Sweet Potato Salad

1 3/4 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" chunks 1/2 c plus 3 T water 1 tsp apricot jam 1/4 t curry powder 3 T mayo 3 T sour cream 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced 1/2 cucumber, cut into 1/4" chunks 1 T chives, snipped In large microwave-safe bowl, combine sweet potatoes and 1/2 c water and cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on high 8 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender but still hold their shape, stirring once. Drain and cool completely. Whisk mayo, sour cream, 1 T water, 1 T jam, 1/4 t curry and 1/4 t salt. Toss in celery, cucumber, chives and sweet potatoes until well mixed.

Grandma Rita Cakes

Saw Colby's Grandma Rita this weekend and she brought another lovely cake up for graduation so I had to take down some recipes from her. The first is a luscious chocolate cake: 1/4 c oil Dunkin Hines Devil's Food cake mix 2 eggs 1 1/2 c water fudge chocolate pudding powder 1 c chocolate chips Mix all in 9x13 with a fork for 3 minutes. Bake for 35 - 40 minutes at 350* The next is a magical concoction of ricotta cheese and cake: Marble cake mix - make as directed Mix together: 2 lb ricotta 4 eggs 3/4 c sugar 1 tsp vanilla Pour over cake mix and bake 1 hr at 350* For icing: 8 oz cool whip 1 c milk 1 chocolate pudding mix Sit for 5-7 minutes to stiffen then ice cake.