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Makes 112 cookies.

SOUTHWESTERN BLACK BEAN SOUP

~Sent in by Tena, MO

1 pound dried black beans, picked over
6 cups beef broth
2 14-16oz cans tomatoes including the juice, chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2/3 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
2-4 fresh or pickled jalapeno peppers, minced
3 tablespoons minced fresh coriander leaves plus whole leaves for garnish

In a large bowl, let the beans soak in enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches for 1 hour and drain them. In a heavy kettle combine the beans with 8 cups water and the broth, bring the liquid to a boil, stirring occasionally, and simmer the beans, uncovered, for 1 hour. Stir in the tomatoes with the juice and the cumin and simmer the mixture, uncovered, for 1 ?? hours, or until the beans are soft. Let the mixture cool for 15 minutes and in blender or food processor puree it in batches until it is smooth, transferring it to a clean kettle as it is pureed. If a completely smooth texture is desired, force the puree through a sieve into a clean kettle. Bring the soup to a simmer and season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream, jalapeno and minced coriander. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with jalapeno cream and whole coriander leaves.

Makes about 8 cups, serving 4-6.

ROASTED HONEY PEPPER PORK

~Sent in by Larry Holmes, Ontario, Canada

1 boneless pork loin roast (about 3 ?? pounds)
?? cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons crushed mixed peppercorns
?? teaspoon thyme, crushed
?? teaspoon salt
fresh thyme and cranberries (garnish)

Carefully score roast ?? inch deep completely around roast, without cutting string. Combine all remaining ingredients; mix well. Spoon or brush 2/3 of honey mixture over pork to coat. Roast at 325?° F 1 hour; brush with remaining honey mixture and cook 30 minutes more or until thermometer registers 160?° F. Garnish.

Makes 8 servings.

PEACH PRALINE PIE

~Sent in by Pat, Hahnville, LA

4 cups sliced peaches (I have used well drained canned)
3/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons quick cooking tapioca
1/2 cup sifted flour
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Mix peaches, sugar and tapioca in a large bowl. Let stand while preparing the pastry. Prepare pastry from your own one crust recipe. Roll out to fit into a 9 inch pie plate. Combine flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly, stir in pecans. Sprinkle 1/3 of this mixture over bottom of pastry shell. Top with peaches. Sprinkle remaining pecan mixture over top. Bake in a 450 degree oven for 10 minutes. Lower heat to 350 degrees and bake 20 minutes longer or until topping is golden.

SLOW-COOKER MEATLOAF AND POTATOES

~Sent in by Jean, NY

2 medium potatoes - peeled and cut into 1"
2 lbs of ground beef
1 large onion finely chopped
1-1/2 cups ketchup - divided
3/4 cup crushed butter flavored crackers (ie: Ritz)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard

Place the potatoes in a slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, 3/4 cup ketchup, cracker crumbs, eggs and salt. Mix well. Place over the potatoes and pat down to form a loaf. In the same bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and the remaining 3/4 cup ketchup, mix well. Spread over top of loaf. Cook on low setting for 6 - 10 hours. Drain excess liquid and serve!

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For Two...

HOT & SPICY SHRIMP WITH NOODLES
Serves 2, may be doubled

~Sent in by Larry Holmes, Ontario, Canada

1 cup fresh orange juice
2/3 cup chicken stock or canned low-salt broth
?? cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons grated orange peel
2 teaspoons sugar
3 tablespoons peanut oil
2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 2x1/2x1/4-inch strips
2 Anaheim chilies, seeded and cut into 2x1/2-inch strips
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 2x1/2-inch strips
1 8-ounce package soba noodles or spaghetti
1 tablespoon sesame oil
6 quarter-size slices peeled fresh ginger, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 green onions, minced
?? teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
?? pound uncooked unpeeled large shrimp, legs removed
2 ?? teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons chicken broth
orange peel julienne
green onion fans (optional)

Combine first 5 ingredients in small bowl; stir to dissolve sugar.