Our Family Favorite Recipes


Four of my 7 beautiful kids, and me, doing what I love to do the most!


These are a few of my family's favorite recipes. Most of these recipes are simple and some are a bit more "dressy". Although I do have an education in Culinary Arts, and have worked with some great cooks, I personally don't think food needs to be pricey or complex to be GOOD. (After all, I am firstly a mom and a family cook.) If you feel the same, give one or two of these recipes a try! If you are purist enough to think that only fresh works, then you may want to bow out now.

There are many schools of thought on cuisine. Mine is this; Do the best you can with what you can afford. I have been in the position of having very little to work with, and a few of my recipes reflect that. The bottom line is, fresh organic is best, but when it comes down to keeping yourself from going hungry-you do what you must, including using powdered garlic and canned veggies.

Whatever your situation~Bon Appetit!


A side note:

When I first started cooking as a child I thought it was easy - nothing to it just follow the recipe. As I grew up I found, mostly, that was true. Most of the recipes I had used were either tried-and-true, copyrighted, or passed down through generations. Very few needed changes, and of those, the changes I made were really just based on my preferences. Then along came the internet. I, like the majority of people, used the internet for email, looking up facts, and purchasing goods.

When I found that there were millions of recipes for the taking, I was ecstatic! I solicited recipe emails, did countless searches, pored over a seeming plethora of recipe web pages; I was hooked. Then I realized, just because a recipe is on a web site, been formatted for recipe software, stamped with a name and sent to thousands, that doesn't make it good.

What exactly is my point? (I do have one!) My point is this: Anyone can follow a recipe, but the recipe needs to be "follow-able". I've come across recipes that make a person wonder, "Just WHO would eat such a thing?" Typos occur I'll admit, and I certainly hope there are no gross mistakes in my recipes here. Be assured though, after I decided to add my 2 cents to the WWW, I made sure that the recipes were all well tested. All of these recipes have been made over and over again in my home with only slight variations here and there, and they have all EARNED the title of "Family Favorite".

Please, if you DO have any questions about a recipe, my email is at the bottom of the page.

ENJOY!



Appetizers:
Tuna Pate
Tapenade
Anne's Tapenade
Veggie Dip
Fresh Salsa
Chicken Cheese Spread
Cajun BBQ Shrimp
Veggie Fritters

Main Dishes
Tuna and Crackers
Korean BBQ Beef
Strata
Grandma Coleman's Cheese BBQ's
Taco Casserole
Poor Man's Steak
Zucchini Beef Bake
Red Beans and Rice
Choucroute Garni
Hearty Bean Casserole
Muffuletta a la Coleman
Anne's Sweet and Savory Tuna Sandwich

Salads and Sauces
Pea Salad
Salade Nicoise
Anne's Pasta Salad
Marinara Sauce
Top Secret Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Soups
Five Can Veggie Beef Soup
Gumbo
Italian Chili
Kitchen Sink Soup
Turkey Corn Chowder
Split Pea Soup
Anne's Salmon Chowder
Anne's January Bean Stew
Pumpkin Bisque with Nutmeg and Ginger Croutons

Desserts
Anne's Brownies
Georgia Cheesecake Pie
Chocolate Mousse Torte
Nanaimo Bars
Grandma Foster's Chocolate Cake
Wacky Cake
Wet Bottom Shoo Fly Pie
Key Lime Pie
Anne's Pumpkin Pie

Etc.
Coleman's Favorite Lemonade


APPETIZERS


Tuna Pate

2 61/2 oz. cans of tuna-drained
1/4 lb butter (1 stick)
6 anchovy fillets
1T. capers
pepper to taste

Process all together until smooth.
Put into a mold (any decorative bowl or dish) and refrigerate until firm, about 5-6 hours.
Unmold 1/2 hour prior to serving.
Serve with crackers or toast points.


Tapenade

Tapenade is a popular food in the south of France. There are whole stalls in the open air markets devoted to tapenade. Tapenade is basically an olive spread with one rule; you cannot call olive spread "tapenade" unless it contains capers.
Why? In the old Provencal dialect, the word for caper is "tapeno"-hence the term "tapenade". I adore this stuff and traditionally it is made with brined olives and far too salty for the average American. Both of these recipes are "lighter" versions.

