Hot Buttered Rum

2 Quarts apple juice
2 C firmly packed brown sugar
1 stick butter (use the real stuff, not margarine)
3 Tbs. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 C. your favorite rum
Refrigerated whipped dessert topping
Cinnamon sticks and nutmeg for garnish


Warm up the apple juice and brown sugar in a pot. Add the butter (dice up the stick before you put it in there, so it'll melt faster). Stir until the butter is melted. Add the spices and the rum. Cover the pot, and allow to simmer on low for 2 - 4 hours.

Ladle into mugs for serving. Top each with a dollop of whipped topping and a cinnamon stick. Sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg.

Berry Lemonade Cake

1 cup very hot water
1 box (4-serving size) raspberry-flavored gelatin
1 box white cake mix
1/2 cup frozen (thawed) lemonade concentrate
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 egg whites

1 container (12 oz) whipped vanilla frosting

1 cup frozen (thawed) whipped topping
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries, if desired

Lemon peel strips, if desired

(For Orange Flavor use Orange gelatin and orange juice concentrate)

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with baking spray with flour. In small bowl, mix hot water and gelatin until gelatin is completely dissolved; cool slightly.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, 1/4 cup of the gelatin mixture, 1/4 cup of the lemonade concentrate, the water, oil, and egg whites with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Pour into pan. Reserve remaining gelatin mixture and lemonade concentrate.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Poke warm cake every inch with fork tines. Remove 1 tablespoon of the reserved gelatin mixture to microwavable custard cup or small bowl. In another small bowl, mix remaining gelatin mixture and remaining 1/4 cup lemonade concentrate; pour slowly over cake. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

In medium bowl, fold together frosting and whipped topping; frost cake. Microwave 1 tablespoon gelatin mixture uncovered on High 10 seconds to liquefy. Using 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon, place small drops of gelatin mixture over frosting; with spoon or toothpick, swirl gelatin into frosting. Garnish each piece with raspberries and lemon peel strips. Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes 12 servings

Strawberries and Cream Tart

Crust
1 box refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box

Filling

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
¼  to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup whipping cream, whipped

Topping

4 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, halved
½  cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening

Heat oven to 450°F. Bake pie crust as directed on box for One-Crust Baked Shell, using 10-inch tart pan or 9-inch glass pie plate. Cool on cooling rack 15 minutes.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Gradually add sugar and almond extract; beat well. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon into crust.

Arrange strawberry halves over filling. Refrigerate while making drizzle. In 1-quart saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Drizzle over strawberries and filling. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate any remaining tart.