MEL BA' S SWAP SHOP

FROM NARNIA TO TODAY

DEAR READERS: A friend recently came by my house and left this message on my front porch. She credited it to C. S. Lewis, written 78 years ago, but it is appropriate for today. “God is removing distractions in this time of isolation and saying, `Look up! Look to me! This world is temporary. Think about eternal things. I love you. I died for you. Please don't ignore me. Turn to Me now while there is time!'” — Melba

SALAD DAZE

DEAR MELBA: It's always the time for salads served with good dressings.

FANTASTIC SALAD

DRESSING • 1 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup vinegar

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 2 teaspoons paprika

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 onion, finely chopped In small mixing bowl, stir together all ingredients. Pour into a pint jar, shake and refrigerate. When ready to serve, shake well. — Judy, Oklahoma City

SAND PLUM JELLY ANSWERS

DEAR MELBA: In answer to the request for making Sand Plum Jelly, the following is so easy.

SAND PLUM JELLY

Get a box of Sure Jell Premium Fruit Pectin. Follow the directions for plum cooked jelly recipes. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon butter. When picking the sand plums, make sure they are totally ripe. — Fran Horowitz, Norman

WHAT'S UP, DOC?

DEAR MELBA: These carrots are different. I think you'll like them.

ROASTED CARROTS

• 2 pounds carrots

• 1/2 butter or margarine, melted

• 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 2 pounds carrots

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a large jelly roll pan with aluminum foil. Peel carrots and cut diagonally into about 3-inch sticks. In medium bowl, mix butter, salt and pepper. Spread carrots on the jelly roll pan and spread with butter mixture, stirring to coat. Bake 25-to-30 minutes or until carrots are tender, stirring once. Toss with the chopped dill to serve. Makes 6 servings. — Carol, Oklahoma City

SIGN O' THE TIMES

DEAR MELBA: This is a church sign I thought your readers would like: Good judgment comes from experience, and that comes from bad judgment.

— Sandy Killian, Oklahoma City

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