** Place refried beans in a bowl. Cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on high (100% power) for 1 minute or until heated through.

Then: Gelatin Iceberg Ring with Tuna Salad The first step calls for adding shredded lettuce and chopped scallions to the strikingly green, lime gelatin mixture (which Alexis does reluctantly). “When I think of Jell-O I think of something sweet,” she says. “So I think maybe if there was a sweet filling in this, perhaps I would feel differently.” However, a throwback tuna salad goes into the center of the mold. After chilling in the fridge, Alexis successfully removes the gelatin ring and scoops the tuna filling into the middle to finish it off....

Tips Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.

** To toast nuts, preheat oven to 350°F. Spread nuts in a shallow baking pan. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until light brown, watching carefully and stirring once or twice. *** Before beginning this recipe, check to make sure that the dish or casserole you plan to use fits into your slow cooker.

¼ cup sugar 2 teaspoon cornstarch ½ cup whipping cream ¼ cup freshly brewed strong coffee ¼ cup coffee liqueur or water For easy cleanup: Line your slow cooker with a disposable slow cooker liner. Add ingredients as directed in recipe. Once your pudding is finished cooking, spoon it out of your slow cooker. Once the food is out of your slow cooker liner, simply dispose of the liner. Note: Do not lift or transport the disposable liner with food inside....

2 tablespoon unsalted butter 4 small apples or firm pears, cored and cut in slices and/or wedges; ¼ cup granulated sugar

**Tip: You may use an 8x8x2-inch baking pan instead. ***Tip: Bake until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. This may take 30 to 35 minutes. Winner Info: Marillynn MarkChicago, ILMarch 1949Breads

Tips Prepare as directed through Step 2. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Continue as directed in Step 3.

Samoas Remake: Samoas Bars One of the most requested of our copycat recipes is Samoas Bars, which is a bit surprising, since these cookies go by a couple of names—Samoas or Caramel deLites—depending on your region. While the Girl Scout Cookies are round, we’ve transformed everything you love about them into a bar that’s easy to bake. That’s right: The tender, buttery crust, the gooey coconut mixture, the chocolate drizzle—it’s all here....