My New Toy

This year for Christmas my family combined forces and upgraded my mixer to the largest capacity mixer KitchenAid makes. My 25 yr. old workhorse has performed well and without a single repair, but 16 Christmas stockings later, growth in numbers in this family is inevitable. My daughter is helping out here in 1987 with my first KitchenAid, and now she is married and is a labor and delivery nurse at Centennial Women's Hospital. My new toy from Williams-Sonoma just fits underneath my cabinet in the same spot as the old one with a mere 1/16" to spare. Whew. Glad not to have to do a tear out to accommodate the titan. Husband would not have been happy. But, alas, not only does it fit, I have learned to operate it and have officially christened it with a new copper cookie cutter also from Williams-Sonoma. Happy Winter Cookies! A 3-times recipe hardly even filled half of the 7-qt. bowl. I am on my way to even larger batches. Awesome. Thank you, dear family!

The Spice of Life

My spices, rubs, and seasonings needed some consolidating, so today was the day. Alphabetically arranging helps to prevent redundancy, and visibility is essential, too, since currently I have over 60 items in this area. I had purchased some Sam's-sized spices some time ago and had worked them down enough to be able to put contents into smaller recycled jars. These jars fit into the inventory of the rest of the spices, so a whole area has been emptied where those 7 huge containers were. I actually have 2 areas of alphabetized spices: the white rack on the left in this picture (affixed to the door) and the turntable rack on the upper shelf. The turntable rack is my favorite, especially for higher reaching. A Pampered Chef product, it holds 21 spices, 6 of which can be oversized. As you can see on mine, McCormick cylinders fit perfectly, so you are not confined to purchasing only PC spices. With a twist of the wrist, all 21 spices, herbs, and rubs on the turntable are visible and secure.  I have studied the whole spice conundrum for many years of cooking, and this has proven to be my most favorite organizational tool for the money - $19.50. You can check out more specifics/dimensions on the PC website, and if you know me, you know where one can be purchased! I am in and out of this little area numerous times on cooking days, so efficiency is important. Order one for yourself for Christmas and resolve in 2012 to get organized... at least in one little spot. It might motivate you to take on a closet next!

New Twist On Old Recipe: Strawberry Pudding

My first-born daughter put me on to this idea: banana pudding with strawberries instead of bananas. I took it last night to a holiday dinner and it was devoured. Yes, the homemade custard is the critical step, but remember... microwave and oh. so. easy! I considered sweetening the berries but did not. They do not need additional sugar as long as you have plenty of custard. Once you have tasted this custard, you will never use instant pudding again. If you are new to my blog, the custard recipe is noted in July and is entitled, "Zappyoca... That Custard Thing." I doubled the custard recipe, used a Costco-size box of berries, and used a full box of vanilla wafers. I served it in the Pampered Chef trifle bowl which traveled with ease since it has its own lid. So festive for Christmas... it will definitely make another appearance at my house this holiday season. 

The Turkey That Doesn't Quit

Don't throw out that turkey carcass... if you already have, remember this tidbit of information for your Christmas turkey. The entire carcass can be stewed in a large pot for 20-30 minutes to create the most delicious and nutritious broth for chicken noodle soup. You see, the essence of your turkey goodness is in the bones creating great flavor. The nutrition is also in the bones for loads of calcium and other nutrients. Put carcass in your large pot, add water to nearly cover it, bring to boil, add an onion and/or celery if you have it, leftover parsley, and any herbs you like. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it stew for a half an hour or so. Remove carcass from broth. You will have some bits of turkey left, too. Definitely use any meat in your soup. Strain and defat the broth. Allow broth to cool, then pour into freezer bags, lay flat on cookie sheets, place in freezer, and use later in chicken soup, white chicken chili, creamed chicken, etc. When your broth is frozen flat, the packages will stack nicely in your freezer. Someone you know will be sick this winter and will need a delivery of your chicken soup, so get this step done. And the greenies of this world think that they have created the recycling concept... 

A Southern Tradition

Boiled custard was always in attendance at Thanksgiving and Christmas growing up. Though delivered by the milkman, the creamy beverage was still enjoyed by everyone. Not until I married my husband had I ever had HOMEMADE boiled custard. I have developed my own recipe now which is made in the microwave and will tickle the tastebuds of your guests. Throw out your double boiler and get going. Using just 5 ingredients, this velvety concoction will prompt sweet memories of your own childhood. It is inexpensive to make and tastes so much better without the artificial preservatives present in what you buy at the grocery. Just one thing: you will need to be able to reduce your power in the microwave to 80% so as not to cook the eggs too fast. A cooking thermometer and a batter bowl & lid from Pampered Chef are helpful tools.


