Category: My Roots

Family Favorites · My Roots

Chocolate Poke Cake

cathysmaha8 Comments

Here’s a blast from the past…chocolate poke cake.  The recipe can be altered to any cake and pudding flavor. Get creative with your favorite flavors.  I remember when Poke cakes became popular in the ’70s.  Easy, kid and adult-friendly, and a walk down memory lane.

CHOCOLATE POKE CAKE

1 package (2 layer) cake mix, any flavor
2 packages (4 serving size) Jello Instant Pudding, any flavor
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
4 cups cold milk

  • Prepare cake mix as directed on package baking in a 13×9″ cake pan.
  • Remove from oven.
  • Poke holes quickly down through cake with round handle of wooden spoon at 1″ intervals (or use plastic straw).

  • Only after poking holes, combine pudding mix with sugar in a large bowl. Gradually stir in milk. Then beat at low-speed of electric mixer for not more than 1 minute (do not overbeat).
  • Quickly, before pudding thickens, pour about one-half of the thin pudding evenly over the warm cake and into the holes to make the stripes.

  • Allow remaining pudding to thicken slightly; then spoon over the top, swirling it to frost the cake.
  • Chill at least 1 hour. Store cake in refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap.
Czech Heritage and Dishes · My Roots

Sauerkraut Soup

cathysmaha1 Comment

My Czech roots are precious to me and this week I enjoyed a hearty stock of Sauerkraut Soup.  This recipe was one of two recipes my Mother made and she was given this recipe by our dear Bohemian friend, Blanche.

I understand that many families serve a Sauerkraut Soup as a traditional Christmas Eve meal but I enjoy it anytime!

After the rich, sweet treats of the holidays, the hearty sauerkraut soup was a welcome change allowing me to walk down memory lane once again.

SAUERKRAUT SOUP

1 pint sauerkraut (add extra caraway seed if desired)
1 cup finely diced ham
1 quart cooked and drained diced potatoes
1 quart Milk (more or less)
chunk butter
1 egg yolk
1 heaping tablespoon of flour
salt and pepper
dill weed garnish (optional)

  • Put enough water on sauerkraut to simmer slowly with ham.
  • When tender, pour milk over and a chunk of butter. Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Break egg yolk into small bowl and whisk.
  • Add flour and mix together.
  • Drop small pieces of the dough into the soup until cooked through, 10-15 minutes.
  • Add cooked, drained potatoes to the soup.
  • Heat until low boil. Serve or cool to serve next day. The flavor is even better the next day!
Family Favorites · My Roots

Norwegian Christmas Bread (Julekake)

cathysmaha2 Comments

Norwegian Christmas Bread (Julekake) brings back fond memories of our elderly Iowa friends, the Butlers.  Growing up, Anna would bake Julekake, Kringla, and Lefse to share with friends.  She would brew a strong cup of coffee for adults and children to enjoy with the seasonal treats.  A cup of hot coffee with a toasted slice of Julekake and butter, at Anna’s oak table was the best.  Today, I sit at the same oak table in my dining area thinking of the wonderful stories and memories created in that small farm-house so many years ago.

Kringla is an annual tradition with Julekake only every few years.  Kneading bread dough is hard for me so I’ve included, along with the traditional recipe, my version for the bread machine.  This year I borrowed daughter Sarah’s Kitchen Aid mixer to make the traditional recipe, which I split into two parts to accommodate the smaller size of the mixer.

NORWEGIAN CHRISTMAS BREAD

This is the original Christmas bread recipe from Norwegian family friend, Anna Butler

2 packages dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup lukewarm water
1/2 cup chopped citron or candied pineapple
3 cups scalded milk
1/2 cup butter
2 cups raisins
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped candied cherries
2 beaten eggs
1/2 teaspoon crushed cardamom
10 to 11 cups flour

  • Dissolve yeast in warm water.
  • Scald milk and then add butter, salt and sugar. Cool to lukewarm. Add to yeast mixture and add 1/2 flour and eggs. Beat well.
  • Add fruit and cardamom and remaining flour to make light dough. Knead and place in a greased bowl. Let rise until light.
  • Knead and let it rise again.
  • Shape into 5 loaves and place in greased bread pans. Let rise 1 hour or until light. Brush tops with egg yolk mixture of beaten egg yolk and water.

  • Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. After removing from oven, brush top with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar

NORWEGIAN CHRISTMAS BREAD (ADAPTED FOR THE
BREAD MACHINE)

This is a conversion of the original Christmas bread recipe from Anna Butler
1/6 cup lukewarm water
1 cup scalded milk (cooled to lukewarm)
1/3 stick melted margarine
1 small beaten egg
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/6 teaspoon cardamom
3 to 3.3 cups flour
1 package yeast
2/3 cup raisins
1/6 cup citron

  • Place ingredients in bread machine in the order given but put raisins and citron aside.
  • Start bread dough in knead mode and add raisins/citron when your bread machine prompts for add-ins.
Family Favorites · My Roots

Southern Pecan Pie…worthy decadence!

cathysmaha2 Comments

Pecan Pie is a favorite but I haven’t made one in 10+ years.  Recently a friend made one for a gathering and it was so wonderful, daughter Sarah and I decided to make one.  This recipe is from my trusted Farm Journal’s Country Cookbook (1972) and it did not disappoint.  However…note to self…

1) Use a deep pie pan to avoid the pie filling bubbling over in the oven and causing you to open all windows in the house while you are serenaded by the fire alarm and choking family.
2) Put aluminum foil in the bottom of the oven to avoid last-minute oven cleaning.
3) Put aluminum foil over the edges of the crust to avoid the crust burning.               (I remembered this one)
4) Put the above issues aside when savoring the decadent wonder of a slice of slightly warm pecan pie with fresh whipped cream.

SOUTHERN PECAN PIE

Unbaked 9″ pie shell
1 cup pecan halves
3 eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon flour

  • Arrange nuts in pie shell.

  • Beat eggs; add and blend corn syrup, butter and vanilla.
  • Combine sugar and flour. Blend with egg mixture and pour over nuts in pie shell.
  • Let stand until nuts rise, so they’ll get a nice glaze during baking.
  • Bake in moderate oven, 375 degrees 40-50 minute or until filling is set. Cool.
  • Slice and serve with whipped cream.

 

My Roots

Peanut Brittle

cathysmaha1 Comment

Peanut Brittle was a Christmas tradition for my Mother. As a matter of fact, she would make so many candies to share with the neighbors, family and friends. Her home-made candy traditions included the peanut brittle, divinity, chocolate fudge, peanut butter fudge, and caramels. I’ve gained 10 pounds just thinking about it…and this doesn’t even include the list of cookies and breads she would make! She would decorate a box and include a sampling of all of her wonderful goodies.

While I wish I could do the same, I know that I would be sampling everything a little too much so only make a few of my favorites this year. Peanut Brittle is a favorite and at least it has ‘some’ protein, right?

Whatever your traditions, continue and share the memories or your childhood with your children and encourage them to create their own traditions.

PEANUT BRITTLE

1 cup corn syrup
1 1/2 cups raw peanuts
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup white sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda (added after candy has cooked)

  • Combine everything but peanuts and baking soda, and cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.
  • Add raw peanuts. Boil and stir constantly with wooden spoon about 15-20 minutes.
  • Cook to hard crack stage (300 degrees). Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon baking soda.
  • Don’t stir much after you add the baking soda.
  • Pour in large buttered cookie sheet and spread out to corners fast with hands while hot and place quickly on cold table, cement or surface until foam disappears and candy hardens.
  • When cool, break into pieces.
My Roots · Vegan · Vegetarian

Fresh Cranberry Relish for your Thanksgiving Feast!

cathysmaha5 Comments

Cranberry relish is Thanksgiving tradition.  My Mother always served fresh cranberry relish and I have continue the tradition.  The relish is tart and crisp, a nice contrast to the savory turkey, gravy, and dressing.  If you prefer a sweeter relish, add more sugar to taste.

As I prepare the relish, I wondered how my Mother chopped the ingredients without our Food Processors and the I remembered…she used the cast iron food grinder…which I still have.  It worked beautifully AND helped build those arm muscles.  If only I had a place to attach the grinder so I could use it!

This Thanksgiving, as always, be thankful for our families, our health, our friends and that we have the joy of sharing Thanksgiving with loved ones!

FRESH CRANBERRY RELISH

1 bag fresh cranberries
1 red apple
1 orange
1/2 to 1 cup sugar (to taste)

  • A day or two before serving, rinse the cranberries. Remove any soft or blemished cranberries.
  • Wash and core red apple and chop into large chunks.
  • Wash and halve and orange. Remove white membranes and slice off top and bottom peel of orange. Chop into large chunks.
  • Place cranberries, apple, orange and sugar in food processor and chop until coarsely ground. Chill for a day or more and serve.

Great with the Thanksgiving turkey.

Family Favorites · Gluten Free · Losers! · My Roots · New Favorite · New Traditions · Nicaragua · Skinny · Vegan · Vegetarian

Happy 1st Birthday Fork-Lore.com!

cathysmaha6 Comments

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY FORK-LORE.COM!

Fork-Lore 1st Birthday

One year ago I launched Fork-Lore.com as a way to share family traditions and new recipes.  Little did I know one year ago how much I would enjoy posting and sharing recipes, family stories and photos.

