YOU CAN HELP THE ECONOMY!

Greetings from Carmela's Cucina,

The Minneapolis paper, The Star Tribune on Sunday Feb. 1, 2009 published a great letter to the editor entitled, "If you can, put money back into our economy." The writer suggests that if your job is secure, that you spend a little money to stimulate the economy. She says go out to lunch, shop at Target, throw a dinner party, and go on a vacation if you can afford it. I am going to suggest the same thing, take a cooking class and learn to cook better food at home. See my schedule of cooking classes at www.carmiescucina.com or ask me about private classes. Contact me to purchase one of cookbooks, CARMELA'S CUCINA, which is full of easy to make and economical recipes that you, your family and friends are going to love. Have friends over for a party and let me help you prepare the food. And if you really have some extra cash travel to Italy with me this spring or fall. Check the tours page of my web site for details of the trip. And remember that when you travel with me you are paying in American dollars and the price is fixed so that there will never be any surprise fees or extras to pay for.

So, do not despair, spring will be here soon, the sun is shinning a bit brighter, the days are longer and the temperatures are rising. And so will our spirits. Put a smile on your face, call a friend and go out and have some fun. Spend a little money if you can. You will feel better and you may even be doing something good for our sad economy.

And since it is Feb. we can't forget to celebrate Valentine's Day. Expensive gifts may not be in your budget, a big night out on the town may be more than you can afford, but you can make my "Peanut Clusters" and let those close to you know you really love them.

We, Americans will survive this period and we will come out better and stronger for it. Until then,, please know that I wish you, my loyal clients, friends and family well. Happy Valentine's Day and...

Buon appetito,

Carmela Tursi Hobbins

PEANUT CLUSTERS
12 ounces chocolate chips
12 ounces butterscotch
2 cups peanuts
4 ounces white chocolate

Melt the chips in a double boiler, and when the chips are melted add the peanuts and mix well. Drop by teaspoonfull on cookie sheets that have been lined with waxed paper or parchment. Melt white chocolate in Microwave oven, stirring after 30 seconds, if chips are still not melted microwave for another 30 seconds until melted. Drizzle the white chocolate over the clusters. Put in a cool place until they are firm. MAKES 3 DOZEN.