Mix 4 Tbsp. margarine, 1 cup brown sugar, ¾ cup Bisquick, and pecans until crumbly. Sprinkle over potato mixture. Bake for 45–50 minutes.

For the top layer, beat 2 egg whites until frothy. Add 1 cup brown sugar and lemon juice. Pour on top of dish and sprinkle with crushed pecans and cinnamon. Put in oven long enough to toast nuts.

Variation: In lieu of the top layer, you may choose to beat 1 egg white and add 1 Tbsp. sugar and ½ tsp. cinnamon. Brush on top of warm casserole and return to oven for 10–15 minutes.

Submitted by Charlaine Harris

GRAN’S EASY BAKED APPLES

TIME: 60 MINUTES • SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS:

6 large baking apples
¾ cup raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
2 Tbsp. butter
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. nutmeg

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Core the apples, paring a strip of peel from the top of each one. Place apples in a 10 × 6” baking dish that is at least 1½” deep. Fill the apples with raisins, cranberries, or dates. Combine the brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Pour the hot syrup around the apples, and be sure to add at least 1 tsp. into each apple cavity. Bake uncovered for about 60 minutes, basting occasionally.

Submitted by Charlaine Harris

HOTSHOT HUSH PUPPIES

TIME: PREP TIME 15 MINUTES, FRYING TIME 3–4 MINUTES PER BATCH • SERVES 6–8

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups white cornmeal (yellow is acceptable)
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. sugar
½ cup onion, grated
¼ cup green onion, thinly sliced, or a jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
1 egg yolk
1½–2 cups buttermilk
3 egg whites
Peanut oil for frying

Preheat about 3” oil to 355 degrees F.

Whisk dry ingredients together in a bowl. Add the grated onion, green onion or jalapeño, egg yolk, and 1½ cups of buttermilk. Beat well with fork or whisk until well blended and about the consistency of loose mashed potatoes. Add more buttermilk if it’s too stiff. Whip egg whites into soft peaks (not stiff peaks) and fold them into the batter. Drop by tablespoonfuls into preheated oil. They will roll over when done, but you may need to turn them to make sure they brown evenly. Remove with a wire spider and drain on a rack or paper towels. Serve immediately.

Submitted by Treva Jackson

JANNALYNN’S GOLDEN BISCUITS

TIME: 20 MINUTES • SERVES 8 (16–20 BISCUITS)

INGREDIENTS:

1 medium baked sweet potato
Pinch of apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice, if desired
2 cups biscuit mix
½ stick butter, room temperature, or a dollop of shortening
½ cup yogurt, buttermilk, or milk (or milk with an egg yolk beaten into it)

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.