Dessert

Cooking Without Photos – Banana Cake

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Cooking Without Photos – Banana Cake

This week we arrive right back home to Arkansas. When I found, “The Best Of Times Ouachita Council: 70 Years of Girl Scouting 1927-1997 Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”, I knew it was going to be great! I wasn’t wrong.

In the first few pages, it covers the history of the Ouachita Council which began in 1927 with two troops in the Little Rock area. In 1936, the first Girl Scout Cookie sale occurred. The cookies were made by the Little Rock Bakery and sold for .20 cents a box.

In 1937, Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Hot Springs and attended the dedication of Perry County’s very own, Camp Ouachita Girl Scout Camp. The camp was built by the CCC while the WPA worked tirelessly to create Lake Sylvia Recreation Area.

1937 was also the very first year that Camp Ouachita opened. It ran for 5 weeks that year and served 100 girls from 16 towns. Over the years, it has changed hands a few times and was almost lost all together from disrepair and neglect.

Luckily, in the 1990’s, efforts began to save Camp Ouachita. Today, guests can stay in the renovated cabins and attend events at Ogden Hall. There is still a lot of work to be done at the camp to preserve it for future use, but with care and keeping, Camp Ouachita will be around many more generations, as it remains the only standing Girl Scout camp build by the CCC that is still in use today.

Onto the recipe! There are tons of great recipes in this cookbook! It was hard picking one, but I knew I had some bananas that needed to be used to I chose Banana Cake.

Couple of things:

  1. It took longer in my oven to cook the cakes. May just keep a watch on them. Everybody’s oven is different.
  2. For the frosting it says to melt the butter. That went against all things I’ve ever learned about frosting. I didn’t do that.
  3. This brings me to my next point. Maybe it was because I didn’t melt the butter, but this was a little too thick. When I make it again, I’ll either melt the butter, like it says, or use less powdered sugar.

Great flavor! It was a win at my house!

Cooking Without Photos – Pinto Bean Fudge

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This week’s recipe comes all the way from Phoenix, Arizona.

Phoenix was first inhabited by the Hohokam people. They lived in and around the area for about 2000 years. They created over 130 miles of irrigation canals. In doing this, it made the desert land arable and they had less problems growing crops. The Arizona Canal, Central Arizona Project Canal and the Hayden- Rhodes Aqueduct all used the path of these canals when building their own projects.

It is believed that drought and severe flooding made the Hohokam people abandon the area. Several tribe settlements and the Mexican American War later, the Phoenix area was settled by a prospector named Jack Swilling.

In 1867, Mr. Swilling was riding thru the area and decided it had great potential for farmland. Swilling noticed the previous canal system that had been left behind by indigenous peoples, dug a new canal that brought in water from the Salt River, and created the Swilling Irrigation and Canal Company.

Other settlers soon arrived and it was suggested by one of them that the city be named Phoenix. This suggestion was made because the city was rising out of the ruins of a former civilization.

The railroad arrived in the 1880’s and with it Phoenix became a hub of activity and trading. The territorial capital moved to Phoenix in 1889 and Arizona received their statehood in 1912.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Onto the recipe!

The MINUTE I saw Pinto Bean Fudge, I knew I had to try it. Have you ever had a Pinto Bean Pie? I have and it tasted just like Pecan Pie. No lie!

Anyway, I didn’t get far into Arizona Cookbook before I saw the recipe for Pinto Bean Fudge.

From what I could gather, folks started using beans in sweet treats around the time of the Great Depression. Times were hard and this is an excellent way to stretch ingredients.

This recipe is super easy! Let’s get into it!

Couple of things:

  1. I couldn’t find “Rose” brand beans. I know of Rosarita beans. I googled “Rose” beans and it said that it refers to another brand of beans. I figured a bean was a bean, so I used Walmart brand. I also rinsed them. It just made sense.
  2. It doesn’t tell you to mash up your beans. I did because I thought it needed to be done that way.
  3. “Canned” milk = evaporated milk.
  4. You don’t have to cut up marshmallows if you use mini marshmallows.
  5. Double this recipe unless you have something else to use the 1/2 can of milk and 1/2 can of beans for later in the week.
  6. No mention of what size pan to put the mixture in, so I used an 8×8. Worked fine.

