Christmas Recipes

Perfect Roast Turkey

1 fresh turkey (12 pounds)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large bunch of fresh thyme
1 lemon, halved
3 Spanish onions
1 head garlic, halved crosswise
4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick), melted
1/2 cup good olive oil
8 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
10 red new potatoes, halved
3 heads fennel, fronds removed, cut into wedges through the core

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Take the giblets out of the turkey and wash the turkey inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pinfeathers and pat the outside dry. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the turkey cavity. Stuff the cavity with the thyme, lemon, one of the onions (quartered), and the garlic.

Brush the outside of the turkey with the butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the turkey. Peel and slice the remaining onions, toss them with 1/4 cup olive oil, and scatter them around the turkey.

Roast the turkey for 1 hour. Toss the carrots, potatoes, and fennel with 1/4 cup olive oil and add to the roasting pan. Continue to roast for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and the thigh. Remove the turkey to a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil; let rest for 20 minutes.

Stir the vegetables and return the pan to the oven. Continue to cook the vegetables while the turkey rests. Slice the turkey and serve on a platter with the roasted vegetables. Makes 8 servings

Chocolate Cherry Lincoln Log

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Confectioners' sugar
1 quart cherry ice cream, softened

Frosting:
1 square (1 ounce) unsweetened chocolate
1 tablespoon butter
1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk

Line a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan with waxed paper; grease the paper and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs for 3 minutes. Gradually add sugar; beat for 2 minutes or until mixture becomes thick and lemon-colored. Stir in water and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; fold into egg mixture (batter will be thin).

Spread evenly into prepared pan. Bake at 375° for 10-13 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 5 minutes. Invert onto a kitchen towel dusted with confectioners' sugar. Gently peel off waxed paper. Roll up cake in the towel jelly-roll style, starting with a short side. Cool completely on a wire rack.

For frosting, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and butter. Add confectioners' sugar and milk; beat until smooth. Unroll cake; spread ice cream evenly over cake to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up again. Place seam side down on a serving platter. Spread with frosting. Cover and freeze overnight. Makes 14 servings.

Coconut Fruitcake

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon lemon extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup orange juice
1 pound chopped mixed candied fruit
1-1/2 cups flaked coconut
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup chopped nuts
Additional candied fruit or nuts, optional

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with the orange juice. Stir in the candied fruit, coconut, raisins and nuts.

Press into a greased 10-in. tube pan lined with waxed paper. Bake at 300° for 80-90 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Garnish with candied fruit or nuts if desired. Makes 16 servings.

Chocolate Angel Cake

1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup cake flour
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1-1/2 cups egg whites (about 10)
1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar

Frosting:
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate leaves, optional

Sift together confectioners' sugar, flour and cocoa three times; set aside. In a mixing bowl; beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form. Add sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold in cocoa mixture, about a fourth at a time.

Spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Carefully run a metal spatula or knife through batter to remove air pockets. Bake on the lowest oven rack at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until the top springs back when lightly touched and cracks feel dry.

Immediately invert pan; cool completely. Run a knife around edges and center tube to loosen; remove cake. In a mixing bowl, combine the first five frosting ingredients; cover and chill for 1 hour. Beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over the top and sides of cake. Store in the refrigerator. Garnish with chocolate leaves if desired. Makes 12-16 servings.

Coconut-Filled Nut Torte

2/3 cup shortening
1-2/3 cups sugar
5 egg whites
1 teaspoon almond extract
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts

Filling:
1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
3/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons butter, cubed
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups flaked coconut
1/2 cup each chopped hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts

Frosting:
3/4 cup butter, softened
2 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk
Pecan halves, optional

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg whites and extract; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Fold in nuts.

Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks.

In a large saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, butter and egg yolks. Cook and stir over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until mixture is thickened and reaches 160°. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Stir in coconut and nuts. Cool to room temperature.

In a small mixing bowl, beat butter, cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add confectioners' sugar. Beat in milk until light and fluffy. Spread filling between cake layers. Frost top and sides of cake. Garnish with pecans if desired. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 12-14 servings.

Black Forest Cake

2 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, separated
1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
1-3/4 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup milk

Cream Filling:
6 tablespoons butter (no substitutes), softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 to 5 tablespoons half-and-half cream

Cherry Filling:
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) pitted tart cherries
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
6 drops red food coloring

Chocolate Filling:
1 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:
2 cups whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate curls, maraschino cherries and fresh mint

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, egg yolks, 1 cup sugar and melted chocolate; beat well. Combine flour, salt and baking soda; add to chocolate mixture alternately with milk. In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff. Fold into batter.

Pour into two greased and waxed paper-lined 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream filling ingredients; cover and refrigerate. For cherry filling, drain cherries, reserving juice. In a saucepan, combine cornstarch, sugar and cherry juice until smooth. Add cherries. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in extract and food coloring. Cool completely. In a mixing bowl, beat cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Cover and refrigerate.

