A mess of beans!

Green Beans are one of my favorite vegetables!

I especially like them the way my Grandma made them.

~*~

Saute 1/2 lb. bacon with 1/2 of a large sweet onion, chopped.

While the bacon and onion are cooking,

I rinse the beans and snip tops and tails off

and toss into the pan of bacon.

I don't measure, just cook what you think you will eat.

(Remember, they will shrink a bit when cooking.)

~*~

~*~

When your pan is almost full, add a little water and some

minced garlic. Put on the lid and let simmer at least 15 minutes.

Season with a little salt and pepper and serve!

~*~

I can make a meal out of just this!

French Peach Pie

This is our favorite pie recipe that we use for either apples or peaches.

I have a big box of peaches almost ready to can.

A few of the peaches are ready to use and

I just can't wait to taste these beauties!

~*~

(Oh, and this recipe has a 'secret ingredient'

but I won't reveal that to you just yet!

First you have to promise not to share this recipe with

just anyone, but only to very special people ~ that is

the way I received it ~ about 30 years ago ~and

that is why I am now sharing it with you!)

~*~

Now, let's bake a pie!

Prepare and set aside one unbaked pie shell

(or use a pre~made one like I did today)

*

Select 8 large ripe peaches (or apples). Peal and slice into a bowl

into which you have measured and mixed together:

1/2 Cup sugar

1/4 Cup flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

*

Stir to coat fruit.

*

Spoon into prepared pie crust, heaping the fruit

in the center, and sprinkle

with 2 Tablespoons lemon juice

*

In a small bowl, combine with a pastry blender

or two knives or even your (clean) hands:

1 Cup flour

1 scant Cup sugar

3/4 Cup butter

*

Top fruit with butter mixture

*

Shhhhh!

(Now for the secret part!)

*

*

Center the pie into a large, heavy brown paper bag!

Close the open end by folding a couple of times

(if long enough)

or by stapling

or with paper clips.

Try to not have the bag touch the top of the pie.

Place on baking sheet and bake at 400* for 15 minutes

then turn the oven down to 350* and

continue baking for an additional 45 minutes.

Do Not Open The Oven Or The Bag

during baking!

Remove from oven and let pie remain in unopened

bag for another 15 minutes.

*

After the 15 minutes, cut or tear open the paper bag

and reveal the most delectable pie you've ever eaten!

This pie is best the first day, while the topping is still

crisp, but you usually don't have to worry about that!

It never lasts long!
*

Extra special with a scoop of French Vanilla Ice Cream!

Bon Appetit!

:~P

Sweet/Hot Dill Pickles

3 quarts thinly sliced cucumbers

To each jar add:

1 head of dill

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 or 2 small dried red peppers

Bring to a boil:

4 cups sugar

4 cups cider vinegar

4 Tablespoon pickling salt

Pour over cucumbers in jar and put sterilized lids and bands on jars.

Process in boiling water bath 10 minutes.

~*~

This recipe is only for 3 quarts of pickles.

I double it and make many batches.

~*~

These are our favorite pickles! I hope you try them! ;~P

Banana Bread Deluxe

Because we had lots of overripe bananas!

2 cups sugar

1 cup shortening

6 ripe bananas

4 large eggs

2 1/2 cups flour

2 teaspoons soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped nuts (opt.)

Cream shortening and sugar in mixer. Add very ripe bananas and eggs alternately.

(If bananas are not too ripe, they are best mashed ahead of time)

Add sifted dry ingredients

(I never sift ~ I put dry ingredients into a bowl and stir well with a wire wisk)

Mix until moist

Fold in nuts if desired (I don't! I'm a purist~no sugar or cream in my tea and no nuts in my banana bread!)

Spoon into 2 greased loaf pans ~ bottom and sides

Bake 350* 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean

Cool completely

(I think I must be a non-conformist! I can't wait for it to come out of the oven, much less wait till it is cooled! But I have to say ~ this is better the next day when the top gets sweet and sticky!)

Enjoy!

(I'm sure you will! ;~} )

Wild Black Cap Jam

Prepare jars and lids.

Bring water to a boil in a water bath canner

or a large pot with lid.

(Filled jars need to be covered by 1-2 inches of boiling water.)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

* Measure 5 cups of crushed/mashed Wild Black Caps (black raspberries) into a large, heavy pot

~

*Stir in one box of fruit pectin and 1/2 teaspoon butter

~

*Bring mixture to a full rolling boil while stirring

~

*Add 7 cups sugar (I use organic)

~

*Return mixture to a full boil and continue to STIR CONSTANTLY for

1 full minute

~

*Remove from heat and skim off any foam (to an awaiting saucer for

an awaiting child to enjoy ~ preferably with homemade bread!)

~

*Ladle into jars, wipe rims with damp cloth, cover with lids and bands and

process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

~

*Remove jars and place on a towel to cool

~

*Listen to the music of 9 jars of beautiful jam sealing!

Music to my ears!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Edited on June 4, 2012
to join laura Williams' Musings
Carnival of Home Preserving

Farmhouse Quiche

*****

Into a baked pie crust add:

*

1/4 sweet onion, chopped & sauteed

*

cooked, chopped vegetable of your choice

ie. asparagus, spinach

(I used steamed broccoli)

about 3/4 cup

*

a nice handful of cut up ham, sausage or crumbled bacon

*

3 three eggs, beaten with one cup milk

*

salt & pepper

*

Cheese (lots!)

*

Bake in a 350* oven for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted into center

comes out clean

Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Strawberry Shortcake

Shortcake

1/4 cup sugar
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup butter
1 beaten egg
2/3 cup milk

Stir together sugar, flour, and baking powder. Cut in the butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine the egg and milk; add to dry mixture. Stir just to moisten. Spread the batter into a greased 8 x 1 1/2~inch round baking pan.

Bake in a 450* oven for 15 to 18 minutes or till a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan.

from Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book

Top with strawberries and sugar mashed with a pastry blender. I used a pound of berries with about 1/4 cup sugar. And don't forget the fresh whipped cream! A pint of whipping cream, a couple of tablespoons of sugar, and a nip of almond extract (I use this stuff in everything now); beat with an electric mixer till fluffy. Just see if any makes it out of the bowl and onto the shortcake!