Salted Nut Chews

This cookie bar tastes a lot like a Payday Candy Bar. Lyn Hutchings gave me this recipe many years ago when I taught her three children in first grade.

Bottom Crust:

1 dry yellow cake mix

1/3 c. butter, softened

1 egg

3 c. mini marshmallows

Mix cake mix, butter and egg together until crumbly. Press into a large greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350°for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with marshmallows and return to oven 2-3 minutes or until marshmallows just begin to puff. Cool

Topping:

2/3 c. karo syrup

1/4 c. butter

2 t. vanilla

12 ounces peanut butter chips

2 c. rice krispies

2 c. peanuts

Heat karo syrup, butter, vanilla and chips in microwave until melted and smooth, stirring after each 30 seconds. Stir in cereal and peanuts. Spoon over marshmallows and spread to cover. Chill and cut.

Spinach Salad

I was given this recipe by a teacher friend, Dawn Wasden.

3/4 c. wine vinegar

1 1/2 c. oil (I didn't use this much)

3/4 c. sugar

1 t. dry mustard

1 T. poppy seeds

1/2 t. salt

1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms

1 red onion, sliced super thin

6 slices bacon, cooked crisply and broken

1/3 pound swiss cheese, grated

2 bunches spinach, chopped

lettuce, chopped

Blend first six ingredients, then add mushrooms and sliced onions. Marinate in fridge overnight. Pour over bacon, cheese, spinach and lettuce. Toss well.