MELBA’S SWAP SHOP Hungry? Don’t worry about an empty fridge

DEAR READERS: I recently received a letter from Judy

Howard, of Oklahoma City. This quote is from her 1905 Cookbook,

“Food for Body and Soul.”

“Give us this day our daily

Bread,” Matthew 6:11. What do you do when you feel empty? When you feel restless?

Yearning to experience true satisfaction?

Her message continues: “Whenever I feel frustrated, agitated or fidgety, I jump up from my work and head to the fridge. Unless I catch myself, I’m driven to fill my inner void with food, instead of devouring the only thing that can ultimately satisfy — the true bread of life and the living water found only in Jesus Christ.

“Before God led the two million Israelites out of Egyptian bondage into the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey, He first commanded each family to slay a perfect lamb, roast and eat it entirely and smear the blood over their doorway to escape the death angel This was a picture of Jesus, The Messiah, The Son of God, who came as our sacrificial lamb to die on the cross to take away our sins so we could enjoy intimate friendship with our holy creator.”

Thank you, Judy.

— Melba DEAR MELBA: A few weeks ago, you had a note about a woman who was receiving time as a gift from God. I don’t know where she got it, but I have a note from a friend with that same story plus the following:

Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of. See Psalm 89:47 in your Bible. I looked it up, and this is what my Bible says. I believe it’s written for all of us: Psalms 89:47. Remember how short my time is. — Juanita

Round candy, square dessert

DEAR MELBA: After seeing your recent recipe for pretzels, I remembered the recipe for Rolo Squares. It’s worth repeating.

ROLO SQUARES

Square pretzels

Rolo candy

Pecan halves

Heat oven to 350 F. On cookie sheet, arrange pretzels and place one Rolo candy on each. Place in oven 3 to 4 minutes, just long enough to soften the candy. Remove from oven and press pecan half firmly into each. That’s all. Cool and eat.

— Bette, Oklahoma City If you do not have pecans, or want to try something a little different, simply press another pretzel on top. — Melba

Secret sauce brownies?

DEAR MELBA: Have you ever tried Applesauce Brownies? I think you’ll like them.

APPLESAUCE BROWNIES

½ cup shortening

1 ½ cups sugar

2 eggs

2 cups flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

2 tablespoons cocoa

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups applesauce

½ cup chocolate chips

½ cup pecans, chopped

Heat oven to 350 F. Spray jelly-roll pan with nonstick spray. In large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar together. Add eggs, flour, baking powder, cocoa, salt, vanilla and applesauce. Mix well and spread in prepared pan.

Sprinkle top with chocolate chips and nuts. Bake about 22 minutes. — Dave Farrington, Midwest City

Seeking assistance

DEAR MELBA: I’m wanting to make Edna’s Coleslaw and have all the ingredients except lemon garlic vinegar. I’ve looked in stores for it but have had no luck. Any suggestions? — Don I’ve been looking for it, too, but have not found it. Anyone have suggestions? — Melba DEAR MELBA: I would like to know if anyone has any recipes from Giacomo’s Italian restaurant in McAlester. I’m also interested in finding a recipe for the old Dennis Donuts from the late 1960s. — Duane Smith

Asked and answered

DEAR MELBA: In answer to a recent question from Laura to know where to find Crescent Mapleine Imitation Maple Flavoring, my answer might be the one she wants. Savory Spice Shop, 4400 N Western Ave., has a solution called Natural Maple Extract.

A recipe for using it to make maple syrup could be to bring 1 cup water to boil with 2 cups sugar. Stir and add ½ teaspoon maple extract. Return to boil. Remove from heat and taste. If needed, add more extract. Phone number is 525-9119.

I also called Walmart south of Memorial on Pennsylvania, and they have the flavoring, too. — Geni Thomas, Oklahoma City

Encouraging sign

DEAR MELBA: Here’s a church sign I saw in Midwest City recently: Turn a new leaf, open the Bible.

— Sandy Killian, Oklahoma City

If you have a problem other readers might help solve or an idea you’d like to share, e-mail mlovelace@oklahoman.com or write to Melba’s Swap Shop, Box 25125, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. Please include your name and address.