Winter Weekends

Betty and her family love to head outdoors on winter weekends. Even though the air is cool, they spend afternoons ice skating at their neighbor's frozen pond or sledding in the park. When their noses are red and fingertips numb, Betty surprises everyone with homemade marshmallows and hot chocolate. This sweet snack warms her family so that they can head back out for some more fun in the snow. This weekend don't be afraid of the cold weather; just be sure to make plenty of hot cocoa and bring gourmet marshmallows. Everyone will want a second cup!

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Hot Chocolate

Dishes Children Love, 1965

Heat together, stirring constantly, in top of double broiler over low heat.

2 sq. (2 oz.) chocolate

1/2 cup water

When chocolate has melted, add

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

Cook 4 min., stirring constantly. Place over simmering water. Stir in

2 cups milk

Heat thoroughly. Beat with rotary beater just before serving.

Float on each serving

1 or 3 marshmallows

Soups On

Watching the snow falling, Betty and her family are warm and toasty sitting in their cozy kitchen. Betty serves steaming soup for dinner, perfect for cold January nights. Betty knows enough recipes to keep her family satisfied all winter long. This week make two of her favorites for your family, classic tomato and chicken noodle. After just one spoonful, you will forget all about the weather outside.

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Chicken Noodle Soup

from Better Homes and Gardens Favorite Ways with Chicken, 1967

1 2-1/2 to 3 pound broiler-fryer, cut up

3 quarts water

1 medium onion, quartered

few sprigs parsley

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. whole black peppers

2 cups uncooked fine noodles

1 cup diced celery

1/2 cup shredded carrots

2 tsps. salt

1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed

1/4 tsp. dried oregano, crushed

Place chicken in Dutch oven or deep kettle. Add next 5 ingredients. Simmer, covered, 1 hour. Remove chicken from broth; cool and remove meat from bones; dice meat. Strain broth; return to kettle. Bring stock to boiling; add remaining ingredients, except chicken. Return to boil; cook covered, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes, or until noodles are tender. Add chicken; heat. Makes 2-1/2 quarts.

Hearty Tomato Soup

From Betty Crocker's Cookbook, 1969

1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)

2 tbs. butter or margarine

1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened

2 cans (10-3/4 ouncces each) condensed tomato soup

1 soup can milk

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. sweet basil leaves

1/8 tsp. garlic powder

In medium saucepan, cook and stir onion in butter until onion is tender. Stir in cream cheese. Gradually stir in soup and milk; beat with rotary beater until smooth. Add seasonings. Heat, stirring frequently, but do not boil. If desired, garnish each serving with sieved egg yolk.

Betty Goes Atomic

Betty can't help but love mid-century design. With star burst patterns and futuristic form who wouldn't want one of these pieces in their home? In the 1950's and 60's science and technology exploded into the American consciousness. As physics altered the way people thought about the atom and astronauts began to explore space, home decor changed along with it.

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Cold Afternoon Crafts

On cold January afternoons Betty spends her time working on craft projects. Whether embroidering pillows or crocheting a scarf, she always keeps busy. And so should you. This cute set from Moulin Roty will meet every one of your sewing needs. Filled with yarn, scissors, a fabric tape measure and more all you need is an idea. By the time Betty finishes knitting her sister an afghan the winter is melting into spring!

3...2...1...Happy New Year!

Betty counts down to the New Year with glittering style. Whether choosing to wear her silver shoes or grabbing her gold clutch, Betty knows she will shine. With a little mid-century sparkle and a kiss at midnight you'll be starting the New Year off just right. Because even though it's 2010 it doesn't mean you shouldn't dress like it's 1957.

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Merry Christmas!

Betty hopes you get everything you want for Christmas, but if not, mix up a few retro cocktails. After one of these drinks even socks from your great aunt Bertha will look a little sweeter. Perfect for the holidays, this festive Martini will make any party special and any woman happy!

Peppermint Martini

1 peppermint stick, crushed

1 1/2 ounces vodka

1 ounce peppermint schnapps

1 ounce Triple Sec

ice

1 small candy cake

Dip a moistened martini glass into crushed peppermint. Mix the vodka, schnapps, Triple Sec and ice in a retro cocktail shaker. Strain the mix into a vintage martini glass and garnish with the candy cane. Serve to friends or keep it for yourself.