Basil & Tomato Salad: A Perfect Summer Salad

...Or App (and I don't mean Iphone)

Basil and Tomato Salad

• 2 tablespoons chopped basil
• 6 tomatoes quartered
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Mixed Greens

Marinate tomatoes in mixture of 1 tablespoon basil, the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper for 4 hours. Stir tomatoes once or twice and baste with the marinade. Combine greens with remaining 1 tablespoon basil and arrange in salad bowl. Arrange tomato quarters on greens and pour marinade over them. Before serving, toss well. Serves 6.

To serve as an appetizer - you'll need toothpicks. Instead of quartering the tomatoes, cut them in eighths, and if using large basil leaves chop in half, if smaller don't even chop. follow the directions to marinate. Once marinated, take a piece of tomato, place a basil leaf on top, stick a toothpick in it. Place all your toothpicked tomatoes on a serving platter and drizzle with marinade. Yum!

Friday Family Favorites - Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes - Grandma's Version

• 1 lb hamburger (if you cooked up too many burgers over the weekend - chop them up and use or use ground turkey)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1¼ tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon onion salt
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard

Cook meat until it turns white do not brown. Add all other ingredients and simmer 15 minutes.

My Version

I like a little zip and crunch. I put 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper in or 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes. Instead of celery salt and onion salt, I put actual pieces of celery and onions in it to give more texture. Just throw them in when the meat is almost browned then add the rest of the ingredients.

I mean seriously...when's the last time you didn't just pop a can of manwich? This will only add 5 minutes to your time and you should have most of these ingredients on hand. ( you can survive without the celery salt if you don't have it). This will last 4 days in the fridge.

Raspberry Poke Cake

The name intrigues...the texture I'm not so sure about...

Raspberry Poke Cake B. Lowe

• 1 package (2 layer size) white cake mix
• 1 package (3 oz) Jello Brand Raspberry Flavor Gelatin (or any other flavor)
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water

Prepare cake mix as directed on package, baking in a well greased and floured 13x9 inch pan at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool in pan 15 minutes; then poke with fork at ½ inch intervals. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Add cold water and spoon over cake in pan. Chill 3 to 4 hours. Top with thawed Bird's Eye Cool Whip Non Dairy Whipped Topping.

Did you know that Cool Whip (blue and white with new swirly logo) was originally called Bird's Eye Whipped Topping?

Coconut Macaroons - So Easy.

Short Oven Time = Perfect Summer Treat

Coconut Macaroons

• 2 cups coconut
• ½ Cup Eagle Brand Milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine coconut & milk, add vanilla Greased cookie sheet. 350° 10 minutes, 2 dozen.

My Note: Look like a rockstar & drizzle chocolate over top.

Chhicken Salad -- Upcoming Luncheon?

Chicken Salad - Notes from Mary La Forest- (June ‘81; notes, we each doubled this recipe- served at Golferettes Invitational and also notes, would omit pineapple).

Serves 6-8 people

• 2 cups cooked, cooled, diced Chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sliced or diced celery
• 1 cup seedless white grapes
• 1 cup pineapple tidbits drained
• 2 hard cooked eggs, diced
• ½ cup Hellman’s

Prepare chicken, sprinkle with lemon juice, set aside. Combine rest of ingredients; add to chicken. Add Hellman’s and mix well. Sprinkle with slivered almonds (optional).

My note: try dried cranberries instead of the pineapple...I think the pineapple would make it too sweet.

Artichoke Pasta - Easy Monday night dinner

Need a quick fix?

8 oz pasta (I prefer spiral) or even a cheese ravioli works for this recipe

1/2 tab olive oil

1 can artichoke hearts- quartered

1 can crushed tomatoes

1 orange pepper

crushed red peppers if desired

Prepare pasta according to directions. In separate pan over med- high heat with oil, add peppers, after 3 minutes add tomatoes and artichoke hearts simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add pasta, stir and let simmer for 3-5 minutes. If you want an extra kick, sprinkle on a little crushed red peppers. Tastes good for dinner and even better for lunch the next day.

Serves 4.

In the spirit to be a carnivore?? Add cooked chopped chicken in with the tomatoes and artichoke hearts step. Tasty.

Kugelholf (need I say more?)

• ½ cup butter (notes oleo is ok)
• 1 ½ cup sugar
• 2 cups cake flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¾ cup milk

Cream butter; sugar; add 1 egg at a time and beat very well. Add flour, baking powder, milk and vanilla. Beat 5 minutes. Bake in Bundt pan, greased well at 375° for 45 minutes.

Pasta Salad

The recipe below will feed a group, you can adjust to make 1 or 2 servings...it's like any other salad add and subtract at will!

• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 small yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 16-oz container of grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
• 1 pound ball fresh mozzarella or fresh smoked mozzarella, diced (Can make due with shredded mozzerella if its all you have)
• fresh basil - 20 leaves -just rip them up & throw them in (if you have extra you can freeze in ice cubes to save for later)
• 1 pound spiral pasta , cooked to al dente and cooled under cold water , then drained

Dressing :

Use this recipe below or cheat and use Newman's Own Organic Tuscan Italian Dressing.

