Carolyn's Recipe Corner

Spaghetti al la Carbonara

2010-08-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

We have been unpacking, reading, and generally catching up on all the things that needed to be done...like a huge stack of mail...this week. I have been remembering our trip and all the wonderful things we did in Italy. Kerry got his pictures out today and we looked at them together. I am so glad that he took pictures of things that I didn't. For example, our first day in Rome we went to the Trevi fountain. It was one of the most crowded fountains that I saw in Rome. Jenessa said that she threw a coin into the fountain because the legend is that when you throw a coin in you will come back to Rome. There were so many people and police were there too watching the crowd and making sure that people didn't climb in for a swim. Some people got too close and she blew the whistle on them.

Today I made Italian pizza with Jenessa. She told me that you have to let the dough sit for 24 hours. I did and then she cranked the oven up to 550 which gave the pizza that wonderful crispy crust with the soft bread in the middle. It was the best. I got the recipe from Cooking Light. Jenessa even made authentic pizza sauce out of fresh tomatoes.

Last Sunday Jenessa gave her homecoming talk. She was absolutely the main attraction. There was only one other speaker...a youth speaker. Albert came with his children, Regan came with Debra and Lizzy, John Miles, and Mike Cecacci was here too. It was quite a crowd. I taught gospel doctrine and Kerry taught his two lessons afterwards. We came home and Jenessa made Italian food for everyone...it was spaghetti al la carbonara. I remember the first time we had it was when Maurine made it for us. I remembered it because I thought it was the best spaghetti... Here is the recipe:

1 pkg. spaghetti
4 eggs
4 egg yolks
3/4 lb. of uncured bacon
1 cup parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
onion
olive oil

Boil the spaghetti until tender.

Fry the onion in olive oil until it becomes transparent. Cut up the bacon and fry it until crisp with the onion.

In a separate bowl whisk the egg and egg yolk together and add in the parmesan, salt and pepper.

Put the strained noodles back in the pot and on low eat. Add the bacon and onions until mixed. Add the egg mixture and stir until it is cooked. Buon Appetito.

The Can Plan

2010-05-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

Plan one meal entirely from cans and other dried storable foods.
Purchase the ingredients to make 12 of these meals, (once each month).
Decide how many meals a week you think you'll want a break from your stored wheat or rice and make a meal for each day. Example: I want three dinners a week that won't be just wheat or rice or beans. This means that I have to find 12 recipes that I like and purchase each meal 12 times.

Some Ideas:
12 jars of spaghetti
12 boxes of noodles
12 cans of a great soup or stew

Improvise your recipes to be made entirely from cans.

Taco Soup

2010-05-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

2 cans kidney beans or chili beans
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can corn
1 packet (or 1/4 cup) taco seasoning (or more if desired)
Place contents of cans (including liquid) and taco seasoning into sauce pan. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Cheese, crushed corn chips (or tortilla chips), and/or sour cream all make great mix-ins. Great also served with cornbread.

Tamale Pie

2010-05-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

5 large tamales (canned)
can of chili con carne
1 sm. can tomato sauce
1 lg. can whole tomatoes
1 med. can niblet corn with sweet peppers
1 sm. can whole, or sliced pitted black olives
Cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)

Slice tamales in fourths and lay on the bottom of a 9” X13” glass dish. Combine in a large saucepan: tomato sauce, and chili until dissolved. Add whole tomatoes, pitted olives and corn. Pour over tamales. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake 1 hour, uncovered, at 350 until hot and bubbly.

Chinese Casserole

2010-05-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

2 cans Tuna
1 can mushroom soup
1/4 cup water
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 cup whole cashews
1 - 4oz. can mushrooms
2 cups canned Chinese Chow Mien noodles
1/4 cup minced onions (or equivalent in dried)
2 cans water chestnuts
Drain the tuna. Mix with the soup, water, soy sauce, and all other ingredients except 1 cup of the noodles. Place in casserole. Can be refrigerated at this point or baked at 375 for 40 min.

Lobster Newberg

2010-05-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

1 can each of shrimp, lobster and crab.
4 Tbsp. butter (broth can be substituted)
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
2 can cream of mushroom soup
1- 3oz. can mushrooms and juice
1 can evaporated milk
1/4 tsp. salt
Melt butter or broth in pan and sauté washed shellfish for about 5 min. Sprinkle on paprika and nutmeg and stir. Mix together the soup, mushrooms and milk. Pour this over seafood, adding salt to taste. Serve over hot rice.

Potato Casserole

2010-05-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

2 cans small white potatoes
parsley
pepper
dill seed
oregano
1 can mushroom soup
1 soup can of milk
garlic powder
paprika
Drain potatoes and place in a baking dish. Sprinkle generously with parsley. Season with salt, pepper, pinch of dill, 2 pinches of oregano. Mix soup and milk and add 1/8 tsp garlic powder. Pour over potatoes and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 for 45 min.

Chicken Deluxe

2010-05-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

4 cups Pepperidge Farms Herb Stuffing Mix(1/2 bag)
1 cup margarine melted (sub. broth or butter buds)
Mix this and press 1/2 the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
Mix together:
2 cans cream of celery soup
1 can milk.
Pour over the crumbs.
Scatter on top:
3 cans of chicken
2 Tbsp. Dried minced onions
dash of pepper
1 small jar of pimientos
1 package frozen peas, not thawed (If using only canned foods substitute canned water chestnuts or canned peas.)
Top with the rest of the crumb mixture. Bake at 375 for 60 min. Cool slightly to cut into squares.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

2010-05-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

1 8 oz. Package spaghetti
1 envelope chicken gravy mix
1 ¼ c. milk
¼ cup cooking sherry or apple juice
2 cans chunk chicken
1 4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained.
2 Tbsp. Grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare spaghetti as label directs; drain. Place spaghetti in a greased 8-inch-square baking dish. Mix together remaining ingredients, except cheese. Pour mixture over spaghetti. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 45 minutes, until bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 4 servings.

Tuna Shortcake (from Campbell's Soup)

2010-05-25T13:45:00.002-07:00

1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 ¼ cup milk
1 7 oz. Can tuna, drained and flaked
1 c. cooked peas (use canned, drained peas)
1 Tbsp. Chopped pimento
In saucepan, combine ingredients. Heat; stir often. Serve over biscuits. Makes about 2 ½ cups.This recipe can be added to, according to your supply and your fancy! Try a can of drained water chestnuts or mushrooms, or top with almond slivers. A great recipe meal for busy moms!

Beans Hawaiian

2010-05-25T13:45:00.001-07:00

2 1-lb. cans Heinz Vegetarian Beans in Tomato Sauce
1 8-oz. can pineapple chunks, drained
1 - 2 Tbs. light brown sugar
1 ½ tsp. Mild Mustard
¼ tsp. salt
Dash ground cloves
Combine ingredients; pour into a 1-quart casserole. Bake, uncovered in 375'F. oven, 50 - 55 minutes or until beans are hot, stirring occasionally. Makes 4 - 6 servings (about 4 cups).

Spanish Rice

2010-05-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

3 Tbsp. Oil
1 cup uncooked rice
1 can (11.5 oz.) tomato juice 1 pint salsa
Toast rice in oil until most of the rice changes color and begins to brown slightly. Add tomato juice and salsa. Stir. Cover, simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Option-add canned bacon pieces.

Chicken and Rice

2010-05-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

4 Chicken Breasts (or 3 cans Chicken)
2 cans of cream of mushroom or chicken soup
1 can cut green beans
1 C shredded cheese
1 C water
3 C Un-Cooked Rice (I used brown)
Season salt and olive oilBrown chicken in olive oil. Combine rice, soup, green beans, and water in 13×9 pan. Sprinkle 3/4 cheese on top. Cut up chicken and add to top. Sprinkle wi

Bean and Lentil Rice Pilaf from Living Essentials

2010-05-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

2 ¼ cups water
2 TBS dried minced onion
2 TBS olive oil
2 tsp beef bouillon
¼ cup dry lentils, sorted and rinsed
1 ¾ cup soaked and cooked dry kidney beans or 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 cup salsa
1 tsp chili powder

In saucepan combine first five ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 20-25 minutes longer until lentils and rice are tender. Serves 6.

Beef and Barley Stew from Living Essentials

2010-05-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

1 (12oz) can beef chunks 7 cups water ¾ cup dried carrots 3 TBS dried minced onion 3 TBS dried celery 2 TBS dried red or green pepper 2 TBS beef bouillon 2 TBS dried minced parsley ½ tsp basil 1/8 tsp pepper 1 bay leaf ¾ cup pearled barley Combine all ingredients except barley in large pot and bring to a boil. Add barley and simmer, covered, for 45-55 minutes until barley is tender. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serves 4-6.

Chili with Roast Beef Chunks

2010-05-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

2 cans pinto or kidney beans (4 cups cooked beans if you use dry beans)
2 (14.5 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes (1 quart home bottled)
1 Tb. dehydrated onion
1-12 oz. can roast beef chunks
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. celery salt
1 Tb. chili powder

Combine ingredients and simmer for 1-2 hours to blend flavors (or 4-6 hours in crock pot). Serves 4

Enchiladas

2010-05-25T13:38:00.002-07:00

1-2 cans chicken
1-14 oz can enchilada sauce
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 can sliced black olives
10 – 12 tortillas

Spray pan with cooking spray and coat with small amount of enchilada sauce. Coat tortilla with sauce. Add about 2 Tablespoons shredded chicken and top with 2 Tablespoons shredded cheese. Roll tortilla and place seam side down in pan. Continue until you have one layer deep. Pour remaining sauce over tortillas and top with some shredded cheese and sliced black olives. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.

Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas

2010-05-25T13:38:00.001-07:00

4 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder (optional)
1/4 cup butter
1 to 1 ¼ cup warm water

• Combine dry ingredients in bowl. Work in the butter or oil. Add enough water to make soft, pliable dough.
• Knead lightly on floured surface. Divide into 16 balls. Let stand, covered 15 - 20 minutes.
• Roll into thin circles between sheets of parchment paper.
• Cook on non-greased, heavy skillet or griddle at medium-high temperature until brown specks appear on cooking side (about 10 seconds). Flip and cook other side.
• Store in refrigerator or freezer.

Taco Soup

2010-05-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Brown:
1 pound extra lean ground beef or turkey and drain (or canned or freeze dried)
Add:
1 clove of minced garlic (or dehydrated)
1 cup of diced onion (can use dehydrated chopped onion)
28 oz can or 2-14 oz cans chopped tomatoes in juice
1 can black beans with juice
8 ¾ oz can of corn with juice
15 oz can tomato sauce
10 oz package of taco seasoning mix

Cook for 30 minutes on low.

