Grandma Ina's Peanut Butter Balls

This is one of my favorite recipes. And I look forward to making these every year. My Grandma didn't make Christmas candy, she preferred baking cookies. So when I met my husband and realized that his Grandma always made candy at Christmas time, I was more than excited. Her given name was Alexanderina but everyone called her Ina. Grandma Ina was a really good cook and and even better candy maker and cookie baker. She was from Aberdeen, Scotland and even though she had lived in this country for more than half of her life, she still had a very strong accent and often used Scottish slang words and even Gaelic in conversation. As you can imagine, it was always entertaining to talk with her. She insisted that this recipe came from Scotland, but I'm not so sure about that. I'm wondering if they make Rice Krispies in Scotland. If one is wise, they will never argue with a Scottish woman. At least if they know what's good for them. I never questioned her about the true origin of this recipe. And I won't even tell you my suspicions. She had it memorized but she also had it written on a very worn and discolored index card. I could barely read her writing, so when she said she wanted me to write it down and try to make them, I did my best to copy  the measurements and directions  correctly. I must've been successful because the recipe always turns out right. Years ago, when my husband was growing up, his Grandma would fill coffee cans with these Peanut Butter Balls, her famous fudge, and several other creations from her kitchen. She saw him, rifling through the can, searching for the Peanut Butter Balls and she asked him why he was doing that, didn't he like the other treats in the coffee can? He very carefully said, "No, not really." He didn't want to hurt her feelings. He was her first grandchild, and they had a special bond. From that year on, his Christmas Coffee Can of goodies only contained Peanut Butter Balls. I'm thinking that he was a bit spoiled. I think that she would have been the first one to admit that. I always enjoyed seeing them together. She loved hearing his impression of a Scottish accent. When she became upset or excited, her accent was even thicker. I will never forget hearing her laugh. I wish I could accurately describe it. Light, joyful and infectious. Simply filled with happiness. My husband would say something funny or tell a joke and once she started laughing, she couldn't stop. She could barely catch her breath.

Our daughter was her first great grandchild and she absolutely loved when we would visit. She took so many photos of her as she grew older. This photo was one of her favorites. I can see why. Grandma Ina looks completely and utterly happy with her great granddaughter. I think she would be pleased that her recipe is being shared with so many people. She passed away before Facebook was created. I wonder what she would have thought of my blog and that she is being included in it. I'm smiling, imagining that she would want me to interview her so that I could write many stories about her. She loved telling stories. What a sweet woman. I hope that this making this recipe and sharing these treats with your family and friends makes you smile like it does our family. From our home to yours....

Grandma Ina's Peanut Butter Balls

1/2 cup real butter
1 lb. powdered sugar
3 cups Rice Krispies
2 cups Creamy Peanut Butter (I always use 2 1/4 cups)
1 tsp vanilla

1/2 bar parafin wax
12 oz chocolate chips

In a large bowl, cream together (with hands) butter, sugar, peanut butter and vanilla. Add Rice Krispies, Form into small walnut sized balls and set on a sheet of waxed paper. Meanwhile, in a double boiler, melt wax and chocolate chips. Remove from heat once completely melted. Using tongs, drop balls one at a time  into chocolate to coat and set on waxed paper to dry. Store in airtight container. Lately, I've drizzled stripes of chocolate across the top of the balls. It seems to add a bit of pizazz. I just can't get away from using words that my Grandma used. Pizazz. Who talks like that nowadays? I guess I do. I also like a word that my Grandpa Zim used...Snicklefritz. He called me that when I was little. Good memories.

Also note the glass serving dish in the first photo. That belonged to my Grandma. I love that I have some of her things. Using them makes my heart smile. My Grandma Myrtle also loved Grandma Ina's Peanut Butter Balls. They only met a few times but enjoyed one another's company. Women from that generations seem so polite and well mannered. There are a lot of lessons we could learn from them.

Baked Potato Soup

It is that time of year when most of us crave hearty, rich soups and stews. Several years back, I bought a cookbook with over 500 recipes for soups, chilis, stews and chowders. This morning, I handed the book to my husband and told him to choose which recipe he would like me to try for dinner tonight. He chose two and let me decide. He truly is a meat and potatoes type of guy and this Baked Potato Soup is thick, creamy and incredibly filling, perfect for a chilly night when the snow is falling.

Baked Potato Soup

2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup all purpose flour
7 cups milk (I used whole milk for a richer taste)
4 large baking potatoes, baked, cooled, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
6 green onions, sliced
12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1-1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (8oz) sour cream
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

In a large soup kettle or Dutch oven, melt the butter. Stir in flour; heat and stir until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Add potatoes and onions.