Boiled Custard
1 qt. whole milk
6 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
2 Tbsp. vanilla


Whisk eggs together; combine sugar & flour;  stir all except vanilla together in 2-qt. batter bowl. Put on lid, then cook on 2-minute intervals in microwave, whisking between each interval. My microwave is small & takes 7 intervals. Yours may take less intervals. As it begins to thicken, check  temperature - custard is done once it reaches 160 degrees. Add vanilla when fully cooked. Allow to cool on the counter, whisking occasionally, then transfer to refrigerator. Will keep a week.

Knife Sharpening

Don't forget to go by Hart Hardware in Belle Meade or Bellevue during November for free knife sharpening: donate one can of food for Second Harvest Food Bank per knife up to 5 knives. Then remember to be VERY careful with your newly sharpened knives. No sharpening on serrated blades. This will continue through November 30. Thanks, Frank Shope!

Legomania

Problem:

Solution:

If you enjoyed something when your children were young, you may have an opportunity for that something to come around again in your life with grandchildren. Our children loved Legos and, of course, I saved them all in a couple of large bins. Our oldest grandson is very interested in making things now with the Legos when he comes to our house, but my husband explained to me that 9-inch-deep bins of Legos is not very conducive to constructing the pictures that the grandson wants to create. They need to be able to find certain pieces. Enter our new Container Store in Green Hills. My beloved husband went with me and selected a number of different types of bins with a base bin on rollers. After spending probably 10-12 hours over the course of this week, I have sorted all of our Legos into the following categories:
1. basic bricks
2. thin bricks
3. bricks with wheels / circle bricks
4. bricks with holes
5. people and their parts
6. animals
7. trees
8. wedges and angle bricks
9. strings, net, & propellers
10. ladders, poles, sticks
11. small one-of-a-kind
12. large one-of-a-kind
13. bricks with writing
14. arches and steps
15. windows, doors, & parts






I created my own labels in WORD using the above categories and copied them onto cardstock. If you would like that document, email me at emmastacyross@gmail.com and I will send it to you as an attachment. Then you can get sorting, too. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! We will be eating lots, BUILDING lots, and making LOTS of memories!

Are You A Listmaker?

No one ever expects to be in a car accident and unable to speak for himself/herself. Do your loved ones a favor... put together a list of cell numbers including yourself, your spouse, children (married and single), elderly parents, siblings that may live alone, etc. Make the information large enough to be legible but small enough to be stored directly behind a driver's license. Make enough copies for all of your loved ones to have this in their wallets. In the event of an accident, the policeman will go straight for the driver's license to identify the victim. If this list of numbers is right there next to the driver's license, the policeman can begin calling numbers until he gets a live person. I began doing this when I was caring for my elderly parents in the event that they had an emergency and could not speak for themselves. When my youngest child had a car accident 4 years ago whereby she was ejected from the vehicle, the police officer was able to reference this little piece of paper to contact us immediately. You may be thinking, "Why wouldn't the policeman just use the cell phone?" My answer: Give him another reference item in case the phone isn't readily available / out of battery / damaged. Don't delay... start typing... have it laminated at Office Depot. You have the numbers in your cell phone. It could be one of the most important lists you ever make.

An Apple A Day

I am hoping that you interested readers are eating an apple a day right now during their peak season. Did you know that any other time of the year the apples you eat have been in cold storage? So eat them now in abundance... at least one a day. I buy mine at the local farmer's market. The Braeburns are my favorite for eating raw, and I buy the Cortland for the freezer for baking later. Apples do not need any Fruit Fresh when freezing since they will brown anyway when baking. Just core, peel, and slice. They are very helpful to have in the freezer, just waiting to be placed in a yummy pie or cobbler or in one of our family traditions, Cranberry Casserole. This dish is a staple for our Thanksgiving dinner and/or breakfast as well as at Christmastime. Forget about that Cranberry Relish that the generation before us ate... yuk. This casserole with the oatmeal topping will bring smiles all around your table.

Cranberry Casserole

2 cups cranberries, washed & drained      1 cup quick oats                       

3 cups apples, peeled/diced                    1/2 cup brown sugar                                   

3/4 cup sugar                                         1/3 cup flour                                   

3 Tbsp. flour                                          1 stick melted butter

1. Combine cranberries, apples, sugar, & 3 Tbsp. flour. Place in baking dish.

2. Combine oats, br. sugar, & flour & spread on top of fruit. Drizzle melted butter over top. Bake 325° for 1 hour.               

A Modern-Day Saint

Cortez Cooper, Jr... a life well-lived. He died today and my heart is heavy for his family. Though he knew exactly where he was going and is now seeing Jesus face to face, the ones left behind have hard goodbyes to say. Corty was a pastor to thousands over his illustrious career, a devoted husband to Pat for 56 years, and was my girlfriend's father. Corty baptized my first two children in 1983 on the stage of Hillsboro High School, the meeting place for the newly formed Christ Presbyterian Church. Then nearly a quarter of a century later, he baptized my first grandchild. He was interim pastor at Chapelgate Presbyterian Church in Maryland where my daughter and her family attended. After the service, he and Pat joined our family at my daughter's home for lunch, and he entertained all of us that glorious afternoon with one joke after another.  We laughed until our sides ached. Simply put, he was larger than life. I will never forget this precious man. He did not know a stranger. I look forward to laughing again with him one day in Heaven.