Add ins: 2 T Light sour cream, shredded lettuce, 2 T shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled corn taco shells or you can slice up a tortilla in strips which we like better.

Sloppy Joes

2010-05-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

2 lbs. ground beef or ground turkey (or canned or Freeze dried)
1 cup each. chopped onion, celery and bell pepper
1-1/2 cup to 2 cup ketchup
2 TBSP. sugar
2 TBSP. cider vinegar
1 or1-1/2 TBSP. yellow mustard
1 TBSP. worchestershire sauce
1 can chicken gumbo soup- undiluted salt and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef/turkey, add onions, celery, and bell pepper while browning. Drain grease when done browning. Return to pan and add remaining ingredients, except salt. Simmer over low heat for 15 min. Remove from heat and let sit for 1 hr. to let flavors blend. taste and add salt as needed. Or make day ahead so flavors can blend, refrigerate and use next day. I never add the salt as it is fine without it.

Herbed Chicken Casserole

2010-05-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

1 - 6 oz. pkg long grain & wild rice mix
3 chicken breasts (or canned chicken)
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 - 10 1/2 oz. can condensed cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup sliced celery or celery flakes or dried celery
1 3 oz can sliced mushrooms drained
2 Tablespoons chopped canned pimento

Prepare rice mix. Season chicken with salt & pepper. Brown in butter. Cool and cut into cubes.(or use canned) Spoon rice into casserole. Put chicken on top. Add soup to skillet, add water and stir until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and bring to boil. Pour over chicken. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 - 20 minutes.

Chicken/Rice Casserole

2010-05-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

Melt 1/4 cup margarine in saucepan. Blend 1/4 cup flour and 1 can evaporated milk (15 oz), 1 can chicken broth and 1/2 cup water. Cook until it thickens, stirring constantly.

Add 3 cups long grain rice (cooked), 2 1/2 cups diced chicken, 3 oz. sliced mushrooms, drained, 13 cup chopped pepper, 1/4 canned pimento, 1/2 tsp. salt.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Aunt Millie's Vegetable Soup

2010-05-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

1 Pound ground beef (or canned or freeze dried)
½ cup chopped onion (or dehydrated)
2 cans Italian Style stewed tomatoes (14 ½ oz each)
2 cans beef broth (or make with instant bouillon granules)
2 cans mixed veggies (Veg-All type)
½ cup uncooked noodles (optional)
½ teaspoon Oregano (I leave this out when I use Italian style tomatoes)

Brown meat with onions and cook until onion is tender. Drain. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to boil. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Chicken a la Can Can

2010-05-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

1 cans cream of chicken soup
1 cans cream of celery soup
1 cans water
1 cans instant rice
1 cans diced chicken
1 can Fried onions

Combine first 5 ingredients in pot on stove. Bring to a boil and simmer 7 - 10 minutes. Pour into casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Top with onions and bake another 10 minutes or until browned.

Super Fudge Brownie Recipe

2010-05-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile I come upon a recipe that is so good that I have to publish it. My friend Mary Ellen Lee made these Brownies in honor of Mother's Day and I had to get the recipe. These were the best brownies. Enjoy.

6 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup butter
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla
1/2 cup flour
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat over to 300 degrees. Grease 8X8 inch baking pan

Combine baking chocolate and butter in saucepan and melt over low heat. Remove from heat and cool.

In a large bowl, beat eggs until light yellow (about 5 mintes). Add sugar and blend on low until thoroughly combined.
Add vanilla and melted chocolate to the egg/sugar mixture and blend on low until smooth. Add the floor and mix thoroughly.

Pour batter into greased pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Back for about 45-55 minutes or until toothpick in the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.

Cool, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

2010-03-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

Last night I made up this recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu and it turned out great. Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of it so I can't show you but it is really simple and easy to do and since I fed only 2 people it can be doubled or tripled, etc.

2 cups crushed Corn Flakes
2 chicken breasts
2 slices swiss cheese
2 slices ham
Pam

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray small 9x9 pan with cooking spray. Put chicken breasts in a quart size freezer bag and roll them flat, one at a time. Place a slice of ham and then swiss cheese on top of the chicken breast after you take it out of the bag. Roll it up and secure with toothpicks. Roll the chicken breast in the Corn Flakes crumbs and place them in the pan. Bake for 40 minutes. You can serve them with Cream of Chicken soup mixed with 1/2 cup sour cream which has been heated in a saucepan.

Choco Mint Picnic Brownies

2010-03-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

I ran across this recipe in the Lion House Bakery Cookbook and I had this craving for mint brownies. This isn't the exact recipe in the cookbook because I did my mint variation. I thought they turned out great and wanted to share my success with everyone. I hope you enjoy them.

4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup butter
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 teaspoon mint flavoring
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chocolate and mint chips

Preheat oven to 350 and grease 2 9-inch round pans.

In top of a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and butter. In a medium bowl, mix sugar, vanilla, mint flavor, and salt; add to melted chocolate mixture and blend well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and mix well. Divide batter equally into prepared pans. Spread evenly and sprinkle top of each with chopped nuts and chocolate/mint chips. Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted an inch from center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before cutting. Run a thin knife between pan and brownies and turn upside down. With knife that is longer than brownies are wide, cut brownies by pressing knife straight down through brownines; cut each round into 8 wedges. Makes 16 brownies. These brownies store and stack well, for easy portability.

Cinnamon Apple Cake

2010-01-23T09:10:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite recipes. Years ago I subscribed to Cooking Light Magazine when I was trying to eat and cook healthy things for my family. This recipe comes from the October 1997 issue of the magazine. I still try to cook healthy but sometimes fall off the wagon. Too much of a good thing is always too much of a good thing. The article says that it is the cream cheese in the batter that gives the cake lots of moisture. I think the cake melts in your mouth. I served this recipe last week when we had company for dinner.

1 3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/2 cup stick margarine, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 ounces block-style fat-free cream cheese, softened (about 3/4 cup)
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsps baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsps ground cinnamon
3 cups chopped peeled Rome apple (about 2 large)
cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Beat 1 1/2 cups sugar, margarine, vanilla, and cream cheese at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 4 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture, beating at low speed until blended.
3. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Combine 2 TBS cinnamon mixture and apple in a bowl, and stir apple mixture into batter. Pour batter into an 8-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon mixture.
4. Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack, and cut using a serrated knife. Yield: 12 servings.

Note: You can also make this cake in a 9-inch square cake pan or a 9-knch springform pan; just reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes.

Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

2010-01-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

Last night Kerry and I invited family over because Janilee, my son Jonathan's wife, is here visiting and helping to decorate our home. I wanted to make something special for my company so I made a recipe that Kerry's mother had given to me. I made a little variation due to time constraints. The cookie is very rich and the marshmallow is a surprise when you bite into it. These are Kerry's favorite cookies so I hope you will enjoy them too.

1 3/4 cups sifted cake flour

1/2 tsp soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup cocoa

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 tsp vanilla

36 large marshmallows, cut in half

1 can chocolate frosting, or add 5 Tbs cocoa to a can of white fluffy frosting

Sift flour, measure, sift again with soda, salt and cocoa. Cream shortening. Add sugar gradually, blending thoroughly. Add egg, beat well. Add flour mixture and milk alternately, beating after each addition. Add chopped nuts and vanilla, mix. Drop by level teaspoonsful, about two inches apart onto a well greased cookie sheet. Cookies will spread. Bake in moderate (350 degree) oven for eight minutes, top with marshmallow half, cut side down. Return to oven and bake two minutes, until marshmallows soften. Cool and frost with frosting.

Gifts from the Kitchen

2009-12-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

I taught a class once on fun and easy gifts from the kitchen. My ideas were already made like making Chocolate Crinkle Cookies and putting them in a new dustpan. I attached a poem to the dustpan that went like this: I baked a batch of cookies and dropped them on the floor. I quickly scooped them up and rushed them to your door. One fun idea I found is to make mixes in a jar and give them as gifts. Here are a few to try.

Hot Chocolate Mix

3 cups powdered milk
1/2 cup cocoa
3/4 cup sugar
dash of salt
Sift the ingredients into a large bowl. Pack the mix into an airtight container.

Attach this to the jar:

Hot Chocolate
Serves 1
4 Tbs. Hot Chocolate Mix
8 ounces boiling water
Marshmallows or whipped cream

Double Fudge Brownie Mix
Dense and fudgy, these are the best brownies in the world.
2 cups sugar
1 cup cocoa (not Dutch process)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chocolate chips
Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container.

Attach this to the jar:
Double Fudge Brownies
Makes 24
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
4 eggs 1 package Double-Fudge Brownie Mix
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 12 by 9 inch pan. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the Double-Fudge Brownie Mix and continue to beat the mixture until it is smooth. Spread the mixture into the greased pan, and bake for 40 to 50 minutes.

Snickerdoodle Cookies
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 1/2 cups sugar
In a large bowl, combine the ingredients with a whisk. Store the mix in an airtight container.

Attach this to the jar:
Snickerdoodles
Makes about 5 dozen cookies
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 eggs
1 package Snickerdoodle Mix
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tbs cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter until light; add the eggs and beat on low speed until the mixture is smooth. Add the Snickerdoodle Mix and continue to beat on low speed until the dough begins to form. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Shape the dough into 1 inch balls and roll in the cinnamon sugar blend. Arrange on ungreased baking sheets 2 inches apart and bake for 16 to 19 minutes or until light tan. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

2009-11-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

I grow rhubarb in the garden and find that it's sour/sweet taste goes well with strawberries. My plants were huge this year and so I picked a lot of rhubarb to freeze. It is really easy...all you have to do is cut it up into 1 inch pieces, put it into containers and then put it in the freezer. So for Thanksgiving I made a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. This is my daughter Jenessa's favorite pie.

1 -10 inch double pie crust (I used the Never Fail Swedish Pie Crust)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. orange peel
3 cups rhubarb, cut into 1 inch pieces
3 cups strawberries, cut up
2 TBS butter

Mix flour, sugar and orange peel together. Then mix in the rhubarb and strawberries. Pour into the pie shell and dot with butter. Place the top crust on the pie and spread milk on the top and then sprinkle with sugar. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 40 to 50 minutes.

Mediterranean Salad

2009-06-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

I love fresh vegetables especially during the summer time. So I came up with a salad that is healthy and very Greek. The feta cheese gives it the umph that it needs while putting olive oil into the mix adds some healthy oil that the body needs for digestion. I found that I loved the mix and am thinking of adding a yogurt dressing next time I make it. This is a recipe for one person.