Take this to a family gathering! Everyone will love it and no one will ever know it has beans in it!

Cooking Without Photos – Spritz Cookies

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Burrrrr! This week we are traveling to Petersburg, Alaska aka Little Norway. It’s always amazing to me when I find community cookbooks in Arkansas that are from other states. I just stare at them and ask, “Well, how did you get here? I bet you have an awesome story to tell.”

I digress…Alaska. Located just off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, Petersburg, Alaska was first home to the Tlingit indigenous peoples for over 2000 years. A Norwegian pioneer named Peter Buschmann arrived in 1897. He immediately recognized the potential in fishing opportunities and worked right along side the Tlingit peoples to cultivate a lasting relationship even felt today.

Utilizing natural refrigeration with the LeConte Glacier, fishing boats could stay out longer and it was quickly decided that a cannery was needed. A sawmill and a dock soon followed and the birth of a thriving fishing community was born.

Around 1911 it was decided that lodge for Sons Of Norway needed to be built. Using volunteer labor, one of the largest structures in Petersburg was built and still stands today.

The Sons Of Norway hall was the social center for years. Along with lodge meetings, there were dances, conventions, card parties, and basketball games. In the spring, a farewell party was held for the fisherman before the start of fishing season.

Today, the Lodge stands as a monument to those immigrants who settled in Petersburg and began a new life.

This week’s recipe comes from the cookbook “Sons Of Norway Fedrelandet Lodge 23 Petersburg, Alaska”. Written in 1985, it celebrates the 75th anniversary of the lodge.

When I started deciding on a recipe, I found out quickly that I need to expand my pantry and add some cardamom. Lots of recipes in this book call for cardamom. I don’t believe I’ve ever had that before.

I figured I couldn’t go wrong with a sweet treat. I stopped at spritz cookies. I saw that it called for a “cooky” press. I had one of those! Have you ever gotten mad at cookie dough? Today was that day for me.

Couple of things:

  1. Cooky presses are the devil. There was probably a reason I never saw my mom use one. I love all things kitchen, but I may start drawing the line at cooky press.
  2. Maybe I need to try a different recipe for the cooky press.
  3. Maybe I need to try an up to date version of a cooky press.
  4. Anyway!
  5. Not a hard recipe to put together. My cookies just would not press. I got so sick of it, I rolled the last of the dough into balls and said that’s ENOUGH!
  6. I didn’t sift my flour. If you sift your flour, they are supposed to be smoother.
  7. Will I make them again, probably not. Am I getting rid of my cooky press…also probably not😆

I hope you like them. They have great flavor and could hold up to use for a dip. Pour a glass of milk, have a snack and try not to think about throwing your cooky press in the trash.

Cooking Without Photos – Hawaiian Drop Cookies

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After a short break, I’m back with more recipes and stories to share!

This recipe comes straight from Ola, AR. Back in the day, Ola was first called Red Lick and then Petit Jean. They changed their name to Ola in 1880.

Settlers began arriving around 1840 from all over. Land was cheap and attracted folks from as far away as the Carolinas, Alabama and Tennessee.

The railroad arrived in 1899 and with it came more opportunities for growth. More businesses opened and folks were thriving.

Disaster struck in 1930 when a tornado ripped thru town and again in 1934 when a fire destroyed several businesses.

Over the years and like many small towns, Ola has experience economic turmoil. Today, Ola has a population of about 1,000. A few businesses remain, but mostly Ola is a small town with a big heart.

While flipping thru, “Seasoned With Love: Ola Band Boosters” I was reminded that Ola School District no longer exists. In 2004, Ola School district merged with several other small districts and Two Rivers School District was born. Living history, as they say.

Ola (Yell County)

On to the recipe!

I picked out Hawaiian Drop Cookies to make. Sounded pretty easy for this rainy afternoon.

