Bon Appétit Busy, Busy May

By Scarlett Cook

May brings with it gorgeous blossoms, warm breezes and lots to celebrate – Mothers’ Day, graduation, wedding showers and weddings and other events that need to be recognized. These recipes are not only quick but are “company” ready to serve to family and friends.

Savory Pot Roast

Serves 8

2/3 Cup A1 steak sauce

1 Package dry onion soup mix

3/4 Cup water

2 1/2 – 3 Pound boneless chuck roast

6 Medium potatoes – peeled and cut into quarters

6 Carrots – peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

1/4 Cup water

2 Tablespoons plain flour

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9” x 13” baking dish with Pam

Blend steak sauce, soup mix and 3/4 cup of water.

Place roast in prepared dish and surround with potatoes and carrots.

Pour steak sauce mixture over meat and vegetables. Seal dish with foil.

Bake 2 hours or until beef is tender. Remove meat and vegetables with slotted spoon. Pour liquid cooking juices in saucepan. Add flour to 1/4 cup water and stir until smooth.

Add to saucepan and cooking until thickened. Pour gravy over roast and vegetables to serve.

Fruit and Feta Salad

Serves 6

1 Package of mixed salad greens

1 Can Mandarin orange sections, drained

1 Medium apple, peeled and cut into thin slices

1/2 Cup thinly sliced red onion

1 Cup chopped toasted walnuts

4 Ounces Feta cheese crumbles

3/4 Cup raspberry vinaigrette

Spring Cake

Serves 12

2 Baked round white cake layers, cooled completely

2 Cups boiling water

2 Small packages Jello, any flavor

1 Container Cool Whip, thawed

Place each cake layer in clean round cake pan. Pierce cake with fork at 1/2-inch intervals. Stir the water into the gelatin and stir until gelatin is completely mixed.

Pour 1/2 of gelatin mixture over each layer. Refrigerate at least 3 hours. Dip 1 pan in warm water to unmold and place on serving plate. Spread Cool Whip over top of layer. Place second layer on top of Cool Whip. Frost top and sides with remaining Cool Whip. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Combine all ingredients except greens in a bowl and stir.

When ready to serve add greens and toss to combine.