This and That

Do you like using real vanilla but hate how expensive it is? Purchase a bottle of cheap vodka, pour it into a jar and add 2 whole vanilla beans. Close the lid tightly and set it in the back of your cabinet where it will stay cool and dark. Forget it for 3 to 4 months then get it out and you have real vanilla for baking and cooking that taste like the expensive vanilla extract you purchase for gourmet shoppes.

When making yeast rolls or bread add a drop of vanilla. Makes it taste like sweet rolls and bread.

Want to make that pork roast taste special? After you brown the roast and put it in the pan for the oven add apple juice instead of water. The flavor of the meat and gravy is out of this world!

Get tired of making the same ol mash potatoes for dinner? Instead of adding butter and milk use flavored cream cheese. chive and onion cream cheese makes yummy mashed potatoes.

Sweet Potato Biscuits
2 cups self rising flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1tsp. ground ginger
7 TBS cold butter (divided)
3 TBS shortening
1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
6 TBS milk
In a bowl combine the flour, brown sugar,cinnamon and ginger. Cut in 4 TBS butter and shortening until combined. Turn onto a floured surface, knead 8-10 times. roll to 1/2 inch thickness; cut with a 2 1/2 biscuit cutter. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Melt remaining butter, brush over dough. Bake at 425 for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. Serve warm.

Triple Cheese Macaroni

1 pkg. (16oz) elbow macaroni
2 eggs
1 can (12oz) evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter melted
2 TBS mustard
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
8 oz Velveeta melted
8 oz shredded mild cheddar cheese
8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Cook macaroni according to directions on package. Meanwhile in a large bowl whisk eggs, milk, butter,mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in half of each of the cheeses. Drain macaroni , stir into cheese mixture. Pour into a greased3 qt baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses. Bake uncovered at 350 for 25-30 minutes.