Greetings and Welcome to Morte's Morsels!

Here you'll find new recipes every issue, everything from tried and true standards to new creations. I love to cook and was taught by a woman who defines the term domestic goddess, my mom. Most of my recipes are simple, home style and NOT low fat but they’re ALL taste.

Here's some warm and filling recipes for these cold winter days and of course, some desserts to go with them.

Macaroni and Cheese
A classic with many variations, I prefer mine without anything "extra " added. When my family lived in Maine church dinners were almost macaroni and cheese recipe competitions!

Chicken Broccoli Casserole
A simple and suprisingly delicious dish, this is also just about the only way I'll eat Miracle Whip (my apologies to fans of that condiment). This one was a big hit at an AFA get together.

Brownie Pudding
Soft chewy brownies that make their own hot fudge sauce!

Fruit Cobbler
Relive summer in this warm classic.

ROTINI AND CHEESE
1 box (16oz) elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk, heated
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
4 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese (I prefer extra-sharp white cheddar)
½ cup grated cheese
1/4-cup dry bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350° F.
Grease 2-quart casserole or 13x9-inch baking dish
Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons butter in medium saucepan over medium heat until melted. Slowly add flour; cook and stir about 3 minutes. Gradually add warmed milk (microwaving on medium for 60 seconds or so ((depending on your microwave)) worked well for me) and continue to stir; cook until mixture boils and thickens. Stir in mustard and salt. Remove from heat; stir in 4 ½ cups grated cheese gradually until smooth. Pour over cooked macaroni; mix well. Pour into prepared dish.

Combine remaining 1/2-cup cheese, breadcrumbs and dash of salt. Sprinkle over top of casserole. Bake about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly and browned on top. If you like the really crunchy topping expect 40-45 minutes baking time.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

2 cans cream of chicken soup (or any other cream soup in a pinch)
2 cups miracle whip
3 cups grated cheese (Colby jack, sharp cheddar and a cheddar/Monterey Jack mix all work well)
3 cups large cubes cooked chicken
1 package frozen or 3 cups fresh chopped broccoli
1 cup grated cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup margin, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease a casserole dish or 9x13 inch baking pan

Stir together soup, miracle whip and 3 cups grated cheese until a well mixed.

If Using A Casserole Dish:
Place a good ½ cup of mixture in bottom of dish. Layer 1cup broccoli and 1 cup chicken top with 1/3 remaining mixture. Repeat

If Using 9x13 Pan:
Stir chicken and broccoli into mixture making sure to blend everything well. Pour into baking dish.

In a separate bowl mix together melted margarine and breadcrumbs until breadcrumbs are well soaked. Stir in cheese. Spread over top of casserole (you may need to double this if using a 9x13 pan)

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes

Brownie Pudding

1 package brownie mix prepared according to directions
2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup Brown Sugar
¼ cup baking cocoa
2 cups hot water

Grease a 9x13 pan
Preheat oven according to mix directions (usually 350 degrees).

If you want to use walnuts stir into prepared brownie mix. Pour mix into pan and smooth. Mix together cocoa and brown sugar. Sprinkle over brownie mixture. Carefully pour hot water over batter. Bake 40-50 minutes (a knife or straw inserted should come out clean).

Serve hot with vanilla ice cream for a rich chocolate treat. The brownie makes it's own "hot fudge" sauce that will be under the brownie layer.

Fruit Cobbler

1/4 cup butter
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups fruit of choice prepared as for pie (apples, blackberries and pears are three of my favorites)

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Once oven temperature is reached melt butter in a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl stir together the flour, sugar and milk; batter will be slightly lumpy. Pour mixture on top of melted butter in baking pan. Do not mix butter and mixture together. Drop fruit into batter; if more crust is desired add less fruit. Bake in preheated oven for one hour or until golden brown.