Favorite Plains Recipes for 12-26-09

Spiced honey apple cider

By Sharon Raasch of Champion, Neb.

2 qts. unsweetened apple cider

3 Tbsp. honey

3 cinnamon sticks

8 whole cloves

1 lg. orange, thinly sliced

In a large sauce pan, stir together apple cider, honey, cinnamon sticks and cloves. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 7-8 minutes. Remove cider from heat and allow to cool. Once cooled pour through a strainer sieve to remove spices (or put spices in cheese cloth). Reheat cider. Place one slice of orange in each cup of cider and pour warmed cider in cup. Serves 6.

Fruit dip

By Delores Hansen of Chappell, Neb.

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 sm. jar marshmallow creme

1/4 c. orange juice (or more if needed)

orange peel

Mix together the cream cheese and marshmallow creme. Add orange juice to make it of dipping consistency. Chill well. Add orange peel. Keep refrigerated.

Homemade chicken strips

By Sarah Mulder of Kearney, Neb.

2 eggs

2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1” wide strips

4-1/2 c. corn flakes or Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, finely crushed

1 c. barbecue sauce

Preheat oven to 375˚. Beat eggs lightly in shallow dish or pie plate. Dip chicken in eggs, turning over to evenly coat both sides of each strip. Coat chicken evenly with cereal. Place on two cookie sheets sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serve as chicken strips with barbecue sauce.