1 1/2 c. pitted imported ripe olives (not in brine containing vinegar-unless you can handle it- they will be too salty)
6 anchovy fillets or 2 t. anchovy paste
1 t. capers
2T. fruity olive oil

Combine all in a blender and puree until smooth and spreadable.
Serve with rounds of toasted French bread.


Anne's Tapenade~Perfected!

1 c pitted Nicoise olives
1 c pitted ripe California olives
2 t anchovy paste
1 t brandy
1 T capers-drained
1 T honey
2 t Dijon mustard
1 t lemon juice
1 T olive oil
1 clove garlic-minced

Combine all in a blender and puree until smooth and spreadable. Serve with rounds of toasted French bread.


Veggie Dip

Last minute at a dinner party I was having I realized I had forgotten veggie dip. I whipped this up and it was a hit!

2c. sour cream
2T. shallots-minced
2 cloves garlic-minced
1T. green pepper-minced
1T. red pepper-minced
1T. carrot-minced
1T. celery-minced
2t. fresh parsley-minced
1t. salt-not coarse ground

Mix all together well and let stand 1 to 2hrs. until flavors are blended.

Tip: Make sure all ingredients are WELL minced or flavors will not blend well.

You may also substitute 1t. powdered garlic for the fresh and 1t. dried parsley for the fresh.


Fresh Salsa

3 large ripe tomatoes skinned, seeded, and chopped
1 small white onion chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
jalapeno or serrano chiles(as many as you like) stemmed,seeded, and chopped
1/4c. chopped cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
1 lime~juiced
1t. kosher salt
1t. sugar if the tomatoes are acidic

Combine all and mix well.
Allow flavors to blend for at least 1 hr.
Taste for seasoning and serve at room temperature.
Refrigerate unused portion.


Chicken Cheese Spread

This is my kids' favorite-they'll go through a whole bowl in one sitting!

2-8oz. pkgs. cream cheese (softened)
2 cans Underwood Chicken Spread
2 T. green pepper-small dice
2 T. peanuts-chopped fine

Mix all and chill-allow to soften slightly before serving with crackers.

Variations on pepper and peanuts:

red pepper and walnuts
grated carrot and raisins
dried apricot and pecans


Hot Spinach Dip

1 9oz. package frozen spinach
1 8oz. package cream cheese
2 cloves garlic-minced
1t. salt

Cook spinach according to package directions but add garlic first.

Drain spinach and garlic well. Add cream cheese and salt. Set over low heat and cook until heated through.

Serve hot with crackers or vegetable dippers.


Cajun BBQ Shrimp

Cajun, but not hot and YES you use that much margarine! You have to try it to know just how good it is.

3 slices bacon-diced fine
2 sticks- 1 c. margarine (NOT butter)
2T. Dijon mustard
1 1/2t. chili powder
1/4 t. dried basil
1/4 t. dried thyme
black pepper to taste
1T. crab boil
1/2t. tabasco
1 1/2 lbs large shrimp-shell on

Cook bacon in a large oven proof pot until brown.
Add margarine and melt.
Add remaining ingredients and place in oven-uncovered.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes.
These are great even with the shell still on and eaten with the shrimp.


Veggie Fritters

1c. flour
1 egg
1t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. worcestershire
dash hot sauce
milk as needed (usually 1/4 to 1/2 c.)

Mix all ingredients well until you have a thick batter.

Fold in:
1 1/2 c. vegetable-cooked and drained
3/4 c. shredded cheese

Drop by tablespoonsful into hot oil until puffed and browned. Drain well on paper towels.

Our favorite veggie cheese combinations:

broccoli and cheddar
corn and Monterey Jack
cauliflower and cheddar

Be sure to use vegetables that remain somewhat firm after cooking although anything would be possible.


MAIN DISHES


Tuna and Crackers

This recipe is a variation of my mother-in-law's Salmon and Crackers that her mother made during the depression. Salmon was far cheaper then and mom-in-law always just patted the whole mess into a pan to fry and broke it up when she served it. I like to make this into patties and with the cheaper tuna alternative.

2- 6 1/2 oz cans tuna-water packed-UNdrained
1 sleeve saltines
1 egg-beaten
seasonings like Old Bay, seasoned salt, Adobo, etc.

