Boundary Waters Wild Rice Soup

6 T butter
1 small yellow onion, chopped finely
1/2 c all-purpose flour
4 c chicken broth
1 c whipping cream
1/3 c dry sherry or cooking sherry
1 1/2 c cooked wild rice
4 cups sliced, cooked turkey pieces
1/2 tsp white pepper
salt to taste

Notes/Story: Melt butter in a medium pan and add onion. Cook for five minutes until the onion is soft. Stir in flour and cook one minute, stirring often. Add broth and whisk until smooth. Add cream and sherry and heat to a simmer. Add rice, cut up cooked turkey pieces, pepper, and salt.
Simmer gently for five minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
Makes six, one-cup servings.

Found on Robin's blog. We tried it 11/28/11 and it was very rich and savory.

Christmas Eve Dinner Menu-2011

Pear/lime salad served on a lettuce leaf
Crusty French Bread/butter

Knefla Soup-Oyster crackers
Sliced cheese and sausage
Cherry Salad
Olives, pickles, apple slices
Carrot and celery sticks

Christmas cookies/bars
Plachinda
Hot cider/tea

Potatoes, baked with parmesan

 Ingredients
Small red potatoes
Olive oil
Black pepper

Directions
Wash and clean small red potatoes
Place in casserole container and add water to about to the 1/2  way line on the potatoes
Bake at 375 - 400 degrees for 1 hour


Sprinkle a small amount of olive oil on a cookie sheet
Remove potatoes from the oven and place on a cookie sheet
With the bottom of a glass, (dipped in olive oil) smash each of the potatoes (individually) to about 3/4 of an inch high
Sprinkle with pepper
Place in oven and bake at 425 degrees for about 8 minutes or until the potatoes start to brown slightly

Remove from oven and sprinkle tops with grated Parmesan
Return to 425 degree oven for about 8-10 minutes or until cheese melts and potatoes are slightly browned

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped chives..

Story-Judy served this at the Thanksgiving dinner 2011. A new and easy way to serve baked potatoes. I made them for a Sunday dinner and it worked well to have them baking while we were at fellowship meeting. We put the finishing touches on the potatoes while the salmon and asparagus baked. The meal was topped off with caramel apple pie...delicious  :)

Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

2 Tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup orange juice
2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter
1 (8-ounce) cream cheese at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon flour
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Notes/Story: Put the sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, and blueberries in a small saucepan.Cook over medium heat until it is thickened and has come to a bubble. Take off the heat and set aside.

Put the flour, powdered sugar, and butter in the mixer and mix until it comes together. It will be crumbly. Press into a foil or parchment lined 9×13 pan. Bake for 20 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven.

While the crust is cooking, cream together the cream cheese and sugar. Add the Tbsp flour. Add the eggs and vanilla. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the hot crust.

Spoon the reserved blueberries over the cream cheese mixture. Take a knife and swirl the blueberries throughout the cream cheese.

Put the pan back into the 350 degree oven and bake for another 20 minutes or until the bars are set. Let the pan cool on a rack for an hour. Then put the bars back into the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Christmas 2011 Menu

Almond Mandarin Lettuce Salad
Sparkling Duck
Dinner Rolls

Baked Ham
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Baked Asparagus
Raspberry Rice Salad
Lefse

Caramel Apple Pie
Ice Cream
Coffee/Tea

Caramel Apple Pie (The best pie I have ever tasted.)

Pie crust for double crust pie
8 peeled and sliced apples
1/2 cup butter
3 Tbsp all purpose flour
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla

Notes/Story: Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter in saucepan. Stir in flour to make a paste. Add water, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer. Pour 2/3 of caramel sauce over apples and mix well. Reserve 1/3 of sauce for top of pie.

Place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples. Place top crust over apples and drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hr.

Apple Crisp

Filling:
5 cups chopped, peeled apples
1 cup sugar
1 Tbsp flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

Topping:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup quick oats
1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup butter

Notes/Story: Preheat oven to 350. Peel, core, and slice apples and mix filling ingredients in with the apples. Mix well. Pour into 9x13 pan. Mix topping ingredients together until crumbly and sprinkle over apples. Bake for 45 min. Serve with ice cream.

Banana Blueberry Bread

3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
2/3 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
4 mashed bananas
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

Notes/Story: Preheat oven to 350. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in oats. Add oil, eggs, bananas, and blueberries, stirring just until mixed. Divide dough evenly between two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pans lined with parchment paper. Bake about 1 hr and let cool in pan for 10 min.

This is one of the recipes I tried on my extreme bake day, 11/26/11. Very moist and delicious!

Pumpkin Streusel Dessert

1 can (15 oz) solid pack pumpkin
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 pkg (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix
3/4 cup butter melted

Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Notes/Story: In a mixing bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Transfer to a greased 13x9 inch baking pan. Spinkle with dry cake mix and drizzle with butter.

