My Menu Blog

2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup blanched whole almonds, toasted
1 cup each pecan halves, cashews, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts, toasted
1½ cups sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup
½ cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ tsp. ground cinnamon

1. Place popcorn and nuts in a lightly greased 5-qt. dutch oven.
2. Bake at 250° for 20 min.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
4. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 290° (soft crack stage).
5. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and cinnamon.
6. Pour a small amount at a time over popcorn mixture, stirring constantly until mixture is well coated.
7. Immediately spread on greased baking sheets. Cool; break into pieces. Store in airtight containers.

1½ cups sugar
½ cup shortening
1½ cups drained and pitted sour cherries
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups sifted flour
3 eggs
4 tbs. sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. soda

1. Drain cherries and spread on a paper towel to dry.
2. Cream sugar and shortening.
3. Add sour cream and well beaten eggs.
4. Add flour and soda half at a time and beat well.
5. Mixture will be thick and heavy.
6. Mix in vanilla and nuts by hand.
7. Fold in cherries until well combined with cake mixture.
8. Bake in loaf or angel food pan at 350° to 400° for 45 min. to 1 hr.

1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup granulated sugar, divided
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 package (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups whipped cream
1 can (21 oz.) cherry filling and topping
½ tsp. almond extract

1. 1. In medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter; mix well.
2. Press crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9x2-in. baking pan. Chill crust while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
3. In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, remaining ¼ cup sugar, lemon peel and vanilla.
4. Whip until fluffy. Fold in whipped cream. Pour into prepared crust.
5. Combine cherry filling and almond extract. Pour over cheese filling. Chill until ready to serve.