Crush saltines into a bowl and pour tuna with water over them.
Add the beaten egg and seasonings and mix well. Form into patties (I usually get 8).
Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.


Bulgogi
(Korean BBQ Beef)

1 1/2 lbs london broil sliced across grain 1/8"
1/2c. soy sauce
4 slices gingerroot
2 cloves garlic sliced
1 green onion sliced thin
2T. sesame oil
3T. sugar

Mix all and pour over beef
(this is awesome with chicken also)
and marinate 2 hrs or overnight.

Drain and stir fry, broil, or grill as desired.


Strata

12 slices bread with or without crust (your preferrence)
2c. shredded cheese
6 eggs beaten
1c. milk

Layer 6 slices of bread on the bottom of a large baking dish.
Top with cheese.
Layer remaining slices of bread over cheese.
Mix eggs and milk well. Season mixture if desired with onion powder, dry mustard, paprika etc. Again your preferrence.
Pour egg mixture over all and cover tightly.
Refrigerate overnight or at least 2 hrs.
Preheat oven to 350 F. and bake for 45 min. until top is browned.
Let sit for approx. 20 minutes before cutting.

This can also be made in a skillet for a quick meal:

4c. bread cubes
1 1/2 c. shredded cheese
4 eggs beaten
1/2c. milk
seasonings
2T. oil

Heat a large non-stick skillet and add oil.
Add bread cubes and toss well~cook over med high heat until cubes are lightly browned.
Turn heat down to low and sprinkle cheese over the bread cubes.
Mix eggs, milk and desired seasonings and pour over all.
Put a tight fitting lid on the pan and cook over low heat until top is set well and bottom is browned.
Let stand uncovered for 10 min. before cutting to serve.

You can add bacon, ham, sausage, or any other meat with the cheese step in both versions.

The skillet version is an excellent way to use leftover thick crust (pan) pizza! Just cut pizza into cubes and continue as directed. Only add cheese to this version if you would like-remember-all the cheese and seasonings are already on the pizza! You can also use the pizza or bread cubes for the baked version...just add the cheese in between layers of bread cubes.

This recipe is extremely versatile and very basic. Be creative and come up with your own version!


Grandma Coleman's Cheese BBQ's

I'm unsure of where the name BBQ's came from, but during the Depression with 11 mouths to feed, Grandma Coleman made cheese stretch with these. We still make them today!

2c. grated yellow cheddar
3T. finely chopped green pepper
1/3c. finely chopped onion(I use 1/2 t. onion powder)
2 hard boiled eggs chopped fine
3T. finely chopped spanish olives
1/2t. worcestershire
3T. melted butter

Mix all together and place by spoonful on toasted hamburger bun halves (Should make 10-12 halves)

Place under broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly.


Taco Casserole

1lb ground beef
1 pkg taco seasoning
2c shredded cheddar
2c mild salsa
1 bag corn tortilla chips
1 can corn-drained

Brown beef and drain. Mix with corn and salsa.
Layer starting with tortilla chips in a 9x13 baking pan.
Top chips with beef mixture and cheese-add more chips. Alternate layers ending with cheese on top of chips.
Bake 350 for 30 min.


Poor Man's Steak

2lbs. ground beef
2c. crushed saltines
2c. milk
salt and pepper to taste
chopped onion optional
1 can cream of mushroom soup
or
1 can beef gravy

Mix beef, saltines, seasonings, milk and onions well.
Press into a 9x13 pan.
Refrigerate overnight.
Cut into squares-coat each in flour and brown in oil.
Put back into pan and pour soup and 1 can of water or gravy and 1 can of water over all.

Bake 350 degrees for 1 to 1 1/2 hrs.


Zucchini Beef Bake

I've seen alot of this type of recipe around, and usually it calls for sour cream. We thought it was too rich that way and replaced it with milk.

1 lb ground beef
1 6oz. package boxed stuffing mix (any flavor)
2 c. diced zucchini fresh or frozen cooked just until barely tender
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can milk

Brown ground beef and drain.
Empty stuffing mix (bread and seasoning packet) into a large bowl , add soup and mix well.
Stir in zucchini and ground beef. Mix well.
Pour milk over all and stir to combine.
Pour all into a greased casserole or oven safe bowl.
Bake at 350 F for approx 30 minutes.