Bake at 350 for one hour. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

I made this after Thanksgiving 2011. Mom had cut it out of a newspaper to try.

4 Grain Orange-Flax Muffins

Mix the following ingredients in a large mixing bowl
1 1/2 Cup Oat bran
1 Cup flour
1 Cup flax seed (ground)
1 Cup wheat bran
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

In a Food processor mix the following ingredients
2 Oranges-peeled, quartered, and seeded
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon soda

Mix dry ingredients with the orange mixture.

Fold in
1 - 1 1/2 cup raisins (when the kids were little they didn't like raisins added to muffins, so I would grind them up in the food processor and they would blend in with the other ingredients-no one complained)

Spoon into paper lined muffin tins. Bake at 375 degrees  18-20 minutes.

Story; this was a recipe I found when we were trying to cook and bake with healthy ingredients. It is very good tasting, easy to make, and healthy. I made these for after school treats.

Lettuce-Mandarin orange Salad

1/2 Cup sliced almonds
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar


1/2 head lettuce-broken into bite sized pieces
2 medium stalks chipped celery
2 green onions with tops- thinly sliced
1- 11 oz can mandarin oranges-drained

Sweet-sour dressing-Mix ingredients in a jar-to shake dressing until it is well mixed
1/2 cup canola oil
1 Tablespoon snipped parsley (or dried parsley works well, too)
2 Tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons vinegar
 Dash of pepper

Directions and Story; Cook almonds and sugar over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is melted and almonds are lightly browned and coated. (or easier yet-buy honey roasted almonds-they work great and are easier to use) Break lettuce in pieces and mix with celery and onions. Pour dressing over lettuce mixture, add oranges. mix well. Serve immediately. Sprinkle almonds over salad.

I have used this salad as the first course of a sit down dinner. Often I have served this at our 'Valentine-candle light dinner'. Chill the salad plates and spoon salad onto chilled plates, remove salad plates before serving main meal. It's a nice way to serve a lettuce salad.

Onion Cassserole

7 Cups sweet onions
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup regular or long grain rice
1 cup American cheese
1 cup half and half

Directions and Story:  Saute onions in butter. boil rice in 5 cups water for 5 minutes. Drain well. Shred cheese. Combine all ingredients into a 2 quart casserole. Bake 350 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes.

I made this just to try something different, and to my surprise it was delicious. Everyone liked it, so occasionally when we have many onions in the house-I make this for a Sunday dinner along with a meal of meat and potatoes. A good addition especially during the winter months.

No fail pie crust

4 Cups flour
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 Tablespoon vinegar
1 Large egg
1 3/4 Cup shortening (Not butter or lard)
1/2 Cup water

Directions and Story: Stir together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in shortening. Beat egg, vinegar, and water until foamy. Add to flour mixture and stir until mixed. Divide dough into five portions. Wrap in plastic wrap and foil and freeze. If used immediately, chill for 1 hour. Scraps may be refrozen and used later. Crust will not get tough.

We used this recipe often it was always predictable that it would be a good crust. It is handy to make this large enough recipe to have some frozen-to make another pie at a later date.

Whipped cream-topping for many desserts

1 pint whipping cream
Powdered sugar
vanilla

Directions-Whip cream with electric hand mixer until it begins to thicken, gradually add 3 or more Tablespoons of powdered sugar (Add that amount that tastes good to you), add 1 teaspoon vanilla.  Beat until thick.... Enjoy

Sopapilla Cheesecake Dessert

3 (8oz) pkges cream cheese, soft
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 (8oz) cans crescent roll dough
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Notes/Story: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat the cream cheese with 1 1/2 cups sugar and the vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Unroll the cans of crescent roll dough and use a rolling pin to shape the piece into 9x13 inch rectangles. Press one piece into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture into the baking dish, then cover with the remaining piece of crescent dough.

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Stir the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar together with the cinnamon in a small bowl, and sprinkle over the cheesecake along with the almonds.

Bake in the preheated oven until the crescent dough has puffed and turned golden brown, about 45 min. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares.

I had a piece of this at a work potluck. So good! 10/10 good.

Spud Soup

6 - 8 Idaho baking potatoes, diced  :D
1 c chopped ham
1/2 an onion, finely chopped
3 c water
1 T chicken bullion

3 T butter
3 T flour
2 c milk

Notes/Story: Combine first 5 ingredients in large pot, and simmer until potatoes are tender (around 20 minutes). Make a roux with the next three ingredients: Melt butter in a pan, then whisk in flour gradually until very thick. Continue to whisk as you add the milk; stir for 4-5 minutes until thick. Stir into the soup pot and mix. Serve with shredded cheddar and a few dashes of Tapatio or Tabasco sauce, if you want a bit of spice!

