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I can’t believe, well I guess I can, that two weeks from tomorrow will be the first day of Autumn, astronomically speaking.  It seems that everyone I talk to says, “Where has the summer gone?”  Let’s hope that September brings us sunny days and warmer weather and not an early frost.

In last week’s column I did a lot of talking before sharing recipes.  Well, today it’s just recipes, recipes and more recipes!  “A little of this and a little of that”.

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HONEY LIME BERRY SALAD
2 c. fresh strawberries, halved
1-1/2 c. fresh blueberries
2 small or 1 large Granny Smith apples, cubes
5 T. plus 1 t. lime juice
3 T. honey
1 T. minced fresh mint

In a large bowl, combine berries and apples. In a small bowl whisk together lime juice, honey and mint. Pour over fruit and combine gently. Serve in sauce dishes.  Makes 5 servings.  Note: If you don’t have mint leaves but have mint flavoring, whisk 3 drops into lime juice and honey mixture.

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PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN
1/2 c. each, mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 c. Italian-seasoned dry bread crumbs

In a small bowl, combine mayo and cheese. Spread mixture on chicken; then pat breasts with bread crumbs. Place in a greased or spayed 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Bake at 425 degrees for 20  minutes.  Makes 4 servings. Note:  This is where non-stick foil works really well as the chicken won’t stick to the dish.

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HEARTY SALISBURY STEAKS
1 medium onion, finely diced
1/2 c. crushed saltine crackers (about 15 crackers)
1 egg, slightly beaten , or 1/4 c.egg substitute
1/2 t. pepper
1 lb. 85% or 90% ground beef
1 T. olive or canola oil
2 c. water
1 envelope onion soup mix or reduced-sodium mix
2 T. flour

  In a large bowl, combine first 4 ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 5 oval-shaped patties. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add patties; cook 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove patties and keep warm; discard drippings. Combine remaining ingredients, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; return patties to skillet. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 5 minutes.  Makes 5 servings. Note: Add veggies, and a scoop of mashed potatoes along side patties, along with a lettuce salad for a down-home dinner.   

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BEEF AND PEPPERS
2 T. olive or canola oil
3/4 lb. top round or inexpensive steak, uncooked and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. coarsely diced onion
1/2 each, medium green and sweet red pepper, cut in 1-inch pieces
1 – 14-1/2 oz. can beef broth
1/4 c. soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce
2 T cornstarch
3/4 c. cold water
Hot cooked rice

Heat oil in wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry steak until no longer pink. Remove with a slotted spoon; set aside. Stir-fry garlic, onions and peppers for 2 minutes. Return steak to wok. Add broth and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer. Combine cornstarch and water, stirring until smooth.  Add slowly to wok to thicken sauce, stirring constantly. Cook  2-3 minutes, stirring often. Serve over rice.  Makes 4 servings. Variation: One and one-half leftover beef roast works great in this recipe. When slicing raw steak, first freeze about 20 minutes to make meat easier to cut into thin strips.

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BROWN SUGAR
COOKIES
2-1/2 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. cream of tartar
1-1/2 c. shortening
1-1/2 c. packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. chocolate chips

In a medium bowl, combine first 3 ingredients; set aside. In a medium mixing bowl, cream together shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy using electric mixer on medium speed.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Blend in vanilla.
Gradually stir dry ingredients into creamed mixture, mixing well. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls, about 2-inches apart, on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Don’t over-bake. Cool on wire racks.  Makes about 5 dozen.

Thought for the Day: Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

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