Hot Ryes

The original recipe is in the Denver Junior League, Colorado Cache. Always a hit. The pumpernickle or rye bread is a crispy base for the topping. The filling is easily tweaked to taste; use different cheeses, meats and or party-size breads.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely grated swiss cheese (I chop with a knife after grating)
• 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or ham
• 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 loaf party-size pumpernickle or rye (found in the deli of King Sooper, CO)

Directions:

Mix all except for pumpernickle bread. Spread on each slice of party slices and place on a baking sheet. Quantity varies as to how thick you want the topping to be.

Bake at 375-degrees for 12-15 minutes until cheese begins to brown slightly.

Once cooled; you may freeze. I will place in the freezer in a single layer, wait until completely frozen, then wrap in baggies. This way you have instant appetizer; unthaw and reheat.

Rhonda's Brownies

My dear friend, Rhonda, is one great cook! I know any recipe she gives me will be fabulous. The brownies are BETTER than a mix. We have a favorite BBQ joint, KT's. These rival their brownies...

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (12 tablespoons)
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate (chopped)
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs (beaten)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

I used the food processor to chop the chocolate

Melt the chocolate and butter; either in the microwave or as I like to do, make a double boiler, by placing in a pan, put inside a larger pan of water and melt on top of the stove.

Mix together the melted chocolate with sugar, eggs and vanilla.

Add nuts (if desired) and flour, baking powder and salt.

Mix well and spread in a foil-lined and greased, glass 13x9-inch baking dish. Bake at 375-degrees for 30 minutes.

Cool slightly and lift out of pan to cool completely on a rack.

Cut into large squares and dust with sifted powdered sugar.