1 ounce of feta cheese

1/2 tomato

1/2 green pepper

1/3 large cucumber

2 TBS. chopped red onion

1 tsp lemon juice

2 tsp olive oil

dash of sea salt

Chop vegetables into bite size pieces and mix together. Sprinkle feta cheese on top then add olive oil and lemon.

Lasagne

2009-06-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

For Father's Day this year I asked Kerry what he would like to eat for his special dinner. I thought I would make something like Chicken and Dumplings and he said that he liked that recipe but that was not his favorite. He was a little disappointed that I didn't know him well after 31 years of marriage and what he likes to eat. "Of course" I thought, "Kerry loves my lasagne."

Not any Lasagne recipe but THE Lasagne recipe that I have always made him. It is the recipe that is found in the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book published in 1976.

Cover via Amazon

Lasagne was always a hit at my house. I made it first the day that Jonathan was blessed for all the company that came to our home. Then there were the other celebrations like birthdays. It is probably the most popular dish in our household.

1 pound of Italian sausage or ground beef
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 Tbs. whole basil
1 1/2 tsps. salt
1 1-lb. can tomatoes
2 6-ounce cans tomato paste
10 ounces lasagne noodles
2 eggs
3 cups fresh Ricotta or cream-style cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
2 Tbs. parsley flakes
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced very thin

Brown the meat slowly; spoon off excess fat.

Add next 5 ingredients and 1 cup water. Simmer, covered, 15 minutes; stir often. Cook noodles in boiling salted water until tender; drain; rinse.

Beat eggs; add remaining ingredients, except mozzarella.

Layer half the noodles in a 13x9x2-inch baking dish; (Yes. I know that this is a 9x9 pan but when there are two people eating, I make two smaller pans of lasagne. We eat one and freeze the other which is what I did today. So if you have a bigger crowd go ahead and make the BIG pan of lasagne like I used to when my family was home.)spread with half the Ricotta filling; add half the mozzarella cheese and half the meat sauce. Repeat. Bake at 375 degrees about 30 minutes (or assemble early and refrigerate; bake 45 minutes). Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serves 8 to 10.

Spicy Bean Salsa

2009-06-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

This is a great dip to serve with chips. It is a little spicy with the jalapeno pepper so if you like things mild you can make this salsa without it.

1 can (15 1/2 oz) black eyed peas (drained)
1 can (15 1/2 oz) black beans (drained)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped jalapeno pepper
3 oz. or 3 cloves garlic diced
chopped fresh cilantro
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1 pkg Good Seasons Italian Dressing prepared with oil and vinegar

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate several hours. Serve with tortilla chips or over rice.

Edith's Whole Wheat Bread

2009-06-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

My Great Aunt Edith Whittle lived on a farm in Kimberly Idaho where the Olsens settled after immigrating from Denmark in the early part of the last century. I am sure the my older children remember the birthday cards that she sent to them every year with a dollar. That one small act helped them remember her. She was very kind to us and when we went to visit her she had a picture of my sister Jan and I on the dresser in her upstairs bedroom. When we were at her home we milked the goats and poured the cream on our breakfast cereal. What a treat! Here is her recipe for Whole Wheat Bread.

Beat together:
2 cups of prepared powdered milk, scalded
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup soft margarine
4 tsp. salt
Add and beat well:
4 eggs

Mix together and let sit until yeast bubbles, about 5 minutes.
1 cup warm water
1 Tbs. brown sugar
2 Tbs. yeast

Pour into milk mixture and add 7 cups whole wheat flour. Mix together well, the dough will be sticky. Add 1 1/2 cups of white bread flour. Put in greased bowl and let rise for 1 1/2 hours until double in bulk. Knead down and let rise again. Mold into 2 loaves of bread. Let rise for 1/2 hour and then bake 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Brush with melted butter while hot.

Today we made stone ground wheat bread. Jayden, Ashlyn, Peyton, and Cameron were over at my house for cooking lessons on how to make bread. It takes a couple hours to make bread so we made Marshmallow Popcorn Balls while we waited. Afterwards the kids enjoyed the treats they made.

I have a lot of hard red winter wheat in storage but you can find wheat berries at the store. Bob's Red Mill sells wheat berries in the grocery store or online but you need to have a wheat grinder to make the flour.

Jayden was fascinated to find that my very old Magic Mill wheat grinder, which my mother gave to me to use over 20 years ago and I tried to give it back to her several times but she wouldn't take it, had stones inside it to grind the wheat into flour.
Jayden poured wheat into the grinder and was amazed to find after it went into the little hole that flour came out into the tray at the bottom. We made about 7 cups of flour with the 5 cups of wheat that we put into the grinder. We had a discussion about how wheat was ground a long time ago and how people took their grain to the miller to have it made into flour. Peyton said that her best friend has the last name of Miller and I said that their ancestor probably was a miller a long time ago.

After we finished making the flour we started putting the bread together. First of all we proofed the yeast in 1 cup of lukewarm water and 1 Tbs. of brown sugar. The children watched the yeast bubble and grow and then put it into the milk mixture. Cracking the eggs was a favorite thing to do and each child got to put one into the mix then Cameron added the flour.

After mixing in the wheat flour the dough is very sticky and gooey so I add white bread flour to give the dough some gluten and make it stick together. This helps the solve some of the stickiness problem too.

I use my Kitchen Aide to knead the dough for 10 minutes which is very necessary to give the bread the right texture. Letting the dough rise is the next step. I let the dough sit in a warm place an hour until it doubles in bulk. I know when the dough reaches the top of my bowl that it is double.

There is a trick to making a beautiful loaf of bread and so I demonstrated how to do it with the first loaf and then Jayden did the second loaf. I thought she did a very good job.

First the bread is rolled with a rolling pin to get all the big bubbles out. We made sure that it was put on a well floured surface because the bread dough is still a little bit sticky. I turned the dough over a couple times to make sure that it was floured. Jayden rolled it into a rectangle and then rolled it the long way to form the bread. After the roll was made Jayden pinched the end to the dough to seal the loaf. Then she turned the ends towards the center and pinched them to the loaf. She did a really gread job putting it into the greased loaf pan.

Look at how well formed Jayden made her loaf. I couldn't tell the difference between the two loaves. The bread was given time to rise for a half an hour then it was ready to go into the oven. The smell of bread baking permeated the house and we couldn't wait to taste it.

Marshmallow Balls

2009-06-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

My nieces and nephew, Cameron, Jayden, and Ashlyn, came over today for cooking classes. Popcorn balls were on our list today. I found these cool strawberry/vanilla marshmallows at Walmart in the Mexican food section. The taste of strawberry with peppermint was pretty good when we finished. At the beginning of our popcorn making session Ashlyn and Jayden had to try the marshmallows out and they passed their inspection.So we put the whole bag into the pot with the margarine and Ashlyn watched it melt. She knew when they were ready so she added the popcorn to the gooey marshmallows. Then I stirred them up. The marshmallow balls turned out to be a pretty pink color. Next I crushed some candy canes that I had saved from an after Christmas sale in the blender and we were ready to make our popcorn balls. Because the marshmallow balls were hot I made the balls first and then let the children handle them when they were cool. The marshmallow balls are very sticky so we sprayed their little hands with PAM. It worked really well to keep the marshmallow balls from sticking to their hands and the children thought it was great.
Next the children rolled the marshmallow balls in the crushed peppermint candy. The candy part of this was a hit with them. The marshmallow balls were now covered with a fine coating of peppermint. I had a piece of waxed paper ready for the children to put their popcorn balls on.Eating the popcorn balls was the best part. Cameron rated them as a 10 on a scale from 1 to 10.

1 pound bag of marshmallows (I used the El Mexicano Strawberry-Vanilla marshmallows from Walmart)
1/4 cup butter
3 quarts of popped popcorn
3 (3 to 4 inch) hard-candy sticks, crushed (peppermint candy canes)

Heat marshmallows and butter in top of double boiler or over low heat until melted and smooth. Pour over popcorn and mix well. Let stand several minutes before forming into balls. Roll in crushed candy. Makes 12 balls.

Taco Soup

2009-06-10T15:21:00.001-07:00

This recipe was prepared for our Book Club by Nancy Perkins. Nancy is the lady standing in the back row at the far left. I thought the soup was delicious.

1 lb hamburger
1/2 onion (diced)
2 large cans stewed tomatoes (diced)
1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
1/2 pkg Mild Taco Sauce
2 cans beans (kidney or black)
1 16 oz pkg frozen corn
1 teaspoon salt
1 tsp sugar
1 can water

Brown hamburger with onion and then add all the other ingredients. Cook on the stovetop about 1/2 hour. Add 1 pkg of Hidden Valley Ranch Mix and 1 cup sour cream.

Porcupine Meatballs

2009-04-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

My mother Joan Olsen used to make these and this is one of my favorite recipes of hers. These meatballs are delicious!

1/2 cup onion
1/2 cup soda cracker crumbs, (blend in blender)
1/4 cup uncooked rice
1/4 cup green pepper
1/2 cup celery
1/2 cup canned milk
3/4 lb. hamburger
parsley and garlic salt to taste
1 egg
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together and form into meatballs. Brown and then add 2 cans of tomato soup diluted with 1 1/2 cans water. Cook slowly for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Yogurt in an Electric Skillet

2009-04-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

Yogurt is easy and inexpensive to make yourself and homemade yogurt can be sweetened with fresh fruit or even your own homemade jam just to your taste.

1 quart of 2% or skim milk
1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk
3 Tbs. plain yogurt (with cultures), room temperature

Put 1 cup of milk in small bowl, add dry milk, and stir until dissolved. Rinse a 2-quart saucepan with water to help prevent the milk from sticking and pour in remaining 3 cups of milk and dissolved dry milk. Mix well. Heat milk over low heat to 200 degrees F. Remove from heat and cool to 108 degrees F. Remove protein film from the top of the milk. In a small bowl stir yogurt until creamy. Mix about 1/3 cup of warm milk into yogurt. Blend until smooth. Stir yogurt-milk mixture into remaining milk. Mix well. Pour into 4 10-oz custard cups. Cover each with plastic wrap and arrange evenly in electric skillet. Pour warm water one-inch deep around custard cups, adjust lid onto skillet, and turn thermostat to lowest heat that turns light on. Let yogurt remain undisturbed 4 to 6 hours or until set. Remove and refrigerate.

Whole Grains

2009-04-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

Whole grains include rice, white, corn, oats, barley, quinoa, sorghum, spelt, rye, and popcorn when these foods are eaten in their whole state. Disease fighting phytochemicals and antioxidants abound in whole grains and they are a better source of these key nutrients than fruits and vegetables. Some valuable antioxidants in whole grains that are not found in fruits and vegetables are B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, and fiber.