We went through several potato soup recipes before finding this one that's pretty easy, cheap, and REALLY tasty. I usually buy a ham "steak," which is a slice of ham and is just the right amount to use up in the soup. Leftovers are great.

Lincoln Log

Mix with an electric hand mixer;

4 eggs

gradually add;
1 cup sugar

Add alternately-water and flour/baking powder/cocoa/salt ingredients

1/3 cup water

3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:
1 1/2 cup whipping cream-whipped
1 teaspoon vanilla
3-4 Tablespoons powdered sugar-gradually added to cream as it is being whipped

Directions & story; Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 10 X 15 pan and line with parchment paper (wax paper will work too).
Beat eggs and gradually add sugar. Add a portion of the flour mixture-mix, add some of the water-mix, add the rest of the flour mixture-mix, and add remainder of water and mix.
Pour ingredients into prepared pan and bake until done-(I am thinking about 20 minutes-this is fairly thin)

Prepare a clean kitchen towel by folding to the approximate size of the pan and sprinkling with powdered sugar. Turn cooked chocolate roll on to towel and roll up. Allow to cool rolled in towel.

When ready to serve, unroll carefully and spread on whipped cream. Re-roll and slice pieces about 1 to 1/2 inches wide-or the size you prefer. This can be frosted with chocolate frosting.

I made this in February around Lincoln's birthday-I also made several at one time and served them for Mother's Club during a February meeting. It is the chocolate version of 'jelly roll' Grandma Cay made.

Three Bean Casserole

Brown the following:
1 Pound ground beef
1/2 pound bacon (cut up)
1 Cup chopped onion

1 Cup Ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 can kidney beans (drained)
1 can Lima or butter be beans (drained)
1 can pork and beans (I use Bush beans-do not drain)

Directions & Story; Mix ground beef and bean ingredients together, pour into crock pot and simmer for about 4 hours. This can be also made in the oven, use a casserole container and bake for 1 1/2 hours.

This casserole is a great addition to a buffet luncheon, birthday party or get-together. I often made it in the late summer and fall when we had company for dinner or relatives over for a birthday party. I've used this recipe or a variation of it since the 1990's.

Crunchy chocolate Bars

1 Large package chocolate chips (either semi-sweet or milk chocolate will work)
1 Cup crunchy peanut-butter
1 Large bag miniature marshmallows

Directions & Story; Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in microwave. Melt for a 1/2 a minute at a time as this will burn easily. Stir and melt as needed until melted. Allow to cool slightly and stir in marshmallows, spoon in a 9 X 9 pan- cool or freeze. It works well to double this recipe, too.

Grandma Dean made these every Christmas, They are so delicious and easy to make-good holiday treats to make ahead and store in the freezer until they are ready to enjoy!

Cheesy Potatoes

1 large bag frozen hash browns
1/2 to 1 cup chopped onion, (if I have green onion's they are my first choice-but other onions will work, too)
1 (8 oz) bag of cheddar cheese
1 can cream soup (I usually use either cream of mushroom or cream of chicken) diluted with milk.
1 (15 oz) container of sour cream

Topping
2 cups corn flakes-crushed
1/2 cup butter-melted

Directions & Story; Mix potatoes with cheese, onions, cream soup, milk, and sour cream. Spoon in 9 X 13 pan. Toss crushed cereal in melted butter and spoon on top of potatoes. Cover and bake in a 350 degree oven for :45 to 1 hr or until bubbly. (You can add the topping the last :15 minutes of cooking time and remove the cover for a crisper texture)

This recipe makes a good combination with grilled steak, hamburgers, etc. or goes well with ham-no gravy needed. We've served this often at birthday parties, during the summer and for 4th of July dinners.

Rhubarb Crisp

Crust:
1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup cold butter
1 1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling
1 1/4 cup cold water, divided
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
3 cups sliced fresh rhubarb
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions and Story: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, nuts, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly, Press 3 cups into an ungreased 9 X 13 inch pan-set aside.
Soak rhubarb in 1 cup cold water for 3 minutes; drain (I skipped this and it turned out OK) In a saucepan combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in remaining cold water and stir until smooth. Add rhubarb. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 5 minutes or until thickened. Add vanilla. Spoon over crust; sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Bake 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

I made this several times during the summer - it doesn't stay around long. It's ummmm good warm with Ice cream :)

Chili

Brown the following ingredients
1 to 1 1/2 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped

Add:
2 cans kidney beans - drained (either dark red or light red)
1 can chili beans (Don't drain these)
1 (29 oz) can of whole tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes
spices for your taste-red pepper, black pepper, chili powder, etc.

Directions and Story: Mix browned beef and bean/tomato together and pour in crock pot. Cook for approximately 4 hours or until bubbly and hot. Serve with chedder cheese -grated and corn bread.

I make this a couple times a month throughout the winter. A great make ahead meal !!

