In pot, over medium-high heat, brown bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Pour off fat from pot, as much as possible. Add green beans, potatoes, onion, salt, pepper, savory and chicken stock. Stir gently. Simmer 25 mins. or until potatoes are tender and beans are crisp-tender. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley and add a lemon twist for color.

*****

Assorted Sandwich Tray- Using rolls, bread (white, wheat, nut, raisin, rye, or specialty), pita, or French bread- *

Chopped chicken, raisins, mayonnaise Roast beef, sliced onions, anchovy fillets, mustard Peanut butter, crisp bacon

Mashed sardines, dry mustard, hard-cooked egg, sweet pickle relish Avocado, chopped onion, lemon juice, salt, pepper, crisp bacon

Sliced American cheese, boiled ham, mustard

Chopped frankfurters, dry mustard, sweet pickle relish, salad dressing Sliced turkey, tomato, bacon, lettuce

Or a combination that you have never tried before *****

ORANGE CREAM 2 pkgs. (3 ozs.) orange flavored gelatin>br? 1-1/2 cups boiling water

2 cans (11 ozs.) mandarin oranges, drained

1 can (8 ozs.) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

1 can (6 ozs.) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

Topping:

1 pkg. (8 ozs.) cream cheese, at room temperature 1 cup whole milk

1 pkg. (3 ozs.) instant vanilla pudding instant In bowl, dissolve orange gelatin in boiling water. Stir to complete dissolve. Add fruit and orange juice. Do not dilute orange juice with water, just take it directly from can.

Coat a pan with non-stick spray. Do not use butter or shortening. Add gelatin mixture. Refrigerate until firm.

In a bowl., beat cream cheese in a mixer until very light. Slowly add whole milk and pudding. Continue blending until smooth with no lumps. Spread over fruit layer. Chill until firm.

*****

Whatever your choice of dishes, you can have a lot of fun with friends and family. In fact, this party theme can be used for picnics and outdoor cooking. Have someone bring kabobs, another stuffed hamburger patties. Ice cold salads, and smooth, tasty desserts will round out menu.

Everyone feels they have contributed to party, they take home a great gift they use over and over again, and you will have had opportunity to try a dozen different recipes, while only preparing one. Not a bad compromise! ENJOY

©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 April

5. Before weekly grocery shopping, choose seven entrees for week. Check your freezer inventory. Buy in bulk during sales to save money and time.

6. Keep in stock basics you use regularly: broth, mushroom soup, rice, pasta sauce and jars of gravy. You will always be able to whip up a quick meal.

7. When your inventory is low on any item, add it to your grocery list. Buy more than one at a time to avoid running out.

8. Since your pantry/kitchen stays well-stocked, you can easily make a meal using your list. Throw some chops on grill, heat up oven for dinner rolls and warm a bag of frozen corn on stove. Bon appetit!