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; stir until cheese is melted. Serve immediately. Yield 8-10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)

Spinach and Bacon Bread

What could be better on a cold winter night than some fresh bread with a bowl of stew of soup? I found this recipe in one of my cookbooks and decided to give it a try. I was pleased with the results. This particular recipe makes two loaves, so I was able to  freeze one for later use and it thawed out perfectly. Since my Grandma passed away back in 2007, I have tried to incorporate as many new recipes into our routine as possible. She would be proud of me for trying so many new dishes. She had her favorite meals that she prepared often but she was always searching for something different to add in to the mix. I remember the time she made frogs legs. I was 7 or 8 at the time. Of course she couldn't tell me what we were actually eating so said that it was chicken. I believed her through the entire meal. It did taste like chicken so why doubt her? After we finished with dinner, she told me the truth. I can't recall if I became upset or not. She made them a few other times so I must have been fine with it. I was pretty good about trying new foods. We had a fig tree and I absolutely loved eating them right from the tree. Our next door neighbors had an avocado tree and we would pick those that were on our side of the fence. Many times I went to school with a mashed avocado sandwich. And yes, the kids did make fun of me for it. It bothered me, but not enough to not eat my sandwich. Avocados are delicious. Yes, Grandma Myrt would be really proud of me. I love to cook and I enjoy trying new recipes. She taught me well.
I hope you'll give this recipe a try. So much better than any store bought bread.

Spinach and Bacon Bread

scant 2 cups warm water
2 tsp active dry yeast
pinch of sugar
1 tbs olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 ounces Canadian bacon slices, chopped
8 ounces chopped spinach, thawed if frozen
6 cups bread flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
1/4 cup grated reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

1. Put the water in a bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top and add the sugar. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes. Lightly grease two 9-inch cake pans.

2. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onion and Canadian bacon for 10 minutes, until golden brown. Meanwhile, if using frozen spinach, drain it thoroughly.

3. Sift the flour, salt and nutmeg into a mixing bowl and make a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture. Tip in the fried bacon and onion (with the oil), then add the spinach. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture and mix to a soft dough.

4. Transfer the dought to a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Return to the clean bowl, cover with a damp dish towel and set aside in a warm pleace to rise for about 2 hours, until doubled in bulk.

5. Transfer the dough to a floured surface, knead briefly, then divide it in half. Shape each half into a ball, flatten slightly and place in a pan, pressing the dough so that it extends to the edges. Mark each loaf into eight wedges and sprinkle with the cheese. Cover loosely with a plastic bag and set aside in a warm place until well risen. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

6. Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until they sound hollow when they are tapped underneath. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Bob's Favorite Bavarian Apple Torte

Bavarian Apple Torte, served on my Grandma Myrtle's beautiful glass serving dish.

This is the recipe some of you have been waiting for....Bavarian Apple Torte!! Wow, is this good! My husband and I have a dear friend that loves my cooking, even my leftovers. He is a bachelor, and loves to cook for himself but a bit of variety never hurt anyone, so I share with him. He isn't big on sweets, except this recipe. He loves this torte. For the last three years I have made this for him in the Fall. I've been known to bribe him with this dessert. A bit of help with chores for a torte? He always agrees to anything when food is involved! This is the perfect mix of sweet, tart and rich. The more tart the apple, the better it will go with the sweetness of the cheesecake-like filling. A perfect Fall and Winter dessert and it really is more simple than you would think.

Ready to go in the oven. Who needs scented candles or potpourri when you can bake desserts that smell as good as this does? 

Bavarian Apple Torte

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Filling:
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:
3 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:
Combine the first four ingredients. Press onto the bottom of an ungreased 9 inch springform pan. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Pour over the crust. Combine topping ingredients; spoon over filling. Bake at 350 F for 55-65 minutes or until the center is set. Cool on a wire rack. Store in the refrigerator. Cut into wedges with a serrated knife. Yield 12-14 servings.

Even a tight fitting springform pan may leak. To prevent drips, place the pan on a baking sheet in the oven. Also, be sure to use a 9 inch pan. Anything smaller will result in the crust being too thick.

Recipe from Taste of Home.

No Boxed Stuffing at Grandma's House!

