My grandma was born in Tomah, Wisconsin. I inherited her mother’s cookbook, The Tomah Cook Book, second edition, 1914. Under Vegetables, it says, “We now come to the root of matters.” Cute. Then it goes on, “The rule for vegetables is always the same. Wash in cold water, cook in boiling water.” What a hoot! …
My mother came away with a variation of this recipe from her high school home economics class. It was one of my favorites, even a birthday request. Making this recipe for my family has brought some additional sweet memories. Such as Jesse, at age 3, asking if we could have some more of that black …
I love working in the kitchen, and I’ve passed that interest on to my kids. At young ages they worked beside me, perched on a kitchen chair. Gradually they learn to cook on their own…complete with bloopers along the way. They graduate to more adventurous enterprises, exploring un-chartered territory in our kitchen. That’s what Steven …
Whether you’re harvesting veggies from your garden, the farmer’s market or the produce section of your local grocery store, there are abundant options for making a variety of summer salads. There are themed favorites, like Taco Salad, with crunchy iceberg lettuce, pinto or black beans, seasoned meat, shredded cheese, cucumbers, tomato, avocado, peppers, olives, salsa …
While we love fresh, homemade salsas there’s nothing like a handy jar of ready-to-use picante sauce. It’s a must have in our refrigerator and pantry. I’m very selective about prepared foods and the ingredients they contain, so there was one particular store brand that was our go-to. That is, until one day when Jesse decided …
When you’re repeatedly asked to bring a certain dish to family celebrations and gatherings, you know you have a winner. And that’s exactly the case with this pie. I top this pie with slightly sweetened whipped cream. Rich? Yes. Perhaps we shall call it Coconut Dream Pie because it’s like a sweet dream, topped …
My grandparents came to stay with my three younger siblings and 11-year-old me while our parents were out of town for a few days on business. Weren’t we surprised when my grandma announced that we were having Porcupine Meatballs for dinner! Wow, with a name like that, what kid wouldn’t be intrigued! Dinner, of course, …
In February, we’re turning to the kitchen to find out what special treats we can bake our sweetheart for Valentine’s Day. This year, my thoughts turn to Cherry Crisp, cherries nestled in a butter-crunch crust, one of Tom’s favorites. Tom first made this dessert for me from the well-worn recipe card typed by his …
Beans are a great food: full of protein, rich in nutrients, a good source of fiber and they act as natural chelators. They are also an economical food…which sometimes get them a bad rap and are dubbed a “poor man’s food”. More unfortunate than that, is many people don’t know how to cook beans. …
Sitting around the table enjoying a piece of pie, often brings up the question: What is your favorite kind of pie? There is never any one answer…from anyone. Answers go something like this: Cherry…and peach, and banana cream. Or: Peach, then cherry. Or: Apple… and sweet potato, then berry. As the baker, I’m quickly satisfied …
Although Cranberry Orange Bread always sounded good, my former attempts at making it yielded the same, less than pleasant taste I remember as a child. It was rather bitter and had a hot, burnt taste. Still every year the idea of cranberries and orange flavors mingling together in a bread filled me with intrigue. …
Some cookies are buttery, sweet delicacies that melt in your mouth. A lavish dessert, in a bite or two. Cowboy cookies are something different. Ingredients such as oats, coconut and pecans pack in nutritional value and elevate these cookies to good snacking…getting you back in the saddle. Of course, that’s only one way to …
