Melba's Swap Shop: Make muffins for the little ones

DEAR MELBA: I make these Mini Ice Cream Cone Muffins for special occasions for the little ones in my life.

I'm not sure where to find the miniature ice cream cones except Wal-Mart. They're called Joy mini cups, and come 42 to a box, or 21 in a package.

MINI ICE CREAM CONE MUFFINS

1 package (7 ounces) berry muffin mix

1 package (21) miniature ice cream cones Confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In large mixing bowl, mix muffins by package directions. Spoon about a teaspoon of batter into each of the ice cream cones. (This mixture usually fills 18 or so, depending on how much batter you put in each cone.) Sprinkle each with confectioners' sugar.

Bake 12 minutes, then check with cake tester in middle of a cone to make sure it is done. If not, cook another minute. Remove from oven and let cool. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

CAROLINE MEDLINGER, Oklahoma City

DEAR MELBA: I think The Oklahoman published a recipe for Raisin Pudding in the 1960s. I hope someone saved a copy and will share. Better yet, maybe someone will share his or her favorite Raisin Pudding recipe.

JEAN MORGAN, Oklahoma City

DEAR MELBA: A reader wrote concerning the Meatloaf Mix sold at Crescent Market. A butcher told me the proportions were one-third ground beef, one-third ground pork and one-third veal. He didn't say anything about an amount of fat, but maybe this will be a base for starting.

KATHERINE WINSLOW, Oklahoma City

DEAR MELBA: Here's a bumper sticker you'll like: “We're working to beat the devil.”