Archives for August 2008

PEBBLES Confetti Pancakes

Prep Time:
10 min
Total Time:
25 min
Makes:
6 servings, two topped pancakes each
Ingredients
3 cups POST Fruity PEBBLES Cereal, lightly crushed
1 cup flour
2 tsp. CALUMET Baking Powder
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 container (6 oz.) vanilla low-fat yogurt
1-1/2 cups sliced strawberries
Instructions
MIX cereal, flour and baking powder in medium bowl; set aside. Beat eggs and milk with wire whisk until well blended. Add to cereal mixture; mix well.

PREHEAT large nonstick griddle or skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat. Ladle batter onto griddle, using 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on tops, then turn over to brown other sides.

SERVE topped with the yogurt and fruit.
The FLINTSTONES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of ©Hanna-Barbera. (sO5)

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Substitute
Prepare as directed, using POST Cocoa PEBBLES Cereal.

VELVEETA® Cheesy Tortilla Corn

Prep Time:
5 min
Total Time:
20 min
Makes:
6 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
1 Tbsp. margarine 2 pkg. (10 oz. each) frozen whole kernel corn, thawed, drained
6 oz. VELVEETA Made With 2% Milk Reduced Fat Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut up
2/3 cup crushed tortilla chips
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
COOK and stir onions and red peppers in margarine in large skillet on medium-high heat until tender. Reduce heat to low.

STIR in corn and VELVEETA Made With 2% Milk. Cook 5 to 7 min. or until VELVEETA is completely melted and mixture is heated through, stirring occasionally.

SPOON corn mixture into serving bowl; sprinkle with tortilla chips and cilantro.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Substitute
Prepare as directed, substituting PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese for the VELVEETA Made With 2% Milk Reduced Fat Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product.
How to Chop Fresh Cilantro
Just place cilantro leaves in a glass measuring cup or small bowl and cut them into tiny pieces with kitchen scissors, using short quick strokes.
Use Your Microwave
Microwave onions, red peppers and margarine in 1-1/2-qt. microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 to 3 min. or until vegetables are tender. Stir in corn and VELVEETA. Microwave 5 to 7 min. or until VELVEETA is completely melted and mixture is heated through; mix well. Spoon into serving bowl and continue as directed

Turkey and Tomato Tortilla Stacker

Prep Time:
15 min
Total Time:
15 min
Makes:
2 servings, 3 sandwich wedges each
Ingredients
4 TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Flour Tortillas
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Mayo Real Mayonnaise
6 slices OSCAR MAYER Thin Sliced Honey Smoked Turkey Breast
2 KRAFT Singles
2 lettuce leaves
6 plum tomato slices
3 slices OSCAR MAYER Fully Cooked Bacon, warmed SPREAD tortillas evenly with mayo.
Instructions
TOP 1 of the tortillas with 3 turkey slices; cover with Singles, second tortilla, lettuce and bacon.

TOP with a third tortilla, remaining 3 turkey slices and the tomato slices. Cover with remaining tortilla, mayo side down. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Cut into 6 wedges to serve.
TACO BELL® and HOME ORIGINALS® are trademarks owned and licensed by Taco Bell Corp.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Serving Suggestion
Serve with 1/2 cup baby carrots and a glass of fat-free milk.
Make Ahead
This tasty summer sandwich stack can be made ahead. Assemble on a sheet of heavy-duty foil; wrap tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Frosted Peanut Marshmallow Crispy Squares

Prep Time:
5 min
Total Time:
1 hr 9 min
Makes:
36 servings, 1 square each
Ingredients
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
1 pkg. (10 oz.) JET-PUFFED Marshmallows (40 marshmallows)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
5 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup PLANTERS Salted Peanuts
1 cup BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks
1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
MICROWAVE butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 45 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Microwave 1-1/2 minutes or until marshmallows are completely melted, stirring after 45 seconds.

STIR in peanut butter until blended. Add cereal and peanuts; mix well. Press mixture firmly into greased 13×9-inch pan.

MICROWAVE chocolate chunks and butterscotch chips in small microwaveable bowl 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring every 30 seconds. Pour over cereal mixture; spread to cover. Refrigerate 1 hour or until chocolate mixture is set. Cut into 36 squares.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Use Your Stove
Melt butter in 3-quart saucepan on low heat. Add marshmallows; stir until marshmallows are completely melted and mixture is well blended. Stir in peanut butter; remove from heat. Add cereal and peanuts; mix well. Press mixture firmly into greased 13×9-inch pan. Place chocolate chunks and butterscotch chips in saucepan; cook on very low heat until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently. Pour over cereal; spread to cover. Refrigerate untl chocolate mixture is set. Cut into 36 squares.