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian dried seasoning
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt & Pepper as desired

Friday Family Favorite - Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

Also known as Broccoli Crunch

• 2 package frozen broccoli

• ½ package Velveeta cheese (small)

• 1 stick butter

• 1 roll of Ritz or Town House

Cook Broccoli, drain, add cheese cut in chunks. Put in casserole crumbled crackers and add melted butter – put on top of broccoli & Cheese. 30 minutes 350°.

Can substitute slices of American Cheese for Velveeta and layer through dish...

Mexican Lasagna....and for only $19.95 you'll get a third one free!!!

I feel like the home shopping network but did you know you can do even more with that Burrito recipe?? If you've mastered the Black Bean Burritos, this is no challenge at all; it’s only 1 new ingredient and an extra 30 minutes for cooking!

Mexican Lasagna:

• 1 Green Peppers
• 1 Small onion (Vidalia)
• 1 Can Black Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 Can Tomatoes or 1 or 2 big tomatoes chopped
• 1 Can of refried beans (low fat or low sodium)
• 1lb ground turkey or beef
• 1 Package of Taco Seasoning
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 package tortillas
• Mexican Cheese (3 cups)

Preheat oven 350 degrees, spray a 9x13 with cooking spray.

In a large pan, brown Meat, drain and set aside (just use the 9x13 so you don’t dirty another dish).

Add chopped Peppers and Onion, in large pan with a 1/2 tbsp of olive oil over med heat for about 4 minutes or until veggies begin to brown. Add tomatoes and black beans, keep on heat for 2 minutes. Add meat back in to pan, add taco seasoning and water and simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.

Place a layer of tortillas in bottom of pan (2 small tortillas & rip a 3rd to make it work), a layer of refried beans, a layer of bean mixture, a layer of cheese. Repeat 2x.

Put in oven til bubbly and cheese is melted about 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Party Punch!! Thinking about the weekend already?

Punch B. Lowe

• 1 5^th Southern Comfort
• 3 quarts 7-up
• 6 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 1 6 oz. can frozen lemonade
• 1 6 oz. can frozen orange juice
• 1 lemon

Chill Ingredients – add 7 up and ice. When ready to serve, add orange juice and lemon slices. Serves 32. (aren't you curious how that was calculated? I am.)

Black Bean Burrito - Weeknight Dinner

Okay...So I won't lie the last two recipes grossed me out a little...hope this one pleases the palate, its one of my own I continue to tweak - its quick, easy and you can make it in big batches for large groups quickly... Enjoy!

Black Bean Burritos - total time needed 2o minutes

2 Peppers (Red, Yellow, or Orange are my favorite in this recipe)

1 Small onion (Vidalia)

1 Can Black Beans (rinsed & drained)

1 Can Tomatoes or 1 or 2 big tomatoes chopped

1 Package of Taco Seasoning

2/3 cup water

1 package tortillas

Mexican Cheese

Optional ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey, beef, chicken (already browned) or precooked chicken (like Kirkland or Tyson)

1/2 cup corn

Salsa

Guacamole

Chop Peppers and Onion, put in pan with a 1/2 tbsp of olive oil over med heat for about 4 minutes or until veggies begin to brown. Add tomatoes and black beans, keep on heat for 2 minutes. If you are using meat, add now.

Add taco seasoning and water and simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally- the final product will be a little liquid-y. (If you don't use canned tomatoes, you may need to add a little extra water or it will be dry).

To Serve: Ladle your portion into a tortilla, top with Mexican Cheeses, as well as salsa and guac if desired. Fold it up and eat! (repeat as desired).

New Cooks - this will store for 4 days.

Now that you've mastered above look what else you can create with this base:

A lighter lunch option is to serve chilled on lettuce.

A second option is to place in bowl, put some cheese on top & heat for a quick tortilla dip.

Shrimp Dip

Can you even buy shrimp in cans anymore? well at least not for 68 cents...

Shrimp Dip From B. Scuillo to Bernadette Lowe (Notes Very Good)

• 1 small 6 oz. can shrimp (68₵ )
• 1 package cream cheese (small)
• 1 tablespoon grated onion
• pinch salt

Form in Ball, roll in nuts.

Asparagus Supreme? Sunday Side or Breakfast

Asparagus Supreme

• 1 ½ lbs fresh asparagus, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 4 hard cooked eggs, diced
• 1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
• 1 cup ( 4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• Dry bread crumbs

Cook asparagus in boiling water until nearly tender; drain and set aside. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add flour, salt and pepper; cook and stir until smooth and bubbly. Gradually add milk; cook and stir until thickened. Remove from heat. Place half of the asparagus in a greased 1 ½ quart baking dish. Top with half of the white sauce, eggs, pimientos and cheese. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake uncovered, at 325˚ for 30-35 minutes. Yield 6 servings.

My breakfast version of this - Asparagus omelette for 2: 1/2 lb asparagus, 6 eggs [ egg whites if you go all the way], half tab of butter unsalted, half the milk (or less depends on egg size), salt & pepper, red pepper, cheddar cheese served on toast. tasty.

