Each week, this column offers recipes from Valley cookbooks. If your organization would like to have

Each week, this column offers recipes from Valley cookbooks. If your organization would like to have its cookbook showcased, please contact our society department at 330-747-1471, ext. 1283, or email society@vindy.com.

“PARTY FAVORITES” BY ANGELS OF EASTER SEALS

southwestern spoon bread

by Virginia gerberry

11/2cups water

11/2cups half-and-half

1cup coarse yellow cornmeal

1/4cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

4ounces grated cheddar cheese

1teaspoon salt

1small tomato, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 cup)

1small jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1/4cup butter, softened

4large eggs, separated

Grease medium 8-inch by 8-inch or 9-inch by 11-inch casserole. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan bring water to boiling, reduce heat. In a small bowl combine half-and-half, cornmeal, cilantro, salt, tomato and jalapeno. Whisk half-and-half mixture into hot water. Cook, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes; add butter. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, then, whisk the half-and-half mixture a little at a time into the egg yolks. Whisk egg yolk mixture in the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until bubbles again, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, in a large bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold into half-and-half mix; while folding, add cheddar cheese. Pour into prepared casserole. Bake 40 minutes or until golden brown and knife comes out clean. Varieties: add chunks of ham, chicken or beef.

nacho dip

by betty cmil

8ounces shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

8ounces shredded cheddar cheese

1green pepper, chopped

1red pepper, chopped

3beaten eggs

Layer cheese and green and red peppers ending with cheese in a 9-inch square pan. Pour eggs over top. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve with nacho chips or party mini breads.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The cookbook is a commemorative collection of party recipes by the Angels of Easter Seals and the Easter Seals staff and board members.

TO obtain a copy

Copies can be purchased at any of the Easter Seals locations for $14 each. Or, to order by phone or online, call the Angels event line at 330-599-5500 or visit www.mtc.easterseals.com; the cost with shipping is $16.