My Favorite Things to Feed Hungry Hunters

"Brown paper packages, tied up with string.....these are a few of my favorite things." That is a lyric from the movie "The Sound of Music." I haven't lost my noodle, I'm just thinking of what needs to be done from now until forever and I happen to be singing to help me get through my day. Okay?

Hunting season is starting up which means it's time to make batches of trail mix and granola mix to send out with the guys. I'm not a hunter myself, but I will help feed them if it means I might get some game meat in return.
I was browsing through some recipes this morning and found one for homemade chewy granola bars that I will be making. This appeals to me because if I can make granola bars at home, it means I won't need to purchase them at the store. I can make them as big or as little as I want and I will know what went into them--Yay! Remember the saying that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach? This really is true. The guys who come to hunt will really remember if they are treated with dignity, respect and good food.

Chewy Granola Bars: Ingredients--1 pkg. large marshmallows; 2/3 cup chunky peanut butter; 1/2 cup butter, cubed; 1/4 cup corn syrup; 2 tsp. vanilla extract; 4 cups quick cooking oats; 1 cup crisp rice cereal; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; 1/2 cup flaked coconut; 1/2 cup sunflower kernels; 1/2 cup chopped peanuts; 1/2 cup raisins; 2 tbsp. wheat germ; 2 tbsp. sesame seeds. Directions: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the marshmallows, corn syrup, butter, peanut butter and vanilla. Microwave, uncovered, at 70% power for 2 - 3 minutes, stirring often until blended. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Spread into a greased 13x9 inch baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Caramel Corn: Ingredients--6 quarts popped popcorn; 2 cups packed brown sugar; 1 cup butter; 1/2 cup corn syrup; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp vanilla; 1/2 tsp baking soda. Directions: Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Stir in vanilla and baking soda; mix well. Pour over popcorn and stir until well-coated. Pour into two greased 13x9 inch pans. Bake, uncovered at 250 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely. Store in airtight containers or plastic bags.

Whenever I read labels on pre-made items I am always reminded of the movie "The Incredible Shrinking Woman." Lily Tomlin played a woman who became allergic to everything modern society has in the way of cleaning products, dyes and other nasty stuff that goes in the stuff we buy. I guess that's why I like knowing what is in the stuff I'm eating. I must be in movie mode today. First I'm singing from "The Sound of Music," then I'm relating to "The Incredible Shrinking Woman."

Tamale Pie: Ingredients--2 pounds hamburger; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 large green pepper, chopped; 1 can (15 oz.) whole kernel corn, undrained; 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes; 5 tbsp. tomato paste; 1 envelope chili seasoning; 1 1/2 tsp. sugar; 1 tsp. garlic powder; 1 tsp. dried basil; 1 tsp. dried oregano; 6 cups cooked grits (prepared with butter and salt); 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder, divided; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Directions: In a large skiller, cook the beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the corn, tomatoes, tomato paste, chili seasoning, sugar, garlic powder, basil and oregano; mix well. Cook and stir until heated through; keep warm. Spread half the grits in a greased 3 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. chili powder. Top with beef mixture and cheese. Pipe remaining grits around the edge of the dish; sprinkle with remaining chili powder. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Today, we had an early (three days early) 91^st birthday party for my mom-in-law. She got a new T-shirt from one of her grandsons which says "I'm the Boss" on it. She was a really good sport and wore it for us. It's too big but she says she will wear it for a nightgown. My brother-in-law (married to my husband's sister) was telling us that when they were first married he had brought a chocolate cream pie home for dessert and presented it to his wife and then he left the room. When he came back into the kitchen he asked where was the pie and he was told it was baking in the oven. He couldn't believe what he was hearing, however, he opened the oven and there was the chocolate cream pie, a liquid mess. Well, it must have been okay because 30 years later they are still married. I had never heard that story and I'm glad to share it with you. It's also nice to report that my sister-in-law's cooking skills have gotten much better. The birthday meal was delicious. The recipe listed below for Frosted Fruit Gelatin was one of the dishes served.

Frosted Fruit Gelatin: Ingredients--2 pkgs. (3 oz. each) raspberry gelatin; 2 cups boiling water; 1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple; 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries; 3 to 4 medium firm bananas, sliced; 1 pkg. (8oz.) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Directions: In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Drain pineapple, reserving juice in a measuring cup. Add enough water to the juice to measure 1 cup; stir into gelatin mixture. Stir in pineapple and blueberries. Place bananas in a 13x9 inch dish. Pour gelatin mixture over bananas. Cover and refrigerate until firm. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sout cream and sugar until smooth. Spread over gelatin. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Sprinkle with walnuts.

Pumpkin Drop Cookies: Ingredients--1/2 cup butter; 3 cups sugar; 2 cups pumpkin; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 6 cups flour; 2 tsp baking soda; 2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp allspice; 1/2 tsp cloves. Frosting: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp. milk; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla. Directions: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the pumpkin, eggs and milk. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, allspice and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture. Do not overmix. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 for 10 - 13 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. In a small mixing bowl combine the frosting ingredients; beat until smooth. Frost cookies. Store in the refrigerator.

