MELBA'S SWAP SHOP

SUMMERTIME IS COOKIE TIME?

DEAR MELBA: Try these easy cookies.

EASY CHOCOLATE COOKIES

• 1 package (18 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough • 1/3 cup peanut butter • 1/2 cup chocolate chips • 1/2 cup oatmeal

• 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Remove cookie dough from refrigerator and leave on counter until softened. Heat oven to 375 F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick spray.

In large mixing bowl, place cookie dough. Mix in peanut butter, stirring until fairly smooth. Add chocolate chips, oatmeal and pecans. Mix well and drop on prepared pan. Bake 10-to-12 minutes. Makes about 2 dozen cookies. — Jack, Oklahoma City

VEGETABLE RICE CASSEROLE GOOD ANY TIME

DEAR MELBA: I don't remember where I got this recipe, but it's good, and it can be served immediately or frozen to serve later.

BROCCOLI AND RICE CASSEROLE

• 1 package (16 ounces) frozen broccoli

• 1 bag (14 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables

• 1 1/2 cups chopped celery

• 1/4 cup chopped onions • 1 bag Boil-in Bag rice

• 1 can (16 ounces) cut green beans

• 1 jar (15 ounces) Cheez Whiz • 1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup

• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs, approximately

Heat oven to 350 F. Spray 9-by13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. Thaw frozen vegetables.

Clean and chop celery and onions. Prepare rice by box directions. Mix all ingredients except bread crumbs.

Spread mixture in prepared casserole dish and sprinkle top

FOWL PLAY

DEAR MELBA: I like Chicken Salad and have a basic recipe. However, I tend to make changes, so here's what I ended up with the last time I made it.