In The Kitchen (Page 3)

I am a huge fan of anything lemon; lemon chicken, lemon cookies, lemon cake, lemon meringue pie, lemonade, lemon drops and especially lemon bars.  There’s just something about them that reminds me of summer.  Boxed lemon bar mixes are great…but…homemade is so much better and is just as quick to make plus there are no artificial colors.  I like to switch it up sometimes and use lime instead of lemon, they are so yummy too. Lemon Bars 1 c. softened butter 1/2 c. powdered sugar 2 c. flour Mix together, a pastry cutter or clean hands work great for this.  Press into a greased 9Read More →

Remember a while back I shared my recipe for our Branding Time Casserole?  Well, here’s the chocolate cake recipe the we usually made for dessert.  This was given to me by one of our neighbors, she has been making this cake since she first got married in 1958.  It’s quick and easy, the chocolate isn’t heavy or overpowering and it’s good with buttercream frosting, chocolate frosting, cream cheese frosting, whipped cream or just dusted with powdered sugar. Sharon’s Easy Cocoa Cake 1 1/2 c. flour 1 c. sugar 1/2 c. dark cocoa, or whatever kind you have on hand 1 t. baking soda dash ofRead More →

For several years, in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, we would travel to Greenleaf Lake State Park in Oklahoma to celebrate my Grandpa Mannon’s birthday and have a huge family reunion weekend.  We would all pitch in and make some fantastic food, play games and do a lot of catching up.  One of my favorite dishes was my mom’s cousin Ronda’s taco salad.  She would make huge batches of it and there were never any leftovers.  It’s great for feeding a crowd because you can easily adjust it to make as much as you need. Ronda’s Taco Salad 1 lb. hamburger, browned 1 headRead More →

This is an old recipe that has been in our family forever.  At this point, I’m not sure where it came from or who made it first but it is easy, rich, moist, delicious and goes wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee. Granny Cake 2 c. flour 1 egg 1 1/2 c. sugar 2 t. baking soda 1 small can crushed pineapple Mix these 5 ingredients together.  Pour batter into baking pan (I use a 9 x 9). Sprinkle over top the following (mixed together) 1/2 c. brown sugar 1/2 c. coconut 1/2 c. chopped nuts (we prefer pecans) Bake at 350° for 30 to 40Read More →

I never knew my mom’s mother, Alene (Mitchell) Mannon, she passed away before I was born.  As most southern women were (and still are) she was a really good cook and luckily a few of her recipes were handed down.  This one is amazing!  Quick, easy and better than any restaurant pork chop by far.  I use center cut, bone in chops but I imagine any other would be just as delicious. Alene’s Crispy Tender Pork Chops 4 to 6 lean pork chops 1/2″ to 1″ thick 1 egg, beaten 1 c milk salt and pepper to taste crushed crackers (I use Saltines) Dip pork chops in egg andRead More →

When Brad and I first were married we lived and worked on a cattle ranch just west of Yakima.  Calves would usually start arriving late January until late March.  About mid to late April we would have to brand, ear tag and castrate the calves, check the cows to make sure everyone was healthy and paired back up, then move them out to the mountains where they grazed on the summer grass.  This whole process would take a several days and quite a few hands to help out.  It was extremely important to keep everyone well fed as this is hard, physical work.  An easy meal that turnedRead More →

Delicious and decadent, this cake uses no flour or leavening agents but uses ground almonds and egg whites instead.  Be sure to use bittersweet chocolate and not unsweetened or semi sweet.  It goes together rather easily and can be served with whipped cream, ice cream, berries or just the powdered sugar.  I think you will enjoy this one! Flourless Chocolate Cake 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate 1 t. vanilla 1 T. strong brewed coffee or espresso 1 T. brandy 6 T. butter 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 c. ground almonds 3 large eggs, divided Preheat oven to 300•, butter a spring form pan.  Grind up fine enough almondsRead More →

My Grandma Sarah was a phenomenal cook and I have many of her recipes to share.  This is an oldie and one that not many people have tried.  If you are craving something sweet and creamy, give this one a try, I think you’ll like it.  It’s quick and easy to mix up and only has a few simple ingredients. Grandma Sarah’s Baked Custard 4 eggs, well beaten 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 t. salt 4 cups scalded whole milk 1/2 t. vanilla ground nutmeg Preheat oven to 350•.  Whisk together eggs, sugar and salt.  Add vanilla to the scalded milk and SLOWLY add to the egg mixtureRead More →

This is a favorite of ours, we serve it every Easter and at just about every summer get together. It’s pretty quick and easy, especially if you have one of those pineapple corer gadgets. Unfortunately it doesn’t hold real well so for best results make it the morning you want to serve it. Strawberry Pineapple Salad Fresh strawberries Fresh pineapple Shredded Coconut Powdered Sugar 1/2  orange Wash, hull and cut strawberries up in to chunks.  Peel, core and cut pineapple in to chunks.  In a clear glass serving bowl layer pineapple, strawberries, coconut and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.  Continue layering until bowl is full.  IRead More →

This dish is delicious and perfect to serve at brunch for Easter, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Baby or Bridal Shower or anytime!  It’s so yummy and with bacon you can’t go wrong!  This recipe looks like a lot of work but it goes together pretty quickly if you do a little prep work. Bacon and Corn Spoon Bread 3/4 c. yellow cornmeal 1 1/2 c. water 1/4 c. butter 8 oz. of your favorite grated cheese 1 1/2 c. corn (canned, frozen or 3 ears of fresh) 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 t. salt 1 c. milk  4 eggs, separated 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbledRead More →