Red Beans and Rice

2-16oz. cans red kidney beans-drained
1/2lb. kielbasa cut up bite size
1 medium onion-diced
1 green pepper-diced
2 stalks celery-diced
1T. parsley
1 bay leaf
1 clove garlic-minced

Put all in dutch oven and cover with water.
Boil-reduce heat to simmer, uncovered 2 hrs.
Remove bay leaf and add:
1/2 stick margarine (not butter!)
1T. worcestershire
1/2T. tabasco

Stir well-serve over cooked rice.


Choucroute Garni
(Garnished Sauerkraut)

The first time I made this everyone who had it was in heaven! I even had a request to serve this at a wedding shower and everyone there liked it just as much!

1 medium onion-sliced
5 slices bacon-diced
2 cloves garlic-minced
1 lb. kielbasa cut in 2" lengths
1 lb. pork cut in 2" cubes
1 lb. sweet sausage cut in 2" lengths
2-16 oz cans sauerkraut-rinsed and drained
6 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
2 cooking apples cored peeled and cut in thick slices
2T. brown sugar
4 whole cloves
1 bay leaf
1t. freshly ground pepper
1c. white wine

Saute bacon and onion with garlic in oil until onion is tender-don't brown.
Add meats and saute until no longer pink.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer until potatoes and meats are tender~about 45 min.
Remove bay and cloves and serve.


Hearty Bean Casserole

1 lb ground beef
5 slices bacon-diced
1/2 lb smoked sausage-sliced
1 small onion-chopped
1- 16oz can baked beans
1- 15 oz can kidney beans-drained
1/2 c firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c ketchup
1 T vinegar
1 t mustard
1 clove garlic-minced

Brown beef, onion, sausage, and bacon together. Drain well.
Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
Pour into 2 qt casserole and bake 30 minutes at 350F until bubbly.


Muffuletta a la Coleman

This is my family's very favorite sandwich.
The first time I made one was for a day-trip to the shore. It packed well and was easy to handle.
I make these alot for picnics.

1 large round loaf of bread (traditionally Italian)
1/2 lb hard salami-sliced
1/2 lb sliced ham
1/2 lb smoked turkey
1/2 lb sliced cheese
1/2 c chopped black olives
1/2 c chopped spanish olives with pimiento
2 plum tomatoes sliced
1/2 c Italian dressing

Cut loaf in half horizontally. Remove inside of bread leaving a 1" ring at edge.
Layer meat and cheese alternately, I usually make 2 layers.
Top with sliced tomato, chopped olives, and drizzle with dressing.
Replace top of bread and wrap tightly in plastic.
Refrigerate for several hours and remove from plastic cut into 6 pieces.

Serves 6


Anne's Sweet and Savory Tuna Sandwiches

This is a variation on the Muffuletta born of necessity from primarily canned ingredients when we were without electricity for a few days.
There is a sandwich served in Provence called "Pan Bagnat" that is very similar.

6 Kaiser rolls
2-6 1/2 oz cans tuna
6 slices cheese any type
to taste:
chopped black olives
sliced sweet and sour peppers
spanish olives with pimiento
sliced tomato
italian dressing

Split rolls and hollow out to within 1/2" of edges.
Drain tuna and flake.
Place one slice of cheese on bottom half of each roll.
Top with tuna, olives, peppers, tomato and drizzle with dressing.
Place tops on and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for 1 hr but not more than 12 (rolls will get soggy).
Unwrap and let stand at room temperature for 1/2 hour before serving.

Makes 6 sandwiches


SALADS and SAUCES


Pea Salad

Don't let this sit overnite~the dressing will eat through the cheese and make it really mushy. Quite a horrid mess~trust me on this one.

2 cans sweet peas or 1 bag frozen peas cooked as directed and drained
8oz. white cheddar cubed 1/2"
1 8oz. bottle Italian dressing

Mix all well and chill several hours to blend flavors.


Salade Nicoise

Nicoise is kind of like Marinara~everyone has their own favorite version~this is mine.

Per Person:

1 1/2 c. torn lettuce
1 hard boiled egg-quartered
1/4 c. canned tuna
4 black olives-halved
4 tomato wedges
1/2 c. cooked green beans
2 small new potatoes fully cooked, cooled, and cut into quarters

Arrange on a serving plate-lettuce first with tuna in the center and other ingredients around the center. Drizzle with dressing:

Blend together:

1/2 c. mayo
1 anchovy filet
1 tsp. of lemon juice
1 tsp. capers

Makes enough dressing for 2 salads.


