Published May 7, 2008, 12:01 AM EST

by Jeanne Jones

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - Dear Jeanne,Can you make this recipe healthier, with whole-wheat flour and less fat and sugar? Thank you. — Terri M., Akron, OhioOATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES1 cup raisins1 cup waterSimmer raisins and water in pan ......

Published May 4, 2008, 12:02 AM EST

by JEANNETTE SCOTT, Staff

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. - Martha Palmer, of Ronks, had her biggest cooking disaster as a young bride. She was out of baking soda, so she used baking powder to make a gingerbread cake. "My husband thought it was candy, and ate every bite while I cried," she recalled. But she didn't throw in the di......

Published April 30, 2008, 12:01 AM EST

by Jeanne Jones

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - Dear Jeanne,The following is a recipe that I used to make for guests when I was much younger and able to eat it without wondering how many points my cholesterol level would rise. There is also some concern these days about using raw eggs. Could you use your skills to reduce the fat, choles......

Published April 23, 2008, 12:03 AM EST

by J.M. HIRSCH, AP Food Editor

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - There is nothing subtle about this meat sauce.It is jammed with flavorful ingredients, starting with a healthy four cloves of garlic (double it, if you dare) and finishing with tomato paste, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese.Along the way it also takes on some serious seasonings ......

Published April 23, 2008, 12:02 AM EST

by Associated Press

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - To make great pasta, it helps to know a few key numbers:• For most recipes, plan about 4 ounces of pasta per serving. So a 1-pound box will make four servings.• To dress pasta, plan for about 3 cups tomato-based sauce per pound of pasta, a......

Published April 23, 2008, 12:01 AM EST

by Jeanne Jones

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - Dear Jeanne,This recipe is so easy, and everyone loves it. Can you lighten it? — M. Stewart, ChicagoSHRIMP AND ANGEL HAIR PASTA1 tablespoon butter, melted1 cup half-and-half2 eggs...

Published April 20, 2008, 12:02 AM EST

by STEPHEN KOPFINGER, Staff

MANHEIM, Pa. - The first thing Nicholas Shenk tried to cook was a bacon omelet. "It didn't turn out to be an omelet," the Manheim Central High School student recalled. "It turned out to be scrambled eggs." That didn't deter 15-year-old Nick, who lives in Manheim with mom Chris......

Published April 16, 2008, 12:01 AM EST

by Jeanne Jones

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - This colorful, Southwestern-inspired chicken dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. You can prepare the salsa ahead of time. You also can pound the chicken breasts and grind the peanuts ahead of time so that all you have to do at the last minute is coat the chicken with the peanut......

Published April 9, 2008, 12:02 AM EST

by Jeanne Jones

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - Dear Jeanne,My friend always bakes this cake for office luncheons. I love it and allow myself only one piece. I've yet to bake it since I don't trust myself with the whole cake in the house. Would you please reduce the fat and calorie count for this recipe? Thank you! — Franc......

Published April 9, 2008, 12:01 AM EST

by JOHN KESSLER, Cox News Service

ATLANTA - I know what you're thinking: "Why would any right-minded person make Tater Tots?"Soundness of mind has little to do with this particular recipe quest. For many it starts as more of a craft project along the lines of building a gingerbread house or tiling a shower stall....