One cannot have a holiday dinner without stuffing. It seems that the only times to prepare stuffing are for Thanksgiving and Christmas. That is how it was done when I was growing up. From what I can remember, Grandma usually made her Moist Bread Stuffing. It had the best aroma while cooking. And sometimes, I was lucky enough to help her chop the celery and onions. She trusted me with a knife at a pretty young age, after a few lessons of course. I loved her butcher knife. It had years of use, the handle was worn down in places but the blade was as sharp as if it were brand new. I remember shopping for holiday meals with her. She'd always buy a loaf of French bread for her stuffing. No boxed stuffing for our family. Everything was from scratch, even if it took more time. She said it was worth it. There were some convenience foods that she would use but not very often. I remember that she used her electric knife to cube the bread. When I hear that sound, I'm taken right back to childhood on Volante Drive. It's interesting how sounds and smells will bring back such vivid memories. That happens to me often. When I made this recipe for Thanksgiving this year, I had Bing Crosby playing on my Ipad, I was using many of my Grandparents kitchen gadgets and at one point, tears started to well up in my eyes, not the sort of tears that come from sadness though. These tears were from a place of gratitude. I felt incredibly thankful to have had such a rich and blessed childhood with these two people. I have many special memories to look back on. Treasured moments, words exchanged, comforting hugs, security. Continuing family traditions is necessary for me to handle life without them. I find peace when I do something as simple as prepare one of the recipes that Grandma made. Life is still good. I am happy and blessed. Memories keep me grounded. And I have amazing ones.

I hope you enjoy my grandma's recipe. It was our family's favorite.

Moist Bread Stuffing

1 cup butter
2 cups diced celery
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1/4 cup minced parsely
2 1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp pepper
18 cups French bread cubes
3 eggs, slightly beaten

1. In 8 qt Dutch oven over medium heat, in hot butter, cook celery and onions until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Add parsley, salt, poultry seasoning and pepper; stir until thoroughly mixed.
3. Stir in bread cubes and eggs; mix together well.

Bake in a covered, greased casserole dish for 30-45 minutes.

I generally pour chicken broth over the top of the stuffing before baking. It is something that I always saw Grandma do. It seems to add extra moisture to the bread without leaving it soggy. 

Grandma Myrtle's "Famous" Pumpkin Pie

Oh yes, Pumpkin Pie. An autumn tradition for so many families. Even today, when I have a pie baking in the oven, the aroma wafting through the house floods my mind with memories of holidays past. I remember my Grandma baking several pies each Thanksgiving and her Pumpkin Pie was always my favorite. Just like so many of the dishes she made, I have no idea where the original recipe came from. She was a notorious newspaper and magazine recipe clipper. I have two file boxes filled with recipes that she had clipped and saved. Many of them tattered, the colors faded with age. Many have handwritten notes in the margins, which makes them that much more special. For all I know, this recipe for her "Famous" Pumpkin Pie could have come off of a can of pureed pumpkin that you can purchase in the grocery store. I don't think that makes her recipe any less special though. It would be just like her to tell everyone it was a special recipe, one that she created. And because it tasted so good, everyone would believe her. She used the same recipe for as long as I can remember, and I'm sure even before I was born. Grandma didn't have a large kitchen. Her house was built in the late 40's and the kitchens were not part of a "great room", like they are today. It was it's own room, separate from the dining room. Even with limited space, she managed to prepare meals for holidays with no problem. From a very young age, I remember being fascinated with watching her prepare food, especially large meals. She was so organized. She would write out a list of the dishes she would be cooking, and another list for items she needed to buy. Before heading to the store, she would check her cupboards for items on the list. Why buy something you already have on hand? I must have paid closer attention than I thought, because I'm finding myself doing the same thing.
I loved experiencing the Fall season while living at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Helping Grandpa Zim rake leaves and put them in the metal trash cans. Hearing Grandma say "Put your sweater on, you'll catch a chill." Fall meals were some of my favorites. She always made more soups and stews in the Fall. I loved when she'd make Chicken and Dumplings. I asked her for the recipe when I had grown up and had my family to cook for. She replied, "Oh, that? I don't have a recipe for that. I just throw a smidgen of this and a tidbit of that in the pot." I can tell you that I was a little frustrated that she couldn't just hand me a recipe to copy. I was a young woman, not experienced enough to successfully throw anything together without ending up with a complete disaster. She had been cooking for 60 plus years by that time and was an expert at knowing what ingredients to add, how long to cook it and what seasonings to add. I, on the other hand, needed much guidance. Especially when it came to her treasured Chicken and Dumplings. My first attempt at dumplings was not good. Not good at all. Looking back, I feel rather ridiculous. I can see what I did wrong. They turned out like big balls of uncooked dough that were warm on the outside and mushy and sticky on the inside. I mustered up the courage to call my Grandma and tell her about my horrible dumplings. After a little giggle, she assured me that she also had many cooking disasters. I can't think of a single one. Maybe she hid them well. She always appeared to have it all together, so competent and in control of her kitchen. I can't even picture her making a mistake. I'm sure I'll think of one...no one is perfect, right? Except Grandma's. Most Grandma's are perfect. Hmm. I'll  share her "Famous" Pumpkin Pie with you while I try to remember any cooking disasters to come out of her kitchen. I may be thinking for a while.