There is clear medical evidence that whole grains reduce the rish of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Whole grains also can lower cholesterol levels. People who eat three servings a dail have been shown to reduce their risk of heart disease by 25 to 36%, stroke by 37%, Type II diabetes by 21-27%, digestive system cancers by 21-43%, and hormone related cancers by 10 to 40%. The health benefits of eating whole grains are tremendous.

Preserving Grains' Nutritional Value

Knowing how to store whole grains will be beneficial in keeping the nutritional value until you are ready to use them. Storing grains in a dry location is very important as also is using containers with tight fitting lids to keep the bugs out. Different grains require different methods of storage.

Oats should be kept in a dark location. Ideally if you live in a humid location this grain should be kept in the refrigerator. Oats will keep up to a year this way. Whole oat groats are most likely to become rancid so this is the best method of storage.

Pasta can be stored in your cupboards for months or longer if kept in air tight containers. Be careful about storing pasta in see through containers because it will lose B vitamins. It is better to keep them away from the light and sealed tight.

Cereal should be stored in a dry location. Make sure that you keep the inner bag tightly folded to keep out bugs or even better yet transfer the cereal to a tightly sealed storage container. Cereal that is refrigerated will keep longer in humid conditions.

Wheat germ will go rancid easily because of the fat content. Store opened wheat germ in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container. Fresh wheat germ should smell like toasted nuts, not musty. It will keep for about a year in the refrigerator if it is sealed tightly.

Whole wheat breads that do not have preservatives can be refrigerated but they will not stay fresh as long. The bread should be kept tightly closed in a plastic bag. Bread can also be frozen to preserve it longer.

Rice is also best stored in a cool dry place away from light and heat. Brown rice is more perishable than white rice. It keeps only about six months, longer if refrigerated.

Raspberry Pie

2009-04-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Once in a while a person gets published in the newspaper and this recipe is the one that made me famous in Vancouver. I submitted it to The Columbian in a recipe contest one year and they loved it. This is a very easy to make recipe.

1 1/2 cups water
10 oz frozen raspberries (I use the ones from my garden)
1 cup sugar
6 Tbs cornstarch
1 9 inch pie shell, baked

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add the raspberries. Mix cornstarch in 1/2 cup water and stir in. Boil 1 minutes until thick. Cover and cool this mixture and then pour it into the pie shell. Serve with whipped cream.

Chicken and Noodles

2009-04-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like homemade chicken and noodles! Although this recipe is time consuming, it is worth the effort.

Cook 1 disjointed chicken (1 1/2 to 2 hours) in water with the following;
1 1/2 tsp salt
small onion
1 carrot, sliced
1 rib celery, sliced
few sprigs of parsley
1 or 2 cloves
1 or 2 allspice
2 or 3 peppercorns
tip of 1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp mace

After the chicken is tender, separate the chicken from the broth. Remove the skin and bones and discard. Cut the meat in bite size portions and return it to the stock to absorb the flavor as it chills in the refrigerator. As the fat hardens, remove and discard the excess. Make the noodles about 1 1/2 hours before serving time. Reheat the broth ahd chicken to boiling. Drop in noodles and cook. Serve over mashed potatoes.

Noodles

2 eggs
1 Tbs milk or cream
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup flour

Stir together all ingredients into a stiff dough and roll out quite thin using plenty of flour. Let the dough stand 1 hour or until dry. Roll as a jelly roll or leave flat and cut with a noodle cutter or in thin 1/4 inch strips 2 or 3 inches long. Shake out and add to the boiling broth. Cook about 10 - 15 minutes. (The noodles will puff up as they cook.)

Colonial Williamsburg Chicken and Dumplings

2009-04-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Aunt Dixie gave me this recipe that comes from Williamsburg Inn in Colonial Williamsburg Virginia. It is a simple colonial recipe that is not hard to make but delicious to eat. This hearty meal will fill you up fast.

1 stewing chicken (4 to 5 pounds)
1 small onion, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
2 ribs of celery with leaves, chopped
1 tsp salt
4 Tbs butter or chicken fat
6 Tbs flour
1/8 tsp paprika
1/2 cup light cream
white pepper to taste

Simmer the chicken, onion, carrot, celery, and salt in enough water to cover the chicken until the chicken is tender and the meat is separating from the bones (1 1/2 to 2 hours). Remove the chicken from the broth and cool. When it is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones and dice the chicken. Strain the stock and add enough water to make 1 quart if necessary.

Melt the butter or chicken fat in a heavy saucepan. Stir in the flour mixed with the paprika. Add the chicken stock gradually, stirring constantly; cook for 2 minutes. Add the chicken, cream, and pepper and adjust the seasoning to taste. Spoon the dumplings on top of the gently bubbling chicken mixture and cover. Cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Serve at once.

Dumplings

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 Tbs shortening
3/4 cup milk

Sift the dry ingredients three times. Blend in the shortening with a pastry blender or fork. Add the milk and mix well. Dip a tsp into cold water and then into the cough. Spoon the dumplings on top of the gently bubbling chicken mixture and cover. Cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Serve at once.

Fortune Cookies

2009-04-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

Jonathan came home one day when he was 12 with a fortune cookie recipe written in his own hand. I kept the memory of this moment by preserving the recipe as he wrote it. The cookies were fun for him to make and I hope you will have as much fun opening the fortunes.

1/2 cup of melted butter
3 egg whites
3/4 cup sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup of flour
1 tsp of vanilla
2 Tbs water

Materials
a pencil and paper
sissors
a large bowl
a saucepan
measuring cups and spoons
a cookie sheet
a clean empty egg carton
a spatula

Mix egg whites, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Then one at a time stir in flour, vanilla, butter, and water. Put batter in fridge for 30 minutes then preheat oven to 350. Write 48 fortunes. Grease cookie sheet and take batter out of the refrigerator. Put 2 tsp of batter on cookie sheet and spread into 2 small circles. Repeat until 48 cookies are made. Cook 3 to 5 minutes ot until edges turn brown. Fold (with fortune) while still soft. Put in egg carton.

Easter Bread

2009-04-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

This is a traditional bread made during Easter. The bread is baked in round coffee cans or you can bake it in a bundtpan. After it is baked you drizzle the bread with a lemon glaze. Saffron in the bread gives it a pretty yellow color.

2 cups water with 1 Tbs. dehydrated potatoes
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup shortening
4 beaten eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup sweet cream
2 pkg yeast
1 cup raisins
1 pinch saffron
7 cups flour

Cream sugar and shortening. Add beaten eggs and beat until lemon yellow. Add raisins, saffron, potato water and yeast. Mix with flour and knead well. Let rise twice until double and punch down, form and then put the dough into greased pans (coffee can, loaf pan, or bundt pan). Frost with a lemon glaze.

Hot Chicken Salad

2009-04-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

This is a variation on the Chicken Salad that my mother Joan Olsen used to make. The salad serves 10 to 12 people so it is good for a larger gathering.

3 cups diced cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
4 hard cooked eggs
3/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup mayonnaise
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups diced celery
4 Tbs lemon juice
1 1/2 Tbs minced onion

Mix all ingredients and put in a 9 x 13 inch pan. Cover the salad with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup crushed potato chips. Bake for 30 minutes at 350.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

2009-04-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

Making your own mixes is one way to save time in the long run. A chocolate chip cookie mix like this is easy to store and just as easy to bake.

9 cups flour
4 tsp soda
2 tsp salt
3 cups brown sugar
3 cups sugar
4 cups shortening
2 packages (12 oz) of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Mix together all ingredients and store in tightly covered container. When you are ready to make cookies add 2 eggs to 2 cups of mix and 1 tsp. of vanilla. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Makes 30 cookies.

Meat Loaf

2009-04-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

I love meatloaf with chunky vegetables in it, hot and hearty from the oven. I found this recipe a long time ago in a book called Back to Health. I loved the recipe and have used it whenever I make meatloaf.

1 lb. lean ground beef
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. parsley flakes
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 8-0z. can tomato sauce

Combine all ingredients. Put into a loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until done. 6 servings. Per serving: 252 calories.

Fruited Chicken Salad

2009-04-10T18:00:00.001-07:00

3 cups cooked diced chicken or 1 large can of chicken
1 cup diced celery
1 cup orange sections
1 9 oz can pineapple tidbits
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
2 Tbs. salad oil
2 Tbs. orange juice
2 Tbs. vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
Dash of marjoram
1/2 cup mayonnaise

Combine first 5 ingredients. Blend salad oil, orange juice, vinegar, and seasonings. Add to chicken mixture. Chill one hour. Drain. Add mayonnaise; toss and serve. Makes 10 servings.

Corn Dogs

2009-04-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a recipe that the kids are sure to enjoy. My children loved corn dogs when they were growing up and my daughter Kristen enjoys them still slathered with ketchup and mustard.

1 cup flour
2 Tbs. sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup corn meal
2 Tbs oil
1 slightly beaten egg
3/4 cup milk
1 lb. frankfurters

Sift together the first four ingredients. Stir in corn meal. Add milk, egg and oil. Beat well. Insert a skewer into the end of a frankfurter and spread evenly with batter. Fry in deep fat until brown (4 to 5 minutes. If the batter is too thin add more flour.

Royal Icing

2009-04-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

This icing is used for decorating decorative items such as Ginger Bread Houses. It will keep for a long time (years) after it hardens. Make sure that it is very stiff so that it will hold a shape when you put it in your decorator's bag. If you want an easier way to make this icing, use powdered egg whites that you can get at a craft store.

3 egg whites (at room temperature)
4 cups of powdered sugar
1/2 tsp cream of tartar

Beat all ingredients at high speed for 10 minutes. Use immediately, as rebeating will not restore texture. Keep a wet cloth over the frosting so it doesn't dry out.

Buttercream Decorator's Frosting

2009-04-01T12:20:00.001-07:00

This decorator's frosting gives your cake a yellowish tone because of the butter so if you want pure white frosting use the Basic Decorator's frosting.

2 pounds of powdered sugar (about 8 cups)
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup Crisco
1/2 to 3/4 cup cream
1 tsp vanilla

Beat until smooth and stiff (the frosting will hold its shape), adding cream to make it the right consistency.

Cream Cheese Decorator's Frosting

2009-04-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated and this is a great frosting for cake decorating. This frosting needs to be beaten until it is very stiff so that the decorations will hold.

1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1 cube butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
small amount of cream or canned milk

Cream the cheese and butter. Add the sugar slowly while beating and when it becomes very stiff add the vanilla. To make more and the taste less rich, add more powdered sugar and cream keeping it at the right consistency.

