Cinnamon Rolls

2 packages dry yeast
2 1/2 C. warm water
4 1/2 C. flour
1 yellow cake mix

Let rise 1 hour in warm spot. Punch down, then roll out on floured surface in rectangle. Spread with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Let rise 30 minutes. Cut and bake at 350* for 30 minutes.

Old Fashioned Green Beans

For those of you who grew up with fresh green beans canned from the garden, there is nothing better. I have managed to come up with a knock off that is so good it has fooled my father-in-law for many years now. He thinks I can these from scratch. Shhhh!

1 can of Bush's Shelley Beans w/ juice
1 t. minced dried onion flakes
1 t. chicken base (my fave is L.B. Jamison's) (don't use bouillon cubes)

Mix all together & bring to boil. Turn heat down to low & simmer until most of juice has been cooked down. Tastes pretty darn close to home canned grean beans. I make it for all holidays & use 4 cans & increase onion flakes & chicken base accordingly.

Note: if you can't find the Bush Shelley Beans, you can use regular cut green beans & canned pinto beans. I use about 1/4 c. canned pinto beans to 1 can of regular cut green beans. Get the shelley beans if you can!

Crispy Sweet Pickles

For anyone who has trouble making pickles, but loves a sweet crunchy pickle, this is your answer. Let someone else do the hard work for you by starting with store bought pickles, such as Vlasick. I add red or green food coloring to the pickles. It just makes them pretty & really nice for the holidays.

2 qt. jar of whole dill pickles, such as Vlasic
4 C. sugar
1 t. celery seed
1 t. mustard seed
1/2 C. white vinegar
red or green food coloring optional
water to cover

Drain juice off of pickles. Slice pickles into thick bite size chunks. Put pickles back in jar & pour above mixture over them. Add just enough water to cover. Refrigerate & shake jar every day to mix up pickles & liquid. Pickles will be ready in a week.

Hamburger Stew

This is a good hearty stew. The molasses gives it a really good flavor. These are approximate measurements. I just add whatever I have on hand. If you don't like peas, you can substitute a can of green beans.

1 lb. hamburger browned
2 carrots sliced
1 medium onion
2 stalks celery
1 large potato, diced
2 T. molasses
2 cans tomato soup - 2 cans of water or beef broth.

1 c. frozen corn - add last 15 minutes of cooking
1 C. frozen peas - add last 15 minutes of cooking

Mix all together & simmer on stove until vegetables are tender, or cook in crockpot.

Fried Chicken Seasoning

1 C. flour
2 t. garlic salt
1 t. pepper
1 t. paprika
1/4 t. poultry seasoning

Mix all together & roll chicken in it before frying.

Taco Seasoning

6 t. chili powder
4 1/2 t. cumin
t t. paprika
4 t. onion powder
1/4 t. cayenne (optional)

Mix all together - this is stronger than the packaged mixes. Start out w/ 2 T. for 1 serving & adjust to taste.

Steak Seasoning

I love this & use it especially when I grill chicken, fish, or burgers.

5 t. salt
4 t. pepper
2 t. garlic powder
2 t. onion powder
1 t. paprika
1/4 t. thyme
1 1/2 t. coriander