This past year, I learned and solidified my beliefs that:

  • It’s hard to remember to photograph food and cooking steps, especially when you’re really into the cooking process (also known as being easily distracted)
  • I need a new, fancy schmancy camera so my photographs are more appealing (and I get a new, much-wanted toy)
  • Older people CAN blog…come on baby-boomers, get out there!

On a more serious note:

  • I truly appreciate the modern conveniences in my kitchen and greatly admire the women that went before me, cooking amazing meals with very few tools.
  • Cooking and sharing a meal with those you love, isn’t just about loving to eat.  It’s about the joy of sharing the moment and the meal with those close to you.
  • Traditions are important.  Build upon the traditions in your family and create new ones.

Thank you to all that have followed me this past year and I hope that you will continue to follow and share on my blog.  I’d love to hear more about your traditions and memories.

Let us eat cake!

Family Favorites · My Roots · Vegetarian

Pumpkin Bars…taste of autumn

cathysmaha2 Comments

Pumpkin Bars are a big hit at our house and a crowd pleaser. Forget the ordinary brownie…these are so moist and yummy. If you are more of an apple fan, substitute applesauce for the pumpkin. Either way, you have a winning dessert!

PUMPKIN BARS

2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 cups sugar
4 eggs (or use 1 cup unsweetened applesauce for Vegan bars)
2 cups pumpkin (applesauce works great too)
1 cup cooking oil
chopped nuts (optional)

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 stick margarine
1 teaspoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups sifted powdered sugar

  • Sift dry ingredients, including sugar, into mixing bowl. Add slightly beaten eggs, pumpkin and oil. Mix; blend in nuts (optional).
  • Bake in 2 greased and floured cake pans (9×13″) at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until done. If baked in one larger plan it may take 40-45 minutes to bake.

  • Serve plain or sprinkle with powdered sugar or spread cooled cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. Cut into squares.

Frosting: Blend all together until smooth and spread on cake. Can double to assure thicker frosting.

Family Favorites · My Roots

What’s for breakfast? PBB (Peanut butter & bacon) sandwich!

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What was my favorite breakfast growing up?  It was a great day when my Mom made a peanut butter bacon (PBB) sandwich paired with chilled Welch’s grape juice. It was breakfast for champions. This favorite comfort food has been on my mind and I HAD to have it, only this time for dinner.

After cooking the bacon in the oven (so much easier than on top the stove), I toasted two pieces of bread and generously spread peanut butter on the toast while warm.  I topped with cooked bacon.  Next, I poured a nice tall glass of cold Welch’s grape juice.

NOTE:  My best Golden Retriever buddy, Joe, decided to eat 3/4 of the bacon while I stepped outside for a moment.  He evidently prefers his bacon straight-up.

Yum…yum…yum.  Memories of bacon & peanut butter moments dance in my head.

Food + memories = joy!

Family Favorites · My Roots · New Favorite · Vegan · Vegetarian

Apple Butter…Crockpot Style

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Apple Butter was a fall tradition in my Mother’s kitchen back on the Iowa farm with plenty of local apples to use.  She would can several jars and store in our ‘fruit room’ in the basement.  Neighbors and friends would share the fruits of their apple harvest with the offer to come pick what remained on their trees.  That’s just how neighbors treat neighbors.

Years ago, a co-worker shared her crockpot apple butter recipe with me.  It’s been in my recipe box ready to be used and this was the year.  The process takes a while but you don’t have to stand over the stove watching it to assure it doesn’t stick and burn.  I’m easily distracted so this is the ticket!

What to serve with the apple butter?  I made a loaf of oatmeal quick bread (see post of October 23) and served a slice of the bread with fresh apple butter on top for an autumn dessert to die for.

– Apple Butter Spread on Oatmeal Bread

Apple Butter

12 to 14 apples
2 cups apple juice
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cloves

  • Wash, core and quarter apples (do not peel).
  • Combine apples and apple juice in lightly oiled Crock pot.
  • Cover and cook on Low setting for 10-18 hours (or on High setting for 2-4 hours).

When fruit is tender, put through a food mill to remove peel. Measure cooked fruit and return to Crockpot. For each pint of sieved cooked fruit, add sugar, cinnamon, allspice and loves; stir well. Cover and cook on High setting for 6-8 hours, stirring every 2 hours. Remove cover after 3 hours to allow fruit and juice to cook down.

You can can the apple butter by spooning into hot sterilized jars and processing according to standard cooking methods.  I chose to refrigerate and share with family for immediate (and I do mean immediate consumption).   It’s too wonderful to last long!

Yield: 5 1/2 pint jars