NOTE--To see an on-line version of this newsletter, copy this link and paste it into your web browser: http://www.tasteofhome.com/rd.asp?id=992&firstname=$$firstname$$&emailaddress=$$email$$&refurl=$$refurl-link$$ Please do not reply to this email. If you have questions or wish to unsubscribe, see the instructions at the bottom of this email. Dear $$firstname$$, Greetings from the TASTE OF HOME Test Kitchens! Just in time for the holidays, our new online Recipe Finder will make your meal planning easier than ever. Learn more below. You'll also find a delicious 30-minute meal, some "secret ingredients" from fellow readers, a guide to goof-proof gravy and more. Read on to discover... --> TASTE OF HOME Launches Online Recipe Finder --> Savory Meal's Ready in Minutes --> "Secret Ingredients" Make Menus Special --> Heads Up for Cabbage --> A Guide to Goof-Proof Gravy --> Looking For Lighter Fare? --> Snowman Dinnerware Makes Meals Fun -------------------- TASTE OF HOME Launches Online Recipe Finder OUR new online Recipe Finder will have you cooking in no time! With 13,000 kitchen-tested recipes from the TASTE OF HOME “family” of magazines (TASTE OF HOME, QUICK COOKING, LIGHT & TASTY and COOKING FOR 2), you’ll find just what you need with only a few mouse clicks. - Use the Advanced Search to quickly find recipes matching ingredients you have on hand. - Browse by Category for appetizers, main dishes, desserts and many more. - Use the Nutritional Search to find recipes that are low-sodium, low-fat or diabetic-friendly. - Use the Time Search to find thousands of recipes for dishes you can have ready to serve in 30 minutes or less! Many of the recipes include full-color photos, and most have nutritional information. You can even register and create your own personal online “recipe box” to save your favorites and print handy grocery lists. Our Recipe Finder is easy and fun to use, and it’s a powerful, practical tool that you can count on for all your menu planning. That’s because every recipe is a delicious, kitchen-tested family favorite from a home cook just like you! Plan tonight's meal right now, Visit: http://www.tasteofhome.com/RD.asp?ID=1012&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ -------------------- Savory Meal's Ready in Minutes WHEN cooler days signal the start of the busy pre-holiday season, even dedicated cooks can't always spend as much time in the kitchen. Hearty, fast-to-fix meals come in handy then. Ready to serve in just 30 minutes, the menu here combines recipes from three super cooks. Skillet Pork Chops, featuring a sauce seasoned with ginger and grape jelly, are a favorite of field editor June F. of Belle Plain, Iowa. Curried Celery and Apples is a colorful, delicious accompaniment for pork, suggested by Lois M. from Bradenton, Florida. Fluffy Fruit Salad, shared by field editor Christine H. of Meeker, Colorado, is a simple, refreshing side dish or dessert. For more quick meal ideas, visit the TASTE OF HOME Recipe Finder and use the 30 Minutes or Less search option. http://www.tasteofhome.com/RD.asp?ID=1022&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ SKILLET PORK CHOPS 4 pork chops (1 inch thick) 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 cup chicken broth 2 to 3 tablespoons grape jelly 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 4-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch 3 tablespoons cold water Hot cooked rice In a skillet over medium heat, brown pork chops in oil; drain. Add onion; cook until tender. Pour broth around chops; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-16 minutes or until the meat is tender. Remove chops and keep warm. Stir jelly and ginger into broth. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; add to broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Serve over pork chops and rice. Yield: 4 servings. CURRIED CELERY AND APPLES 2 cups thinly sliced celery 1 small onion, chopped 1/3 cup butter or margarine 1 medium tart apple, chopped 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1/2 to 1 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper In a skillet, saute celery and onion in butter until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in apple. Cover and simmer for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with flour, curry powder, salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings. FLUFFY FRUIT SALAD 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple tidbits, drained 1 can (16 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed 1/2 to 1 teaspoon grated orange peel Lettuce leaves, optional 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted In a bowl, combine pineapple, cranberry sauce and oranges. Fold in whipped topping and orange peel. Serve on lettuce if desired. Garnish with pecans just before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Yield: 14 servings. Nutritional Analysis: One 1/2-cup serving (prepared with light whipped topping) equals 138 calories, 10 mg sodium, 0 cholesterol, 23 gm carbohydrate, 1 gm protein, 5 gm fat. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fruit, 1 fat. To view a photo: http://www.tasteofhome.com/rd.asp?id=995&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ -------------------- Advertisment Easy to Dress Up for Holidays Celebrate the holidays with Nilla(R) Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cake. It's one of the many festive desserts you can whip up with NILLA, the simple cookie that's easy to dress up. To find this and other delicious Nilla recipes, Visit: http://www.tasteofhome.com/rd.asp?id=1001&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ -------------------- "Secret Ingredients" Make Menus Special WANT TO turn "ho-hum" foods into dishes that'll have family members asking for more? Take a look at the special ingredients suggested by some of our readers: SUPER SOUP "In the colder months, I make a lot of vegetable soup," comments Martha C. of Celina, Ohio. "One day I was out of corn, so I used corn relish instead. The flavor was great!" Reports Sharon F. of Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania, "I add a can of cream-style corn and some V-8 juice to my beef vegetable soup. They give the broth a wonderful taste." "Put a little zip into your potato soup by stirring in a tablespoon or two of spicy mustard," suggests Donna L. of Las Vegas, Nevada. SENATIONAL STUFFING "When I saute onions and celery to make my stuffing, I also include diced carrots," shares Jan K. of Houghton, Michigan. "The carrots add nutrition and lovely color to the mixture." In Knoxville, Tennessee, Lisa O. perks up her stuffing by mixing in a can of cream of celery soup before baking. TERRIFIC TUNA CASSEROLE "I add a small can of drained pineapple tidbits to my tuna casserole," says Mary T. of Tigard, Oregon. "It gives the popular dish a refreshing tang that we enjoy." SPECIAL SPAGHETTI SAUCE Reports Susan B. of Wellesley, Ontario, "I sprinkle 1 or 2 teaspoons of chili powder into a quart of my homemade spaghetti sauce. Everyone says it's the best ever." CREATIVE CRUMB TOPPING "I use french-fried onions with the cereal or crackers I crush to top my casseroles," says Mary C. of Sycamore, Illinois. "The onions add a simple savory boost of flavor." DELIGHTFUL DESSERT "After Halloween, I gather up the leftover chocolate and candy bars from trick-or-treating, chop them and mix them into quick bread batter," explains Heidi B. of San Bruno, California. "It's a little more wholesome treat for my boys than just candy." -------------------- Advertisment Bring Out Leftovers To Be Thankful For With Hellmann's(R) and Best Foods(R) Real Mayonnaise, take Thanksgiving leftovers beyond sandwiches! Quick, easy Day After Thanksgiving Fiesta Salad will bring out dishes you'll love. To find this and other delicious Hellmann's recipes, Visit: http://www.tasteofhome.com/rd.asp?id=1002&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ And Best Foods at: http://www.tasteofhome.com/rd.asp?id=1003&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ -------------------- Heads Up for Cabbage COUNT ON CABBAGE to add variety to your daily fare. As these recipes from field editors demonstrate, a head can take you in different directions—even to dessert! For more great cabbage recipes, visit TASTE OF HOME Recipe Finder: http://www.tasteofhome.com/RD.asp?ID=1072&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ CURRY COLESLAW Notes Joan H. of North Richland Hills, Texas, "I inherited this coleslaw recipe from my mother. It's a snap to prepare, and the bacon gives it crunch." 8 cups shredded cabbage 2/3 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled Place cabbage in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, curry and pepper. Pour over cabbage and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate. Sprinkle with bacon just before serving. Yield: 6-8 servings. CABBAGE PATCH STEW "On a chilly day, a hearty helping of this stew is a welcome treat when you come home in the evening," suggests Violet B. of Marshall, Illinois. 1-1/2 pounds ground beef 4 celery ribs, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 7 cups chopped cabbage 2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained 3 cups beef broth 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce 2 medium carrots, chopped 1/2 teaspoon sugar Pepper to taste In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the beef, celery and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. Add the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until cabbage and carrots are tender. Yield: 14 servings (3-1/2 quarts). Nutritional Analysis: One 1-cup serving (prepared with lean ground beef, no-salt-added tomato sauce and low-sodium broth) equals 170 calories, 194 mg sodium, 18 mg cholesterol, 16 gm carbohydrate, 15 gm protein, 5 gm fat. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 meat, 1 starch. GERMAN CHOCOLATE SAUERKRAUT CAKE "People who compliment me on this chocolaty treat are surprised to learn it's a sauerkraut cake," reports Patricia K. of Greentown, Pennsylvania. 3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened 1-1/2 cups sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup baking cocoa 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup water 1 cup sauerkraut, rinsed, drained, squeezed dry and finely chopped 2/3 cup flaked coconut 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans FILLING/FROSTING: 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips, melted 2/3 cup mayonnaise* 2/3 cup flaked coconut, divided 2/3 cup chopped pecans, divided In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; add to the creamed mixture alternately with water. Fold in sauerkraut, coconut and pecans. Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks; cool completely. In a bowl, combine melted chocolate and mayonnaise. Set aside 1-1/4 cups for frosting. To the remaining chocolate mixture, add half of the coconut and pecans; spread between cake layers. Spread reserved chocolate mixture over top and sides of cake. Combine remaining coconut and pecans; press onto sides of cake. Store in the refrigerator. Slice with a serrated knife. Yield: 12-14 servings. *Editor's Note: Light or fat-free mayonnaise may not be substituted for regular mayonnaise. To view a photo: http://www.tasteofhome.com/rd.asp?id=996&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ -------------------- A Guide to Goof-Proof Gravy WHAT could be better with your family's best-loved Thanksgiving feast than thick, velvety gravy? It's everyone's favorite to savor...but not everyone's favorite to prepare. With a basic recipe and a few tips from our test kitchen, preparation of lump-free gravy can be quick, easy and foolproof. For a basic Pan Gravy recipe, visit the TASTE OF HOME Recipe Finder: http://www.tasteofhome.com/RD.asp?ID=1073&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ Then keep these extra tips from our test kitchen in mind when preparing yours: - While the turkey is cooking, add a little water to the pan drippings if they appear to be evaporating and browning too fast. - Chicken or giblet broth in place of water can add more flavor to your gravy. - If your gravy is not as dark in color or as rich in flavor as you'd like, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon browning sauce (such as Kitchen Bouquet) or soy sauce to 2 cups gravy. - Cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. So if a recipe calls for flour, substitute half the amount of cornstarch. - To avoid lumpy gravy, always stir flour or cornstarch into cold water until smooth. - After the flour or cornstarch is combined with all ingredients, be sure to bring the mixture to a boil, then continue boiling for 2 minutes. This step ensures the starch is properly cooked and will eliminate any starchy taste in the gravy. - Should lumps form, blend with a wire whisk to break them apart. If the lumps persist, place the gravy in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. - Two cups of plain gravy serves 6-8 people. -------------------- Looking for Lighter Fare? EVEN those on restricted diets should be able to enjoy a good piece of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, contends Marijean A. of Riverside, California. "This creamy, wonderful dessert is a treat for the whole family. Folks are shocked to discover it's sugar-free and low in fat." For more light recipes, visit the TASTE OF HOME Recipe Finder and use the Nutritional Search option. http://www.tasteofhome.com/RD.asp?ID=1021&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ PUMPKIN CHIFFON PIE 2-3/4 cups cold skim milk 2 packages (1.5 ounces each) instant sugar-free vanilla pudding mix 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 reduced-fat graham cracker crust (9 inches) Light frozen whipped topping and additional cinnamon, optional In a mixing bowl, combine milk and pudding mix. Beat for 1 minute (mixture will be thick). Add pumpkin and spices; beat 1 minute longer. Pour into pie crust. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. If desired, garnish with whipped topping and sprinkle with cinnamon. Yield: 8 servings. Nutritional Analysis: One serving (without garnish) equals 217 calories, 684 mg sodium, 1 mg cholesterol, 42 gm carbohydrate, 4 gm protein, 3 gm fat. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat. -------------------- Snowman Dinnerware Makes Meals Fun PUT all your yuletide guests in a festive holiday mood with our brand-new Winterland Snowman dinnerware set. This 16-piece stoneware set includes four table settings, each with a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bowl and mug. As a bonus, your 16-piece dinnerware set comes with a FREE set of matching salt and pepper shakers (3-1/8 in. high). This cheerful Winterland theme will be welcome on your table all winter! The attractive, durable stoneware is safe for use in your oven, microwave and dishwasher. Order Winterland Snowman dinnerware set from Country Store On-line. http://www.countrystorecatalog.com/RD.asp?ID=1778&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ -------------------- Featured Item from Country Store Christmas Cookbook 3-Book Collection http://www.countrystorecatalog.com/RD.asp?ID=1779&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ -------------------- Warm Weather Winter Escape! Recive a FREE Night (up to a $150.00 Value!) on selected tours. Complete details at World Wide Country Tours: http://www.countrytours.com/rd.asp?id=1409&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ -------------------- This Newsletter is from the editors of some of your favorite magazines, including... TASTE OF HOME takes a commonsense approach to family-pleasing meals with 75 or more practical recipes in every issue. It's America's No. 1 cooking magazine! To subscribe or give a gift on-line: http://www.tasteofhome.com/RD.asp?ID=993&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ To visit our website: http://www.tasteofhome.com/RD.asp?ID=994&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ Quick Cooking features speedy recipes (over 100 in each issue!) that help you put nutritious and tasty meals on the table FAST! Plus you'll get proven cooking hints, kitchen shortcuts and more! To subscribe or give a gift on-line: http://www.quickcooking.com/RD.asp?ID=216&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ To visit our website: http://www.quickcooking.com/RD.asp?ID=215&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ Light & Tasty is a completely different kind of magazine that lets you enjoy all the foods you love--lighter! Every luscious recipe (75 or more!) is lower in fat, salt, calories or cholesterol. Plus, each scrumptious, slimmed-down dish has been approved by a Registered Dietitian. You'll be amazed that low-fat food can taste so good! To subscribe or give a gift on-line: http://www.lightandtasty.com/RD.asp?ID=229&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ To visit our website: http://www.lightandtasty.com/RD.asp?ID=230&pmcode=$$refurl-link$$ ------------------- This email was sent to: $$email$$ HAVE A FRIEND who enjoys good home cooking? Feel free to forward this newsletter! 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