Dessert

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❤️❤️❤️

Cooking Without Photos – Lemon Squares

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Walking into the Little Rock Zoo, you automatically sense the history that surrounds the entire complex. Personally, I connect with all of the rock work throughout the park. It just makes me feel at home.

Here are some quick facts about the zoo that I bet you didn’t know:

  1. Little Rock zoo began in 1926 with only a timber wolf and a brown bear.
  2. The public quickly rallied, raised money and bought three buffalo. They also donated animals of their own to add to the zoo’s collection.
  3. By 1928, the zoo had about 3 dozen animals.
  4. In 1952 a 13 ft alligator named Big Arkie was on display and drew huge numbers. He lived 18 years at the zoo and was believed to be the largest captive alligator in the western hemisphere at that point.

Over the years several organizations and groups have helped raise money for the zoo and it has held strong. One of those organizations put out a cookbook as a fundraiser for the zoo.

While flipping thru, “What Would Zoo Like For Dinner?: A Cookbook By The Little Rock Chapter AAZK” I came across a recipe for Lemon Squares. Mmmmmmmmm! Yes please!

Couple things:

  1. It didn’t say to use self rising flour. I did.
  2. It says to “mix” the crust ingredients together. I found it difficult to “mix” butter with dry ingredients. I tried a pastry blender too. Nope. Since I’d made a huge mess, I popped it in the microwave and melted the butter. TaDa! Perfection! Just melt your butter to begin with and you won’t have that problem.
  3. Cooks up pretty!
  4. After tasting it, I feel like it may need more lemon🤔

Enjoy!!!

P.S. I’d estimate the cost of this to be under $3. Very cheap and a whole lot of flavor…just add more lemon😆

Cooking Without Photos – Blueberry Buckle

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This week we make our way up north to Concord, New Hampshire. Clearly this cookbook came from a flea market down here in the south because I’ve never once been to New Hampshire.

Concord, NH was first named Rumford and was incorporated in 1734. In 1765 it was renamed Concord by then governor Benning Wentworth. In 1808 Concord was named the official county seat.

Throughout history Concord has been the home of several notable people. Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott are among those folks that called Concord home.

Concord is also well known for Concord Coaches. The carriage company was known worldwide in the 19th century. Today the Concord Coach Square Dance Club is keeping that name alive and preserving history at the same time. This cookbook was written in 1977, but the square dancing group is still active and you can find them on Facebook.

When I opened the cookbook, “Concord Coach Cook Book: Favorite Recipes From Our Square Dancing Friends” I wasn’t sure what to expect. Then I saw it. Blueberry Buckle. Yes. Yes indeed.

Let’s get into it.

  1. Use a 9×13 pan. I almost used an 8×8. That would have been a disaster.
  2. When you get the batter mixed up, it’s going to feel more like cookie dough.
  3. Keep going. Don’t add any milk or anything extra.
  4. Doesn’t say anything about adding ice cream or whipped cream. I can’t see how you could go wrong with either.
  5. This would also be great for brunch. Reminded me of coffee cake.

Enjoy!!!

Y’all share with your friends❤️

Cooking Without Photos – Peanut Butter Treats

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🎶🎵 Georgia, Georgia 🎵🎶. I’ve never been to Georgia. Maybe one of these days I’ll get to travel there. Until then, I’ll live vicariously thru this next cookbook which comes to you from Fort Stewart, Georgia.

The land for Fort Stewart was bought in 1940 and a short two years later, it was opened as a training center for the US Army. Camp Stewart was complete with a firing range and impact areas. Fort Stewart was named after a local Revolutionary War General named Daniel Stewart and spans 280,000 acres.

When I opened, “Garry Owen Grub: A Collection Of Recipes By 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Family Support Group”, the first thing I noticed was the hole in the front cover. Then I quickly decided that it was supposed to be there as there was also a hole in the back cover as well. Bullet holes, Man. Bullet holes. Yes, they thought of everything.