Three Cheers For The Red, White, and Blue

Do you have a Bucket List? I have not developed mine but if I had, meeting this man would have been one of those items. Ten years ago just after 911, I agreed to send a package to "Any Soldier" through a ministry of the church in Nashville, TN. To my amazement, the recipient of my package wrote me back in the form of a hand-written letter. This began a penpal friendship between us. Sometimes hand-written letters, sometimes email, we communicated with each other about our families, his prayer needs, prayer needs of his men, etc. Lt. Cmdr. Mark "Mutha" Hubbard was flying off the USS Constellation in the Middle East and was in charge of a number of other pilots in his squadron. After his deployment he went to Rhode Island to War College and we lost track of each other when he left there. Fast forward to Sept. 28, 2011. In a conversation with friends of 33 years who live in CA, I discovered that these friends, too, knew my long-lost friend, Mark Hubbard. The next day I was able to share coffee with now Capt. Mark Hubbard who has served in the US Navy for 27 years. He is the Flight Wing Commander over all pilots at NAS Lemoore, CA, the very air station where my husband and I spent our early married days together in 1978. Meeting Ronald Reagan or either President Bush would not have thrilled me more, especially since I had a prior relationship with Capt. Hubbard. What a precious gift from God! How many people have we all prayed for in our lives that we never met or saw fruits of those prayers. Yet, we still pray on the behalf of others because we are instructed to do so from God's Word. If that is not enough of a thrill, this godly man may actually be in Nashville this winter where my husband and I could minister to him in our own home. There just are no words except to thank my Lord and Savior for this most incredible moment.

Trying Times With Technology

I like alliteration. I don't like fixing computer issues. I have had many readers tell me that they were unable to post comments on my blog, so with a little encouragement from an unlikely new friend, I have taken the bull by the horns and gone to the folks at blogger.com for a help session. I have changed a few settings which I hope will help you if you are trying to comment on this blog. Hope to hear from you soon!

Jiffy Notsospiffy Cornbread... Not For This Southern Girl

Recently one of my daughters caught Giada, the Everyday Italian, doting on her cornbread. When the camera panned out, Jiffy Mix and a pyrex dish were exposed as her supporting cast. Oops. Not cool if you are a country girl like me. My husband's mother was my teacher on the cornbread conundrum. I am now addicted to my own cornbread... or hers. My sweetest cornbread memory to date was asking my own mother to borrow her tiny skillet when she was very ill with stage 4 colon cancer. She was glad for me to borrow it. Then I spent the next 2 years taking a perfect-size corncake to her and my dad before burying both of them. It was a thrill for me to be able to serve them in their last years with something so delicious. Only requiring 4 ingredients and one critical tool, you can bake cornbread like a pro and way better than the Food Network. It begins with an iron skillet which you can purchase at Wal-Mart. You also need a very hot oven - 450 degrees.

Nanny’s Cornbread

Iron skillet required! Heat oven to 450 and coat the bottom of your skillet with oil, not too thin but not too thick with oil... Put skillet in preheating oven. Skillet will need to heat at least 15 min. or so depending on the efficiency of your oven. The sign is if you can smell the oil and see a bit of smoke coming off the pan, the oil is good and hot. This is critical to "scald" the batter. While skillet is heating, mix together equal parts of self-rising cornmeal mix (I like Martha White) and buttermilk with one egg. Breakdown for varying skillets as follows:
baby skillet (5") 2/3 cup each s.r.cornmeal mix & buttermilk with 1 egg
med. skillet (7") 1.5 cup each s.r.cornmeal mix & buttermilk with 1 egg
lg. skillet (9") 3 cups each s.r.cornmeal mix & buttermilk with 3 eggs

When you think oil in skillet is very hot, carefully pour oil into mixed batter, whisk quickly, pour batter back into very hot skillet, then return quickly to 450 oven. Bake time for baby skillet about 15 min., medium skillet about 22, large skillet about 27 minutes. When done, flip out cornbread onto cooling rack or serving platter immediately to keep crust crispy. I can smell it now!!!        

