__maria Baldwin Recipes

__MARILYN BELSCHNER

Steps:

• Many Bake-Off® Contest finalists agree that the feelings that come out of preparing and sharing a meal are as significant as the ingredients that go into it: "I feel meal time is a very important together time for the family," Marilyn Belschner says. "A time when family members can communicate with each other under pleasant circumstances, while enjoying food that will nourish their bodies. Of all the ills that threaten mankind today, few can penetrate a happy family at a well-appointed table."From "Pillsbury Best of the Bake-Off Cookbook." Copyright 2004 General Mills. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

__MARIA BALDWIN

Steps:

• As a child, Maria Baldwin says she dreamed not of being Miss America but of being a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off® Contest. Inspired by a dish she'd tasted at a local restaurant, Maria's version of Spicy Asian Lettuce Wraps "is very appealing visually, tastes divine and is quick and delicious." Pounding the meat and stir-frying the vegetables speed up the preparation time, making this recipe perfect for a fast weeknight meal. In the end, Maria's dream came with an added bonus: Her entry earned special recognition as the "most innovative" recipe.From "Pillsbury Best of the Bake-Off® Cookbook." Copyright 2004 General Mills. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.