Pizza Stromboli: Ingredients--1 pkg. yeast; 3/4 cup warm water; 4 1/2 tsp honey; 1 tbsp nonfat dry milk powder; 2 cups bread flour; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 2 tsp italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 4 1/2 tsp pizza sauce; 3/4 cup chopped pepperoni; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 2 tbsp finely chopped onion; 1 tbsp each chopped ripe olives, chopped stuffed olives and chopped canned mushrooms. Directions: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in honey and milk powder until well blended. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup bread flour, whole wheat flour and seasonings. Add to yeast mixture; beat until smooth. Stir in pizza sauce. Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 6 to 8 minutes or knead with dough hook on your mixer. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll into a 14 inch x 12 inch rectangle. Sprinkle pepperoni, 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese, onion, olives and mushrooms to within 1/2 inch of edges. Starting with long edges, roll up jelly roll style; pinch seam to seal and tuck ends under. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes or until done. Remove from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers.

Molasses Cookies: Ingredients--3/4 cup shortening; 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided; 1 egg; 1/4 cup molasses; 2 tbsp milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg. Directions: In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and 1 cup sugar. Beat in the egg, molasses, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. roll into 1 1/4 inch balls; roll in remaining sugar. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 14 minutes or until tops crack and edges are slightly firm. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Grated Potato Salad: Ingredients--6 cups grated, peeled and cooked potatoes; 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped; 1 celery rib, chopped; 1 cup mayonnaise; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tbsp cider vinegar; 2 tsp salt; 2 tsp prepared mustard. Directions: In a large bowl, combine potatoes, eggs and celery. In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise,sugar, milk, vinegar, salt and mustard. Pour over the potato mixture; stir until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Provolone Burgers: Ingredients--2 eggs, beaten; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 3 pounds ground beef; 8 slices provolone cheese; 8 hamburger buns, split; lettuce leaves. Directions: In a bowl combine the first seven ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture; mix well. Shape into eight patties. Grill, uncovered, over medium-hot heat for 6 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Do not press patties with spatula. Top each patty with a cheese slice; grill 1 minute longer or until cheese is melted. Grill rolls cut side down for 1 - 2 minutes or until toasted. Top with burgers.

Greek Macaroni Salad: Ingredients--1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni; 4 medium plum tomatoes, chopped; 1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 can (6 oz) pitted ripe olives, drained; 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup lemon juice. Directions: Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, tomatoes, beans, onion, olives, feta cheese, salt, pepper and garlic. In a small bowl, whisk oil and lemon juice. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Stir before serving.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Ingredients--1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed; 6 medium carrots, cut into 1 inch slices; 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped; 3 celery ribs, coarsely chopped; 3 tbsp flour; 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut in 1 inch cubes; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tsp ground mustard; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp browning sauce. Directions: Layer the potatoes, carrots, onion and celery in a 5 quart slow cooker. Place flour in a large resealable plastic bag. Add stew meat; seal and toss to coat evenly. In a large skillet heat oil and brown meat in batches. Place over vegetables in slow cooker. Add rest of ingredients to slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 1 1/2 hours. Reduce heat to low; cook 7 - 8 hours longer or until meat and vegetables are tender.

Banana Wheat Muffins: Ingredients--1 1/3 cups flour; 2/3 cup whole wheat flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup mayonnaise; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas. Directions: In a bowl, combine the flours, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar and bananas; stir into dry ingredients, just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes or until done. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Peanut Butter Oat Bars: Ingredients--2/3 cup butter, melted; 1/4 cup peanut butter; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup light corn syrup; 1/4 tsp. vanilla; 4 cups quick cooking oats. Topping: 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 1/2 cup butterscotch chips; 1/3 cup peanut butter. Directions: In a mixing bowl, coombine the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla; gradually add the oats. Press into a greased 13x9 inch baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 - 14 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, for topping, melt chips and peanut butter in a microwave or saucepan. Stir until blended; spread over warm bars. Cool completely; refrigerate for 2 or 3 hours before cutting.

Oftentimes hunting means getting up very early in order to be where you want to be by sunrise. The lady of the house (who would rather sleep in) can do a few things the night before to help the guys along and not disturb her. One of the easiest is to set up the coffeemaker the night before so the guys can just flip it on and wait for the coffee to arrive. Also, muffins and/or quick breads can be set out and a guide to the condiments available in the refrigerator could help them. If you like making pancakes or waffles, these can also be made ahead of time and just popped into the toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast. Lunches or coolers can be packed the night before so they're just ready to be put into the vehicle. Remember to have thermos type bottles available for hot coffee, hot chocolate or hot soups. Sandwiches can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. They can then be loaded into the cooler in the morning when it's time to go.