Anne's Pasta Salad

Makes A LOT! Enough for potluck picnics.

1 lb rotini
3 large tomatoes peeled seeded and chopped
1 large cucumber peeled seeded and chopped
2 small green peppers seeded and chopped
1 can black olives drained and sliced
2c cooked and drained or 1-15oz can cut green beans-drained
2c broccoli florets
2c cauliflower florets
2c or 1-15 oz can kidney or small white beans-drained
1 c shredded carrot
1/2 lb salami cut in 1/2" cubes
1/2 lb mozzarella cut in 1/2" cubes
1 large bottle Italian dressing (24 oz or more)

Cook pasta and drain. Add remaining ingredients and toss to mix. Refigerate for several hours before serving.



Marinara Sauce

Don't question the bacon~it adds a wonderfully smoky flavor~and notice it is a SMOKED ham hock also. Not my favorite at all, but my husband is crazy about this sauce. He won't eat spaghetti without it!

4 slices bacon-diced
4 cloves garlic-minced
1 medium onion-diced
2 stalks celery-diced
1 large carrot-diced
1c. beef stock
1 smoked ham hock
3-29 oz cans tomato puree

To Taste: basil, oregano,bay leaf, thyme, parsley, sugar and salt & pepper

Saute bacon in a large pot-no color.
Add vegetables and saute-no color.
Add stock to deglaze pan.
Add ham hock and simmer briefly.
Add tomatoes and all seasonings except bay leaf.
Simmer 2 1/2 hours DO NOT LID or it will become acidic.
Stir occassionally.
Add bay leaf and simmer 1/2 hour.
Puree through a food mill or process and strain.
Reheat and serve as desired.



Top Secret Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Believe it or not, this sauce was a favorite at the small hot dog stand I worked for. I was sworn to secrecy but the owner forgot to have me sign the official paper that said I was not allowed to tell a soul. The local hot dog "mogul" came in once and tried to get the recipe! He also tried to get the owner to buy a franchise from him. The stand is no longer open, but this sauce is still made in my house all the time.

1 lb. hot dogs 8-10 per pound depending on what you buy
1 package commercial chili seasoning like French's Mc Cormick etc.
8 oz. tomato sauce
4 oz. water

Process hot dogs in a processor until very finely ground but not a paste.

Put all ingredients into a heavy saucepan and simmer for 1/2 to 1 hour.

You may need to add water to thin the sauce.

This works great with leftover hot dogs that have been ground also.


SOUPS


5 Can Veggie Beef Soup

GASP! CANS?!?
Well, YES! Everyone has had a time when money was very tight and this recipe more than "fills the bill"~my kids really like this one.

1lb. ground beef-browned and drained

Pour in:

1 can corn-undrained
1 can green beans-undrained
1 can stewed tomatoes-undrained
1 can sliced carrots-undrained
1 can whole or sliced potatoes-undrained

Add bouillon and seasonings (whatever you like) and simmer until heated through.


Chicken Gumbo

My version is not really hot but you can certainly spice it up if you'd like.
I was told this could be bottled and sold.

4T. butter
2T. flour
1 large onion-medium dice
4 stalks celery-medium dice
2 large green peppers-medium dice
1 red pepper-medium dice
1 yellow pepper-medium dice
1 gallon chicken stock
2c. tomato puree
1c. rice
4 tomatoes concasse (peeled- seeded -diced)
2c. okra in 1" slices
1lb. chicken cooked and diced
2 cloves garlic-minced
1/2 T. basil
1/2 T. oregano
pinch Thyme
1t. cayenne pepper
1/2 T file powder (ground sassafrass)
1T. parsley
1 bay leaf

Melt butter in a large pot-add flour and cook until mixture is the color of a copper penny.
Add onion, celery, and peppers-cook until transparent.
Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.
Add all tomato products and rice. Simmer until rice is tender.
Add chicken, okra,and all seasonings except File.
Boil-reduce heat and simmer 15 min.
Add file, remove bay leaf and serve.

