In The Kitchen

Some will say that made from scratch is the only way when baking and others will get ready-made dough and be done.  I’m good either way.  There are times when I just don’t have the time or inclination to drag out the mixer, sift and measure and mix but I still want a warm from the oven dessert or need a quick and easy dessert to take to a potluck.  My Aunt Barbara shared this recipe with us years ago.  I don’t know where she originally found it, but it’s quick, easy and I almost always have the ingredients on hand.  She made it withRead More →

Apple harvest is beginning to wind down here at Hollyhocks and Heaven.  The last few days we weren’t sure if the elk and moose would get them all picked before we did! Many thanks to my mom and sister for taking care of the canning for me this year while I was in bed sick.  They put up several quarts of pie filling and pints of fried apples, applesauce and apple butter.  I did manage to get a few pies in the freezer.  We still have about 2 boxes of apples to go, they will most likely be in the dehydrator by the end ofRead More →

If you find yourself looking for a quick and easy little something to have with your coffee or tea you have to try Easier Than Coffee Cake Bars.  Sweet, but with a little bit of tang, they are moist, rich and delicious.  An added plus, you probably have all the ingredients without having to make a trip to the grocery store! Easier Than Coffee Cake Bars 1 box yellow cake mix 1 cube butter, softened 2 eggs 4 c. powdered sugar 8 oz cream cheese, softened 1 t. vanilla raspberry, blackberry or blueberry jam, optional Mix well together the cake mix, butter and eggs.  WithRead More →

We were recently gifted an 18 pound organic turkey and it was delicious.  About the third day of leftovers we definitely are ready for a change.  This is a rich and creamy dish and the recipe makes enough for a large crowd or split it up and freeze some for a quick dinner on a busy night. Turkey Tetrazzini 3/4 c. butter 3/4 c. flour 2 t. salt ground pepper to taste 3 c. milk 2 c. turkey or chicken broth (I used the pan drippings from baking the turkey, yum!) 4 egg yolks 1/2 c. heavy cream 6 c. diced, cooked turkey 1 –Read More →

My sister’s new Mother-in-Law made this delicious dish for us at Thanksgiving a few years ago and was kind enough to share her recipe.  It has now become a staple side dish in our home.  It’s sweet, creaminess pairs well with just about anything, I particularly like it with ham.  Quick and easy to put together and although the recipe is easy to double, I have found it may take a little longer to bake, but that could just be my old oven. Corn Casserole 2 eggs, beaten 1 c. sour cream 1 stick butter, softened 2 cans creamed corn 1 box  Jiffy Corn BreadRead More →

A few years ago I was telling our son about family traditions I grew up with and how important they have been to me.  We decided to start our own tradition of honoring the memory of our relatives that are no longer with us by making some of their recipes for the holidays.  After thumbing through some old family recipes he decided he wanted his tradition to be making Uncle Marvin’s Peanut Brittle every Christmas.  After several hits and misses I think we finally have it down…and it’s delicious! Uncle Marvin’s Peanut Brittle 3 c. white sugar 1/2c. water 3 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp.Read More →

When Brad and I were first married, we hosted Thanksgiving for our combined families for a total of 42 guests.  It was a wonderful time and a tradition we carried on for another three years.  After we moved away our Thanksgivings are either much smaller or we are travelling. I want you to know that whether you are hosting a large or small gathering or just taking a dish with you somewhere, there is nothing to stress and worry about.  Do as many things ahead of time as you can so Thanksgiving Day will be a day to enjoy. Today, I am sharing my dressingRead More →

The apple harvest has been plentiful here in the northwest, I can only make so much apple butter and pie.  This cake is delicious and easy!  I have very few things in Grandma’s handwriting and this recipe is something I cherish.  I hope you like it as much as we do. Raw Apple Cake 4 cut raw apples 2 eggs 2 tsp. cinnamon 2 c. sugar 1 c. chopped nuts 2 c. flour 2 tsp. soda 3/4 tsp. salt 1/2 c. oil Break eggs over raw apples, add sugar and mix well with fork then add cinnamon, oil and nuts.  Mix in sifted flour, saltRead More →

This is one of my favorite cakes to make in the fall, it’s moist, delicious and versatile.  I’ve made several wedding cakes with this recipe.  It was very popular covered and filled cream cheese frosting.  For my nephew Steven’s groom’s cake I poured chocolate ganache over it and filled it with whipped ganache, oh my goodness!  One bride didn’t like chocolate (what?!?) so we substituted pecans, it was amazing.  I have also mailed them and they have held up well.  It can be baked as a layer cake or in a loaf pan for bread but my favorite is in a bundt pan sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Give itRead More →

I think most people probably have a banana bread recipe or two floating around.  While thumbing through my recipes last night, I discovered between my family and Brad’s I have five!  I always have a few bananas in my freezer and I thought what better way to warm up the kitchen on this cold and rainy day.  This particular recipe came from my Aunt Sissy and is Brad’s favorite, I’ve made it so many times I can practically make it in my sleep!  I leave out the nuts, our son doesn’t like them.  Warm out of the oven with a pat of butter and a hotRead More →