MELBA'S SWAP SHOP
Could crackers be this good?
DEAR MELBA: I remember that years ago you had a recipe for Spicy Crackers. Here's another one I think you'll like. I usually make them with oyster crackers, but they're also good made with plain soda crackers.
SPICY CRACKERS
• 1 box soda snack crackers of oyster crackers • 1/3 cup canola oil • 1 package (or 2 tablespoons) dry ranch salad dressing mix • 2 tablespoons chili pepper Put crackers in a plastic bag. Set aside. In a small container, mix oil, ranch dressing mix and chili pepper. Mix well and pour over crackers in bag. Turn bag every 15 minutes for 2 hours. They're ready to start snacking on.
— Gwen Wommack, Red Oak
DEAR MELBA: A few years ago, there was a Dodson's Cafeteria in Oklahoma City. I would love to have a recipe for the Banana Cake they used to used to serve.
— A reader
The beet goes on
DEAR READERS: When Alta B. requested recipes for Pickled Beets, I started going through files, and this recipe is one shared by our late friend, Dave Farrington, several years ago.
PICKLED BEETS
• Beets (about 24 small) • 2 cups sugar • 2 cups water • 2 cups apple cider vinegar • 1 teaspoon ground cloves • 1 teaspoon ground allspice • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon • 1 thinly sliced lemon Select small, young beets. Wash and drain. Put in large saucepan, cover with boiling water and cook until tender, about 25-30 minutes. Drain and discard water. Dip beets into cold water and remove skins. Drain and put in large saucepan. In a different pan, make the following syrup. Mix sugar, water, vinegar, spices and lemon. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Pack beets into hot sterilized jars. Ladle hot syrup over beets, leaving ¼-inch space at top. Remove air bubbles. Adjust twopiece caps. This amount of syrup should be right to cover about 24 small beets, and make about 6 to 8 pints of pickled beets. It is recommended that jars of pickled beets be processed in a boiling-water canner for 30 minutes.
— Melba
Oklahoma foodways?
DEAR MELBA: The letter from James about names of towns in Oklahoma reminded me of some of the history of Oklahoma which I know but didn't remember. And, most of us have our cabinets filled with Girl Scout cookies. Did you know? The first Girl Scout Cookies were sold in Muskogee in 1917.
— Kathy
If you have a problem other readers might help solve or an idea you'd like to share, email mlovelace@oklahoman.com or write to Melba's Swap Shop, Box 25125, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. Please include your name and address.