For seafood gumbo:

Use 1/2lb, shrimp and 1/2 lb. scallops in place of chicken.
Use fish stock if available (otherwise chicken is fine) and replace parsley with chervil and add 2t. Old Bay Seasoning.


Italian Chili

2T. olive oil
1/2 lb. bulk Italian sausage
1/2 lb. ground beef
4 oz. pepperoni-sliced
1 medium onion-chopped
1 medium green pepper-chopped
2 cloves garlic-minced
1T. dried Italian seasoning
1 pkg. chili seasoning
1 15oz. can red kidney beans-drained
1 15oz. can cannellini beans-drained
1 28oz. can whole tomatoes cut up
1 28oz. can tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste

Saute onion, pepper, and garlic in oil until translucent.
Add meats and brown.
Drain well.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer 1/2 hour until flovors are well blended.
Serve over white rice and top with mozzarella.


Kitchen Sink Soup

This started out as Portuguese Bean Soup.
I had picked up MANY recipes for it and they were all so different that I attempted to come up with a combination of sorts.
Well, this is what resulted instead and was so good I HAD to write it down!
The name comes from feeling like I had put everything but the kitchen sink into this soup!

1 lb hot sausage sliced (Portuguese is great but not necessary)
1 lb ground beef
2 qts chicken or beef stock, broth, or bouillon
1 large onion sliced thin
3 large cloves garlic sliced thin
1 large green pepper sliced thin
1 small head cabbage sliced
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can tomato puree
2 large cans kidney beans
1 large potato diced small
1 c small macaroni
1/2 t oregano
1/2 t basil

Brown onion, ground beef, and sausage. Drain. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until macaroni and potato are done.

Better second day reheated.


Turkey Corn Chowder

4 slices bacon-diced
1/2c. celery-small dice
1/2c. onion-small dice
8c. stock-turkey or chicken
1 clove garlic
2c. peeled and diced potato
2c. chopped cooked turkey
1 can creamed corn
1/2 can whole kernel corn
1 bay leaf
1/2t. marjoram
1/2t. dill
s&p to taste
roux:
1/4c. flour
1/4c. oil

Saute bacon, celery, onion & garlic no color.
Add stock and potatoes-bring to a boil and reduce to simmer until potatoes are tender.
Add corn, turkey, and seasonings.
Simmer 20 min.
Add roux in stream-whisking constantly.
Cook out roux (simmer until it no longer tastes like flour) and serve.


Split Pea Soup

3 Qt. chicken broth or stock
1 ham hock-smoked
2 lbs. dried split peas
8 oz. mirepoix (1/2c. onion-1/4c. celery-1/4c. carrot-finely diced)
2 cloves garlic-minced
2t. marjoram
1 bay leaf

Saute mirepoix in small amt. of oil or butter-no color (until translucent)
Add stock-peas-and ham hock.
Bring to a boil-reduce to simmer.
Simmer until peas are tender.
Add garlic, marjoram, and bay leaf.
Simmer 30 min.
Remove ham hock and bay leaf.
Puree through food mill or push through fine sieve.
Adjust seasonings (salt and pepper etc.)
Reheat and serve


Anne's Salmon Chowder

More cans! Oh, I know, get over it is all I can say~both of these are wonderful.

1-15oz. can pink salmon, drained,boned, and flaked
1 can evaporated milk+1 can chicken broth
1-15oz. can peas drained
1/2 c potato flakes
1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
1 t dill
1/2 t onion powder

Combine evaporated milk and broth.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to simmering.
Add salmon and peas and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add dill and onion powder, stir well.
Add potato flakes slowly so they do not lump.
Add shredded cheddar and allow to melt.
Blend together well and check consistency.
Add more potato flakes if necessary and a small amount of water if it is too thick.

Salmon Chowder 2

1 can salmon-boned and skinned-save liquid
1 can peas-undrained
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 t dill
1/4 c potato flakes
1 c water
1/2 c milk
1/2 c shredded cheddar
1/2 t onion powder

Stir all together in a medium pan (including reserved salmon liquid) and heat through.


Anne's January Bean Stew

I made this in January with things I had on hand-no big deal and that's where the name came friom!