Special K Bars

1 cup sugar
1 cup white syrup
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups Special K cereal
6 oz pkg chocolate chips
6 oz pkg butterscotch chips
2 Tblsp peanut butter
Notes/Story: Heat sugar and syrup in microwave. Do not boil. Mix in 1 cup peanut butter and blend together. Add cereal and mix. Spread mixture in a buttered 9x13 pan. Melt chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and 2 Tbsp peanut butter. Spread over bars.

Chow Mein Casserole

1 Tablespoon butter
1 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup onion
2 Tablespoons diced green pepper
3/4 of a 5 oz can chow mein noodles
1 or 2 cans of tuna
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/4 - 1/2 can of milk
pepper and salt to taste
3/4 cup cashews

Directions and Story; Heat oven to 350 degrees, Melt butter and saute celery, onion, and green pepper. Cook and stir until onion is tender. Combine 3/4 can of noodles, vegetables, tuna and pour into casserole dish (about 1 1/2 quart) Top with reserved chow mein noodles. Bake until heated through or about :30 to :45 minutes.

This was a good-last minute, in a hurry, what should we have for dinner- recipe. It can be on the table in less than an hour and tastes good served with a vegetable and roll.

Bladjinda

Dough:
1/2 cup butter
2 cups cream
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
3 teaspoons baking powder
5 cups flour

Mix and roll out dough. cut into 4 inch rounds or squares.

Filling:
3 cups pumpkin
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions and Story; Put one heaping teaspoon/Tablespoon of filling on one side of the cut 'rounds' (I use a small mixing bowl as a guide to cut the rolled dough) fold and pinch the sides together. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees.

We found this recipe in the 'Golden Manor nursing home' cook book from about the late 1980's. The recipe is traditional German cooking. We would make these between Christmas and New Years. This makes a large batch

Steel Cut Oatmeal

with a bit of maple syrup drizzled on top

tweaked from The Food Network
4 servings

1/2 T butter
1 c steel cut oats
3 c boiling water
1/2 c milk
pinch of salt

Toppings as desired (milk/evaporated milk/yogurt/coffee creamer + dried cranberries/ vanilla/cinnamon/brown sugar/peanut butter/banana/apple/maple syrup, and so forth!)

Notes/Story: Melt butter in pan. Add oats and toast for 2-3 minutes (until it starts to smell warm and nutty). Add the water, reduce to simmer for 25 minutes, without stirring. Gently stir in milk, simmer 10 additional minutes. Pinch the salt and throw it in. Top and enjoy. I refrigerate the rest and just heat up my breakfast in the microwave with a bit of extra water the next three days.

I first had steel cut oats when we stayed with Kim and Tyler for special meeting. She said she ate it because it was so healthy and tastier than any other oatmeal. My taste buds agreed, and looking up the nutrition information, it's true -- plus, I use less toppings with steel cut oats than with old fashioned or quick, just because there's already more taste included!

Manicotti

1-8 oz package manicotti
1 Tablespoon oil
1 - 15 oz carton ricotta cheese
1 - 16 oz carton cottage cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Parsley (either fresh or dried)
2 eggs

1 jar spaghetti sauce

Directions and Story; Boil Manicotti according to package directions, add oil to water helps keep manicotti from sticking together.
Mix cheeses, salt, pepper, parsley, and eggs

Drain Manicotti and rinse with cold water. Stuff each manicotti with cheese mixture. Put in a casserole container or cake pan and pour spaghetti sauce around stuffed manicotti, Cover and heat through, maybe about :45 minutes.

I wondered if I should put this in the food blog, because it is on the back of the Manicotti box, and in the Once a month cooking cookbook, It's a very good recipe, easy to make and freezes well, and the what if........The Manicotti manufactures decide to change the recipe on the box?

Pecan Pie Bars

2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup cold butter
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 6 oz package almond brickle chips (Heath)
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions & Story; Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour and sugar, cut in butter until crumble. Press firmly on bottom of 9 X 13 pan, Bake 15 minutes.

Beat egg, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, stir in chips and pecans. Spread evenly over baked crust. Bake for 25 minutes more or until golden brown. Cool-Cut and store in refrigerator or freeze. Enjoy :)

We made these frequently, and served them for graduations and birthday parties. This recipe came from Diane who lived in Lisbon for a short time before moving to Texas. Sarah, her daughter was in Laura's kindergarten class.

Salted Nut Rolls

1 package caramels
1/4 cup evaporated milk

1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 - 2 cups powdered sugar

16 oz jar of peanuts

Directions & Story; Melt caramels and evaporated milk in microwave, add butter and powdered sugar and cool. Drop onto dry roasted peanuts and roll.

Good but messy both to make and eat. This was given to me by Fran, the wife of the real estate agent who sold us our Lisbon house in town.