                                                          

It's A Freezer Thing

Some people call me a foodie. That would be true. And since such a characteristic is often inherited, you should know that my mother was a foodie, too. She could put a meal together for a family-in-need in short order without needing a thing from the grocery. She managed her home well, especially with regard to a freezer. Therefore, since my early married days I have had an extra freezer and later, an extra refrigerator. And my married daughters have it in their DNA, too. The first-born has had a compact freezer since the birth of her first child. It helped her store breastmilk, and 3 children later, it has been helpful with all that it takes to feed a growing family. The other married daughter is preparing to buy locally raised beef and now needs a little extra space. She didn't really have room for a full-size freezer and has been using her college dorm compact frig. for overflow frig items. So, I had an idea. Instead of adding a 2nd compact freezer to our fleet of freezers, I suggested a search for a used larger one for the older daughter and a handing-down of the compact freezer to younger daughter. This tickled both girls. This gesture was going to involve Craig's List and my master craftsman husband. Craig's List had a good price on the one freezer and with my brilliant mind and my VERY brilliant husband's abilities, we created a unit for the compact frig and freezer to stack for the other daughter. Did I mention that the larger freezer was substantially less expensive than a new compact freezer? Now both girls are ready for their organic, locally raised beef and all sorts of goodies from the Farmer's Market. Some people probably think we are Mormon's preparing for winter. Nope... just foodies.

Deer Friend,

      I know you enjoy my yard, but I work very hard to make it look nice. Therefore, I will continue to treat my landscaping with a spray you find offensive. I can tell by the way you have left my hydrangeas, liriope, and hostas alone that you are not a fan of the Deer Off spray from Lowe's. On a recent trip to Cheekwood with the grands, I noticed a very acrid odor following the gardener with the 5-gallon spray tank. I followed him to inquire if he was spraying for your kind. The gardener confirmed that he was with a product called Liquid Fence smelling exactly like what I use. He, too, has found that it is not an appealing fragrance to you. We chatted briefly while the grands were enthrolled by the magical trains and compared notes that spraying every couple of weeks keeps you and your peeps at bay. If my son had his way with my property, a gentle arrow from a bow would probably find its way into your heart. Since I value good neighbor relations, I have thrown my son's salt lick into the trash. But be forewarned: he has a night-vision camera and he is watching for you.

Very sincerely,

Your Dear Friend 

My New Neighbor Nordstrom

When Tiffany's arrived in Nashville a few years ago the glossy, turquoise-colored boxes were not really my thing. Not that I don't love diamonds, but I have another friend that I trust with that department. However, since the announcement several years ago that Nordstrom was moving in, I began to salivate. I have been a Nordstrom groupie for more than two decades because my husband can get dress shoes at good prices, and he wears a petite size 14 - very hard to find. So every time we would travel to large cities, Nordstrom always was on our list. It did not take long for me to venture outside the world of men's shoes to areas of even more interest: world-class fragrances, New York fashion, knowledgable staff, and shoes.for.me.sigh.

To celebrate my forever girlfriend's birthday, we attended the pre-opening private Gala. Since our friendship goes all the way back to sixth grade, it was a most fitting occasion because we used to run around Green Hills Village together during the days of Cross Keys Restaurant, Family Booterie, and Petway-Reavis. The new Nordstrom store is, of course, beautifully decorated and Nashville has welcomed it like royalty. From the first canapé to the incredible dessert shooters - mojito and vodka raspberry - the gala was a "happenin." There was such a festive atmosphere that night... it was like being a child at Disney World! When we entered the playground, we were given elegant black satin drawstring bags with empty vials for sample gathering. Waiters greeted us with trays of champagne and vodka cocktails, so we were at once easy prey for the astute cosmetic pros. Off we were swooped to nice chairs with an array of brushes, tinctures, and fluffing. While crowds gathered at the buffet tables, we were much more drawn to the ambiance. Trying to take in every detail we could, it became clear to me that I would have to return... and soon.

And the people watching was even more interesting. Some arrived in limousines, some with girly groups like the SexInTheCity types, and some ladies just glad to be out donning dresses from their last child's wedding. We were both amazed at the large number of men attending the gala... my eye doctor was at the bar and offered to buy me a drink - ha. Big spender. Then there were the flown-in professional models. They paraded in to their risers, struck a pose, stayed there for 20 minutes or so, then on queue they paraded out, changed outfits, and marched back in to their spots. One designer at a time, the couture was simply over the top. The models all looked like they had stepped out of Vogue magazine. I could have been content to sit and watch just this all night, but there was so much more. The rabbit vest, the fabulous faux pashmina my friend bought, the attendant in the restroom to brush off your lent while you washed your hands. the glistening jewelry, the complimentary umbrellas to help us out to the downpour... so much fun bottled into one night that I simply HAD to return two days later for the grand opening.