1 lb dried small white beans-soaked overnight and rinsed
1/2 small onion diced small
1 carrot diced small
1 rib celery diced small
1/2 green pepper diced small
2 cloves garlic minced
2-3 T butter
1/2 lb ham diced
1 lb ground beef browned and drained
1 can condensed tomato soup
8 c chicken stock
1 packet taco or chili seasoning

Melt butter and add diced veggies-saute until onions are clear. Add garlic, beans, and stock. Cook until beans are soft 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 min. until stew is thick.


Pumpkin Bisque with Nutmeg and Ginger Croutons

This is a fabulous start to a Thanksgiving meal and looks great served in a hollowed-out pumpkin.

Bisque:

1/2 c butter
1/2 c onion
1/2 c celery
1/4 c flour
8 c chicken stock
2 c pumpkin puree
1 t ginger
1 t nutmeg
2 cloves garlic-minced
to taste salt and white pepper
2 c half and half

Cook union and celery in butter until transluscent.
Add flour and whisk in to make a roux~do not brown.
Add stock and remaining ingredients.
Simmer until onions and celery are tender-approximately 30 minutes.
Run soup through a food mill or puree in a blender/processor until smooth and put through a strainer.
Return to pot and simmer until heated through.
Remove from heat and immediately add half and half.
Stir well. Serve topped with croutons.

Croutons:

4 c bread cubes
1/2 c butter-melted
1 t ginger
1 t nutmeg

Toss cubes with all and bake on a cookie sheet at 450 F-tossing frequently-until browned and crisp.


DESSERTS


Anne's Brownies

Famous accidental recipe turned favorite.

12 oz chocolate chips
8 oz cream cheese
1 can condensed milk
1 c mini marshmallows
1/2 c flour
2 eggs
1 tsp baking powder

Melt together chocolate chips, cream cheese, and condensed milk.
Cool. Stir in eggs. Add flour and powder and stir until well blended-fold in marshmallows.
Bake until set at 350 about 30 minutes.


Georgia Cheesecake Pie

This was an experiment and everyone loved it so much I just kept on making it!

1 single crust pie crust-unbaked
2c. thin sliced peaches
1-8oz. pkg. cream cheese
1/2c. sugar
1 egg
1t. vanilla
2T. flour

Flour bottom of unbaked pie crust with 2T. flour.
Add peaches to crust.
Mix remaining ingredients and pour over peaches.
Bake 375 until top is set and partially browned~ about 35 min.


Chocolate Mousse Torte

This is my most asked for dessert. People just adore it but be careful~it is REALLY rich!

Melt together:

1lb semi sweet chocolate
1/2c. butter

Allow to cool for 20-30 min.

Blend together:

5 egg yolks
1T. flour
1T. sugar
1T. hot water

Add chocolate to egg mixture and blend until smooth.
Beat until stiff:

5 egg whites

Fold egg whites into chocolate/egg yolk mixture. Do NOT overbeat!

Pour into a greased springform pan and bake 425 degrees F for 14 min.

Serve right side up.
This will be soft in the center when it comes out of the oven, but will set up as it cools.
When done correctly the center is nearly like fudge and the edges are slightly dry.


Nanaimo Bars

Funny story about these~~they were invented by a woman who lived in Nanaimo (BC) for a cookie contest.
My grandma Foster was from Canada and made these alot.
We simply called them Grandma's Chocolate Squares.
My oldest brother was at a convention with an International potluck of sorts and came across a woman who had these.
He stood there, mouth agape, telling her those were his grandmothers chocolate squares.
She corrected him and told him the Nanaimo story.
We still call them Grandma's Chocolate Squares :)

First Layer:

1/2 C Butter
1/4 C granulated sugar
1 egg
5 T cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
2 C graham cracker crumbs
1 C coconut
1/2 C chopped walnuts

Second Layer:

1/2 C butter, softened
3 T milk
2 T instant vanilla pudding
2 C powdered sugar

Third Layer:

1 6 oz. Pkg. choc. Chips

First layer: Mix butter, sugar, eggs, cocoa, & vanilla over hot water until it resembles custard. Add the crumbs, coconut & walnuts. Press into a 9 X 9-inch square pan. Cool.

Second Layer: Cream butter, milk, & pudding together, then blend in powdered sugar. Spread over the first layer & let stand for 15 minutes.

Third Layer: Melt chocolate & spread over the second layer. Cut into squares.

