Cooking Without Photos – Broccoli Cornbread

/ The Plot Twisted / Leave a comment

We take a short trip to Bee Branch, Arkansas this week.

Did you know Bee Branch got their name because there was a beehive in a tree near the post office? This info came from Wikipedia so I’m not actually sure if it’s true😆. One thing is for sure, small town livin’ is still prime and knowing your neighbor is king.

This week’s selection comes from the book, “Favorite Recipes Of Bluegrass Friends And Fans Of Cadron Creek Bluegrass Park: Bee Branch, Arkansas”. I looked high and low for information regarding the next bluegrass festival with no luck. Like most bluegrass festivals around the state, it seems like this one has folded and it makes me sad.

While reading the book, I remembered my own grandparents traveling to different festivals. Seems like it was fairly often that they were heading out to hear their favorite banjo player. I can’t tell you the last time I heard about a festival happening. Maybe I’m just out of the loop or maybe they are few and far between.😢

I chose Broccoli Cornbread this week. I’ve had it multiple times before thanks to a coworker. I thought it was too good of a bread not to share it. This one is a little different from the one I’ve had. Seems like there should be more liquid or some sour cream or something. Tasty nonetheless. I’ll also add that I’m NOT a fan of Jiffy cornbread and I still love this. Hope you enjoy!

Cooking Without Photos – Beef And Dumpling Bake

/ The Plot Twisted / Leave a comment

This week we trek to the Arkansas of the north, Wisconsin!! That’s right! Home of the Packers! The Badger State!

The Mineral Point area was once mined for limestone and other minerals. When prospectors arrived to the area, they didn’t bother building houses. They dug out the bluffs and made shelters out of them…like badger holes. Hence, The Badger State.

Several Native American Tribes originally established the area, one of them being the Ho-Chunk tribe. Fun Fact: The summer of my 16th year, I spent in Mazomaine, WI (which is a hop, skip and a jump from Mineral Point) I can still remember the jingle from the Ho-Chunk Casino commercials😆

Anywho, once the California Gold Rush Started in 1848, Mineral Point fell into a depression. In the late 1880s, zinc was discovered and Mineral Point soon became home of the largest zinc oxide company in the United States.

By the turn of the century, dairy and cattle production increased. With cattle grazing on native blue grass, they earned their own brand at the Chicago Stockyards. Cattle and dairy production is still a huge part of Wisconsin’s industry today. Cheese stores, y’all. They have cheese stores!

This week’s book is, “Cook Book: First United Methodist Church Mineral Point, WI”. The recipe I chose was, Beef And Dumpling Bake. Y’all, this is a heavy dish. Like I’m picturing a room of lumberjacks or dairy farmers having this after a long day. Tasty nonetheless!

This one is done in two steps. When I took it out the second time, I was like…ain’t no way those dumplings are done. They were🤷🏻‍♀️ Couple of things: I used fresh mushrooms because we like them better. Because of this, I used a whole cup. Also, I used a smaller bell pepper so I put more rings on top. Made sense🤔 Enjoy!!