Marvelous Recipes

Bring a little pleasure to your family and guests with these crunchy chicken balls. They are sure to request them often!

1 cup cooked chicken, finely chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 or 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a small bowl. Shape into 3/4-inch balls. Roll in the pecans. Cover and chill. Makes 2 dozen.

Emily

A great snack for parties, get-togethers or just watching TV with family. They are quite addictive so be sure to make plenty!

1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups pecan halves
Nonstick cooking spray

1. In a large skillet, stir together the sugar, water, garlic salt, paprika, black pepper and cayenne. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil gently, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Add the pecan halves; stir until well coated.

2. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with aluminum foil; spray the foil with cooking spray. Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on foil.

3. Bake at 325 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Cool in the pan; break apart large clusters.

Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Makes 3 cups.

Emily

This “taste sensation” salad will have your family coming back for seconds!

1- (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup mini-marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup shredded coconut
1 (3.4 oz.) box green pistachio pudding mix, dry
1-(8 oz.) container Cool Whip

1. In a large bowl, combine undrained pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini-marshmallows, pecans and coconut until well blended.

2. Sprinkle dry pistachio pudding mix over the fruit mixture and stir to blend well. Fold in the Cool Whip.

3. Pour into a 2 quart serving dish. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serves 6.

This awesome tasting apple cake will earn you many compliments on your cooking skills. “Simply marvelous” is the only way to describe this delicious creation!

For Cake:

1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
1/2 cup applesauce*
2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon ( or 1 teaspoon apple pie spice)
3 cups peeled, chopped fresh apples

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat oil, applesauce and sugar until creamy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Add vanilla and mix well.

2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon ( or apple pie spice) until well blended. Add dry ingredients to oil mixture a little at a time until well mixed. Stir in apples. Pour into a greased 13x9x2 inch baking pan.

3. Bake at 300 degrees F for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in middle of cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely. Serves 8-10.

For Topping:

1 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup coconut

In a large heavy saucepan, combine brown sugar and milk. Cook over medium-low heat until sugar is dissolved. Stir in butter or margarine and vanilla. Continue cooking until thickened. Add pecans and coconut; mix well. Spread over cooled cake.

* You may omit the applesauce and increase the oil to 1 cup. I prefer using half oil and half applesauce. The cake will still be moist but have a lighter texture.