puppy chow

Melt: 1 cup peanut butter, 1 stick butter and 12 oz. chocolate chips.

Pour over 1 large box Crispex cereal. Mix well.

Put 1 pound of 10X sugar into a large paper grocery bag. Add cereal. Shake well to coat.

Add 1 pound of M&M's, 1 jar dry roasted peanuts and 1 box of raisins. Mix well.

Serves many! From my sister, Nancy Bradeen.

playdough

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oil
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
Food coloring

Combine all ingredients. Heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly. Cool slightly. Knead. Color may be added when kneading or as part of the liquid. Store in airtight containers and it will keep several months. Just like playdough, except for the smell!

grilling sauce

1 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons ketchup

Before starting grill, spray rack with non stick cooking spray. For sauce, combine all ingredients. Brush sauce on meat, poultry, fish, fruit or vegetables. Grill, turning occasionally, until desired doneness. Makes about 1/2 cup.

clay

Mix equal amounts of white glue, flour and corn starch. Stir. Knead. Mold, then dry. Objects may be varnished. Ideas include a bread basket. Make long strips, braid and use an inverted Pyrex casserole dish as a mold. to shape into a rectangle.

bubbles

2 cups Joy dishwashing liquid
6 cups water
3/4 cup white Karo corn syrup

Combine, shake, let settle 4 hours. Store covered in refrigerator to extend suds shelf life. Allow to warm before using. Must use Joy.

Bubble tips: Don't stir wand in suds to avoid foaming. If foam develops, scrape off with stiff card. Keep suds clean, avoid dirt, grass, bugs, etc. 9 x 13 cake pan or pizza pan works well. Bubbles work best on humid days. Sun weakens suds.

almond dip for fresh fruit

1 8 ounce package fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup fat free sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons skim milk
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Mix cream cheese with mixer until smooth. Add sour cream, mixing until blended. Mix in sugar, milk and extract. Refrigerate. Serve with assorted fresh fruit. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired. Makes 1-2/3 cups.