Here in Alberta, Canada, we had snow last night and they are forecasting more snow for tonight. But for us in the country it is a good thing, as we need all the moisure we can get for the soil, so when spring finally arrives the pasture, hay fields and crops will grow. Even though it has been more like winter weather here, I am looking forward to planting my vegetable garden and flowers, though I think it will be at least a month till we do any planting. This stir fry is full of flavor, and the layered lemon dessert reminds me of spring. My mom served it at Easter dinner.

Pacific Rim Stir Fry

1 tbsp oil
1 1b. sirloin steak, thinly sliced
4 carrots, cut lengthwise
1 cup broccoli florets
1 red pepper sliced
1 yellow pepper sliced ( or green)
1 cup chopped bok choy (I have substituted other vegetables,whatever I have on hand)
1/2 cup orange juice concentrate
2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
1 tbsp Thai red curry paste ( I used less, and I'm sure you could omit, and it would still taste good)
1 tbsp ginger, minced
2 tbsp oyster sauce
salt and pepper, to taste
1 bunch green onions, chopped
sesame oil, to taste

In a wok or deep saute pan, heat oil and brown steak for about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and set aside

Stir fry the vegetables beginning with the carrots.
Add orange juice concentrate, Hoisin, curry paste,and ginger. Stir fry another 2 minutes

Add beef and oyster sauce and stir fry another minute. Be sure not to overcook the vegies. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve garnised with green onion and drizzed with sesame oil.

Layered Lemon Dessert

Crust
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup finely chopped pecans

Mix until crumbly. Press into a 9 by 13 pan. Bake in a 350 oven for 15 minutes until golden. Cool.

Second layer
2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup icing sugar
1 envelope whipped topping,whipped, or 1 cup whipping cream,whipped, or 1 1/2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed.

Beat cheese and icing sugar together well. Fold in whipped cream, spread over cooled crust

Third layer
2 packages cook and serve lemon pie filling (each would make one pie)(not the instant lemon pudding)

Prepare lemon pie fillings according to directions on the package ( usually have to add egg yolks and water). Cool. Pour over cheese layer.

Top layer
2 cups whipping cream, whipped with 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla, or 3 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed.

Spread over lemon layer. Sprinkle with chopped pecans, slivered almonds, or chopped walnuts. Chill