And true to military style, this cookbook showcases folks from all over. Folks that came together to help make our country better. So even though this cookbook is from Georgia, it’s easy to see that this is an eclectic mix of recipes from all over the country. A treasure indeed❤️

While flipping pages, I landed on a simple recipe. Scanning the recipe for Peanut Butter Treats, I just knew it was the recipe my mom uses for her Peanut Butter Rice Krispies. Guess what? It ain’t. This one is good too, just not the one I’m looking for. Could I ask my Mama to give me her recipe? Yes, but I’m stubborn and I’m determined to find it myself😆

Couple things:

  1. It doesn’t say anything about needing a double boiler. I was nervous not to use one. Turns out you don’t need it. It melts down fine and doesn’t stick.
  2. 12 Oz bags of butterscotch chips have shrunk and are now 11 Oz bags. I put in 1/2 cup less Rice Krispies to accommodate this problem.

Y’all enjoy!

Cooking Without Photos – Camp Nachos and Walking Banana Pudding

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This weekend we were on a camping trip and the weather was perfect! We won’t talk about how it rained all night the first night and I was the only one concerned🤔

We stayed at Lake Nimrod and it was fabulous! I learned today that this was a favorite place of my Great Grandfather’s. No wonder I feel at home there. ❤️

Lake Nimrod is the oldest Army Corp of Engineers project in Arkansas. It was created to help control flooding along the Fourche La Fave River and was completed in 1942.

Situated alongside the Nimrod Wildlife Management area, Lake Nimrod is a great place not only for fishing but also water fowl hunting or observation. With 5 campsites available, it’s a great place to take your family for a weekend of fun any time of year.

Today I chose to share a few recipes you could take with you while camping. Since I didn’t find these in a cookbook, don’t be upset. Next week we are back to normal😆

The first I’d like to share is one that I’ve been trying to figure out for a bit. You may look at this one and decide you want something different too. I won’t be sad if you change it to suit you. in fact, the next time I make it I’m putting in a can of chili beans🤔. Here it goes:

Camp Nachos
1 lb hamburger meat – browned
1 Onion – diced
1 Package Taco Seasoning
16 Oz Melting Cheese (Velveeta) – cubed
16 Oz Pepper Jack – cubed
2 Can Rotel
1 Can Cream of Mushroom
1/2 Cup Milk

  1. Get a fire going in your fire pit or start up your charcoal on your grill.
  2. Brown and crumble hamburger in a Dutch oven with onion. Drain and add taco seasoning. Set aside.
  3. In a foil pan, add remaining ingredients. Place on grill or fire pit grate.
  4. Stir every so often to avoid scorching until cheese is melted.
  5. Remove from heat. Add back in the hamburger.
    Superb!!

Walking Banana Pudding
(Per Person)
1 Package Mini Nilla Wafers
1/3 Banana-Sliced
1 Banana Crème Pie Flavored Snack Cup

Combine all ingredients with a good stir and enjoy!

Lake Nimrod Sunset

Cooking Without Photos – Lemon Orange Muffins

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This week’s cookbook was suggested by my pal Mary Jane❤️. She found this treasure at the Oppelo Flea Market, one of my fave places😍. I zipped on over there and snatched it up! Whooop!

Fun fact: When I was growing up, I had a fascination with anything that had my name in it. I always thought they belonged to me. Turns out, I was mistaken🧐

Trinity Episcopal Church rests in Pine Bluff. This church has been around for 164 years. It’s also the oldest continuously active Episcopal church in Arkansas. They’re famously home to the 100 year Pancake Supper. Maybe I’ll show up there some day and be part of their history.

I chose this week’s recipe from “A Taste Of Trinity” for two reasons. 1. I love lemons! 2. We needed a new dessert. Good news! I didn’t steer myself wrong!