The grand opening began with a teaser: free makeover extravaganza in the mall corridor two hours before the store opened. It was there that I met a new MAC friend, Marissa Christina. Before you say, "That could not be her name," I assure you that was. The very sound of it evokes memories of the sweater I had with the Dickens village all the way around my hips (and matching skirt). Then there was the M&M sweater my former boss had who was teaching 6th grade at the time. She was so clever that she awarded students with M&Ms on the day she wore the sweater. Another friend had enough Marissa Christina Christmas sweaters for every day of the December school calendar. My new friend, Marissa, gave me a number of new tips to try with MAC. Then into the store and the general public... still excitement and spending... by far it appeared to me that the most popular department besides the cosmetic counter was the ladies shoes. When I heard on the loudspeaker, "Now serving guest # whatever," it was a throwback to the day when Baskin-Robbins moved into West Meade. Take a number... oh, what fun... and so much more than ice cream. Pandemonium might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it was thrilling to witness people having fun shopping in a new place.

 Then there was the trip back to the ladies' room. I had not noticed the night of the Gala a feature completely new to any public restroom I have ever used: right at the exit door a paper dispenser for your hands to cover the nasty door handle AND a wastebasket directly below to deposit the tissue. Green Hills Mall ladies' rooms could take a hint from their newest tenant. Since their restrooms have NO paper except for toilet tissue, it is virtually impossible to keep your hands clean when you use those facilities.

Nordstrom has raised the bar... even for Green Hills. Welcome, New Neighbor.

The Honey Cure Part 2

If you have been wondering where I have been, let's just say technical difficulties. Thankfully, I have a young friend who comes to my rescue when I get in trouble. Additionally, I have had a yard project that has had me preoccupied, which, of course, means increased exposure to the pollens outside. Still wondering about the honey, I did have a bit of allergy come on this weekend but now have a new something to share with you that has helped. It is a Sinus Rinse manufactured by NeilMed. Some people prefer a "Nety Pot" by the same manufacturer but the squeeze bottle appealed more to me. Available at Wal-Mart and currently having a $2.50 rebate on the box, the sinus rinse is easy to administer and after 3 rinses over less than 24 hours, I am back to near normal. I have been surprised at how many people are already into this sinus rinsing thing. How can I be so out of it? Oh well, better late than never. I am still not returning to the daily allegra, trying to beat it with the honey and the sinus rinse. I am getting my armaments in line for the spring battle.

The Honey Cure

Allergy sufferers take note: honey could be what you are missing. I began a honey regimen 2 months ago, thanks to the recommendation of a cookfriend whose husband suffered terribly with allergies. So far even though the ragweed and grass allergy count remains very high here in Nashville, I am without symptoms and am not taking my prescription medicine. The dosage of 1 tablespoon/day was going to be a problem, I thought, but I decided to put it in my coffee so that I would not miss. For the first month of honey therapy I continued my allergy medicine until I got the honey into my system. The catch is that it must be LOCAL honey. The bees have to be pollinating your own problematic pollen. I buy a 4# jar of wildflower honey at the Farmer's Market, and it runs about $17.00. It is from Goodlettsville. I am still on the original jar! There is much research out there about many other benefits of consuming local honey daily... everything from arthritis to heart issues. Do your own internet research if you need more information. The real test for me will be next spring when I am affected worse than fall allergies. I will be prepared, though, because I am in the honey habit. Stay tuned... a follow-up blog guaranteed.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Well, of course, the camo onesie has a story. In early 1983, I flew to D.C. with an infant nursing son in tow to visit a high school friend whose husband was a Marine. We went to a benefit silent auction and this was my contribution to the evening. Paid 40 bucks for it and worried if my husband would have a fit. It became my most favorite yardwork outfit for 2 reasons: mosquito and sun protection. Its best story was later that spring of 1983 when my dear brother-in-law did not have on the right clothes to help my husband trim back large trees, so he borrowed my camo. We were still new to the neighborhood, so the man from next door came over to investigate. SInce the onesie quickly become my favorite yardwork apparel and I was push-mowing our near 2-acre yard (and 5 months pregnant) when we first moved here in 1982, he naturally thought I was way up in the tree with the chainsaw. We are still laughing about that day. My mother-in-law had repaired the seat of my camo so many times that I did not have the nerve to ask her again. Therefore, I retired the jumpsuit officially last week. Lamenting its loss, I am pressing forward with my Wal-Mart Liberty overalls. The Few, The Proud, The Marine... not really...

Party Foul

Regrets Only, R.S.V.P., respond by (date)... multiple choice, you pick... yet the typical turnout for a mailed invitation these days hovers around 50%. When did it go out of style to say, "I am unable to attend?" With so many easy ways to communicate, it is the least an invited guest can do. A hostess has already spent money on an invitation and postage to you and is trying to prepare food and often party favors along with judging space issues. She would like to know if you are coming or not. Plain and simple. Think about arranging seating for 40 people and 20 show. Quick... while you are smiling, offering a beverage, putting out punch and cupcakes, be sure and remove HALF of your chairs and perhaps tables, too. People excuse themselves from any response by acting ignorant thinking, "What does r.s.v.p. mean anyway?" Or, "I get confused... what is Regrets Only?" The last two large events I have hosted have been very successful in that I had a good idea of my numbers to expect. Remove ALL questions/excuses by stating exactly what you need as a hostess. If you are hosting an event in the future, I would recommend that you use "Respond by (date)." Many people have not ever tried to have 50 people for dinner. Good luck to them whenever they do. Nice manners are still important even today.

