Peg Herring, Mystery Author

1 can whole water chestnuts 1/2 strip of bacon for each chestnut (you can use pre-cooked) Sauce: We like barbeque sauce, French dressing, or Russian dressing, but teriyaki, soy, Zesty Italian, etc. are also possible choices. Cook the bacon in a skillet or microwave but don't let it get crispy. When it cools, wrap it around a water chestnut and skewer with a toothpick. Set them on a foil-covered broiler pan, brush with the sauce of your choice, and broil until the bacon sizzles and turns crisp. Make lots, because no one can eat just one of these!

These appetizers are easy and yummy--and easy! 1 pound sliced bacon 2 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese 2 tbsp. prepared mustard 1 c. mayonnaise 1 pound sliced pumpernickel party bread Cook bacon in a skillet until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. Preheat oven to broil. In a medium bowl combine the bacon, cheese, mustard and mayonnaise. Stir well. Arrange party bread on a cookie sheet. Spoon mixture onto each slice of bread. Broil for 5 minutes or until bubbly.

The pudding you use is your choice. I like pistachio for this one. 1 stick oleo/butter 1 c. flour 1/2 c. chopped nuts 8 oz. cream cheese 1 c. powdered sugar 1 package Cool Whip 3 c. milk 2 small packages instant pudding Layer 1: Melt oleo, add flour and nuts. Press into 9x13 pan and bake at 375 degrees for 15 min. Layer 2: Blend cream cheese & p. sugar, add 1 c. Cool Whip. Mix and spread over cooled Layer 1. Layer 3: Mix 2 pudding mixes with milk. Pour over 1 & 2. Chill until set. Layer 4: Spread remaining Cool Whip on top