Too Long Asleep (Ten of Spades)

Hints & Solutions
Highlight the white text inside the block for hints ranging from vague to specific...

Hint 1:

A crossword with a little twist: Each word needs to be modified before being put into the grid. Some will be shortened via removing the first or last letter, others will have a letter added.

Hint 2: Remember that each modification will produce a new word in both directions. The shortened words are generally easier to get and will help you to get the elongated words.

Hint 3: 1 across is "OLEO" (LEO with an O added in front). 1 down is "OHM" (OHMY with the Y removed).

Hint 4: 2 down is "LEARNER". 19 across is "TRAVELED"

Hint 5:

The next section contains the answer. Do not reveal unless you want to be spoiled

The Solution:

Across words: 1. OLEO, 5. SPRIGS, 11. AGE, 14. HEAL, 15. TOO, 16. CATHAY, 17. MARIE, 18. OVERRATE, 19. TRAVELED, 21. EASEL, 23. ONCE, 24. PORTS, 27. NAME, 30. MET, 31. TEASET, 33. GLAD, 34. BROAD, 36. STEALING, 37. STUBBIEST, 41. EDGE, 43. POSSES, 44. EWER, 45. REP, 47. INTERBRED, 50. PAPA, 52. NEATER, 55. EASE, 57. WIN, 58. ERGO, 59. TARRINESS, 60. DEANS, 61. GAS, 62. STRAY.

The keyword is "TEA SET"