Cool Crunchy Ham & Cheese Pita

Prep Time:
10 min
Total Time:
10 min
Makes:
1 serving
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. MIRACLE WHIP Light Dressing
1 whole wheat pita bread
1/4 cup chopped broccoli
2 Tbsp. chopped red pepper
6 slices OSCAR MAYER Shaved Smoked Ham
1 KRAFT 2% Milk Singles
Instructions
SPREAD dressing onto bread.

TOP with vegetables, ham and 2% Milk Singles.

CUT into quarters to serve.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Spice Up Your Sandwich with GREY POUPON
Add GREY POUPON Dijon Mustard to your favorite sandwich for a sophisticated taste.
Great Substitute
Substitute chopped zucchini or cucumber for the broccoli.
Use Your Microwave
To serve warm, assemble as directed. Place on microwavable plate and microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds or until the 2% Milk Singles is melted.

Bacon Bagel Club

Prep Time:
5 min
Total Time:
5 min
Makes:
1 serving
Ingredients
1 bagel, split, toasted
1 tsp. GREY POUPON Savory Honey Mustard
3 slices OSCAR MAYER Fully Cooked Bacon
6 slices OSCAR MAYER Thin Sliced Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
1 lettuce leaf
1 slice tomato
Instructions
SPREAD cut sides of bagel with mustard.

PLACE bacon, turkey, lettuce and tomato on bottom half of bagel; cover with top of bagel.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Special Extra
Add avocado slices to sandwich.

CHIPS AHOY! Cheesecake Sandwiches

Prep Time:
10 min
Total Time:
3 hr 10 min
Makes:
10 servings, one sandwich each
Ingredients
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
20 CHIPS AHOY! Real Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 tub (7 oz.) BAKER’S Real Milk Dipping Chocolate, melted
Instructions
BEAT cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Stir in whipped topping.

COVER bottom (flat) side of each of 10 of the cookies with about 2 Tbsp. of the cream cheese mixture; top each with second cookie, bottom-side down, to form sandwich. Dip half of each sandwich in chocolate; gently shake off excess chocolate. Place in single layer in airtight container.

FREEZE 3 hours or until firm. Store leftover sandwiches in freezer.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Size-Wise
With their built-in portion control, these cheesecake sandwiches make great treats!
Fun Idea
Prepare as directed, rolling or lightly pressing edges of sandwiches in colored sprinkles, miniature chocolate chips, chopped PLANTERS Nuts, BAKER’S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut or small candies before freezing.Creative LeftoversStore leftover chocolate in refrigerator up to 2 weeks. To remelt, follow directions on label. Use as a dip for additional CHIPS AHOY! Chocolate Chip Cookies, other varieties of NABISCO Cookies, cut-up fresh fruit or cake cubes

Hot Dog Morning Burrito

Prep Time:
5 min
Total Time:
5 min
Makes:
1 serving
Ingredients
1 flour tortilla (10 inch)
1 egg, scrambled
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 OSCAR MAYER Beef Frank, sliced
Instructions
TOP tortilla with egg, cheese and frank; place on microwaveable plate.

MICROWAVE on HIGH 30 sec. or until cheese is melted.

FOLD in sides of tortilla, then roll up from bottom.
TACO BELL® and HOME ORIGINALS® are trademarks owned and licensed by Taco Bell Corp.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Serving Suggestion
Serve with your favorite fresh fruit.
Substitute
Prepare as directed, using an OSCAR MAYER Wiener.
Jazz It Up
Serve with TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick ‘N Chunky Salsa or ketchup.

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Prep Time:
10 min
Total Time:
1 hr 10 min
Makes:
10 servings, 1 cup each
Ingredients
1 pkg. (8 oz.) bow tie pasta, uncooked
1 pkg. (8 oz.) OSCAR MAYER Hard Salami
1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen Italian-style vegetable combination, thawed
1 pkg. (4 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 bottle (8 oz.) KRAFT Creamy Italian Dressing
Instructions
COOK pasta as directed on package; drain. Cut salami into 1/4-inch strips; separate strips.

TOSS all ingredients in large bowl; cover.

REFRIGERATE at least 1 hour or until ready to serve.

Kraft Kitchens Tips
Substitute
Prepare as directed, using KRAFT Light House Italian Reduced Fat Dressing.
Substitute
Substitute 1 pkg. (8 oz.) OSCAR MAYER Cotto Salami for the hard salami.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

Starting things off

This is the third “Top 10 List” I have written, and I’m still figuring out how to do this in a way that will help you, the readers, but still be enjoyable to read. Upon receiving the subject for the August issue, “Pierce my heart to make a statement at school,” I began thinking about what to write. I recently had some of my friends over, and many of us talked about all the problems and experiences that have happened during high school. After everyone left, I decided to use our own experiences during high school to write a brand new Top 10 list, one that tells the truth about high school, from my perspective. I feel that I have a lot to say to future and current high school students so they will not make the same mistakes that I have made or that I have seen others make.