Basic Decorator's Frosting

2009-04-01T12:13:00.003-07:00

I took a cake decorating class many years ago. This recipe is meant to hold up and can be unrefrigerated if you use water instead of milk.

2 pounds of powdered sugar (abt. 8 cups)
1 1/4 cup shortening (use Crisco)
1/2 cup milk (water)
1 tsp. vanilla

Beat until smooth.

Orange Juice Smoothie

2009-04-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

This was my children's favorite orange juice recipe when they were growing up. Whenever I heard the blender running I was sure that someone was in the kitchen making their orange smoothie.

1/2 large can concentrated orange juice
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp. vanilla
8 large ice cubes

Mix all but the ice cubes on high in the blender. After sugar is mixed well add ice cubes and blend until smooth.

Almond Chicken Rice Bake

2009-04-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Christmas presents are wonderful. Here is a recipe that Grandmother Eva Derrick gave me for Christmas.

1 cup raw Minute Rice, cooked as directed on the package
2-3 cups cooked chicken, cup up
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 Tbs lemon juice
1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 cup chopped celery
1 Tbs minced onion
3 Tbs butter
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup crushed cornflakes

Place cooked rice in greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish; cover with chicken. Blend soup, lemon juice, mayonnaise, celery, and onion and pour over chicken. Melt butter and stir in almonds and cornflakes. Sprinkle on top of casserole. (Can be covered and refrigerated at this point. Remove from refrigerator at least 2 hours before baking.) Bake uncovered at 300 F for 1 hour.

Strawberry Smoothie

2009-04-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

I love to have a smoothie for breakfast and here is an easy one to make in the blender.

1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
1 6-ounce carton of fat free strawberry yogurt
1/2 to 1 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
sweetener to taste

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Serve garnished with Cool Whip.

Caramel Corn in the Microwave

2009-04-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

Some great recipes you can find in the newspaper. I found this recipe in the Salt Lake Deseret News. This is my favorite way to make caramel corn...in the microwave. It is quick and easy and not so messy because you use a large paper bag to mix the popcorn with the caramel. My children loved helping me shake the bag. I like to use peanuts for the nuts.

1 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter or margarine
1/4 cup white corn syrup
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
4 cups popped corn
12 ounces of nuts

Combine ingredients except soda, nuts, and popcorn in a 1 1/2 to 2 quart microwave safe dish. Bring to a boil, then cook on full powder for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir in soda.

Put popped corn in a large brown paper bag (grocery sack). Pour syrup over popcorn, Close the bag and shake. Cook in the bag on high in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. Shake and cook another 1 1/2 minutes. (May need another 1 1/2 minutes.) Pour into pan and allow to cool. If you use nuts, add to popcorn in the bag before adding the syrup.

Crustless Quiche

2009-04-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

This is a simple way to make quiche that forms it's own crust. All you have to do is add baking mix. I like to use Bisquick.

3/4 cup baking mix
3/4 cup milk
4 eggs
4 ounces grated swiss cheese
6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

Combine all the ingredients and blend with a spoon. Pour into a 9-inch quiche pan or pie plate. Sprinkle nutmeg on top of quiche. Bake at 325 about 40 minutes.

Bridal Punch Salad

2009-04-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

This is a great salad to serve at a wedding.

12 bananas sliced and cut into fourths
3 pkgs of frozen blueberries, thawed
6 packages of frozen raspberries
3 cans pineapple chunks

Place all ingredients in a large punch bowl. Put 3-1/2 gallon cartons of raspberry sherbet in bowl. Let melt a little and toss lightly.

Party Punch

2009-04-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

This is a great punch to serve to company during the holidays.

2 cups water
1 1/2 cup sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
3 cups cranberry juice
2 1/2 cups orange juice
1 cup lemon juice
1 liter of lemon-lime soda pop

Combine first 3 ingredients in a saucepan and simmer 10 minutes. Set aside in the refrigerator overnight. At serving time remove cinnamon sticks and combine syrup with chilled juices and soda pop.

Pumpkin Cake Roll

2009-03-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

During the Holidays this is a great dessert to serve. My daughter Kristen reminded me how much she loved this recipe.

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice
2/3 cup pumpkin
3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Beat eggs on high speed of mixer for 5 minutes. Gradually beat in sugar. Stir in pumpkin and lemon juice. Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Fold into pumpkin mixture. Bake at 375 F for 15 minutes. Turn out on a towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Start at the narrow end and foll in the towel, covering the cake with powdered sugar. Cool.
For the filling mix until smooth:

1 cup of powdered sugar
3 (3 oz) packages of cream cheese
4 tsp butter or margarine
1/2 tsp vanilla

Spread on the cake roll. Re-roll and wrap in plastic wrap, then foil. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Chimichangas

2009-03-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

We had some friends when Kerry and I were in college who introduced us to this easy to make recipe. I like to make this after Thanksgiving when I have a lot of left over turkey. Sometimes I just bake some chicken breasts and shred them. The first time we had it we grabbed a can of tuna out of the pantry. This is one of my children's favorite recipes.

12 count package of large flour tortillas
1 large jar of salsa
1 to 2 pounds of cooked turkey or 4 chicken breasts, cooked
1 cup of guacamole
1 to 2 cups of cheddar cheese
1 pint of sour cream
oil for frying

Heat oil in a large frying pan about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.Warm the tortillas so that they are easy to work with. I put them in a warmer in the microwave. Cut up the meat into small chunks or shred the meat. Put about 6 Tbs. meat on a tortilla shell and sprinkle 3 Tbs. cheese on top. Spoon 2 Tbs salsa and 2 Tbs sour cream on top of cheese and meat in each Chimichanga. Fold the tortilla together first folding the sides towards the filling and then roll the tortilla. You may keep it together with a toothpick but I find that the sour cream holds it together well. Assemble about 8 to 10 chimichangas and then place them in the heated oil. Fry them until golden brown and drain on a plate with a paper towel. Serve with guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

2009-03-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone to your cupboard and found that you need Sweetened Condensed Milk for a recipe and you are out? Here is a solution.

1 cup of hot water
2 cups of sugar
1/4 cube of margarine
1 cup of instant dry milk or 2 cups regular dry milk

Blend until smooth. Makes 1 quart.

Cottage Cheese

2009-03-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

Here is another easy recipe if you would like to make your own cottage cheese.

1 gallon of milk
1/2 cup of buttermilk
1 rennet tablet dissolved in 2 Tbs cool water

Heat ingredients to 90 degrees and keep it at this temperature 5 hours. If you like a harder curd bring it to a much higher temperature. I let mine get to 150 degrees and then let it stand with the temperature at 100 to 125 degrees. If it is not as coagulated as it should be, you can add 1/2 junket tablet more. It will not hurt. It just helps to set up faster. It just helps to set up faster. Cut in 1/2 inch strips both ways like a checket board.

Heat to 115 degrees to cook curds. Cool for 30 minutes and stir about every 5 minutes. Pour in cheese cloth and drain. Rinse well with cold water. Season to taste. I like to add canned milk, salt, pepper, accent and finely chopped onion.

Cream Cheese

2009-03-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered how to make cream cheese? Here is a simple and easy recipe.

1 quart of cream
2 Tbs buttermilk or yogurt

Heat cream and buttermilk to 65 degrees. Add 1/2 rennet tablet that has been dissolved in 2 Tbs of cool water. Mix in well and cover and set aside for 12 hours. Pour in fine cheese cloth or linen. Hang to drip. Every little while scrape the sides of the choth to let the whey out. You can c hange cloths to speed up the process. You can put it in a tuna can with perforated bottom and put a weight on the top. The cheese will then be molded and be pressed like the kind you buy.

Basic Cheese

2009-03-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

This recipe can be made with 1, 2 or 3 gallons of milk. I find the larger the batch, the better the cheese is.

1 gallon of whole milk (you can use whole milk, skimmed, powdered, instant, or a combination. If you use powdered or instant milk, mix it and then let it stand 24 hours before using. Also, with powdered or instant milk you need 1 cup of cream to 1 gallon of milk to have enough butterfat. Remember the more butterfat the more cheese you will get.
1/4 cup buttermilk per gallon
1 rennet tablet dissolved in 1/4 cup cool water (Make sure it is dissolved completely. Add it to the milk and stir well to make sure it is completely mixed in. Do not dissolve tablet until just ready to use. They will lose their strength if dissolved and you let it stand.

In a heavy pan heat milk and buttermilk to 90 degrees. Take it off the heat. Add rennet tablet and let the milk set undisturbed for approximately 1/2 hour (or until the curd is well formed. The curd will break away from the sides of the pan when tilted). Do not get ecited if it takes longer even up to 6 or 8 hours. It will coagulate.

Take a long stainless steel knife and cut the curd in 1/2 inch strips one way and then turn the pan and cut the other way. (It will look like a checker board). Heat the mixture to 100 degrees while stirring with your hand, breaking curd apart.) Be careful at this point because the cheese won't stick together if it is heated too fast. Turn off the heat and let it stand undisturbed for 15 minutes, during which time the curds will sink.

Line a colander with 2 layers of cheese cloth. Strain the curds and whey. Press the curds to squeeze out the whey. Do not press hard enough to compress. Dump the curds into a large bowl and salt to taste (about 1 1/2 to 2 Tbs per gallon of milk.) Reline the colander with the same cheese cloth and put the curds in. Draw the four corners of the cheese cloth together and twist. Tie a string around it and place it on your breadboard in the sink. Place a plate on top of the cheese and put a gallon jug filled with water or some other weight on the plate. Let it stand about 12 hours. This will make a nice round piece of cheese. Caution: If the whey is left in the cheese it will mold.

Buying Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

2009-03-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

How many times have you gone to the grocery store and wondered if you are picking the best produce for taste and quality? Many times the high priced fruits and vegetables are not the best nor are the cheapest. This blog is to help you in making decisions about quality and price for buying fruits and vegetables.

Appearance is not everything in buying fruits and vegetables however appearance and quality are closely associated in many respects, but fine appearance does not always denote fine quality eating. Often I have found the most attractive appearance may have relative poor eating quality because of some internal condition such as over maturity. On the other hand, produce with poor appearance due to poor color or superficial blemishes may have excellent eating quality. Buying on size alone does not necessarily give you the best bargain because size does not denote quality nor is size usually economical.

Look out for deterioration because produce declines rapidly in quality while on display. Frequently off-quality fruits and vegetables can be bought at a reduced price, but the waste may offset the price reduction. Buy only what you need and can properly store in your refrigerator even if the product is cheaper in buying quantity. Consider how and when you are going to use the produce so that you will get the optimum benefit from your selection.

When buying produce don't rough handle while you are making your selection. This causes spoilage and waste.