To assemble, split each cake into two horizontal layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with 1/2 cup cream filling. Place 1 cup cream filling in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut a 1/2-in. triangle in one corner of bag. Make a rim of filling 3/4 in. high around outer edge of cake.

Make a second rim 2 in. from edge. Spoon cherry filling between rings. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Spread chocolate filling over second cake layer; place over cherry filling. Spread remaining cream filling over third layer; place over chocolate filling. Top with fourth layer. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Garnish with chocolate curls, cherries and mint. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 16 servings.

Caramel Pecan Pie

1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
36 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecan halves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a saucepan over low heat, combine caramels, butter and milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt. Gradually mix in the melted caramel mixture. Stir in pecans. Pour filling into unbaked pie crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown. Allow to cool until filling is firm. Makes 8 servings

Cherry Cheese Pie

1 9" graham crackr crumb crust or baked pastry shell
1 8oz package of cream cheese
1 14oz Can of Eagle brand sweetened Condensed Milk not evaporated milk
1/2 cup Lemon Juice
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 21 oz Can Cherry Pie Filling

In a large mixer bowl beat cheese until fluffy. Gradually pour in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Stir in Real Lemon, cherries, and Vanilla. Pour into prepared crust. Chill 3 hours or until set. Top with desired amount of filling before serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Makes 6 servings

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

1 (9 inch) pie shell
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
Cooking Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a small saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter or margarine. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter or margarine melts and sugar dissolves. Cool slightly.

In a large bowl combine eggs, bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Mix well. Slowly pour sugar mixture into egg mixture, whisking constantly. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Pour mixture into pie shell. Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until set and golden. May be served warm or chilled. Makes 8 servings

Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes

6 yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes
1/2 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place whole sweet potatoes in a steamer over a couple of inches of boiling water, and cover. Cook until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain and cool. Peel, and slice sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/2 inch slices. Place in a 9x13 inch baking dish.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, brown sugar, water and salt. When the sauce is bubbly and sugar is dissolved, pour over potatoes. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, occasionally basting the sweet potatoes with the brown sugar sauce. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Easy Corn Casserole

1 can 16 oz. whole kernel corn
1 can 16 oz. creamed style corn
1 box 8.5 oz. jiffy corn muffin mix
1 egg
1 stick of butter
1 8 oz sour cream

Melt Butter, In large bowl, beat egg, add Sour Cream, melted butter. Stir in Muffin Mix with both cans of corn (Do not drain Corn) Stir thoroughly. Salt and Pepper for taste. Pour into 2 quart Casserole dish and bake covered at 350 degrees for one hour or until firm. Makes 6 servings

Sweet Holiday Baked Ham

1 cup maple syrup
1 cup orange juice
1 cup ginger ale
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, halved
1 (12 pound) fully-cooked, bone-in ham
1 (15.25 ounce) can pineapple slices in juice, drained
1 box round wooden toothpicks

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix together the maple syrup, orange juice, ginger ale, brown sugar and honey. Stir in the juice from the maraschino cherries, and half of the cherries.

Score the outer edge of the ham with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern. Cuts should be about 1/4 inch deep. This will allow the ham to soak up the juice.

Place the ham into an oven bag, and carefully pour the juice mixture over it, keeping all of the juice in the bag. It may look like there is too much juice, but the ham will soak it up while baking. Place the pineapples onto the top of the ham, and secure with toothpicks.

Place cherries into the centers of the rings, and secure with toothpicks also. Tie the end of the bag closed with the ties provided, place in a large roasting pan, and cut a few small slits in the top of the oven bag.

Bake the ham for 2 hours in the preheated oven. The internal temperature should be 160 degrees F (80 degrees C) when done. Be sure not to touch the bone when taking the temperature. Remove ham from bag to a serving plate, and let stand for 10 minutes before carving. Makes 12 servings

Double Layer Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon cold milk
1 cup peanut butter
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust
2 (3.9 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
4 peanut butter cups, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, 1 tablespoon milk and peanut butter until smooth. Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping. Spread mixture on bottom of pie crust.

In a second bowl, stir pudding mix with 2 cups milk until thick. Immediately stir in remaining whipped topping. Spread mixture over peanut butter layer. Scatter peanut butter cups over top of pie. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours. Makes 8 servings

Lemon-Sage Turkey with Wild-Mushroom Gravy

3 tablespoons grated lemon rind
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons dried thyme
2 tablespoons dried rubbed sage
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 (12-pound) fresh or frozen turkey, thawed
2 (16-ounce) cans chicken broth
Cooking spray
Wild-Mushroom Gravy

Combine first 6 ingredients; set aside. Remove and discard giblets from turkey, reserving neck for gravy. Rinse turkey with cold water; pat dry. Trim excess fat. Starting at neck cavity, loosen skin from breast and drumsticks by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under turkey. Rub spice mixture under loosened skin; rub into the body cavity.

