8 nanci recipes

This is one of our favorites. I add more lemon (yes, with the rind!). It's sooo good! Not bitter. I looked online to find it because I misplaced my "Award winning recipes" cookbook in the move. I use vinegar instead of wine (about half the amount) because we don't stock wine.

Nancy Reagan's pumpkin pecan pie marries two Thanksgiving favorites in one shell. A pumpkin custard sweetened with dark corn syrup hides under a layer of toasty pecans. Holiday pie that ends every debate over which to bake.

Rich chocolate sheet cake made with hot coffee and cocoa powder, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. The coffee deepens the chocolate without adding coffee flavor.

Chewy oatmeal cookies loaded with white chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, candied cherries, and toasted almonds. A bakery-style drop cookie with almond extract for extra depth.

Kahlua mousse brownies, a thin sheet brownie spiked with coffee liqueur and instant coffee for deep chocolate-mocha flavor. Bake in a jelly roll pan and sandwich with ice cream for a fancy dessert.

A fancy turkey pot pie baked in Mini squash halves and topped with whole wheat herbed biscuits.

Microwave bran muffins with dark molasses, buttermilk, and brown sugar ready in just 15 minutes. Tender, fiber-packed, and no oven required. Toss in raisins if you're feeling fancy.

If you omit the raw egg, you still get a nice sauce. According to an ancient proverb, "Garlic is as good as 10 mothers." If the latest flu bug has hit your house--and whose has escaped--you may be ready to test claims for garlic's medicinal powers.