A now for something a little different...

In addition to being a great cook, Grammy Gertie also makes embroidered table cloths. On of her recent creations is on display at her assisted living community. If you happen to visit her, look for it in the front lobby.

Grammy Gertie also sells table cloths, with proceeds going to support hospice. Art and charity - great stuff!

Peach and Blackberry Pie

It's that perfect part of the summer when all the peaches are ripe and ready to become desserts. 

This recipe doesn't call for any butter, other than what is in the pie crust. Keep in mind, however, that this is a WWII era book with rationing in mind.  A little extra butter might be nice.



Peach and Blackberry Pie

Pie crust (pre-made is fine)
1 1/2 TB tapioca
2/3 cup sugar
dash of salt
1 ts orange zest
2 cups peaches, peeled and sliced
2 cups blackberries

-Lay bottom crust into greased pie plate
-Mix sugar, salt and orange zest (dry mix)
-Layer fruit, dry mix, (extra butter if desired)
-Top with 2nd pie crust.
-Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then drop temperature to 350 for 35 minutes. Cool before serving.

Party Cranberry Salad

Grammy Gertie has several recipes for cranberry Jello salads. And here's another!


Party Cranberry Salad

1 3oz package of red fruit Jello
1 cup boiling water
1 cup pineapple juice
1 1/2 cup ground fresh cranberries
3/4 cup diced celery
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

- Add boiling water to Jello packet, mix in other ingredients.
- Pour into mold, chill for 4 hours.
-Serve on lettuce leaf and garnish with a spoon of salad dressing.

Pie Crust

Here comes pie season!

Grammy Gertie eventually came around to endorsing the use of pre-made pie crust... but there was a time when she made all her pie crusts from scratch.


Flaky Pastry Shells

1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 ts salt
2/3 cup shortening
3 TB cold water

-Sift together flour and salt
-Cut in 1/3 cup shortening
-Add enough water to hold ingredients in ball
-Wrap in waxed paper, chill slightly
-Roll out 1/4" thick, spread with 1/3 remaining shortening
-Fold to make 3 layers, turn, spread with shortening, repeat 2x
-Wrap in wax paper and chill.

Makes 6 medium pie crusts.

Cider Braised Cabbage

I initially cringed at the thought of cabbage, but in uploading the recipe, I've changed my mind. This might be good. Any takers?

Cider Braised Cabbage

2T butter
1 med onion, sliced
1 2lb head cabbage
1/2 cup apple cider
2T vinegar

-Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat.
-Add onion, sauté until beginning to soften.
-Add cabbage, saute until slightly wilted, tossing frequently.
-Stir in apple cider.
-Uncover; simmer until almost all liquid in pot evaporates. Stir in vinegar.
-Season with salt and pepper.

Blueberry Pie

We're approaching that time of year again... summer pies! These go great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially if eaten outdoors at a picnic table.

Blueberry Pie

pie crust dough
1 quart blueberries
1 cup sugar
2 TB flour
dash of salt
1 ts lemon juice
2 TB butter

-Pour pie crust dough into plate.
-Wash berries, pour into pastry shell.
-Mix sugar, flour, salt and lemon juice, and sprinkle over berries.
-Cover with top pastry shell.
-Bake at 425 degrees for 40-50 minutes.

Sugar Cookies

It's Sunday afternoon, and I could go for something simple and sweet.

Sugar Cookies

1 cup shortening (or butter)
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 ts lemon extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 ts baking powder
1/4 ts salt
Milk
Sugar

-Cream together shortening and 1/2 cup sugar.
-Beat egg and add to mixture.
-Add lemon extract to mixture.
-Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, then add to mixture.
-Shape dough into 2 rolls, 2" in diameter; wrap in waxed paper and chill.
-When firm, slice 1/8" thick disks.
-Place on greased baking sheet, brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
-Bake at 400 degrees for 6 minutes. Yield 60.