Bread & Butter Pickles (Recipe 1 & 2)

Bread and butter pickles

Soak ½ pack cucumber dills in ½ cup coarse salt – 2hrs. Drain

Bring to Boil:

• 12 small onions [chopped]

• 6 cups vinegar

• 3 tablespoons dry mustard

• 1 ½ teaspoons turmeric

• 3 teaspoons pepper

• 1 ½ teaspoon celery salt

• 3 cups sugar

Add pickles and heat thoroughly for 5-10 minutes. 10 pts.

Though I'd reward points for trying this recipe - 10 pts = pints.

Coed pack Bread & Butter From Mrs. Williams 542-6773 (beauty shop)

• 1 gallon of pickles sliced thin
• 4 large onions [chopped]
• 3 cups cider vinegar
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• 1 tablespoon mustard seed
• 1 tablespoon tumeric
• ¼ cup salt

Slice pickles and pack in jars. Pour liquid on pickles and put lid on and refrigerate. Ready in 3 days.

Cookies -Oatmeal Crunchies

Oatmeal Crunchies B. Lowe from Meg

• ½ cup shortening (Meg says use half butter but note on Card says NO; use shortening - you decide)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon [baking] soda
• ¼ salt
• ¼ vanilla
• ¾ cup oats
• ¾ cup nutmeats [nuts]

Cream these ingredients together. Add vanilla to creamed ingredients. Add flour, baking powder and soda. Beat well. Stir in oats and nuts. Form dough into small balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 375° 10-12 minutes. (Meg says she finds 10 min fine). Makes 3 ½ doz.

Nutmeats...means shelled nuts. In this case, most likely walnuts -and you'll want to chop them first... unless you live in my house where you leave them out or eat the whole batch yourself...

Easy Coffee Cake - Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Never Fail Coffee Cake – Sour Cream Large B. Lowe

• ½ cup spry [Crisco]
• ½ cup oleo [butter]
• 1 ½ cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 ½ cup flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Topping

• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup walnuts (finely crushed)
• ¼ cup brown sugar

Cream spry with oleo and sugar. Add eggs one at the time and beat well. Add vanilla. Add dry ingredients alternately with sour cream. Mix topping together. Pour half of batter into angel food pan [bundt] ungreased, add half of topping and pour remaining batter into pan. Bake at 350° 50 to 60 min.

Notes: you can add very thin slices of apples between layers.

I say be daring and throw some dried cranberries into the mix with the apples. Yum.

Company Pot Luck? Lemon Chiffon Cake

Working Girls Cake B. Lowe

• Duncan Hines Lemon Chiffon Cake Mix
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup Mazola Oil [Vegetable Oil]
• 2 small boxes lemon instant pudding mix

Put in mixer at high speed – 4 minutes. Flour & oil pan. Bake 350° 55-60 min.

Duncan Hines makes Lemon Supreme Cake Mix which substitutes just as well in this recipe...suggestion is to top with cool whip and raspberries when serving or serve plain.

Early Tomatoes - Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes B. Lowe

• 4 large green tomatoes (see note)
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons bacon drippings [you can use veg. oil for the healthier version]

Cut green tomatoes into half-inch thick slices; set aside. Combine flour sugar, salt & black pepper. Lightly coat tomatoes on both sides with flour mixture. In a large skillet heat drippings. Place tomatoes in skillet in a single layer. Fry until brown on both sides; remove to a hot platter and repeat with remaining tomatoes, adding additional drippings, if needed. Serves 6.

B's Note: Few stores feature green tomatoes but most produce managers will make them available at a customer’s request. If they can’t be found, firm pink tomatoes work well.
[Green tomatoes are just regular tomatoes picked before they turn red. Not only is the color different - the flavor is too - a touch spicy!]

A Taste of Summer - Summer Squash & Zucchini

Summer Squash & Zucchini B. Lowe from Mary Ann Ralyea Notes v. good

• 3 cups each summer and zucchini squash
• 1 onion
• 1 grated carrot
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can cream of celery or cream of mushroom
• 1 package Pepperidge farm mixture [Stuffing- Stouffer's works too]

Sauté squash and onion in batter until tender, add soup, sour cream & carrots. Prepare stuffing mix as directed, place half in casserole, put mixture in then top with stuffing mix. Bake 350° 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Grandma's Recipes

Why the blog name? Because 2 Easters ago, I received Grandma's recipes in a red box. That red box has now traveled up and down the state, left a dent in my wall, and finally been typed up by yours truly. I'll publish all her recipes with some suggestions for healthier cooking --when possible-- and intersperse some recipes that I've collected too so that when my favorite people have to start feeding themselves they have some ideas for quick easy cooking.

Since its summertime, here's a good recipe to start the blog off with:

Punch from Helen Lamb in B. Lowe’s recipes (notes Very Good)

• 1 large Fago Fresh 48 oz. lemon lime (notes or Squirt)
• 1 large can apple juice
• 1 large Hawaiian punch
• 1 large 7 up (48 oz)
• 1 quart orange sherbet
• 1 can frozen lemonade (6 oz)
• I package frozen strawberries
• 1 pint Vodka

Need I suggest...you probably want to invite a lot of people over before mixing this one up!