Sweet Remembrances
We all look for unique but affordable ways to remember those special people who brighten our spirits throughout the year. Packaged in sets of two, with clear, snap-on lids, these festive tree-shaped foil pans are perfect for baking and delivering everything from cakes to casseroles. Made by Reynolds, the set sells for less than $3 in most supermarkets.

One 18.25-oz. box of cake mix yields enough batter to fill both pans. Prepare and bake the cake mix according to package directions for 2 (8-inch) pans. A 16-oz. can of ready-to-spread vanilla frosting makes a quick topping for both cakes. Stir in a few drops of green food coloring, and microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or until the frosting begins to melt; stir until smooth. Pour and spread frosting evenly over the top of each cake; decorate as desired.

The pans can also be used to shape and bake cookie dough, brownies, and breakfast rolls. They can even be used to mold a congealed salad. When you need a really quick treat, pop open a can of ready-to-bake refrigerated cinnamon rolls. One (12.4-oz.) can of eight rolls fills one pan--just bake according to package directions. Or crumble and press 1 (18-oz.) package of refrigerated cookie dough on the bottom of a lightly greased pan; bake at 375° for 20 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.

The Magic Is in the Mix Over the years, our readers have shared hundreds of delicious recipes that start with a cake mix. You'll find their secrets for adding made-from-scratch flavor in this month's online Test Kitchens Recipe Box. Some replace water with buttermilk; others call for softened butter or cream cheese. Quick Italian Cream Cake, Holiday Lane Cake, and Easy Perfect Chocolate Cake are just a few of the many favorites we've included.

Tower of Treats Transform your favorite brownie recipe into a chocolate lover's delight. The recipe for Chocolate Ganache (page 142 in the December 2006 issue of Southern Living, coming soon online!) is great for a 13- x 9-inch pan of brownies. Prepare the ganache as directed; pour over the top of baked, completely cooled brownies, spreading evenly to the sides of the pan. Sprinkle coarsely chopped cookies or candy bars over the ganache; let stand until firm. Cut brownies into bars of graduated size, and stack. To package the brownies as a gift, place each stack on a piece of aluminum foil-covered cardboard; tie with decorative ribbon, and place inside a cellophane bag.