Mary, Mary... How Does Your Garden Grow?

I have been asked what I am feeding my ferns to make them so massive... 40" diameter and over 3' high. The answer is quite simple... and cheap. When you purchase the $9.00 Boston ferns in the spring, they are pot-bound already... translation: no room to grow. Therefore, in July when it is terribly hot and you think they have died due to heat, they really have died because the roots are exhausted from trying to push through the original pot. Plus, the roots have no protection from the heat or any way to preserve the water you give them. Next spring when you buy your ferns take time to transplant them immediately into larger pots, giving them at least 3-4 inches extra all the way around, working Osmocote into the soil. Yes, the ferns will seem dwarfed and puny for awhile, but then in the late summer when all of your other annuals are spent from the heat, your ferns will be thriving. Mine will be beautiful until first frost in October. Happy planting!

God Gave Angels Wings & Humans Chocolate

Chocolate gives me that sort of lift. Back in the 1970s, I fell in love with a cake a friend's mom made regularly called Chocolate Chip Cake which had a bar of German's chocolate grated in it. I used to grate the bar on a cheese grater and took off skin since it required a fair amount of pressure to grate on the sharp metal piece. In 1980 when I had my first child, my husband gave me a Cuisinart, and my life was instantly better. No more of my flesh in the Chocolate Chip Cake. In 1999 Anne Byrn, native Nashvillian, published a cookbook entitled, The Cake Mix Doctor, and she printed with permission my cake recipe. In 2010 having sold 1.6 million copies, she released The Cake Mix Doctor Returns. Costco began selling her newest release, and she was interviewed in the May 2010 Costco Connection magazine. She was asked to choose her top 3 cakes, and yes, my Chocolate Chip Cake made Costco news. It has been a family favorite all of my married life for several reasons: 1) minimal number of ingredients, 2) freezes well, 3) travels by U.S. Postmaster well, 4) easy to serve in vehicle when traveling with family, and 5) most importantly, delicious!  In case you do not have a copy of The Cake Mix Doctor, here is the recipe for Chocolate Chip Cake. And with the new DARK CHOCOLATE chips, wow... surely you will be flying, too.

Chocolate Chip Cake

• 1 box Duncan Hines Butter Recipe Golden Cake Mix
• 1 small box instant vanilla pudding
• 1 pkg. (6.5oz) chocolate chips*                                                                                          
• 1-4oz. pkg. Baker’s German's Sweet Chocolate
• 1 cup oil
• 1 cup milk
• 4 eggs                 
• Baker’s Joy cooking spray

1. In Cuisinart with steel knife inserted, drop (one at a time) 1” squares of German chocolate. Chop until fine.

2. Combine in large mixing bowl milk, oil & eggs.  Add cake mix, pudding mix, chocolate chips, & chopped German chocolate. Mix well.

3. Grease pans with Baker’s Joy cooking spray. Bake 325° in tube pan or 2 loaf pans for an hour or until done.

*tip: The “mini” chips work well if your choc. chips want to stick.

Something's Borrowed, Someone's Blue

Have you ever loaned something to someone and then never seen it again? It isn't that the person really stole it. It is simply put out of sight and forgotten about in the hustle and bustle of cleaning up after an event, often times  not by the borrower herself but by a helper... a husband, another hostesss, etc. Once the item is out of sight, the borrower generally goes back to normal life... the job, the yardwork, the next meal, children's ballgames and art lessons. Even putting your name on things does not guarantee borrowed items will arrive back home. A cookfriend of 34 years taught me something that I would like to pass on to you. She makes a written note in her "daytimer" when she has loaned something to someone because her experience was, like many of us, the item was not missed until she went to use it and could not find it. Too much time had passed to be able to recall to whom the item was loaned. I do not carry a daytimer anymore so I make a note on my calendar on the week after the borrower's event to begin looking for it. Worst case scenario, I initiate contact with the borrower to get item off my list and back where it belongs. Everyone is busy but we are all called to be good stewards of our resources. Do not feel bad creating a way of remembering to retrieve items for yourself! And, by the way, when you need to borrow something, what is the appropriate time to return it? Let's just say, if the owner has to contact you for it, it is late. Return items to people in a timely fashion as you would like your items returned to you... and in excellent condition.