Preheat oven to 350°. Pour 1 can of broth in bottom of a shallow roasting pan. Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack coated with cooking spray. Place rack in roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer into meaty part of thigh, making sure not to touch bone. Bake at 350° for 1 1/2 hours.

Carefully pour 1 can of broth into pan. Bake an additional 1 1/2 hours or until thermometer registers 180°. Remove turkey from oven; reserve pan drippings to make gravy. Cover turkey loosely with foil; let stand 15 to 20 minutes. Discard skin. Serve with Wild-Mushroom Gravy. Makws 12 servings (serving size: 6 ounces turkey and 1/4 cup gravy)

Wild-Mushroom Gravy

Pan drippings
2 cups water
3/4 cup thinly sliced shallots
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrot
1 turkey neck
1 cup sliced button mushrooms
1 cup thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps (about 3 1/2 ounces)
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon red currant jelly
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Place a large zip-top plastic bag inside a 4-cup measure. Pour drippings from turkey roasting pan into bag; let stand 10 minutes (fat will rise to the top). Seal bag; carefully snip off 1 bottom corner of bag. Drain drippings to measure 2 cups, stopping before fat layer reaches opening. Reserve 2 tablespoons fat in bag; set aside.

Combine water, shallots, carrot, and turkey neck in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Strain cooking liquid through a sieve over a bowl, reserving 3/4 cup cooking liquid. Discard solids, reserving turkey neck. Remove meat from neck; chop. Add meat and cooking liquid to defatted 2 cups drippings in 4-cup measure.

Heat reserved 2 tablespoons fat in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms; sauté 2 minutes. Add flour; cook 1 minute. Gradually add cooking liquid mixture; cook 10 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in jelly and pepper. Makes 3 cups (serving size: 1/4 cup)

Peppercorn Pork Medallions with Cranberry Sauce

1 pound pork tenderloin
1 to 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 cup Spirited Cranberry-Apricot Sauce
2 teaspoons butter or stick margarine

Trim fat from pork; cut crosswise into 8 pieces. Place each piece between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; flatten each piece to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle both sides of pork with peppers.

Heat oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork; cook 5 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from skillet; keep warm. Add vinegar and water to pan; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Stir in the Spirited Cranberry-Apricot Sauce and butter, and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Serve sauce with pork. Makes 4 servings (serving size: 3 ounces pork and 1/4 cup sauce)

Spirited Cranberry-Apricot Sauce
1/2 cup thinly sliced dried apricots (about 3 ounces)
1/4 cup sherry or orange juice
3/4 cup water
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 (12-ounce) package fresh or frozen cranberries

Combine apricots and sherry in a small bowl; cover and let stand 8 hours. Combine water and sugar in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Add apricot mixture, honey, and cranberries.

Cook over medium heat 8 minutes or until slightly thick. Spoon mixture into a bowl; cover and chill. Makes 3 cups (serving size: 2 tablespoons)

Roasted Mashed Potatoes with Leeks

1 leek (about 1/2 pound)
8 1/2 cups cubed Yukon gold or red potato (about 3 pounds)
Cooking spray
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (8-ounce) carton sour cream

Preheat oven to 425°. Remove roots and outer leaves from leek, leaving 1 inch of green leaves. Discard remaining leaves; rinse with cold water. Remove 1 inch green leaves; cut lengthwise into 1-inch strips. Set aside. Cut white portion into thin slices to measure 1/2 cup.

Combine white portion of leek and potato in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil; toss well. Place green portion of leek in an 8-inch baking dish. Drizzle with 1 1/2 teaspoons oil; toss well, and set aside.

Bake potato mixture at 425° for 20 minutes, stirring once. (Do not remove from oven.) Add baking dish with green leek tops to oven. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes or until potato mixture and green leek tops are tender, stirring both after 8 minutes. Remove baking dishes from oven.

Place milk in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at high 2 minutes or until warm. Add potato mixture; beat at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended. Stir in salt, pepper, and sour cream. Sprinkle with green leek tops. Makes 8 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Apple Walnut Slaw

6 cups shredded cabbage
1-1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
3/4 cup raisins
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup buttermilk
4 to 5 tablespoons sugar
4-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 medium apples, chopped

In a large salad bowl, toss the cabbage, carrots, walnuts, raisins and onion. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Gently fold in apples. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Makes 12 servings

Chocolate Trifle

1 package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate fudge cake mix
1 package (6 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
1/2 cup strong coffee
1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
6 Heath bar (1.4 ounces each), crushed

Bake cake according to package directions. Cool. Prepare pudding according to package directions; set aside. Crumble cake; reserve 1/2 cup. Place half of the remaining cake crumbs in the bottom of a 4-1/2 or 5-qt. trifle dish or decorative glass bowl.

