COOK OF THE WEEK - MARY NEWTON

Mary Newton and her husband, Chris, met while she was attending Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO. Mary and Chris were united in marriage on June 3, 2006. They have no children “yet” she says! Mary said her mother is really a good cook! I’m thinking she picked up the good-cook habits from her mother. Mary and Chris live in West Bend. Mary grew up in West Bend and graduated from West Bend-Mallard High School and Northwest Missouri State. Chris grew up near Wapello and graduated from Wapello Senior High School. Mary’s parents are Francis and Nancy Schafer of West Bend. Mary works in Administration at Boone Valley Implement in Renwick. Husband Chris works in Parts at Red Power in West Bend. His parents are Mary Alice Newton and the late Dennis Newton. His mother lives in Solon. Chris is on the City Council and also a volunteer fireman for the City of West Bend. Mary says her hobbies include sewing and biking. Chris’s hobbies include NASCAR, RAGBRAII, and grilling. They agree that their favorite meal is anything Mexican. Mary stated that she is allergic to condensed canned soup, so she included a recipe today that she substitutes in recipes calling for canned (cream of) soups. She mixes a big batch, measures out all the dry ingredients, then packages into individual Ziploc bags so it is ready to use just as quickly as opening a can of soup. She added that her recipe is also low in sodium content. She keeps this as a staple in their home. This is the first recipe she shares with us.Condensed Cream of Soup2 cups dry milk powder3/4 cup cornstarch2 tablespoons dried onion1/2 teaspoon black pepper1/4 cup chicken bouillon powder1 teaspoon dried basil1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (more if desired) Mix all ingredients well. Store in air-tight container. *She pre-measures 1/3 cup of this mixture into Ziploc bags for quick use and stores in freezer.To make condensed soup: Heat 1-1/4 cups water and 1/3 cup soup mix and mix together until thick. This measurement equals one can of condensed soup.Mexican Casserole1 pound hamburger, browned and drained1 can tomato soup1/2 cup salsa1/2 cup milk4 to 6 tortillas, flour or corn, based on preferences and sizeshredded cheese for topping She also sometimes adds a drained can of corn, beans or Rotel tomatoes to this. Cut tortillas into bite size pieces. Combine all ingredients except cheese in a greased 2 quart baking dish. Top with desired amount of cheese. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Mary says, “This freezes well.”Grilled Fishfish of choicestick of butterDorothy Lynch dressing Thaw fish, lay in baking dish. Cover with Dorothy Lynch dressing and put 1 to 2 tablespoons of un-melted butter per serving of fish When grill is ready, cover pan with foil, set pan directly on the grill and cook until fish is flaky, white and done. This can also be done in the oven.Taco Seasoning2 teaspoons chili seasoning1 teaspoon onion powder3/4 teaspoon garlic salt1-1/2 teaspoons paprika1-1/2 teaspoon cumin1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) Mix all together. This is equivalent to 1 packet of purchased taco seasoning mix but is free of preservatives.Lasagna Soup1 pound ground beef, browned and drained1/2 onion and 1 to 2 teaspoons garlic (to taste)1/2 teaspoon thyme32 ounce can chicken broth(2) 14.5 ounce cans petite diced tomatoes (she used ones that had basil already in them)5 ounce can tomato sauce1 teaspoon Italian seasoning1/2 teaspoon salt Simmer for 20 minutes. Add 2 cups broken lasagna noodles. Simmer until noodles are done.When serving, serve with some mozzarella cheese or parmesan cheese and a slice of garlic toast.Mary added that this also freezes well.Onion Dip8 ounce cream cheese2 cups grated mozzarella cheese1 cup mayonnaise1 Vidalia onion, diced Place all mixed ingredients in a shallow baking dish. Microwave for 2 minutes until cheese and ingredients are melted enough to stir together. Stir to combine. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve with wheat thins or other crackers.Super Hot Dish Mary said, “This is a family casserole. We always have this when our family gets together. The recipe makes a very large casserole. We often serve with homemade bread and butter.”1 pound ground beef2 cups celery, chopped1 cup onion, chopped Brown meat, celery and onions together.Add:2 cans chicken noodle soup2 cans cream of (condensed)soup (mushroom or chicken) (she subs her cream of soup recipe here)1/2 can tomato soup8 ounce package noodles, cooked Mix together and put in large greased casserole. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 25 minutes and then stir one small bottle of chopped stuffed olives (including juice) into mixture. Bake 15 minutes longer. They make this in a big roaster or 2 big pans (like 9 x 13 inch pans for example). This also freezes well for leftovers.Mary also shared a non-food recipe. -Homemade Laundry Soap4 pound 12 ounce box Borax4 pound box Arm and Hammer Baking Soda3 pound 7 ounce Arm and Hammer Washing Soda3 bars Fels-Naptha Soap or 2 bars of Zote3.5 lb. of Oxy-Clean or store brand (Dollar General brand works) Grate soap bars. You can also break in half, and microwave for 30 seconds on a microwave-safe plate and use hands to break up. Dump everything into a 5 gallon bucket and mix well. When ready to wash clothes you only have to use 1 or 2 tablespoons to a load. This can be used in HE washers too, but put on clothes, and not in the detergent dispenser. Mary says, “This lasts longer, fades fabrics less, and stains remove easier. I will be happy to email or send you my short questionnaire and set up a time to come and visit you at your convenience. I’m always looking for NEW Cook’s of the Week. Also, if you are new in town, this is a good way to introduce yourself to the Humboldt community and surrounding communities. I look forward to visiting with you. The COOK OF THE WEEK 3rd Edition Cookbook is available. Cost per copy is $10.70, plus $4.80 shipping/handling. Order a copy today by sending a check or money order, along with name and shipping address, to: Humboldt Independent, 512 Sumner Ave., Humboldt, IA 50548.