Corn Bread (Self-Rising Meal)

• 3 tablespoons shortening, oil or drippings
• 2 cups self-rising corn meal mix
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 egg, beaten

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Heat shortening in 10-inch oven-proof skillet or square baking pan in oven 3 minutes; tilt skillet to coat bottom evenly.
3. Combine dry ingredients.
4. Add milk and egg; mix until blended. Add melted shortening; mix well.
5. Pour into hot skillet; bake 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Homemade Bread Maker Bread

• 9 ounces milk (medium-warm)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 package)

1. Add ingredients in order listed.
2. Set bread maker to 1 1/2 lb. loaf and adjust other settings, if you need to.
3. Let it Go and enjoy the results!

Cook's notes: I put my cold milk in a glass measuring cup and microwave for
   1 minute to make it not cold. (This will make your yeast not activate)
I have tried regular all-purpose flour and bread flour. Bread flour seems to do a
   little better but regular flour works just as well.

Red Beans & Rice

• 1 (8 ounces) package Vigo Red Beans & Rice
• 7 ounces smoked sausage, quartered and sliced
• 1-2 tablespoons oil or butter
• 3 1/2 cups water

1. In a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, bring water to a boil.
2. While you are waiting for the water to boil, brown sausage in a skillet with the oil or butter.
3. Add Red Beans & Rice mix, sausage and oil to boiling water, stirring while boiling for 1 minute.
4. Cover saucepan tightly. Reduce heat to simmer, cook for 20-25 minutes. Fluff and serve.

Microwave directions: Combine mix, 3 3/4 cups hot water, oil, and sausage in a 1 1/2 quart microwave casserole dish. Cover and microwave on high for 22 minutes. Stir, Let stand, covered for 5 minutes.