Layer with half of the coffee, half of the pudding, half of the whipped topping and half of the crushed candy bars. Repeat the layers of cake, coffee, pudding and whipped topping. Combine remaining crushed candy bars with reserved cake crumbs; sprinkle over top. Refrigerate 4-5 hours before serving. Makes 8-10 servings

Maple-Pecan Cake

3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

Glazed Pecans:
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/3 cup pecan halves

Frosting:
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking soda and salt. Combine the buttermilk, butter, syrup and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until combined. Fold in chopped pecans.

Pour into two 6-in. round baking pans coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

In a small saucepan, bring corn syrup to a boil. Cook and stir for 1 minute or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in pecan halves until coated. Place in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Cool.

For frosting, in a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and syrup until smooth. Beat in confectioners' sugar. Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Top with second layer; frost top and sides of cake. Garnish with glazed pecans. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 6 servings.

Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Breast

1-1/4 cups jellied cranberry sauce
2/3 cup unsweetened apple juice concentrate
2 tablespoons butter
1 bone-in turkey breast (5 to 6 pounds)

In a small saucepan, bring the cranberry sauce, apple juice concentrate and butter to a boil. Remove from the heat; cool. Carefully loosen skin of turkey breast. Set aside 1/2 cup sauce for basting and 3/4 cup for serving. Spoon remaining sauce onto the turkey, rubbing mixture under and over the skin.

Place turkey on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 170°, basting occasionally with reserved sauce. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes before carving. Warm reserved 3/4 cup sauce; serve with turkey. Makes 12 servings.

Caramel Chocolate Trifle

1 package (9 ounces) devil's food cake mix
2 packages (3.9 ounces each) instant chocolate pudding mix
1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 jar (12-1/4 ounces) caramel ice cream topping
1 package (7-1/2 or 8 ounces) English toffee bits or almond brickle chips

Prepare and bake cake according to package directions for an 8-in. square baking pan. Cool on a wire rack. Prepare pudding according to package directions.

Cut cake into 1-1/2-in. cubes; place half of the cubes in a 3-qt. trifle bowl or large glass serving bowl; lightly press down to fill in gaps. Top with half of the whipped topping, pudding, caramel topping and toffee bits; repeat layers. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Makes 16 servings.

Orange-Pecan Pork Roast

1 whole boneless pork loin roast (2-1/2 to 3 pounds)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Place roast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. In a skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add the marmalade, pecans and cinnamon; cook and stir until marmalade is melted.

Spoon over roast. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 1-3/4 hours or until meat thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Makes 6-8 servings.

Wild Rice-Stuffed Pork Loin

1 whole boneless pork loin roast (4 pounds), trimmed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups wild rice, cooked and drained
1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped dried apricots
1 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup finely chopped celery
3/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup chicken broth
5 bacon strips, cut in half

Cut roast down the center lengthwise to within 1/2 in. of bottom. Open roast so it lies flat. On each half, make a lengthwise slit down the center to within 1/2 in. of bottom. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder and pepper.

In a large bowl, combine the rice, apricots, onion, celery, parsley, sage, thyme and broth. Divide half of the stuffing among the three slits. Roll up roast from a long side; tie with kitchen string at 2-in. intervals. Place the remaining stuffing in a greased shallow 2-qt. baking dish; set aside.

Bake roast, uncovered, at 350° for 2 hours. Carefully remove string. Place bacon strips over top. Bake 30-45 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer reads 160°. Cover and bake reserved stuffing for 30 minutes or until heated through. Let roast stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Makes 8-10 servings.

Corn-Stuffed Crown Roast

1 pork crown roast (about 7 pounds and 12 ribs)
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup butter
6 cups crushed corn bread stuffing
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
2 jars (4-1/2 ounces each) sliced mushrooms, undrained
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Place roast on a rack in a large roasting pan. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover rib ends with small pieces of foil. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 2 hours.

In a Dutch oven, saute celery and onion in butter until tender. Stir in stuffing, corn, mushrooms, salt, poultry seasoning and remaining pepper. Loosely spoon 1-3 cups into center of roast. Place remaining stuffing in a greased 2-qt. baking dish.

Bake roast 30-60 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear. Cover and bake extra stuffing for 30-40 minutes. Transfer roast to serving platter. Let stand for 10 minutes. Remove foil; cut between ribs to serve. Makes 12 servings.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Casserole
2-1/4 to 2-1/2 pounds (about 4 cups) sweet potatoes, cooked, peeled and mashed
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar

Topping
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter, melted

In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract and sugar. Spread into a greased 1-1/2-qt. casserole.

For topping, combine all ingredients and sprinkle over potatoes. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until heated through. Makes 6-8 servings.