Frito Salad

1 can kidney beans
1 green pepper, chopped
1 small bunch green onions chopped
4 tomatoes, chunked
1 bottle Catalina dressing

Put all together and marinate 12 to 24 hours for best results.  Less time is okay.  Add 1 bag Fritos just before serving. 

Taco Soup

1 lb. lean ground beef - we like chicken instead
3/4 cup onion, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 quart canned tomatoes
1 cup water
16 oz. can kidney beans with juice - we do black beans too
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 cup shredded carrots
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
salt, pepper, garlic salt to taste
shredded cheese
corn or tortilla chips
sour cream
diced avocado

Brown meat and onion, drain.  Add water, undrained tomatoes, beans, tomoato sauce, and seasoning.  Simmer, covered for 15 min.  Serve in bowls with grated cheese, chips, diced avocado and sour cream

Banana Bread

2 cups flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts - optional
1/2 cup shortening - I use butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups ripe bananas mashed
2 eggs

Cream shortening and sugar together.  Mix with rest of ingredients.  Loaf sizes - depends on what size you use.  Will make 2 regular size or 4 smaller - approx.  Spray pans.  Bake 350 for about 30 min.  I just keep checking with a toothpick.

Puffed Oven Pancake

3 Tbsp. butter
3 eggs
2/3 cup milk
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. vanilla
powdered sugar
1 cup strawberries, sliced

Preheat oven to 450.  Melt butter in a 9" pie pan in oven (watch it so the butter doesn't burn).  Whisk eggs and milk, sift in flour, whisking until well combined.  Add vanilla.  Pour into pie pan.  Bake 20 min. until puffed and golden brown.  Fill with strawberries and powdered sugar.  Serves 2-4 people

Hot Artichoke Dip

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup parmesan cheese
8 oz. cream cheese
2 cans (14 oz.) artichoke hearts

Soften the cream cheese and mix in the parmesan cheese and mayonnaise.  Chop up the artichoke hearts and mix in.  Bake at 350 until bubbly.  Serve with crackers or corn chips or bread.  I like to add 1 can green chilies to spice it up!

Dill Dip

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp. parsley
2 Tbsp. onion flakes
2 tsp. dill weed -not seeds
2 tsp. bon appetit
1 tsp. lemon juice

Blend together well.  Put in fridge overnight.

Clam Dip

1 pkg. cream cheese
Worcestershire sauce
1 can clams, reserve juice
Lemon juice
Garlic powder or minced fresh garlic

Mix cream cheese and clams.  Add clam juice to make a good dipping consistency.  Add a few drops of worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and garlic to taste.  We love to eat it with frittos.