Ring-a-Ling!

Betty Crocker's Merry Makings cook book is full of festive "Fun Foods for Happy Entertaining!" Like these cheater kolaches that offer a lot less labor and just as much love as the real deal to today's busy hostess. Well, almost.

Ring-a-Ling Ringers
a shortcake brunch dessert
2 cups Bisquick
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup melted butter

Heat over to 425 degrees (hot). Mix all ingredients with fork. Beat 15 strokes. Knead gently 8 to 10 times on board lightly dusted with Bisquick. Roll dough 1/2" thick. cut out six 3" shortcakes. Dip fingers in Bisquick; press deep indentation (about 2" across) in center of each shortcake; fill with a heaping tablespoonful of Prune Filling (below) or apricot or raspberry jam. Bake about 10 min, or until lightly browned. Serve warm with whipped cream, commerical sour cream or sweet cream.

Don't beat yourself up about this lazy-ass pastry making process. Proceed to prune filling.

Prune filling: Simmer 1/2 lb. (a little over 1 cup) prunes in water to cover for 30 min., or until tender. Drain. CHop finely. Add 1/4 tsp. spice, 1/4 cup sugar, grated rind of 1 lemon and 1tbsp lemon juice. Cool.
Uh, yeah, I skipped the whole prune filling. I consider myself a pretty regular gal - on all levels - so I tossed some pitted bing cherries and fresh blueberries in a small saucepan with some sugar, water and a pinch of cornstarch. Much more palate pleasing, and my gut is happy, too.