Scalloped Rhubarb

 The butter and sugar carmelize to give an outstanding flavor which goes well with the rhubarb.  Yummo!!  This is a very simple yet delicious way to make rhubarb.  White bread works best for the flavor you are going for.  I have only made this as is, but I am sure you can use less butter to cut down on fat and calories but still keep the important butter flavor.  You don't even need ice cream or whipped cream with this, but if you prefer, go ahead.

Scalloped Rhubarb


4 c. cut rhubarb (cut into 1/2" slices)
4 c. white bread cubes
1 1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. butter

Cut butter into sugar to make pea sized pieces.  Layer bread cubes in bottom of buttered 8'x8' pan.  Top with rhubarb, then with butter/sugar mixture. Place into greased 8"x8" glass pan.  Bake 325 degrees for 45 minutes.  Let cool slightly and serve.

Cowboy Caviar

Super Bowl Sunday is a "big holiday" and we are all looking for easy to serve finger foods that don't require our attention at gametime.  We may need a dish to pass when invited over to watch the game with family or friends or may be having them all over to watch with us.  When I need to bring a dish to pass I often get requests to bring this.  This is a make ahead snack that is delicious, made with healthy ingredients and sure to please.  Serve with Tostitos Scoops which hold it all well.

Cowboy Caviar


2 15 oz. cans black-eyed peas***drained and rinsed
2 cans white shoepeg corn, drained (Green Giant)
15oz. can small diced tomatoes, drained
8 oz. Italian dressing
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin with green part included
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped fine
dash or two of tobasco

Mix all ingredients and chill at least 2 hours or overnight.  If tomato pieces are bigger, cut in half as you want them about the same size as the corn and beans.  In the summer you may use fresh roma tomatoes, 2 or 3.
***I use the Goya brand black-eyed peas as they are cooked without smoked meat.

Southwest Chili Pot

Over the years my friend Janet and I have traded recipes that we discovered to be great and well loved by our families.  They would have us over, she would make something fabulous and I would come home with the recipe.  She is a great cook and has passed many great recipes on to me.  Her mother-in-law is also a fabulous cook and would share recipes with her and she would pass them on to me.  I have many well-loved recipes from them.  This is one of the many and is well suited to Super Bowl entertaining.  Chili is the perfect Super Bowl meal as it can be made ahead, even a day or two.  Then at game time just heat and serve.

Southwest Chili Pot

3 # ground beef
4 c. chopped onions
1 T. garlic powder
4-5 T. chili powder
2 t. cumin
2 quarts tomatoes
6 oz. tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1 T. salt
1 t. paprika
1 t. sugar
2 15oz. cans chili beans

Slightly brown ground beef.  Add onions and continue to cook until onions are softened and meat is brown.  Drain; add remaining ingredients except beans and simmer 2-3 hours to blend flavors stirring occasionally. Last half hour or so add the beans. Remove bay leaves at serving time.

 At this point you may serve topped with grated Cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, crushed corn chips or whatever you like or you can serve ladled over cooked macaroni topped with the above condiments.
This recipe freezes well if you want to serve it at a later date.

Pizza Burgers

With the Super Bowl coming up, we need to be thinking of some easy recipes that can be made ahead and served at gametime without much extra fuss.  This recipe is a crowd pleaser, can be eaten out of hand and is easy enough to please the cook who doesn't want to miss out on the game due to food prep.  Serve with a veggie platter, chips and pickles and you are good to go.

Gametime Pizza Burgers

1 # ground beef
1 can Spam or luncheon meat
1 small onion, finely diced
15 oz.can pizza sauce
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Grind spam in meat grinder or shred in food processor.  Brown beef and spam with onion.  Drain: cool.  Stir in sauce and cheese.  You can refrigerate at this point or spoon onto hamburger bun halves.  Bake open faced at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.  Serve.