Amish Sugar Cookies

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter
1 cup cooking oil
2 eggs4 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tarter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions & Story; Combine first 4 ingredients, beat well. Add eggs, Beat again, Add remaining ingredients and mix will. Drop in small balls of dough on a cookie sheet and flatten slightly with the bottom of a small glass that was dipped in granulated sugar. Bake 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Aunt Eva always had coffee and sugar cookies. Mostly she would roll the cookies and sprinkle them with a little granulated sugar. However, she would occasionally make a drop sugar cookie. I thought it sounded simpler to make and she shared the recipe. This was in 1978. Fellowship meeting was at Eva's and after meeting there was always a plate of sugar cookies for anyone who wanted a cookie.

Company Meat Balls

2 pounds ground beef
1 1/2 cup cracker crumbs (I usually use oatmeal)
1 egg
3 Tablespoons dry onion soup mix
1/2 cup sour cream

1 Cream of Chicken soup
1 can of water

Directions & Story; Roll meatballs in flour and paprika, brown in the oven at 400 degrees. When browned, place in a casserole dish and pour cream of chicken soup and water over meat balls. bake 350 degrees for about :30 minutes.

Dennis invited a new employee over for supper (1984) and I had about an hour's notice before they were coming. I made this recipe along with mashed potatoes. The meatball recipe was from Grandma Cay. Kristin would have been 4 years old :)

Apple Torte

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 egg
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4-1/2 cup chopped nuts
2 1/2 cups finely chopped apples (about 3)

Caramel sauce
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon rum flavor

Directions & Story; Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, and mix. Add dry ingredients, apples and nuts. Put in a well greased pan 10 1/2 X 6 and bake 1 hour at 325 degrees.
Serve with caramel sauce or whipped cream. To make caramel sauce, mix ingredients together and heat slowly until melted and well blended. pour over cut pieces of torte before serving.

Aunt Eva made this very rich dessert. I got the recipe from her in 1967 when I was a Sophomore in high school. It's good when the torte is heated up and the caramel sauce is warm. My aunts Eva and Augusta invited us over almost every Sunday for a very big Sunday dinner-salads, vegetables, desserts, and homemade breads or rolls. Always excellent!!

Pecan Pie Filling

1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
2 Tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup dark Karo syrup
1 cup pecans
2 Tablespoons butter

Directions & Story;Mix the above ingredients and pour into ready pie crust. Bake at 425 degrees about 10 minutes. reduce heat to 325 and bake for 25 minutes longer or until filling is set and crust is brown.

Another recipe from Grandma Dean, this was given to me at our wedding shower in 1972. Grandma frequently made pecan pie when I visited there. It was served warmed up with ice cream....Ummmmmm!

Apple Pie Magic

4 cups peeled sliced apples
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup soft butter
1 cup sugar
2 cup flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions & Story; sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over cut apples put in a 10 inch pie pan. Mix butter, sugar, flour, egg and walnuts and pat over apples. Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour or until apples are tender.

This recipe came from Grandma Dean. We were invited there for dinner-during the holidays and this was served for dessert. They lived in the Condo on Ontario Lane - 1998

Amish Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Frosting

Rolls:
2/3 cup sugar + 2 tsp sugar, divided
1 cup warm water
2 pkgs yeast (0.25oz) pkts
4 beaten eggs
2/3 cup melted butter
1 tsp salt
1 cup homemade mashed potatoes
6 cups bread flour
Filling:
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp cinnamon
6 Tbsp melted butter
Frosting:
1 stick butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Notes/Story: 1) Mix 2 tsp sugar, warm water, and yeast. Lets stand 5 min.
2) Mix together the rest of the roll ingredients in a large bowl and add the yeast mixture gently. Cover dough and let rise 2 hrs.
3) While dough is rising, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Once the dough has risen, roll out dough in a rectangular shape to about 1/4 inch thickness. Spread with the melted butter and brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Roll up and cut into 1" slices. Place slices 1" apart on a baking sheet greased with melted butter. Let rise for 1 hr and 15 min. Bake at 350 for 20-25 min.
4) For frosting, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Blend in the brown sugar and salt. Cook on low for 2 min. Stir constantly. Add milk. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Let cool and add powdered sugar. Spread over rolls when rolls cool.
I made this after Thanksgiving 2010 since there was leftover mashed potatoes. These were delicious and couldn't even tell there were mashed potatoes in the rolls.

Peanut Blossoms

1 3/4 cup flour
1 Teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 unbeaten egg
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Small bowl with granulated sugar for rolling cookie dough
Candy kisses

Method & Story;Cream butter, peanut butter, sugars and add egg and milk. blend in dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. shape into teaspoons and roll into balls, roll in sugar and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 375 degrees for 8 minutes, Remove from oven and place a solid milk chocolate candy kiss on top. Pressing down so the cookie cracks on the top. Return to the oven and bake 2 -5 minutes longer.
Grandma Dean made these every holiday season. She would send a box of goodies back with us when we were there over Christmas, usually that 'goodies' tray would contain some of these cookies along with the fudge.

