ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI: SIMPLE ALMOND DISH BEFORE 'RESULTS 2000' MEETING

Feb. 8 was a unique and interesting day. Larry Joe and I were in St. Louis to attend "Results 2000," a program on how to create an extraordinary quality of life, where we were entertained by a variety of well-known folks. Before the program began we were served almond kuchen, and it was delicious.

Leading the parade of stars was motivational guru, Anthony Robbins. Robbins could talk a flat rock into turning 'round and taking a step. Robbins' advice is to live your life with passion!

Good Morning America's Joan Lunden was the girl next door with plenty of common sense. Joan's key to success remove failure as an option.

When listening to Gen. Norman Schwartzkopf espouse his theory of leadership it was easy to understand why his military career has been such a success. The general believes that a true leader gets people to do willingly those things which they don't want to do.

The auditorium rocked when the Rams' head coach Dick Vermeil stepped on the stage. With humility he acknowledge the thundering applause. I liked his statement, "A good coach coaches the whole person, not just the football player."

Larry King won the audience over while speaking his mind with humorous stories. King's best insight was "knowing what needs to be done in your life requires asking yourself the right questions."

An American success story was Donald Trump's introduction. Trump's message was simple. Create a blueprint of your dreams, then outsmart the competition. Trump was more likable in person than in news media sound bites.

It was an entertaining and inspiring day with a touch of personal drama. Larry Joe took a tumble and cracked four ribs. He says it only hurts when he breathes and laughs.

Almond Kuchen

1 package active dry yeast

1 cup lukewarm milk

3 cups flour

6 tablespoons butter, room temperature

2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

1 cup sugar

4 eggs

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Blanched whole almonds

Soft butter to grease bundt pan

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Dissolve yeast in the warm milk; add 1 cup flour, cover and let sit until double in bulk.

2. Cream the butter and vegetable shortening. Add sugar and the eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Add salt and cinnamon.

3. Add the yeast mixture to the butter mixture, and stir in the remaining 2 cups of flour. Mix well.

4. Grease a large bundt pan with soft butter. Decorate the bottom with blanched almonds.

5. Place the dough in the pan, cover and let rise until almost doubled in size. Bake in a 350 degree oven until done, 45-60 minutes.

6. Dust top with powdered sugar, if desired.

Yield: 12 servings.

Visit Angie at her Web site, www.cookingwithangie.com.

Angie Holtzhouser is author of Drop Dumplin's and Pan-Fried Memories ... Along the Mississippi. Her cookbook is available at local bookstores. In addition, it can be purchased through the mail at: Drop Dumplin's, P.O. Box 10, Lilbourn, Mo. 63862. The price is $19.95, including tax and shipping.