Couple Things:

  1. I used a cookie dough scoop. The scoop made it way easier.
  2. I cooked these for 12 minutes and let them sit for a couple of minutes after they came out of the oven.

That’s really it. These are a not so sweet, fluffy cookie but very tasty and perfect with a glass of milk. Yessssss!

Cooking Without Photos – Lemonade Cake

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Oppelo “The Turn Off”, Arkansas. Did y’all know Oppelo used to be part of Perry County as did Petit Jean Mountain…until county lines were redrawn and Conway County overtook it ALL!!!!

I digress. Oppelo. Oppelo was settled around 1850 when L.B Opolow arrived with his family from Maryland. Upon their arrival, L.B. started up a sawmill and other timber related operations to the area.

The settlement developed around a spring that was named Oppelo Spring. It was a place where folks came for fresh water, the women socialized and individual family clothes lines were kept. Today, Oppelo Spring is on private land and is the source of water for a stock pond.

In 1867 the first post office opened in Oppelo and operated until 1913. At one time, Oppelo had schools, a drug store, general store and more.

Today, Oppelo is a quiet community. They have a beautiful park and walking trail. Maybe stop in next time you’re on your way to Petit Jean…that used to be in Perry County….we aren’t bitter about that.

While flipping thru, “Variety Pack: Favorite Recipes From Oppelo Kitchens” I stumbled across Lemonade Cake. Yum! Let’s get into it!

Couple Things:

  1. I figured out “coil” was oil pretty quick.
  2. Back in the day, they used to make a 6oz can of frozen lemonade. You’re going to have to use half of a 12oz can, kids.

That’s it. It turns out looking really plain, but it is packed with flavor. You won’t regret it.

Cooking Without Photos – No Crust Coconut Pie

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Just south of Jackson, Mississippi sits the small city of Brookhaven. Brookhaven was founded in 1818 by a settler named Samuel Jayne. Mr. Jayne named Brookhaven after Brookhaven, New York.

In 1858 the railroad came thru Brookhaven and with it the business from New Orleans and Memphis. Sadly, the Civil War battered Brookhaven and it had to be rebuilt, even the railroad was destroyed.

On to the recipe!!!

While combing thru, “A Taste Of Heaven, Jackson Street United Methodist Church”, I found a recipe for No Crust Coconut Pie.

I remember having this when I was a kid. I feel like my Grandma used to make these during the holidays. It’s been a long time since I’ve had one though. Y’all, this is great!!! Let’s get into it.

Couple things:

  1. This looks like it is going to spill over the top of the pie pan when you get it ready to cook. It didn’t but I’d still put a pan underneath just in case it decides to jump ship.
  2. It didn’t say what kind of flour to use, so I used all purpose. I bet if I used self rising, it would have overflowed. I feel like the flour is mainly for binding.
  3. I cooked this just like the recipe says. 325° for 40 minutes. Nope. Wasn’t near done. I cooked it for another 20 minutes. May just keep an eye on it.

It really does make its own crust! Delicious!!! Takes me back home❤️❤️

Cooking Without Photos – Cowboy Cookies

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This one is going to be short and sweet…sort of like the ingredients list for this recipe😆

I’ve already used a cookbook from Dardanelle. Sue me😆. I mainly picked this one up because it was done by the Cub Scouts. Community cookbooks are such a good way to raise money for different organizations.

Since Lake Dardanelle State Park is partially in Dardanelle, I’ll talk about that a little. Lake Dardanelle was created in 1965 after the Dardanelle Dam was completed in 1964 by the Corp of Engineers. In 1966, the lake was officially recognized as a State Park.

Today, Lake Dardanelle attracts bass fisherman from around the world. They offer camping, pavillions, picnic sites and a fabulous visitor center.

On to the recipe! While reading, “Cub Scouts Pack 69: Dardanelle, Arkansas” I came across Cowboy Cookies. Gah! These take me back to my high school days!