Here is a list of produce (beginning with fruits) in alphabetical order and some of the qualities you should look for in them:

Apples--Look for firm, crisp, well-colored apples. Avoid overripe apples (indicated by a yielding to slight pressure on the skin and soft, mealy flesh) and apples affected by freeze (indicated by internal breakdown and bruised areas). Scald on apples (irregular shaped tan or crown areas) may not seriously affect the eating quality of the apple.

Apricots--Look for apricots that are plump and juicy looking, with a uniform, golden-orange color. Avoid dull looking, soft, or mushy fruit, and very firm pale yellow or greenish-yellow fruit. These are indications of over maturity or immaturity respectively.

Avocados--If you are going to use the fruit immediately look for slightly soft avocados which yield to a gentle pressure on the skin. For use in a few days choose firm fruits that do not yield to the squeeze test. leave these at room temperature to ripen. Irregular light brown markings are sometimes found on the outside skin. These markings have no effect on the flesh of the avocado. Avoid avocados with dark sunken spots in irregular patches or cracked or broken surfaces. These are signs of decay. (An extra tip: When preparing avocados--to avoid the brownish color of avocado flesh when exposed to air--immediately place the peeled fruit in lemon juice until you are ready to use it.)

Bananas--Look for bananas which are firm, bright in appearance, and free from bruises or other injury. Avoid bruised fruit (which means rapid deterioration and waste); discolored skins (a sign of decay); a dull grayish, aged appearance (showing the bananas have been exposed to cold and will not ripen properly). Occasionally, the skin may be entirely brown and yet the flesh will still be in prime condition.

Grapefruit--Look for firm, well shaped fruits--heavy for their size, which are usually the best eating. Thin skinned fruits have more juice than coarse skinned ones. If a grapefruit is pointed at the stem end, it is likely to be thick skinned. Rough, ridged, or wrinkled skin can also be an indication of thick skin, pulpiness, and lack of juice. Grapefruit often has skin defects--such as scale, scars, thorn scratches, or discoloration--which usually do not affect the eating quality of the fruit.

Lemons--Look for lemons with a rich yellow color, reasonably smooth textured skin with a slight glow and those which are firm and heavy. A pale or greenish yellow color means very fresh fruit with slightly higher acidity. Coarse or rough skin texture is a sign of thick skin and not much flesh. Avoid lemons with a darker yellow or dull color, or with hardening or shriveling of the skin (signs of age), and those with soft spots, mold on the surface, and punctures of the skin (signs of decay).

Cantaloupe--Look for the three major signs of full maturity. 1) The stem should be cone, leaving a smooth symmetrical, shallow basin called a "full slip." (If all or part of the stem base remains or if the stem scar is jagged or torn, the melon is probably not fully matured). 2) The netting or veining, should be thick, coarse and like cork--and should stand out in bold relief over some part of the surface. 3) The skin color (ground color) between the netting should have changed from green to a yellowish-buff, yellowish gray, or pale yellow. But also look for signs of ripeness, for a cantaloupe will have a yellowish cast to the rind, have a pleasant cantaloupe odor when held to the nose, and will yield slightly to light thumb pressure on the blossom end of the melon. Most cantaloupes are quite firm when freshly displayed in retail stores. While some may be ripe, most have not yet reached their best eating stage. Hold them for two to four days at room temperature to allow completion of ripening. After conditioning the melons, some people like to place them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Avoid over ripeness shown by a pronounced yellow rind color, a softening over the entire rind, and soft, watery, and insipid flesh. Small bruises normally will not hurt the fruit, but large bruised areas should be avoided, since they generally cause soft, water soaked areas underneath the rind. Mold growth on the cantaloupe--particularly in the stem scar, or if the tissue under the mold is soft and wet--is a sign of decay.

Oranges--oranges are required by strict regulations to be well matured before being harvested and shipped out of the producing state. Thus, skin color is not a reliable index of quality, and a greenish cast or green spots do not mean that the orange is immature. Often fully matured oranges will turn greenish (called re greening) late in the marketing season. Some oranges are artificially colored to improve the appearance of the fruit using gas. This practice has no effect on eating quality, but artificially colored fruits must be labeled "color added." "Russetting" is often found on Florida and Texas oranges (but not on California oranges). This is a tan, brown, or blackish mottling or specking over the skin. It has no effect on eating quality, and in fact often occurs on oranges with thin skin and superior eating quality. Look for firm and heavy oranges with fresh; bright looking skin which is reasonably smooth for the variety. Avoid light weight oranges, which are likely to lack flesh content and juice. Very rough skin texture indicates abnormally thick skin and less flesh. Dull, dry skin and spongy texture indicate aging and deteriorated eating quality. Also avoid decay--shown by cuts or skin punctures, soft spots on the surface, and discolored, weakened areas of skin around the stem end or button.

Pears look for firm pears of all varieties. Pears which are hard when you find them in the food store will probably ripen if kept at room temperature, but it is wise to select pears that have already begun to soften--to be reasonable sure that they will ripen satisfactorily. Avoid wilted or shriveled pears with dull appearing skin and slight weakening of the flesh near the stem which indicates immaturity. These pears will not ripen. Also avoid spots on the sides or blossom ends of the pear, which means that cork like tissue may be underneath.

Strawberries--Look for berries with a full red color and a brighter luster, firm flesh, and the cap stem still attached. The berries should be dry and clean, and usually medium to small strawberries have better eating quality than large ones. Avoid berries with large uncolored areas or with large seedy areas (poor in texture and flavor), a dull shrunken appearance or softness (signs of over ripeness or decay), or those with mold, which can spread rapidly from one berry to another.

Watermelons--Look for (in cut melons) firm, juicy flesh with good red color, free from white streaks; seeds which are dark brown or black. Avoid melons with pale colored flesh, and white streaks or "white heart," whitish seeds (indicating immaturity). Dry, mealy flesh or watery, stringy flesh are signs of over maturity or aging after harvest. If you want to buy an uncut watermelon, here are a few appearance factors which may be helpful (though not totally reliable) in guiding you to a satisfactory selection. The watermelon surface should be relatively smooth; the rind should have a slight dullness (neither shiny nor dull); the ends of the melon should be filled out and rounded; and the underside, or belly, of the melon should have a creamy color.

Asparagus--Look for closed, compact tips, smooth, round spears and a fresh appearance. A rich green color should cover most of the spear. Stalks should be tender almost as far down as the green extends. Avoid tips that are open and spread out, moldy or decayed tips, or ribbed spears (spears with up and down ridges, or that are not approximately round). These are all signs of aging and mean tough asparagus and poor flavor. Also avoid excessively sandy asparagus, because sand grains can lodge beneath the scales or in the tips of the spears and are difficult to remove in washing.

Beans (Snap Beans)--Look for a fresh, bright appearance with good color for the variety. Get young, tender beans with pods in firm, crisp condition. No large lumps. Avoid wilted or flabby bean pods, serious blemishes and decay. Thick, tough, fibrous pods indicate over maturity.

Broccoli--Look for a firm, compact cluster of small flower buds, with none opened enough to show the bright yellow flower. Bud clusters should be dark green or sage green or even green with a decidedly purplish cast. Stems should not be too thick or tough. Avoid broccoli with spread bud clusters, enlarged or open buds, yellowish green color, or wilted condition--signs of over maturity and over long display in the store. Also avoid broccoli with soft, slippery, water soaked spots on a bud cluster. These are signs of decay.

Cabbage--Avoid new cabbage with wilted or decayed outer leaves or with leaves turning decidedly yellow. Worm eaten outer leaves often indicated that the worm injury penetrates into the head. Store cabbage with the outer leaves badly discolored, dried, or decayed probably is over aged. Separation of the stems of leaves from the central stem at the base of the head also indicated over age.

Carrots--Avoid roots with large green sunburned areas at the top which must be trimmed and roots which are flabby from wilting or show spots of soft decay.

Cauliflower--Look for white to creamy white, compact, solid and clear curds. A slightly granular or a rice texture of the curd will not hurt the eating quality if the surface is compact. Ignore small green leaflets extending through the curd. If the jacket leaves are attached, a good green color is a sign of freshness. Avoid a spreading of the curd (a sign of aging or over maturity). Also avoid sever wilting or many discolored spots, on the curd. A smudgy or speckled appearance of the curd is a sign of insect injury, mold growth or decay and should be avoided.

Celery--Avoid wilted celery and celery with flabby upper branches or leaf stems. You can freshen celery somewhat by placing the butt end in water, but badly wilted celery will never become really fresh again. Also avoid celery with pithy, hollow, or discolored centers in the branches. Celery with internal discoloration will show some gray or brown on the inside surface of the larger branches near where they are attached to the base of the stalk.

Corn--Look for ears that are well covered with plump, not-too-mature kernels. Avoid ears with underdeveloped kernels which lace yellow color (in yellow corn), old ears with very dark yellow kernels with depressed areas on the outer surface. Also avoid ears of corn with yellowed wilted, or dried husks, or discolored and dried out stem ends.

Cucumbers--Look for cucumbers with good green color which are firm over their entire length. Good cucumbers typically have many small lumps on their surfaces. They may also have some white or greenish white color and still be of top quality. Avoid overgrown cucumbers which are large in diameter and have a dull color, turning yellowish. Also avoid cucumbers with whithered or shriveled ends--sighs of toughness and bitter flavor.

Greens--Avoid leaves with coarse, fibrous stems, yellowish green color, softness (a sign of decay), or a wilted condition. Also avoid greens with evidence of insects--especially aphids--which are sometimes hard to see, and equally hard to wash away.

Lettuce--Avoid heads of iceberg type which are very hard and which lack green color (signs of over maturity). Such heads sometimes develop discoloration in the center of the leaves (the mid ribs), and may have a less attractive flavor. Also avoid heads with irregular shapes and hard bumps on top, which indicated the presence of overgrown central stems.

Mushrooms--Look for young mushrooms that are small to medium size. Caps should be either closed around the stem or moderately open with pink or light tan gills. The surface of the cap should be white or creamy--or light brown from some producing areas. Avoid over ripe mushrooms (shown by wide-opened caps and dark, discolored gills underneath) and those with pitted or seriously discolored caps.

Okra--Look for tender pods (the tips will bend easily with very slight pressure) under 4 1/2" long. Avoid tough, fibrous pods, indicated by tips which are stiff and resist bending, or by a very hard body of the pod, or by pale, faded green color.

Onions--Look for hard or firm onions which are dry and have small necks. They should be covered with papery outer scales and reasonably free from green sunburn spots, and other blemishes. Avoid onions with decay. Also avoid onions with thick, hollow, woody centers in the neck or with fresh sprouts.