Chocolate Turtles

1/2 cup butter-melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs well beaten
6 Tablespoons cocoa
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla

Frosting
Powdered sugar
butter
cocoa (unsweetened)
water - just enough to spread frosting

top with a 1/2 a walnut (optional)

Method & Story;combine all of the ingredients and mix well. Heat regular waffle iron and drop a teaspoon of dough on each section of the iron. close cover and bake 50 - 60 seconds. do not over bake. Lift off with a fork, cool on cooling rack.

Grandma Cay would make these around holiday time in the winter. They are quick and fun to make. The walnut on the top makes them a little more festive, you could decorate them with other ideas, too.

Morning Glory Muffins

1/2 cup oil
3 eggs
1/2 cup honey
2 teaspoons vanilla

2 1/2 cups grated carrots
2 grated apples
1/2 cup raisins

2 cups flour (can divide this between whole wheat and all purpose flour)
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt.

Method & Story;Grate carrots, apples, and raisins in food processor. (I processed the raisins because some folks didn't like to eat raisins in the muffins.....?? Mix all ingredients together and spoon into muffin tins bake 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until done. These freeze well.

We started making these muffins in 1993 and made them regularly for several years. They are healthy, taste good, and are easy to store in the freezer.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Mix the following together in a 9 X 13 cake pan and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes
2 cups salted pretzels-crushed
1/2 cup butter-melted
3 Tablespoons sugar

Blend together and spoon on COOLED pretzel crust
1 8 oz whipped topping
1 8 oz cream cheese-softened

Add jello to hot water - mix- add frozen strawberries - cool and let this begin to set-pour over cream cheese layer
1 large package strawberry jello
2 cups hot water
2 cups frozen strawberries

Refrigerate until set and ready to serve
Story;This was a salad Betty served, and one of Chelsey's favorite salad/dessert

Highway Patrol Hot Dish

1 1/2 pounds ground beef-browned
1 can tomato soup
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
5 or 6 medium potatoes, sliced
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 can milk
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 small chopped onion
1 pkg pepperoni

Method and Story;Brown ground beef and onion. Mix in soups, milk, oregano, pepper, and sugar. Add sliced potatoes, place in greased 9 X 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until potatoes are soft. Top with pepperoni and bake 5 minutes longer. Top with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is melted.

This recipe I've used when we have extra people for a meal, it makes a large casserole and uses ingredients that we usually have on hand. The recipe came from Kandi's recipe file in the St. Aloysius Cookbook.

Dorito Hot Dish

2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion-chopped
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of onion or mushroom soup
1 can enchilada sauce (mild)
1 bag Dorito chips
Shredded cheese
Ripe olives

Method & Story;Line 9 X 13 inch pan with Broken Doritos chips. Brown hamburger with onion and seasonings of salt and pepper. Add soups. Add enchilada sauce. Pour this mixture over chips. Sprinkle with cheese, olives and the remainder of the broken Doritos chips. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated through.

This recipe was in a cook book that a friend was instrumental in compiling as a part of a fund raiser. I have often made this as it is quick and and everyone seems to like the flavor.

Cherry Berry on a Cloud

Meringue:
6 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter
1 3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:
2-3 oz packages cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-8oz container whipped topping
2 cups miniature marshmallows

Topping
! can cherry pie filling
2 cups fresh strawberries OR you can use 1-16 oz package frozen strawberries.

Method & Story;for meringue: Beat egg whites, cream of tarter, and salt until frothy. Gradually add sugar, beating until it forms stiff peaks. (may take 10 to 15 minutes. Spread in a greased 9 X 13 pan. Bake 275 degrees for 60 minutes. Turn off oven and leave pan in oven 12 hours or overnight.

Filling-Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla, fold in whipped topping and miniature marshmallows. Spread over meringue when it comes out of the oven and refrigerate this for another 12 hours.

Topping-top with cherry pie filling with strawberries. (I usually just use the cherry pie filling)

This spectacular dessert was served at Mothers Club. We each took turns bringing a dessert for after the meeting. By far this was the most memorable dessert served. We made it at our house, and it was wonderful. Elizabeth immediately thought this was the best dessert ever!