Top 10 Things that Define High School: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

10.) Dating: Many of us want to have the perfect high school relationship. We need to be careful, though, because a guy might seem like the best guy ever at first, but it could be an act––just be aware of that. Dating in high school is not the best thing; some girls will even say they wish they hadn’t dated in high school at all. I am not saying not to date; just date wisely.  Please remember this one thing that I have learned from experience: don’t think you can change a boy, because in the end, you are the one that is changed, which is not what God wants, if our change doesn’t glorify Him (Romans 12:2): “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

9.) Friendship: Don’t worry about having the most friends in high school, because that is not what is important about friendship. In high school, I have found that true friends are the ones who are there for me no matter what, and who don’t try to pull me away from God, but challenge me to grow in Him. Our friendship and well-being really matter to a true friend. Proverbs 3:3-4: “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.”

8.) Gossip: This is possibly one of the worst things about high school. Many people say they hate it, but most people seem to get caught up in it. We should do whatever we can to avoid it because gossip is always hurtful, and can ruin someone’s entire high school reputation. We need to choose our words wisely and refuse to become involved in speech that may hurt someone else. Proverbs 20:19: “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.”

7.) Parties: Many high school parties consist of three things: sex, drugs, and alcohol. At these parties, some people do things they will regret. Some people will tell us that we need to go to these parties in order to be part of the whole high school experience. I say, “Why? So that I can have a night that I can’t remember, while acting like a person who I would be ashamed of later?” I think I’ll pass. We can have a great high school experience without going to these parties. By going to alcohol-intended or unchaperoned parties, we are just introducing the temptation. First Thessalonians 5:22 tells us to “avoid every kind of evil.”

6.) Schoolwork: I have done a lot of assignments that I have disliked, but I have also done some that I really enjoyed. All of the assignments are important to do because they all count for something, and the grades we make now will have an impact on our future. I know it is really easy to slack off and just get by, but most of us probably do not want to spend our senior year of high school stressed out and working extremely hard just so we can graduate. We should work very hard each year. The earlier we develop good study habits the better, because we will become accustomed to our study habits, and it is easier to keep good habits than to change the bad ones. We are in school to learn; everything else is just extra. Proverbs 14:23: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

5.) Teachers: There are going to be ones we don’t like very much, and there are going to be ones that we love. Take the advice they offer, because teachers are often much wiser than we give them credit for; they have been a student before, and they do have a lot of experience. (We do, however, need to be careful not to take advice from non-Christian teachers if their advice does not go along with God’s word.) One day we may need to go to a teacher for college and/or job recommendations; it will be important that we have earned their praise and proven ourselves deserving of a positive recommendation. Proverbs 1:3-5: “For acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young––let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”

4.) Influences: In high school, there are good and bad influences. If the influences cause us to rebel against our parents, our morals and values, and ultimately, God, then we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be under that influence—we should run from it!. I know high school can seem like a time to rebel against authority, and we might even get away with going to that party or hanging out with people we weren’t supposed to be around, but we never know when it is going to catch up with us, and even if we never get in trouble, we are disobeying God. Second Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

3.) Maturity: During high school there are many opportunities to become the bigger person in a situation. Make sure to take advantage of those times, because people will see that, and that will display to them our maturity. The characteristics of a Christian are those of a mature person. The more mature we are, the more responsibilities and freedoms others will give us, allowing us to demonstrate even more maturity. During our high school years we have a chance to find ourselves and figure out what kind of person we really want to be. Hopefully, more than anything, we find ourselves to be a child of God, who longs to serve Him. The best part is we get to mature into that person. First Corinthians 14:20: “Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.”

2.) Memories: High school is filled with them and if we want to leave a good legacy behind, we need to act like godly people. Proverbs 10:7: “The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.” High school should be a time of little worries and a lot of opportunities to have fun. We need to be careful not to wish our high school years away. There will be times when all we want is to be done with school, but before we know it, school will be over, and at times we may wish for more time in high school and more chances to do everything over.

1.) Newness: Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Freshman year is generally the year that everything is new and fun. This is a perfect year to establish friendships with people who have similar values as us and who will encourage us to be godly people.
Sophomore year is a perfect year to befriend the incoming Freshmen and make them feel welcome and comfortable in their surroundings.
Junior year is a great year to really begin thinking about colleges and future goals, and to work toward those goals, because other areas of high school are generally already established, allowing more room to focus on the future instead of just the present.
Senior year is full of excitement, anticipation, and memories. We should be a godly example to others, share the word of God to everyone around (which we should always be doing), and end our high school career knowing that we did everything we could do to help increase God’s kingdom, because sharing the Word of God is the most important statement any of us will ever make.

By Kim Cook