It's Football Time in Tennessee

When our son was playing football at Auburn, we met many new friends and had so much good food at tailgate parties. Ten years later, we are still enjoying a recipe from a parent of another player, Gloria's Corn Dip. As you can see in the picture, even the littles like it! This dip quickly became our son's favorite and  is a regular at events in our home. Don't wait to have a Mexican dinner party to serve it - I promise that your guests will love it... very different with an incredible amount of cumin. Do not decrease... it is perfect just as recipe is written. 
Gloria’s Corn Dip

3 cans corn, drained         1 cup sour cream                        4 TBSP. cumin (NOT a mistype!)

jalapenos to taste              2 cups cheddar cheese                 chopped green onions

1 cup mayo      

                                                                             

Combine all and serve with large Fritoes. I buy the all ingredients (especially cumin) at Sam’s (they don’t have green onions) because I never make just one recipe. When doubling, I use that very large 6-pound can of corn. 

Magic In A Can

Whoever invented Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk is surely a wealthy individual. I have loved cooking with that velvety product for years. My mother used to make caramel pie with it just like O'Charley's Restaurant once served. Unbelievably, she cooked the unopened can over low heat for 2 hours in a water bath. I put a new twist to the caramel pie recently by serving the cooked caramel in pretty sherbet stemware topped with whipped cream with a wedge of baked pie crust on the dessert plate... sort of upside down caramel pie. I named it Caramel Custard. My granddaughter was visiting when I served it, and she went nuts over it. She even drew me a picture of it that night. It is very rich, so it doesn't take much for a serving... maybe 1/4 cup or so. Very elegant and 1 ingredient: MAGIC!

Caramel Custard

In large pot, cover Eagle Brand with water at least an inch over top of can. Bring to boil, then turn heat to simmer, keeping can covered with hot water at all times. I heated additional water in microwave to pour over. You will only have to do this a couple of times. After 2 hours, carefully remove can from pot and allow to cool thoroughly. Spoon into sherbet glasses and cover with plastic, then place in refrigerator until ready to serve. Top with whipped cream and a wedge of baked pie crust.

The First Of The Season

We enjoyed the first of the season's butter beans from my freezer tonight along with rump roast, fresh spinach and mushrooms, sliced homegrown tomatoes, and grapefruit sections. If you are interested in putting butter beans in your freezer, there are tips on the August 5th blogpost since they must be blanched before freezing. Today I took a bag out of the freezer, covered the beans with water, salt & pepper, brought them to a boil, then simmered for 90 minutes. These beans want to bubble up and out of the pot, so do what my mama taught me to do 30 years ago... take a stick of butter around the sides of your pot and lightly rub with butter. You won't use much butter at all. This will be plenty of flavoring for the beans, although my mama added additional butter to the cooked beans. Country cooking with a little more heart health in mind. Happy eating!

Gentle Reminder

It is not too late to get your peaches in the freezer. If you are new to my blog, you can reference the July 13 post to get a little procedure help. Several posts after that include suggestions on what else to do with your peaches besides the obvious cobblers and pies. Is there any question as to what I will be doing this week? These beauties are from Peach Park in Chilton County, AL, but you can get wonderful peaches at your local farmer's market still. Don't wait - you will love having them all year long! Post me or Facebook me if you have done yours already. I would love to know if this blog has helped you get started.

Perfect Pink Punch

At the request of several new blog friends, I would like to share a punch recipe with you. It is great for a daughter's birthday, a baby girl shower, a sip and see, a pink-loving bride, or just a girly girl party... (with, of course, the EXTRA ingredients). This punch only has 3 ingredients and the frozen part thaws into the mixture so nicely... like a slushee or something. A guaranteed crowd pleaser... for the young and the not-so-young. The frozen concoction can be done weeks in advance.
         
                                Perfect Pink Punch

2-46 oz. cran-raspberry juice, 1-32 oz. pina colada mix, 2  ltrs. Raspberry gingerale

extra ingredients optional: Malibu Rum or Vodka

In large plastic container, combine cran-rasp. juice w/pina colada mix & freeze in a glass bowl at least overnight. Remove from freezer at least 30 min. prior to serving. To serve, place frozen slush in punch bowl & slowly add gingerale. Add alcohol to taste, if desired. Serves 50.

Location, Location, Location

I have had a request from a lifetime cookfriend who claims that I actually helped her organize her first kitchen before I was even married! I have no recollection of the event, but she is quite certain it occurred. She even told me a couple of suggestions I made which she is still implementing 35 years later! The main principle to remember when trying to make your kitchen more efficient is to think: PRIME REAL ESTATE - most essential items in the easiest-to-get-to spots.  Here are a few tips that have helped me for years:         

1. Store glassware beside refrigerator with counterspace for easy serving. This also creates a separate work station that is not under your feet in sink area. When someone offers to help get the meal on the table, the answer is SURE! Do beverages!