Cherry Salad

1 can cherry pie filling
1 8 oz carton whipped topping
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 can crushed pineapple
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Method & Story;Mix together sweetened condensed milk, pineapple, and cherry pie filling, add pecans (optional) and fold in whipped topping. I honestly don't remember where or when we started making this salad, but it has been a favorite!! I try to have the ingredients on hand, as Laura likes to make this when she is home

Rice and Raspberry Salad

2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup rice
3 cups milk
1 cup sugar
2 small packages frozen raspberries
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 8 0z container whipped topping

Method & story; In a large saucepan, add salt to water, Boil rice in this water until thick, Drain and rinse. Add milk and sugar to rice, boil at low temperature stirring often until thick. COOL.
Drain raspberries and in a small saucepan cook raspberry juice and cornstarch u ntil thick. Add raspberries and cook again until thick. COOL. Add whipped topping to cooked and cooled rice. Starting with rice mixture and ending with raspberry mixture, layer the ingredients in a glass bowl.
This recipe is from my good friend, Kandi, Her Mother made this and it was a hit with Laura. It is a very pretty salad at Christmas time and again at our annual Valentine Dinner.

Fluffy Pancakes

3/4 cup milk
2 Tbsp vinegar
1 cup flour
2 Tbsp white sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
2 Tbsp butter, melted
Notes/Story: Combine milk and vinegar in medium bowl and set aside for 5 min. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking sode, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk egg and butter into 'soured' milk. Pour flour mixture into wet ingredients and whisk. Pour on hot griddle.
This recipe I found online and had the highest rating. I'm not suprised. These pancakes are very good.

Chocolate Ganache Frosting

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla

Notes/Story: Place chocolate chips in a large bowl. Pour the cream into a saucepan and bring to a boil. As soon as the cream boils up to the top of the pan, quickly remove it from the heat and pour it over the chocolate chips. Let stand for a minute or two then stir with a whisk until smooth. Stir in the vanilla until well blended. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface and allow to cool at room temperature.

I'm not sure about that last sentence, because when I made it, I poured it directly on a chocolate cake. This frosting is very rich, creamy, and smooth. So good!

Broccoli & Garlic Penne Pasta

1 # Penne cook according to directions
2 heads chopped broccoli (Boil 2 minutes)
3/4 cup olive oil
10 cloves of garlic (chopped (Yes, 10 cloves)
Black pepper
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 Red onion-chopped
Feta cheese

Also consider adding-Fresh parsley, Red pepper flakes, Red/yellow/green peppers, and sausage cut in 1/2 inch slices.

Method & Story;Lightly brown onion and garlic cloves in olive oil, (if you want to add peppers and sausage that's OK too) add slightly cooked Broccoli and cool for an additional 2 minutes. Add butter and cooked pasta, cook for an additional 3 - 4 minutes. I use the electric fry pan.
Serve sprinkled with Feta cheese and or Parmesan.
Be sure not to over cook the garlic, though.......
This recipe was on Robin's blog - summer of 2011, Chelsey made a variation of this during her vacation and it was so good. I added the sausage and some peppers to the mix - it was pretty and tasty, too. One of my favorite new casseroles.

French Bread Pizza

1 loaf unsliced French bread
3 cups spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
3 oz pepperoni slices (1/2 a package)

Method & Story; Slice French bread in half lengthwise. Layer sauce, Parmesan, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese on each half. Broil on baking sheet until mozzarella is melted, cut into serving sized pieces.
Another very good, easy recipe from the Once a Month Cooking cook book from the summer of 1996.

Heavenly Chicken

1 10 oz package frozen, chopped spinach (I use fresh spinach)
1/2 cup sliced green onions
4 Tablespoons butter
4 Tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1 cup soda cracker crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 boneless chicken breast halves-skinned (About 3 3/4 pounds)
1 cup cooked, cubed ham

Method & story;
In small saucepan, ma,e white sauce, saute' onions in butter-stir in flour and add milk. cook over low heat stirring constantly until bubbly and begins to thicken.
Combine cracker crumbs and Parmesan, dip chicken breast halves into crumb mixture to lightly coat. Arrange breast halves in 9 X 13 pan.
Stir spinach and ham into white sauce. spoon sauce over chicken breasts. Allow to cool, cover and freeze. this can be baked and served, too.
On our way to International Music Camp, we stopped in Bismarck to pick up Heidi, when we arrived Becky had supper ready for us, she had started 'Once a Month cooking' and was able to pull this ready made meal out of the freezer. This was a hit with Elizabeth, we bought the book and twice completed a months worth of meals from the Once a Month Cookbook by Wilson & Lagerborg (1992). all of the meals we made that summer from the book were successful. Elizabeth purchased an updated version this summer (2011).

Percolator Punch (Cider)

1 quart apple cider
1 pint cranberry juice
1 pint orange juice

1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 teaspoon whole cloves
3 sticks of cinnamon

Method & Story;We purchased a lot from an elderly couple and had our new house moved to the location in the south east side of Casselton (1975). We were invited over for a light lunch and Florence served this 'percolator punch'. It was made as you would coffee. I've used a coffee maker that is a percolator, but I think it would work equally well heated on the stove and remove the spices just before serving. Our nice friendly neighbor was confined to a wheelchair and always had a smile.

