Lattice topped pies look so fancy that we think they are hard to make. In fact they are easy! Here's Dave's method to make a pie with a lattice top crust. Make the pie as usual and be sure the bottom crust edges extend over the top of the pie plate. 1 Moisten the top of the bottom … [Read more...]
Melt in Your Mouth – Mom’s Peanut Butter Cookies
These are the best peanut butter cookies. When we married I copied all my Mom's recipes including this one, although I've no memory of her ever making these. We make them when we want crispy peanut butter cookies that melt in your mouth. The sugar and shortening give the crispy goodness and … [Read more...]
How to Make Butternut Squash and Apple Bake
Ready for a succulent vegetable dish, one with sweet fall butternut squash and tart apples? Here's my recipe for a wonderfully satisfying casserole perfect to serve with a roast, ham or pork. Butternut Squash and Apple Baked Casserole 1 Butternut squash. I used one half a large squash, or … [Read more...]
How to Make a Cherry Pie
Before we get started, let's be frank, shall we? I am no pie maven and my cherry pie (or any other type) is not perfect. This is to show how to make a pie even if your crust-making and rolling out skills are, let's say, modest. Recipe for Pie Crust Easy Pie Crust from Mom 3 cups flour 1/4 t … [Read more...]
How to Make Apricot Cherry Jam
Apricot cherry jam is luscious! A combination of sweet and tart with plenty of fruit and flavor it tastes superb on English muffins or toast or in jelly roll. We first heard of this from the lady we bought cherries and peaches from when we lived in Midland. She said it was freezer jam, about … [Read more...]
How to Save Time and Make Good Bread
What is more delectable than homemade bread? It takes all day to make by hand, so many have switched to using a bread machine. Problem is, the machine-made bread has a different texture and doesn't taste quite as good as bread made from scratch by hand. Dave figured out a way to get … [Read more...]
Dave’s Birthday Cake: Fresh Orange Layer Cake with Creamy Nut Filling
My Dad insisted I learn to bake in 8th grade: Saturday morning coffee cake, cookies, cakes, all were good, all were from scratch, and I learned well how to make them. I enjoyed baking. Dave took over the baking a few years after we got married and my contributions dwindled to the odd cake or loaf … [Read more...]
Luscious Dessert and Just the Right Size – Mom’s Small Date Cake
My Mom used to make two date cakes, this one in an 8 inch square pan, and a larger cake in a 13 1/2 by 9 inch oblong. I didn't realize until getting married and baking them myself that the recipes are so different. Mom's small date cake has dates with no nuts or spices and you serve it with … [Read more...]
Dave’s Easiest Yummy Sour Cream Chocolate Cake and Cupcakes – So Easy and So Good!
Dave wanted to make something yummy for his pilates class to help the instructor celebrate her birthday. Of course that meant he had to make something for us to eat (or watch me waste away for lack of chocolate). This is his favorite, sure-fire hit chocolate cake that is incredibly easy. This … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Doughnuts! Homemade Delicious Breakfast Surprise from Dave
Yes, I am spoiled. No question. When your husband gets up and makes homemade pumpkin doughnuts for breakfast while you're in the shower? That's having it all! Can you tell he was surprised when I took his picture? I got out of the shower to this wonderful smell of - can it be? - yes! … [Read more...]