Basic Poke Cake

1 box cake mix of yellow or white cake, baked according to package directions in a 9x13 pan

2 cups boiling water
1 pkg. (6 oz.) or 2 pkg. (3 oz. each) Flavored gelatin of your choice

Pierce baked cake with large fork at 1/2-inch intervals.
Add boiling water to gelatin mix; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Carefully pour over cake layers. Refrigerate 3 hours.

Frost with frosting of your choice or with simple whipped cream.

**Note-this is a very versatile cake and can be made in nearly any combination.

Fudgy Chocolate Layer Cake

¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks)
2 squares unsweetened baking chocolate
2 ¼ cups flour
2 cups sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups buttermilk
2 eggs, room temperature

Oven at 350. Grease and flour 2 9 inch round cake pans. (For extra assurance, line the bottom of the pans with cut parchment paper.) In a saucepan, melt butter and chocolate, stirring over low heat (Or you may melt them in the microwave together for 1-2 minutes on high.)

Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl of electric mixer. Add chocolate mixture, buttermilk and eggs. Beat on low speed for 1 minute, increase to high and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Divide batter between cake pans. Bake until cakes spring back when gently pressed about 25-30 minutes. Cool in pans 5-10 minutes and then invert on a wire rack to cool.

Frost with frosting of your choice.

Oatmeal Carrot Muffins

1 cup whole wheat flour
¾ cup oatmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1 ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
¾ teaspoon salt
1 egg
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup oil
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 toddler sized jar baby food (about 3/4 cup pureed carrots)

Oven at 350. Combine dry ingredients. Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl and add to dry. Mix until moistened, being careful not to over mix. Bake 15-18 minutes in muffin cups. Makes 12 muffins.

Italian Marinated Vegetable Salad

1/2 lb. fresh green beans, cut in half
2 cups cauliflower florets
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed
8oz block cheese, cubed
1/2 cup Italian Dressing of your choice

Add beans and cauliflower to boiling water in saucepan; cook until crisp-tender. Drain. If desired, rinse under cold water; drain again. Place in bowl.
ADD remaining ingredients; mix lightly. Cover. Refrigerate 3 hours or until chilled.