The Chosen One Recap

I learn something new at every book group discussion.

Often it's something . . . unexpected.

At our discussion of The Chosen One I learned that most of us have fascinating ties to historical and modern-day polygamy.

I learned Ringo's brutally honest opinion of our local charter schools. (I'd repeat it here, but I don't remember the exact words.)

I learned that we never run out of things to talk about and laugh about. (That's not unexpected.)

Ringo's Catalina Corn Chip Salad

1 bottle Catalina dressing
2 tomatoes, cut into chunks
1 onion, cut into chunks
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 cup cubed cheese
1 bag Fritos

Mix all ingredients together.

?'s Poppy Seed Pasta Salad

Cook 1 package pasta (3-colored Rotelle works well) and drain.

Add:
fresh broccoli, broken into small pieces
cauliflower, broken into small pieces
celery, chopped
green onion, sliced
frozen peas (run under hot water and douse with cold water)
fresh mushrooms, sliced
avocado, sliced
bacon, crumbled, or bacon bits
grated Swiss cheese

Dressing:
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 cup salad oil
1 1/2 Tbsp. poppy seeds

Combine first five ingredients in blender. Slowly add oil into blender until mixture is thick and smooth. Stir in poppy seeds. Store, covered, in refrigerator. Add dressing to salad before serving.

Prof's Pudding Cake, the Easiest Dessert Ever

1 small package instant pudding mixed 2 cups of milk until lumps are gone.
1 chocolate cake mix stirred into pudding. Mix will be thick and lumpy, but that's okay.
Spoon into 9 x 13 baking pan. Smooth mixture evenly. Cover top with nuts and chocolate chips.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 hour and then begin checking the top with your finger to see if cake springs back or if it burns you to the knuckle in hot gooey cake batter. Remove from oven at springy stage. Serve warm with ice cream or cool and cut up like brownies.

Moab's Citrus Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

1 lemon cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 1/3 cup orange juice
1 tsp. orange peel
1 tsp. lemon peel
1-2 Tbsp. poppy seeds

Mix together for two minutes. Bake in Bundt cake pan for 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool. Remove from pan.

Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 Tbsp. orange juice
1/2 tsp. orange peel
1/2 tsp. lemon peel

Legacy's "Jack Daniel" Dip

1 pkg. Jimmy Dean sausage, regular flavor
1 can Campbell's Nacho Cheese soup
1 can Campbell's mushroom soup
1 can chopped olives
1 pkg. Velveeta Mexican mild cheese

Brown sausage. Add soups and olives. Cut cheese into cubes and add. Heat until melted. Serve with chips.

Sereia's Veggie Pizza

2 cans Pillsbury crescent dough
1 pkg. (8 oz.) chive and onion cream cheese, softened
assorted veggies sliced, i.e. mushrooms, olives, matchstick carrots, green onions, cucumbers, etc.

Roll crescent dough flat onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Cool. Spread evenly with cream cheese. Top with veggies. Chill. Cut into squares. Serve.

Belle's Chocolate Macadamia Nuts

Go to Hawaii.

Pick up a box at the airport.

Enjoy.

Apple's Famous Broccoli Salad

2 lbs. fresh broccoli, cut in pieces
1/2 lbs. bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 medium red onion, sliced
1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1/2 cup sugar

One last note:

There are two new nicknames: Prof for CH--referencing her college teaching days and Sailor for PJW and her summerly jaunts down the river and at Lake Powell.