Punch

1 jug red tempko
1 can frozen lemonade
1 bottle (large) squirt soda

Method and Story; We were invited to one of Kristin's classmates graduation party (1999). This punch was served, and it was so tasty we soon called Nancy for the recipe. Very easy, mix the tempko and lemonade together, and add the squirt when ready to serve. Very pretty, too.

Chex Mix

3/4 box rice chex
3/4 box corn chex
8 oz of pretzels
1 can mixed nuts
8 oz of M & M's

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup white syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring
dash of salt
1 teaspoon soda

Method & Story;Dump rice and corn chex in brown paper bag. Soften butter and combine butter, syrup, brown sugar and microwave on high 2 minutes.
Remove, stir, microwave on high for 2 more minutes. Add vanilla and almond flavoring, salt and baking soda, stir well. Pour over rice and corn chex in brown paper bag....shake and roll to coat mixture

Microwave mixture in a closed paper bag 1 1/2 minutes. Remove, shake and roll bag. Microwave for another 1 1/2 minutes, shake and roll for 1 minute. Add pretzels and mixed nuts shake and roll.
Cool before adding M & M's

Danaka made this delicious snack when we visited them. Kristin was invited to a get together, and we went to spend some time with Danaka and her family. Easy to make, little clean up and very good.

Caramel corn

Boil for 2 minutes-no more than 5 minutes

1 cup brown sugar
1 stick of butter (1/2 a cup)
1/2 cup white syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt

Remove from heat and add
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Add to a brown paper bag
4 to 5 quarts popped pop corn
pour caramel mixture on top of pop corn

Close by folding over paper bag
Cook in microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes
remove and shake bag
cook for another 1 1/2 minutes
remove and shake bag
cook for :20 seconds

Pour out in large container and cool

Story; Sheila brought this to holiday get together. It is easy and clean up is quick.

4 Layer Dessert

1st Layer-combine, pat into 9 X 13 inch cake pan, bake 350 degrees for 15 minutes-COOL
1 cup flour
1/2 cup butter
1/2 chopped nuts

2nd Layer-Mix with an electric hand mixer
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipped topping

3rd Layer-Mix together
2 pkg instant pudding (any flavor-I often use pistachio)
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

4th Layer
whipped topping
chopped walnuts or pecans

Story; I originally received this recipe in 1976 from Grandma Dean. I often made this in the spring, and usually served it after Easter dinner. It is equally good using chocolate pudding. This dessert can be made the day before, but doesn't keep for long-because it is so good.

Pecan Delight

1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 cup fruit cocktail

1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar

Method & Story;Mix all ingredients with an electric hand mixer. Place in a 9 X 9 cake pan, sprinkle with the brown sugar and chopped nuts. Bake 325 for :45 minutes or until done.
Serve with whipped cream.
The recipe was given to me in 1972 by Marion, Grandpa E's cousin. She is an excellent cook and cooked from scratch food at the school for years. This dessert is very easy and good, I made it during the winter- it is delicious when served warm with the whipped cream.

Moon Cake

Boil the following
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter

Add flour all at once and stir until it forms a ball
1 cup flour

Add the following one at a time and beat with a hand mixer after each addition
4 eggs

Topping
8 oz cream cheese (stir to remove lumps and gradually add pudding)
2 packages of instant vanilla pudding
3 1/2 cup milk (beat with electric hand mixer after adding milk

cool whip

chocolate topping

Method & Story;Spread on a 11 X 15 cookie sheet Bake 375 degrees for 30 minutes, don't open the oven door during baking. When cool add pudding and cream cheese mixture, top with cool whip, and drizzle chocolate over cool whip.
For years I used a recipe similar to this and dropped the dough into a cookie sheet. They were cream puffs as I would add vanilla pudding to the inside. Grandma Dean made the cream puff recipe easier by using a cookie sheet and spreading the dough out. I've made this if we have had unexpected company, as most of the ingredients are in the pantry/refrigerator. the down side of this dessert is that is doesn't keep long when it is assembled because the crust gets soggy, so I usually put the topping on-only the area that would be served right away.

Peanut Buster Parfait

Boil the following for 8 minutes and COOL!!
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk (1 can)
2/3 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
Add vanilla after boiling the above
1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups Spanish Peanuts                                               

Crust;
1 package hydrox cookies
1/3 cup soft butter

Middle layer
1/2 gal vanilla ice cream

Method & Story; Mix crust and place in 9 X 13 inch cake pan. Boil fudge topping (cooled). Assemble dessert-Crust, Ice Cream, Peanuts, Fudge topping. Freeze :)

Sheila brought this to a pot luck dinner in 2000 at the Long Lake house. Everyone totally enjoyed this dessert. A rich, super good dessert that is made ahead of time and frozen-it's easy to serve.