Peppers--Avoid peppers with very thin walls (shown by light weight and flimsy sides), peppers that are wilted or punctured through the walls, and peppers with soft watery spots on the sides (evidence of decay).

Potatoes--Look for (in general purpose and baking potatoes) reasonably smooth, well-shaped, firm potatoes free from blemishes, sunburn, and decay. These potatoes should be relatively free from skinned surfaces. Avoid potatoes with large cuts or bruises (they'll mean waste in peeling), those with a green color (probably caused by sunburn or exposure to light in the store), and potatoes showing any signs of decay. Also avoid sprouted or shriveled potatoes.

Squash (Summer)--Look for squash that are tender and well developed, firm, fresh appearing, and well formed. You can identify a tender squash because the skin is glossy instead of dull, and it is neither hard nor tough.

Squash (Fall and Winter)--Look for full maturity, indicated by a hard, tough rind. Also look for squash that is heavy for its size (meaning a thick wall, and more edible flesh). Slight variations in skin color do not affect flavor.

Tomatoes--Avoid over ripe and bruised tomatoes (they're both soft and watery) and tomatoes with sunburn (green or yellow areas near the stem scar) and growth cracks (deep cracks around the stem scar). Also avoid decayed tomatoes which will have soft, water-soaked spots, depressed areas or surface mold.

Teriyaki

2009-03-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

This is a family favorite and a begged for dish at our home. Kerry's mother Theone Miles made this when he was growing up. Kerry loves to make this and he adds celery and mushrooms to the mix. It makes plenty of leftovers so be prepared.

1 large round steak

Cut off all the fat. Then cut into 1/2 inch thick slices, 3 inches long. It is easier to cut when the steak is partially frozen. Marinate 2 to 3 hours in:

1 tsp pepper
3 Tbs sugar
1/3 to 1/2 cup soy sauce
1 diced green pepper
2 cloves of garlic, diced
1/3 cup of oil
1/3 cup of water
1/2 bottle of sesame seeds

Put this mixture in an pan over medium low heat (200 degrees) and simmer for 3 hours. Serve with or mix with cooked long grain rice.

Trolley Pastries

2009-03-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

I remember my mother making these meat pies where she worked at The Trolley. The Trolley was an ice cream parlor restaurant on The Last Chance Gulch in Helena Montana. It closed many years ago but these meat pies will bring back memories for my brothers and sister. You may also use the No Fail Swedish Pie Crust for these meat pies.

Pastry:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
4 oz. shortening
cold water to mix

Filling:
1/2 pound round steak
1 medium potato
1 medium onion
1 tsp. salt

Mix flour, salt, and shortening together with a pastry cutter or fork until like coarse bread crumbs. Add about 3 Tbs water to form a firm dough. Roll out on a floured board and cut into 5 or 6 inch circles. Fill with filling.

Filling: Cube potatoes, meat, and onion. Fry meat until brown and add onion, then potatoes. Cook until slightly tender. Then add 2 Tbs. flour to 1 cup of water. Mix until smooth and there are no lumps. Add this to the meat and cook to thicken. When slightly cooled, fill pastries. Fold pastry dough in half and pinch together. Cook in a 400 degree F oven for 20 minutes. Pour brown gravy over the top and serve with vegetables.

Pizza

2009-03-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

My mother used to make fresh pizza that we gobbled up as children. Kerry remembers the first time he had pizza with my brothers. It was a competition to see who could eat the fastest. I remember them competing with Jonathan to see how many pieces they could eat. Jonathan won of course. No doubt about it, our family loves pizza, especially covered with Canadian Bacon and Pineapple.

1 Tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
1 Tbs olive oil
1 cup luke warm water
1 Tbs yeast
3 cups flour
Pizza Sauce
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Your favorite Pizza toppings

Put sugar, salt, oil and water in a large bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves and add yeast. After yeast begins to bubble add the flour and beat until smooth. Knead and let rise for 25 minutes. Divide dough in half. Roll into 2 circles with a rolling pin and place on a greased pizza pans. Bake in a 425 degree oven 10 minutes or until dough has a light crust. Do not brown at this time. Take the dough out of the oven and spread pizza or spaghetti sauce on top (I like to use Prego regular sauce) just to a 1/2 inch from the edge of the circle. Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella Cheese on top. Add various toppings such as Canadian Bacon, Pepperoni, Browned Hamburger or Sausage, mushrooms, olives, onions, green peppers, etc. Bake at 425 degrees F. for 15 minutes.

Broccoli Salad

2009-03-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

I love fresh broccoli salad. The smokey taste of the bacon along with the crunchy broccoli goes together so well. This is a popular recipe and some add 1/2 cup of raisins to the mix for a little bit of sweetness or dried cranberries. Another variation is to add 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese. For lower fat use turkey bacon and Free Miracle Whip.

1 package fresh broccoli, cut into small bit size pieces
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds

Dressing:
1/2 cup Miracle Whip
1 Tbs white vinegar
3 Tbs sugar

Mix first 4 ingredients and chill in the refrigerator. Toss with the dressing just before serving.

Marshmallow Caramel Corn

2009-03-27T15:07:00.001-07:00

Can't decide whether you want marshmallow or caramel? Here is a recipe for the undecided and you can have both.

2 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/3 cup water
2/3 cup white corn syrup
1 cube margarine
1 1/2 cups popcorn (before popping)

Pop the popcorn. Cook the first four ingredients in a large saucepan to a firm ball stage on the candy thermometer. Remove from heat and add 12 large marshmallows, popcorn, and nuts (if desired you may add pecans, almonds, or peanuts). Spread on wax paper. Break apart larger pieces and store in airtight container.

Fantasy Cake

2009-03-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is a retro recipe that many women in the early 80's made. It is a great dessert or gift and a fun idea.

1 cup butter
1 pound marshmallows
2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup peanuts
1 cup M & M's
1 cup gum drops

In a large saucepan, melt butter and marshamllows together over low heat. In a large deep bowl, mix all other ingredients. Add the butter-marshmallow mixture. Stir well. Pack in an 8-inch square, glass baking dish. Cool in refrigerator. Cut in 2 x 1 inch pieces when cool. Cut again when cold. Makes 32 pieces.

Popcorn with Mexicali Butter

2009-03-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of plain buttered popcorn? Try this recipe that gives popcorn a zip.

2 Tbs. butter
1/2 Tbs dry taco-seasoning mix
1/2 Tbs dried chopped chives
2 quarts popped popcorn
salt to taste

Melt butter over low heat. Stir in taco-seasoning mix and chives. Drizzle over popcorn. Add salt to taste. Makes 2 quarts.

Rainbow Popcorn Balls

2009-03-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

These popcorn balls are made with colored marshmallow and gelatin which give them a little color. Children will enjoy these popcorn balls.

2 quarts popped popcorn
3 Tbs butter
2 cups colored minature marshmallows
2 Tbs. flavored gelatin

Preheat oven to 250 F. Place popcorn in a large, 4 inch deep, buttered baking pan. Keep warm in oven. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Blend in gelatin powder. Remove popcorn from oven. Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn, mixing well. Form into balls. Makes approximately 8 balls.

Nature Crunch

2009-03-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

This recipe is another healthy way to eat popcorn. With the addition of wheat germ, honey, peanuts, and raisins you have a natural snack.

2 quarts of popped popcorn
1 cup peanuts
1 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup water
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 250 F. Mix popcorn, peanuts, and wheat germ in a large 4 inch deep, buttered baking pan. Keep warm in the oven. Butter 2 large 2 inch deep baking pans. In a large saucepan melt butter. Stir in sugar, honey, water and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved and mixture starts to boil. Cook until mixture reaches 240 F on a candy thermometer. Remove popcorn mixture from oven. Stir in raisins. Pour syrup mixture slowly over popcorn mixture, stirring to coat. Spread 1 inch deep in the buttered baking pans. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool; break or cut apart. Makes 3 quarts.

Popcorn Party Mix

2009-03-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

Do you like to make party mixes with cereal? Try this mix using popcorn. This natural grain is healthy and unprocessed.

1/4 cup butter
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp onion salt
1/4 tsp celery salt
1 1/2 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp tabasco sauce
2 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup pretzel sticks
1 1/2 cup mixed nuts

Preheat oven to 275 F. Melt the butter over low heat. Add garlic salt, onion salt, celery salt, worcestershire sauce, and tabasco sauce. Mix thorougly. Spread the popcorn, pretzel sticks and nuts in a large shallow baking pan. Drizzle with the butter mixture and toss to mix. Bake in the oven for 1 hour, stirring 4 or 5 times. Cool. Store in a tightly covered container. Makes 2 quarts.

Popcorn Christmas Tree

2009-03-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

Gifts from the kitchen at Christmas time are a wonderful way to express your artistic talent. This popcorn Christmas tree will delight your friends and neighbors.

4 quarts of popped popcorn
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup water
5 Tbs butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
green food coloring
gum drops
candied cherry

I heavy saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, water and butter. Cover pan with lid and bring syrup to a boil. Take lid off and continue boiling, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 265 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and add salt, vanilla and enough food coloring to make mixture green. Place popcorn in buttered bowl. Pour syrup over popcorn. Stir until all kernels are covered with syrup. Shape into a Christmas tree. Decorate with small multicolored gumdrops and top with a candied cherry.

Oven Caramel Corn

2009-03-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a recipe that reminds me of peanut brittle. You cook it on the stove and then into the oven it goes for that crispy crunchy texture that is reminiscent of grandmother's caramel corn.

2 cups brown sugar
1 cup butter or margaine
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
5 quarts popped popcorn

Combine brown sugar, butter, salt, and syrup in saucepan. Heat until boiling, Continue cooking 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Mix in baking soda. Place popped corn in large bowl and drizzle caramel over it, mixing well. Bake corn in large, greased roaster pan at 200 F for one hour. Stir every 15 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool and break into chunks.

Popcorn Granola Snack

2009-03-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Are you into healthy recipes? Try this one that is loaded with delicious dried fruit and nuts.

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp cinnamon
8 cups popped popcorn
1 cup raisins
1 cup dried apricots, diced
1 cup peanuts

In small saucepan melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey and cinnamon. In large bowl slowly pour heated mixture over popped corn and stir. Mix in raisins, apricots, and peanuts.

Jeweled Popcorn Lollipops

2009-03-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

This is a great recipe to use for birthday party favors. Put a clear plastic bag over the lollipop and send it home with the children.

8 cups popped popcorn
3 Tbs butter or margarine
3 cups miniature marshmallows
lollipops
small gumdrops, diced

Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Pour mixture over popped corn and stir until well coated. With buttered fingers, shape still-warm mixture around lollipops. Press gum-drop pieces onto popcorn.

