Tough times call for easy recipes
When W.A. of South Bend requested Chocolate Zucchini Cake, readers Betty Bucs of Lake Zurich, Eleanore Slavicek of Berwyn, Vi Galis of Aurora, Eleanor Bermes of Romeoville, Diane Murphy of Woodridge, Margaret Mierkiewicz of Evanston, Josephine Palunas of LaGrange Park, Jo Valentino of Westmont and Barb Meurer of Mokena responded with various versions of the moist cake, perfect to serve company.
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, Swap Shop turned to the United States Potato Board for an egg-potato casserole-type recipe, requested by S.L. of Chicago for a Thanksgiving weekend brunch, and to Betty Crocker for a sweet potato pound cake recipe, requested by F.B. of Palatine.
Both the Potato and Egg Bake and the Sweet Potato Pound Cake are perfect for brunches, lunches, even dinners, especially during these tough economic times.
For the Southern-Style Sweet Potato Pound Cake: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch tube (angel food) cake pan with shortening; lightly flour. In large bowl, beat 1 box of Betty Crocker Pound Cake with 1 cup (1 large or 2 small) cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg and 3 eggs with an electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, constantly scraping the bowl. Beat on medium speed 3 minutes more, scraping occasionally. Spread in cake pan. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and cake is golden brown. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely (about 1 hour). Top with sifted confectioners' sugar or frost with 1 tub Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting or your favorite cream cheese frosting recipe.
* * *
Speaking of the tough economy, Swap Shop is requesting your tried-and-true, family-approved recipes for less expensive casseroles, desserts and snacks designed for tighter food budgets.
Does someone have a recipe for spinach-feta cheese pie?
R.S., Chicago
I'm interested in cheese ball recipes for holiday entertaining.
A.H., Evanston
I would appreciate a recipe for bread or rolls with black olives.
D.P., Chicago
Send recipes and requests to: Swap Shop, Chicago Sun-Times, 350 N. Orleans, 9th Floor, Chicago 60654 or by e-mail, swapshop@suntimes.com.
All mail must include a daytime telephone number. Sorry, requests can't be answered personally.