NAME THE COOKBOOK AND WALKABOUT LUMBERTON August 6, 2003 Susan Noble Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent

I aim to please. You asked for it -- you got it. Actually not just one "it" but two good things are coming your way.

Through the years, many of you have asked when I would be writing my cookbook. I'm not going quite that far, but I am combining selected recipes from my columns into one nice, neat notebook which will be available for purchase. Proceeds will be used to enhance the educational programs and activities I conduct for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. In times of reduced budgets, there are no funds to put the "icing on the cake," so I'm stirring up my own icing. For a sample of dishes being included in the cookbook, check out the following recipes.

Then I will prepare a yearly add-on of recipes you can insert into the notebook. At least for a while, that is. I hope you think I look too young to retire, but it's getting close.

But back to the original notebook. It needs a name. Since you asked for this cookbook, I think it's only fair that you help by coming up with a terrifically enticing name so the cookbook will "sell like hot cakes."

Put on your thinking caps and get creative. The reader who submits the best title will win a free copy of the cookbook and a pan of reduced-fat, but great tasting, brownies homemade by me. Honest, you'll never know these brownies are reduced in anything. The recipe is so good it won a blue ribbon at the county fair.

Please submit your titles to me by August 15. You may phone me at 910-671-3276 or mail your entry to me at P. O. Box 2280, Lumberton, NC 28359. If you're into E-mail, send your title to me at Susan_Noble@ncsu.edu.

Now for good thing number two. Lots of folks would like to walk as a way to improve their health but don't have a convenient, safe place to walk. Over the past year, several local agencies (including Cooperative Extension) and interested citizens have been working to establish walking trails in the downtown Lumberton area.

Good news -- the trails are here and ready for the walking. No more excuses for "couch potatoes." Three walking trails and one bike/walking trail have been established as Walkabout Lumberton. The trails are marked with directional signs that also indicate mileage. A brochure has been developed that indicates sites of historical interest along the trails. You and your family can improve your health and have fun learning at the same time. Don't "stew" about the location of the trails -- call me for a brochure.

There will be a grand opening for Walkabout Lumberton on Friday, August 8, downtown on the Plaza at noon. Come and join the festivities and the walking. I'll be there serving trail mix to give you energy for walking the trails.

That's it -- I'm out of food sayings.

This is really more like spoon bread . . . you could serve it as a side dish.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine egg substitute, cottage cheese, sour cream, margarine, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in onion, broccoli, and muffin mix; blending well. Pour into 13- x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 27 minutes or until set.

Yields 12 servings at 146 calories.

Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towel. Rub mayonnaise over both sides of each chicken breast. Roll coated chicken in crumbs. Top each breast with slice of cheese and then bacon. Place prepared breasts in baking dish that has been lightly coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350°F for 55 minutes or till chicken is done. Turn oven to broil and broil chicken for 5 minutes to brown and crisp bacon.

The use of brand names in this column does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service of the products or services named or criticism of similar ones not mentioned.

E-mail address: Susan_Noble@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 8/11/03