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...]
Remembering Dad with Ice Box Cookies
My Mom made Ice Box Cookies* her own, special cookies that all of us kids remember. My Dad liked them too... I remember Dad taking me to Saginaw to see the eye doctor. I was about 7 and that was a longish trip at the time, about an hour. Mom packed Ice Box Cookies in a coffee tin for us to … [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 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...]
Grazing My Way Through Kalamazoo: Visiting Family Guest Post by Deidra
My daughter Deidra surprised me with this blog post. It's all about family. ************************************************************************************************** Summer is an interesting time. We seem to have more time for some things while others fall by the wayside. Visiting my … [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...]