Few things:

  1. I didn’t know what a “butter cake mix” was. I’ve always called it a “yellow cake mix”. Surprise! It’s the same thing.
  2. I used butter because my mix told me to.
  3. I added a little bit more powdered sugar. Maybe my oranges and lemons were extra juicy🤔 Monitor and adjust❤️
  4. When the recipe said to make mini muffins, I wanted to see what it would be like if I made regular muffins and just put the frosting on top.
    Y’all, Blanche Choate knows what she’s talkin’ about. Make them mini and dunk them into that yummy concoction! Yaaaaassssss!

You’re gonna love them!

Cooking Without Photos – Magic Cookie Bar

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It’s up in the air how Texarkana, TX got their name. There are several stories that claim the origin of the name. One story is that it is named from a combination of Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. Another is that there was a steamboat with the same name. And still another that a General named the town. It’s a mystery.

Moving along. In case you don’t know, Texarkana, TX is a twin city with Texarkana, AR. Yes. They even have twin post offices, split right down the middle on the state line. Indeed.

Texarkana’s history is hugely important. For hundreds of years, The Great Southwest Trail was the main line of travel for Indian villages of the Mississippi River. When the railroad arrived in the late 1850’s along that same trail, Texarkana quickly became a hub for the area. The population of the area has gone up and down, but one thing remains, the railroad. Still an important part of who they are as a city.

This week is sort of cheated. I was flipping thru, “Sharing Our Best: A Collection Of Recipes By Echo Hills Missionary Baptist” and I came across Magic Cookie Bars😍😍😍

My husband’s Grandma made these and they are fabulous! All of his cousins would just rave about them. The first time I had them, I asked her for the recipe. She laughed and said, “Honey, everybody thinks I came up with this myself, but it’s on the back of the Eagle Brand milk can.” What?! 😆 I loved it and she was the best❤️

Note: you can absolutely make your own Graham cracker crumbs. I was just lazy.

Hope you enjoy!!!❤️❤️❤️

Cooking Without Photos – Black Forest Pie

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I just keep going back to this cookbook. When cookbooks are worn, have stains all over or generally falling apart, you know they’re gonna be spectacular!

This time I’m sharing Black Forest Pie😍😍 Super easy!

One thing: unless you want a half of a can of cherry pie filling left over, double this recipe and make two pies. Keep one and share one. Also, I feel like there are a ton of options to switch this recipe up. One way I’m thinking of is to use banana pudding and then drizzle chocolate fudge over the top. Yaaaasssss!!!!

Cooking Without Photos – Peach-Berry Upside Down Crisp

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Cooking Without Photos – Week 5

It’s gonna get cold this week here in the south. Why not travel to the sunshine state? Aaaahhhh Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city. Did you know that Florida once had two capitals? Yep! St. Augustine and Pensacola alternated the task until it was decided that Tallahassee needed to be the capital in 1824.

Tallahassee sits rich in state history and is a hub for agriculture, timber and livestock trade for the region. Creek and Apalachee (not Apache) Indian history is also hugely important to this area of Florida. The word “Tallahassee” actually derives from the Creek word meaning “old town”.

This week’s recipe comes to you from the book, “Loaves and Fishes: Christ Presbyterian Church”. The church was started in the the late 1980’s, although that’s really not that long ago. The coolest part is that when leaders bought a few acres of land to build a church on, they instead repurposed a small Methodist church chapel that had been originally built in 1910. They had the building moved to its new location and made the necessary changes. It’s just beautiful!!

While flipping thru the pages of the cookbook, Peach-Berry Upside-Down Crisp caught my eye. Reading the ingredients, I had to look up what a boysenberry even was😆 Apparently, it’s a cross between blackberry, dewberry, raspberry and a loganberry. No wonder I was confused! I used blackberries instead 🤷🏻‍♀️

Anywho, this is excellent! One piece of advice, make sure you use self-rising flour and also let it sit for the 15 minutes. Alllllll those juices soak up into the crisp. Mmmmmmm! Thank you where ever you are, Lu Parry😘😘