Cast Iron Skillet Memories

 

The History of Pecans The history of pecans can be traced back to the 16th century. The only major tree nut that grows naturally in North America, the pecan is considered one of the most valuable North American nut species. The name "pecan" is a Native American word of Algonquin origin that was used to describe "all nuts requiring a stone to crack." February 21st is President's Day Presidents Washington and Jefferson loved pecans, too!! Family Favorite Pecan Recipes Apricot N' Pecan Coffeecake 2 cups flour 2 cups sugar 3-teaspoon baking powder 1-teaspoon salt

Few cooks today remember the time before Bisquick. Undoubtedly it was one of the first convenience foods. I’m sure “young” cooks of the day received many a lecture from their elders for using it. Has it given way to the pre-baked and frozen ready to bake variety of biscuit? Not at all, in fact there are many copycats calling themselves baking mix, biscuit mix, and other names but the product with in is similar.

Now that the weather has warmed and the days grow longer, our gardens begin to provide us with many delites. Strawberries have been an all time early favorite for most gardeners. Try this delicious treat. Strawberry Bread 3 eggs 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 cup salad oil 1 tablespoon vanilla 2 cups flour 1 cup quick oats 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2 cups crushed strawberries

Valentine Day has traditionally been a day reserved for lovers. What better way show your love than a great tasting meal made from, native grown food items like pork chops from Iowa, Apples from Washington and beets from Minnesota. Who other than your grandmother, would you ask for a recipe? Who else but the American icon, Betty Crocker? This meal is a delight to the palate and eye, the sweet and sour beets dressed in their beautiful valentine red compliment the white meat from the Iowa Chop topped with the wonderful spicy cinnamon flavor of the apples.

Cranberries...A North American Specialty Cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America. In fact, long before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, cranberries were a staple in the diets of American Indians. According to The Cranberry Book (1883), wild cranberries ripened in such abundance that they were eaten fresh, ground, or mashed with cornmeal and baked into bread. Dried berries were mixed with wild game to form pemmican, a survival ration for long trips. Maple sugar or honey was used to sweeten the berries' tangy flavor.

Quick Breakfast Casserole This is a quick, easy and versitale recipe using what you already have on hand. 1 dozen eggs 1/2 cup 1/2 and 1/2 salt and pepper to taste 1 loaf stale bread torn coarsley(croutons or bread cubes work well too) 3 cups any shredded cheese (use your favorite) 3 cups any breakfast meat cooked and crumbled or diced assorted diced vegetables your choice, mushrooms, onions, celery, green peppers, broccoli, zuchinni, etc. Assembly

Remember back during the summer before the apples, cherries and other fruits were ripe and the days were hot. You longed for a summertime treat that didn't call for heating up the house, because air conditioning was fanning yourself with a folded newspaper. The pudding pie and a glass of milk was served as a nice cool dessert. What a treat, my personal favorite is chocolate. There was always fresh milk and eggs available as well the can of Hershey Cocoa powder in the cupboard. There are many variations of chocolate pudding pies but few use the dry powdered cocoa as this recipe does.