from a box is an option. Reduce ingredient amounts to make fewer bowls, if needed.

Hot Cocoa

Jack Frost is nipping at our noses! We need something more than the crackling fire to warm us. Here's a grand way to warm up on the inside as well as the outside - Hot Cocoa! My co-worker Cheryl Hoefler of Prairie City shared this recipe, and it's just in time for the upcoming holidays and winter weather - the perfect thing to share with guests. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 C. powdered sugar
1 C. cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
2 1/2 C. powdered milk
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cornstarch
Hot water

Directions:
Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly. Heat water on the stove, 4-6 cups depending on your crowd. Fill each mug half way with the mixture and pour hot water over. Stir to combine. Store the rest in an airtight container (should keep for about six months). For a richer flavor, mix with warm milk.

Thai Sweet 'n' Sour Drumsticks

Makes 10-12 servings.

I adapted this recipe from a news clipping I found several years ago. I've tried it before and enjoyed it very much.

Ingredients:
1 large package of chicken drumsticks (about 16)
Ingredients for marinade:
1/2 C. honey
1 tsp. worcestershire sauce
zest of two limes
juice of one lime (2 Tbsp.)
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. cilantro leaves, chopped
2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
1 tsp. salt

Directions:
Place marinade ingredients in a small bowl and stir well. Place thawed chicken in a dish and pour 1/2 of marinade over, brush on all sides. Reserve the other half of marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour. Grill drumsticks, brushing with reserved marinade, on low heat until done. Other options would be to bake the chicken in the oven on a foil-covered baking sheet at 400 F degrees for 30 minutes and finish by grilling on the barbecue or, if not using a grill, bake at 400 F degrees in oven for 40 minutes or until done.