Features Editor

The Troy Elementary School Cookbooks have arrived just in time for Christmas and they are going like hotcakes.

The cookbook contains 400 favorite recipes of Troy Elementary School students, teachers, parents and retired teachers and sales for $10.

Janet Baker, chairperson of the cookbook project, said the idea for a TES cookbook originated with the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization as they looked for new fund raising ideas.

"We pooled our ideas and the cookbook was the winner," Baker said. "The response to our request for recipes was outstanding. We also asked the students to submit artwork for the the cover and for dividers for the different sections. The Troy Council on the Arts and Humanities selected the artwork

to be included. Nick Jones’ colorful picture was chosen for the cover and the inside work is very good, too."

Baker said the variety of recipes makes the book an excellent one for the beginning cook or one who has been banging pots and pans for many years.

The cookbook includes traditional Southern recipes and favorites from around the country and even some from across the seas.

Some of the recipes are ways to make something new out of something "old," such as combining sausage and cornbread in a bake and putting potatoes and sausage together so that each enhances the other. And, Bakers, said mushrooms are good alone but in a Mushroom Melody they are feast.

The TES Cookbook also features some unusual mixings and fixings, Baker said.

"One of our teachers, Stella Hughes, said her mother thinks of everyone, so she submitted ‘Memo’s Suet for Birds.’ It’s a mixture of crunchy peanut butter, lard , quick cook oats, cornmeal, flour, sugar and birdseed. It is made into cakes that will fit into a suet holder. It’s a great source of protein for birds. Squirrels love it, too."

Hughes also submitted Sam Byrd’s "not-so secret" recipe for seasoned salts that will season anything that needs it and anything that doesn’t.

"We also have recipes that were submitted in memory of Cindy Judy, Eleanor Burnett and Miss Gussie Williams," Baker said. "The recipes were among their favorites and I’m sure everyone who knew them will

appreciate having their recipes included."

For those who don’t often have the pleasure of dining on

rolls made by the TES cooks, their recipe is included.

The TES Cookbook is available at the school today until noon when school is dismissed for the holidays. However, the cookbook is available at Regions Bank and Boutwell Floor Covering for holiday shoppers.

Baker said she would like to encourage everyone to support this fund raising project of the Troy Elementary School PTO.

"The money we raise will enable us to enhance the educational programs at our school," Baker said.

"With proration, it is more important than ever the we support our school system."