Let’s get to it! Nothing hard about this recipe. Straight and to the point. You boil a couple of things and stir in the other ingredients. Badda Bing, Badda Boom! Cookies❤️❤️

Fabulous and easy!

Cooking Without Photos – Apple Dumplings

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Jumping in, we head to Roland, Oklahoma. Roland began as a small community called Garrison or Garrison Creek. They voted to change their name in 1904. Within a few years, Roland had a population of over 200, postal service, public school, general stores and grocery stores.

The town doubled and then tripled in size over the next 70 or so years. Their main population spike came when the Cherokee Nation built the casino. It was originally called, Cherokee Nation Bingo Outpost.

It’s a sweet little town, full of history and just across the border into Oklahoma from Arkansas.

On to the recipe!

While looking thru, “Taste Of Heaven: Zion Missionary Baptist Church” I came across Apple Dumplings. I’ve actually made these a few times but it’s been probably 10 years or more. Our youngest had never had rhem before, so I decided it was time to get back at it. And he could also help me.

Couple things:
This recipe is pretty spot on.

  1. I used Granny Smith apples
  2. You can also use Sprite if you’d like instead of Mountain Dew.

That’s it. Enjoy!

Cooking Without Photos – Grandpa’s Peanut Butter Cookies

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This time we head way up in Northwest Arkansas to Boone County. Lead Hill is our destination and if you blink, you’re gonna miss it.

Lead Hill has a population of 271 people. Situated on the shore of Bull Shoals Lake, there is seriously plenty to do to keep yourself entertained.

Lead Hill was named because of the lead deposits that were mined there in the early 1900s. Actually the original town of Lead Hill is now located under water. When Bull Shoals was built, the people of Lead Hill uprooted the whole town and moved to higher ground. Yes😳

On to the recipe!

While flipping thru, “Tasty Temptations: Monarch Tabernacle Church Of God” I immediately noticed that there was a paper clip marking a recipe. I took that as a sign that we needed to try Grandpa’s Peanut Butter Cookies.

Couple things:

Actually only one🤔. It says to cook for 10 minutes and I cooked mine for 12. “Monitor and adjust”, that’s what my Mama always says.

These are the best! Super fluffy and taste wonderful! Thanks, Earl T. Johnson! May you RIP knowing your recipe is being shared still today❤️❤️❤️

Cooking Without Photos – Banana Cake

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Cooking Without Photos – Week 35

I know right where this week’s cookbook came from! My pal Debbie gave this one to me when she found out that I would be sharing recipes this way.

Ohhhhh Memphis! I’ve been to Memphis only once. I went there as a teen to tour the Titanic exhibit. It was spectacular! I remember coming out of there in tears.

Memphis, Tennessee founded in 1819 and named after Egypt’s Capitol of Memphis. Makes sense that they have a pyramid🤔. Cotton was a huge part their economic growth and in surrounding areas, it still is today.

Many notable musicians grew up in Memphis and upper Mississippi. Big names included in this roster are: B.B. King, Isaac Hayes and Elvis Presley.

Memphis is just as famous for their bbq as they are their Blues musicians. They are home to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Mmmmmm! Tasty!

On to the recipe!!

While flipping thru, “The Memphis Cookbook: Junior League Of Memphis” I came across a recipe for Banana Cake with “Never Fail Creamy Caramel Icing”. Yes please!

Couple things:

  1. I didn’t have an 8 x 12 1/2 inch pan. I’ve never even heard of a pan that size. I just used two round layer pans. Boom! Done!
  2. I didn’t put nuts in mine and I didn’t sift the flour. Sue me🤷🏻‍♀️
  3. Sour Milk = Buttermilk. I had to look it up.
  4. Ya know how they say, “Never say never”? Welp, I failed the ”never fail” icing. I mean FAILED!! I threw it all out and thankfully had a can of frosting. Maybe someone could look at the recipe and tell me what I did wrong. The first part of the recipe ended up being a huge ball of hard candy and it went downhill from there.

Other than the icing being a disaster, the cake turned out perfect and it is super moist and tasty!!! Enjoy❤️❤️❤️