Nothing beats the aroma of homemade yeast bread or rolls. But preparing them from scratch can be time consuming. I purchased a bread machine several years ago, and it pretty much adorns my countertop. One of my New Year’s resolutions is going to be to use that machine more often!

Awhile back, I was given a sample of this tomato basil bread. It doesn’t seem difficult at all and really has a wonderful taste.

Tomato Basil Bread

1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

1/4 cup water (70-80 degrees)

2 tbsp. nonfat dry milk powder

2 tbsp. olive or vegetable oil

1 tbsp. sugar

1-1/2 tsp. salt

1-1/2 tsp. dried minced onion

1-1/2 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. dried marjoram

1 tsp. dried thyme

3 cups all-purpose flour

1-3/4 tsp. active dry yeast

In bread machine pan, place all ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Bake according to bread machine directions (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1-2 tbsp. of water or flour if needed.

Yield: 1 loaf (about 1-1/2 lbs.)

Try sliced smoked turkey or ham on this bread. Or serve it with beef stew on a cold day. I used to make this version of stew often back in the 70s.

Oven Beef Stew

2 lbs. lean chuck, cut into 2” cubes

3-4 medium quartered onions

1 cup celery, cut in 1/2” pieces

6 carrots, cut into chunks

4-6 potatoes, cut into chunks

1 small rutabaga

1/2 cup water

1 cup tomato juice

3 tbsp. tapioca

1 tbsp. salt

1 tbsp. sugar

Garlic salt to taste

Toss all together. Cover with a tight lid and bake at 250 degrees for 5 hours.

Variation: Sometimes I add a can of cream of mushroom soup.

This orange salad is a kids’ favorite. Haven’t made this in quite awhile either, but know the grandkids love it.

Triple Orange Salad

3 pkg. orange jello

3 cups boiling water

2 tbsp. lemon juice

1 pt. orange sherbet

2 cups mandarin oranges, drained

1 cup pineapple chunks

1 cup whipping cream or Cool Whip

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Add lemon juice and sherbet, then let set slightly. Add oranges and pineapple. Refrigerate until partly thickened and add cream. Serves 18.

I’m as behind as usual this time of year - To be honest, I actually think I’m more behind this year. Still have presents to purchase and wrap, and cookies to bake, cut out and decorate. Hopefully some little hands will help me with that (hint, hint!). And daughter Andrea was kind enough to stir them up for me in her stand mixer, so I have no excuse not to get them baked and decorated! It’s tradition, after all. And I promised Kelsey we’d try making some truffles this year - sounded like a good idea at the time. Still haven’t gotten any Christmas cards out (It’s just procrastination as I only send about four!). Oh my, I can see I still have lots to do this weekend.

To the readers of this column, I wish you all a very blessed Christmas season and wishes for a happy, healthy new year. Please keep reading and submitting recipes to me.