Mother Goose Popcorn

2009-03-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

This is a quick and easy recipe using a brown paper bag. Give the bag to your child and let them help you mix the popcorn. They will delight in helping you cook.

1 cup of sugar
3 Tbs. water
1 Tbs butter
1 tsp vanilla
4 drops of red food coloring

Boil sugar, water, and butter for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and food coloring. Place popcorn in a large brown paper bag and pour sugar mixture over the top. Shake the bag until well coated.

Popcorn with Cheese Garlic Butter

2009-03-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a not so sweet popcorn recipe for those of you who are more into a healthy cheese popcorn.

2 quarts of popped popcorn
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbs. minced garlic or garlic powder to taste
Salt to taste

Preheat oven to 250 F. Spread popcorn in a large 4-inch deep baking pan. Keep warm in the oven. Melt butter and grated cheese over low heat, add garlic. Drizzle popcorn with butter mixture until thoroughly coated.

Swedish Popcorn Crunch

2009-03-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

This recipe has a light buttery taste with an egg white glaze. After it is baked in the oven you have something that is crunchy and delightful.

2 1/2 quarts of popped popcorn
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 egg whites
dash of salt
1 cup of sugar

Put popped popcorn in a large bowl, drizzle butter over popcorn and toss. In a separate mixing bowl beat egg whites and salt until frothy. Gradually beat in sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Fold meringue mixture into buttered popcorn; continue folding until popcorn is evenly coated. Turn into lightly greased large, deep baking pan. Heat in a 325 oven 15 minutes, stirring several times. Makes two quarts.

Louise's Caramel Corn

2009-03-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than a handful of caramel corn. The crunchy goodness of popcorn combined with the caramel sugar taste is out of this world.

1/2 cup of butter or margarine, melted
2 cups of brown sugar
1 can Eaglebrand Milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 gallons of popped corn

Melt the butter in a large saucepan and add brown sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil. Add 1 can of Eaglebrand Milk and stir until the soft ball stage on your candy thermometer. Add vanilla. Pour over the popped corn and mix thoroughly.

Whipped Cream Cake Frosting

2009-03-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

This frosting must be refrigerated and should be made with top quality thick whipped cream. Decorating a cake with this frosting can be tricky as you can only use blue-green or pink to color the frosting. The finished product is delicious and well worth the effort.

1 1/2 to 2 cartons of whipped cream
2/3 to 3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Whip cream and gradually add the powdered sugar making sure that the frosting is very thick. Then add the vanilla. Frost and decorate your cake.

Becky's Pumpkin Pie Cake

2009-03-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

During the holidays and especially at Thanksgiving time this pumpkin pie cake is great to make to take to social functions. It is rich and has pumpkin pie filling right in the cake!

1 yellow cake mix
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
2 cups pumpkin
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
3 eggs and 2 eggs
1/4 cup butter
nuts (optional)

Take 1 cup of dry cake mix and add 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Set aside. Take the remaining dry cake mix and add 2 eggs and a cube of butter. Press this mixture into a 9x13 inch cake pan. Pour in pumpkin mixture (ingredients mixed together from sugar to 3 eggs). Sprinkle with saved 1 cup of cake mix and nuts. Melt 1/4 cup of butter and pour on top of cake. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes.

Cinnamon Salad

2009-03-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe from my college days with Sher Bates (Teschner). We had a lot of fun together putting together recipes and this is one of our favorites. This jello has a cinnamony tangy taste and is to be served with the main meal.

1/2 cup cinnamon candies
1 cup boiling water

Dissolve candy in water, add 1 pkg. lemon jello and let set. Then spread 1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, 1/2 cup chopped nuts, 1/2 cup celery, 1/2 cup salad dressing over 1/2 of set up jello. Blend together. Top with the rest of the cinnamon candy jello.

Good Luncheon Salad

2009-03-26T16:55:00.001-07:00

Here is another of Theone's recipes that is good for a Main Dish. I love the crunchy ingredients together and it is easy to make for a lot of people.

1 cup of grated carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 cup tuna or chicken
1 cup green onions, cut up fine
1 cup of mayonnaise or salad dressing
4 oz. can shoestring potatoes

Blend ingredients together and set in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, add one large can of shoestring potatoes and serve the salad on a lettuce leaf.

Chili Salsa

2009-03-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

My family loved it when I would make this homemade salsa right from our garden tomatoes, peppers, and onions. You can add a jalapeno pepper if you want your salsa a little bit hotter. I prefer it on the mild side. You can add this to your favorite chili recipe or eat it plain with chips.

16 cups of tomatoes, skinned, cut up
8 anaheim peppers
2 bell peppers
2 large onions

Blend peppers and onions with 2 tomatoes in a food processor. Add:

1 cup of white vinegar
1/4 cup canning salt

Add this all to the chopped peppers, tomatoes, and onions. (You may use the food processor to chop the vegetables into chunks.) Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Ladle into jars and process 25 minutes in a boiling water bath.

Zelda's Fettucini

2009-03-26T16:14:00.001-07:00

I mentioned to my friend Dawn Horner once that I would love to make a really great Fettucini Sauce and she gave me her aunt's recipe. It is the best I have ever tasted. Hope you like it too.

1 cup half and half
1 cup sour cream
2 cloves garlic
1 cube butter
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. marjoram
1/2 tsp basil
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 Tbs. flour
12 oz. Fettucini noodles

Cook Fettucini noodles in boiling water while preparing the sauce. Melt butter in saucepan. Add flour, garlic, herbs, and salt and pepper. Then add half and half and sour cream until sauce thickens. Add the Parmesan Cheese and simmer for 20 minutes. You may add cooked chicken and vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower) to this sauce to give it variety.

Fruit Cocktail Cake

2009-03-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

My room mate Sher Bates and I used to make this cake a lot when we lived at Ricks College. I was reminded of this cake when I recently attended a book club and Mary made this with peaches...in fact any bottled fruit is good. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream and you have a great dessert for company.

Cream:
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs

Add:
2 cups flour
2 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups fruit cocktail, undrained

Pour batter into greased and floured loaf pan or you can use a 9 x 13 inch cake pan.

Mix and sprinkle on top of batter:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup nuts

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes.

Raisin Criss Cross Cookies

2009-03-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

These cookies are like a lemon shortbread cookie with raisins. I got this recipe in Blackfoot Idaho from Dee Black. I love the lemony flavor of this cookie. I hope you will enjoy it too.

1 cube (1/2 cup) margarine or butter
1 egg
3/4 cup sugar
1 3/4 cup flour
1/4 tspsalt
3/4 tsp of cream of tartar
1 cup raisins
1 tsp lemon extract

Cream margarine and sugar, then add egg and extract, dry ingredients and last add raisins. Roll into small balls, flatten with a fork in a crosscross design on top of cookie. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Chocolate Bavarian Dessert

2009-03-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

Here is another recipe that Theone Miles gave to me. She made it once when I was at her house and I asked her for the recipe. It is one of those creamy pudding recipes with 4 layers. It is great to serve company.

Mix:
1 cups flour
1/2 cup melted butter
3/4 cups pecans

Spread in bottom of a 9 x 13 cake pan. Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Watch it carefully and bake it until just golden brown. Cool.

Beat:
1 8 oz. pkg cream cheese
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 cup cool whip

Spread this over the crust mixture in the pan.

Mix:
2 small packages of instant milk chocolate pudding according to directions. Spread over cream cheese mixture. Then spread the rest of the cool whip on top. You can sprinkle nuts on top of you wish.

7 layer bars

2009-03-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up this was a favorite to make. It contained all those good things that cookies have in them like chocolate, nuts, butterscotch chips, and coconut. These were extremely popular when my kids were little so I guess you could call this a retro recipe. It is still a good chewy cookie.

1 stick margarine
1 1/4 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips (if desired)
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 can Eagle Brand Milk

Melt margarine in 13 x 9 pan, sprinkle on graham cracker crumbs, then coconut, chocolate and butterscotch chips, and nuts. Pour the milk on very evenly. Bake in a 350 oven for 25 minutes. Do not stir.

Cranberry Crumb Cakes

2009-03-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe in the November 2002 Women's Day magazine. It has become a favorite of mine to make during the holidays when cranberries are abundant in the stores. It will make 5 small loaves and it is wonderful to give away as gifts to your friends and neighbors.

2 sticks butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp. ginger
3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1 tsp almond extract
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup orange flavored dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease and flour 5 mini loaf pans. Beat butter, 1 cup of sugar and the ginger until fluffy. Beat in 2 cups of flour until well blended. Remove 1 cup and mix with cinnamon. Set aside and reserve. Whisk remaining, 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. To butter mixture add 1/2 cup of sugar, sour cream, eggs, and extract. Beat until smooth, then fold in cranberries. Spoon into pans. Crumble cinnamon mixture over top. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until a wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool. Dust with powdered sugar.

Poppy Seed Cake

2009-03-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

This is Kerry's favorite cake that his Mom (Theone Miles) made while he was growing up. She gave me this recipe when Kerry begged me to make his Mom's Poppy Seed Cake.

2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 large can carnation milk
1 1/2 cups oil
3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 Tbs poppy seeds

Mix sugar, eggs, milk, and oil well. Add flour, salt and soda a little at a time and mix well. Add poppy seeds and mix well with beater. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes at 350 degrees in an Angel food cake pan.

Hot Chicken Salad

2009-03-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

Theone Miles gave me this recipe. It was one of her favorites to use at Relief Society functions. I have made this recipe for my family and it makes a large enough recipe for a lot of leftovers.

4 cups cold chicken in chunks
2 cups chopped celery
2 Tbs lemon juice
4 hard cooked eggs, cut up
2/3 cups finely chopped almonds
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbs. minced onion
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar)
1/2 cup crushed potato chips

Combine all ingredients except cheese in a deep dish. Top with the cheese and potato chips. Bake 25 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Serves 12 to 16.

Scotcharoos (Chocolate Rice Krispies Cookies)

2009-03-22T18:31:00.001-07:00

This is a favorite family recipe and watch out because they disappear fast. My family just gobbles these up. I asked Kerry's mom, Theone Miles, for his favorite cookie recipe and she sent me this one. One advantage to this recipe is that it is fast and easy to make.

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup white corn syrup

Bring these ingredients to a boil in a heavy pan. Then remove and add:

1 cup of peanut butter

Stir until the peanut butter is melted. Pour over:

6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal
Add 1 cup of chopped pecans (if desired)

Spread mixture ina 9 x 13 pan and level. In a double boiler, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1 cup of butterscotch chips. Spread over first mixture. Put in freezer a few minutes until chocolate is set. Cut into bars.