Makes 18 1-1/2-inch squares


Grandma Foster's Chocolate Cake

Grandma's cake was pretty much a staple when I was a child.
It is a little dry but we always poured milk right over it and I never knew of another way to eat grandma's cake.

3 eggs-separated
2 1/2 c granulated sugar
2 5/8 c cake flour
1 1/2 t baking soda
1/2 c oil
1 1/2 c buttermilk
3/8 c cocoa
1 t vanilla
1 t cinnamon

Beat egg whites until stiff-adding 1/2 c sugar-beating again until stiff and glossy.
Sift flour, sugar, soda, salt and cinnamon.
Add oil and half of buttermilk to dry ingredients and beat 1 minute.
Add remaining buttermilk, egg yolks and vanilla. Beat well. Fold in meringue.
Bake in 2 round greased and floured pans at 350F for 1 hr. or until cakes spring back when touched.

Frost with: Grandma Foster's Icing

3 c icing sugar (powdered)
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t salt
1/4 c cocoa
1/2 c melted oleo (margarine)

Mix together and add enough evaporated milk or half and half to make of spreading consistency.


Wacky Cake

This was another recipe we thought was just a grandma/stepmom thing.
I spent my summers between dad and my mom's parents and grandma made one a day --my stepmom Joyce had more restraint and held to about one a week. Of course I have since found out it's a very common recipe!
This is the one I make.

3 c flour
2 c sugar
1/2 c cocoa
2 t baking soda
1 t salt
2 ts vanilla
2 T vinegar
3/4 c oil
2 c water

Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, soda and salt in a 9x13 pan.
Make three wells in the flour mixture.
In one put vanilla-in another the vinegar, and in the third the oil.
Pour water over all and stir.
Bake at 350 degrees F oven until it springs back.

Icing

1 stick margarine

1 t vanilla

1/4 c milk

powdered sugar

Melt margarine and add vanilla and milk. Add powdered sugar until desired consistency. This thickens as it cools.


Wet Bottom Shoo Fly Pie

Big thing here in PA.

1 cup flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tbs. shortening
1 cup molasses
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1 deep dish 9 inch pie shell

Mix flour, sugar and shortening until crumbly.
Save 1/2 cup for the top.
Mix remaining crumbs with molasses, egg, and baking soda dissolved in water.
Pour this mixture into unbaked pie shell.
Sprinkle crumbs on top.
Bake at 375 for 45 minutes.


Key Lime Pie

1 9-in pie shell
5 egg yolks
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
8 T lime juice (please use Key limes! Regular lime juice is not the same)

Topping

1 c whipping cream
3 T powdered sugar
Zest of 1 lime
Preheat oven to 350.
Put the yolks in a large bowl and beat them with a whisk, just breaking them and mixing them well.
Slowly stir in the condensed milk. Mixing well, stir in the lime juice.
Pour the filling into the pie shell. Bake for about 12-to-15 minutes.
Remove and cool.
Whip the cream, slowly adding the powdered sugar.
Spread over the pie and sprinkle zest over.
Serve at room temperature, but refrigerate if not serving within 3 hours of baking.
This is not very high and should probably be doubled with added baking time.
Also would make an excellent lemon meringue pie using lemon juice instead of lime and making a meringue topping.


Anne's Pumpkin Pie

Made this on a whim and it is now our favorite pumpkin pie.

1 graham cracker crust
1-8oz. pkg cream cheese
1 c pumpkin puree
3/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/4 c evaporated milk
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Mix together cream cheese and sugars until fluffy.
Add pumpkin and mix well.
Stir in eggs until well blended.
Add in milk and spice and pour into crust.
Bake at 350 for 30 min until slightly browned and set.
Serve room temp.


ETC.

Coleman's Favorite Lemonade

Not a dessert but nowhere else to put it!

1 gallon lemonade (any brand)
2 kiwi peeled and sliced
6 ripe strawberries hulled and cut in half
1 lemon sliced
1 lime sliced
3 or 4 fresh mint leaves

Combine all and let stand refrigerated for 24 hours before serving. Serve in tall clear glasses with lots of ice and let the fruit fall in also. Very pretty and very refreshing!



MORE TO COME!! KEEP CHECKING BACK~ Anne


Email: anne@cookingwithanne.com
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