Rainier Cherrry Crumble

2 T cornstarch
2 T fresh lemonjuice
dash of salt
3 lbs. Rainier cherries, pitted

1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 T finely chopped toasted almonds
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
7 T chilled butter, cut into small pieces

Combine cornstarch, juice, dash of salt and cherries in a large bowl, tossing well to coat. Pour cherry mixture into greased 9 in cast iron skillet or a pie pan works as well.

Combine flour and next 4 ingredients (through 1/8 tsp salt) in a bowl, cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle flour mixture over cherries

Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until filling is thick and bubbly and topping is lightly browned.

YAM, SWEET AND WHITE POTATO AU GRATIN

1 yam, about 1 1/2 lbs., peeled and thinly sliced
1 sweet potato, about 1 1/2 lbs., peeled and thinly sliced
2 russets, about 2 lbs., peeled and thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
4 T. butter, cut into small pieces
1 T. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 T. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups grated Swiss cheese


Place the sliced potatoes and the onions in a mixing bowl and toss well.
Grease a 2 quart baking dish. Place half of the potatoes and onions in the dish and top with half of the butter, layer the remaining potatoes and onions and add the rest of the butter on top. In a separate bowl combine the thyme, nutmeg, salt, pepper, cream and cheese. Pour over the potatoes and cover with foil. Bake at 375 for 1 hour; remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes. Serves 10-12.

This recipe is from a cooking class I took from Marguerite Henderson. I love it and could eat it all the time but it so rich I just consider it a Holiday Dish. It has become a must have for Thanksgiving wheverever I happen to be.

Tortellini Soup

1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic
1 pound Italian sausage
6 cups beef broth
1/2 cup water

2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 cup carrots, chopped

1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (15oz) can tomato sauce

1 (16oz) package frozen tortellini

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Saute' onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes, add Italian sausage and cook until done. Add beef broth, water, vinegar, Italian seasoning, carrots, tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Stir in tortellini. Simmer covered 30 minutes. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese just before serving.

White Chocolate Popcorn

2 cups white chocolate
1 bag buttered microwave popcorn
1 cup of peanut/pretzels/m&ms whatever you like

Melt chocolate for 1.5 minutes at 60% in your microwave
Mix everything together and spread on wax paper
Sprinkle cinnamon on it and let it dry