2. Store silverware/plates nearest dishwasher. Plates are heavy and silverware is numerous.

3. Use a vertical file stand to store your cutting boards near sink area for easy access.

4. Store placemats near table for easy pull out and put away.

5. Use desk organizer plastic trays in drawers to keep small things organized. One tray for chip clips, twist ties, straws, rubber bands. I even use one compartment for my grands' silverware for easy finding. They love knowing I have silverware just their size. A tray in another drawer has barware accessories: wine corks, garnish picks, wine openers, citrus press, etc. Still another drawer has a utility tray of Sharpee markers, scissors, candlelighters, matches, batteries, adhesives (strapping tape, scotch tape, Gorilla glue), flashlights, straight-edge razor blades.

5. Place cleaning supplies under your sink in a plastic bin for easy removal if any leaks occur. Having things in bins also allows you to pull out numerous bottles at one time to get to other items way back that you don't need as often. Again, prime real estate in the front.

6. Keep disposable gloves under kitchen sink for handling raw meat. They are very cheap when you buy a box of 500 from Costco or Sam's. I like to use them for myriad chores: washing and preparing meat & produce, handling dough, boning cooked chicken. I like to keep my hands nice and out of the water & muck. 

As real estate agents tell us over and over, location - location - location. A good word when you are trying to put your kitchen in tiptop working order.

Brotherly Love

When my brother comes in town, we try to find a reason to celebrate something so that we can go to Sperry's. He always takes me there for my birthday for sure. Gotta have a filet... either Prince William's or one with the Béarnaise Sauce - wow. Sperry's is one of the very few restaurants to have a salad bar any more. One particular item on their salad bar is a favorite little delicacy I enjoy and have never been able to find in a grocery store: pickled corn. Well, guess what... I have found the pickled corn at the Nashville Farmer's Market. A whole new world awaits you if you have never been to the Market. Celebrate a sibling sometime... life is short and you won't have your parents to share forever. 

Buying In Bulk

With 4 children and a very hardworking husband, everyone had to help at our home. Though we did not have a farm to work, it took all of us to do meals, pack lunches, mow grass, and keep a home running efficiently. Part of operating on a budget meant buying in large quantity for maximum savings. Even with my children grown and out of our home now, I still use so many of those principles in my shopping because guess what... they come back! And I am so glad! When my firstborn went to college in Wisconsin, her friends inquired as to why she had under her bed a case of juice boxes and a 2# jar of peanut butter. Her response was, "I only know how to buy in bulk." I say, "Good Training!"

To Market, To Market, To Find A Fat Pig

Maybe not to find a fat pig but the butter beans were so beautiful at the Farmer's Market this week that I had to get some in the freezer. Tomatoes, peaches, and honey for my allergies were all part of the run this week, too. I took my rigged up pullcart so that I could be efficient in my shopping. The butter beans need to be blanched which is a very quick process. In your soup pot, bring to a boil water about 2/3 full in your pot. Have a timer handy and drop butter beans in the boiling water for 2 minutes. Then plunge beans in ice cold water in your sink, adding ice to cool down quickly. Drain quickly and thoroughly and place in 1 quart bags. Freeze flat, then store upright in baskets for using later. I bought a 10 pound bag of butter beans for around $35, and it yielded 6 full quarts of blanched beans. When you get ready to cook beans, cover them with water, bring to boil, then simmer for about 90 minutes with a little butter, salt, and pepper. Rub the inside of your pan with a bit of butter to keep from boiling over. Country Road... take me home... to the place... I belong... thanks, John Denver.

Best Bar In Town

Many years ago while living in Atanta, I had a boss with whom I shared a love of cooking. Her name was Ruth, and, no, I did not name one of my children for her. She did, however, share a recipe with me that her mother had named for her... Baby Ruth Bars. Whenever chocolate meets peanut butter, it is a happy moment. These incredible little morsels are very simple to make and can be stored for months in the freezer. My family agrees that they are the best bar in town.

Baby Ruth Bars

2/3 cup butter, melted                                                1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup peanut butter                                                  1/2 cup butterscotch chips

1 cup brown sugar                                                        2/3 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup corn syrup                                                       1 cup dry roasted peanuts

1 tsp. vanilla

4 cups oatmeal (1-minute kind)

In large Pampered Chef batter bowl, melt butter in microwave. Stir in peanut butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and GOOD vanilla. Combine well. Mix in oatmeal. Using disposable glove on your hand, press batter into greased11x16 stone bar pan or baking pan of your choice (I use butter wrapper to grease). Bake 400 for 12 minutes. While crust is baking, melt peanut butter with chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in same (unwashed) batter bowl, using 1 minute intervals in microwave until melted. Add peanuts when chips are melted. Pour onto crust immediately when it comes out of oven. Cool completely and cut into 1x2" bars. Great for freezer.