Grandma Myrtle's "Famous" Pumpkin Pie

2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup pureed pumpkin, or plain canned pumpkin
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp flour
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
1 pie crust, homemade or refrigerated pie crust

Preheat oven to 375 degress F

Mix all ingredients with mixer until well blended. Pour into pie shell. Cover edges of pie crust to keep from browning.
Bake for 70 minutes.
Makes one unbelievably delicious pumpkin pie.
Enjoy!!!
Bake for 70 minutes. 

Autumn Potato Gratin

Years ago, we had dinner with friends and they prepared the best tasting potato casserole. I asked for the recipe and have been preparing it for special occasions and most holidays ever since. (I promise to post the recipe here at some point)
 This year, since Thanksgiving would be celebrated with just my husband and myself, I decided to try something new. I really like Rachel Ray's recipes and I found this dish on www.foodnetwork.com. It's incredibly creamy, cheesy and rich. And well worth the extra calories. This is definitely a special occasion dish. Although it is simple to prepare, and incredibly delicious, it's the sort of dish that merits only being made for special days. Another plus, I grew some herbs over the summer and brought them in for the winter. I had four large pots with beautiful herbs happily growing in them, sitting in my kitchen window, waiting to be used. This recipe calls for sage, thyme and rosemary. All three were right here, fresh and ready. Of course, we had plenty of leftovers and I'm happy to report that they heat up well and the consistency and flavors stay the same. I hope you enjoy making this.

Autumn Potato Gratin

8 servings

4 lbs mixed baby potatoes, such as Red Bliss. Peruvian Purples, and Fingerlings
2 cups heavy cream, plus some to cover
4 tbs butter (1/2 stick)
2 sprigs each fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary
2 garlic cloves, cracked
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Halve the potatoes and toss them into a large baking dish and season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, put the cream, butter, herbs, and garlic in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, to infuse the cream with flavor. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the hot cream mixture through a strainer over the potatoes, (discard the herbs and garlic), if there is not enough cream to go 3/4 of the way up the potatoes then pour some additional cream on top to make up the difference. Sprinkle the Parmesan evenly over the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked through and the top begins to brown. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.

It's Elf Season!

 Today is a big day. For the last several years, I have been Santa's Elf. Today is our first appearance of the month. We spoke on the phone yesterday, and reminded one another of how important this is to so many children, and parents. Santa (Rick) and I were friends before we began this adventure. We make appearances all over this little town, the DHS Foster Family Christmas Party, both of the local assisted living facilities, the library, a local toy shop, we even make visits to the courthouse, city hall and the police station. Rick is retired law enforcement and feels that it is important to visit the employees to express our thanks for all of hard work. Even something as simple as a candy cane and a smile can make such a difference. Today, we are a part of the annual Festival of Trees Family Day and our local Kiwanis Club is offering photos with Santa. I wrote the following story, Elf Magic, two years ago, after a day of posing for photos and visiting with children. I hope that you can feel the magic of this season.

Elf Magic

by Marna Fahrney on Wednesday, 08 December 2010 

I woke up with butterflies, filled with excitement. As I ate breakfast, I recalled the conversation that Rick (Santa) and I had the week before. He called to remind me that on this day, we were to leave all troubles, worries and personal issues aside and become Santa and his Elf. This day was important. This day was magical, spiritual. He then told me that we would be remembered for a lifetime in some of these children's hearts. What a wonderful man he is, to take on the task of becoming Santa with such respect and responsibility.

I had laid out my Elf Costume the night before. Jingly hat, Red knickers, Elf Booties, all in red and green, of course. I braided my hair, added sparkly eyeshadow and glitter to my everyday make up, because everyone knows that Elves sparkle. Still feeling butterflies, I gathered the rest of my things and headed into town. Stopping at the store for a few 'extras', I noticed the peculiar looks from adults. I guess it takes the mind and heart of a child to truly understand the enchantment of an Elf.

The snow was gently falling which added even more of a sense of wonder to the day. I knew that I was ready for whatever was in store.

Our photographer specializes in families and children and we knew that she was going to capture some amazing memories today. The Santa Photo staff, members of our local Kiwanis Club were setting up and preparing for the arrival of the many children, eager to tell Santa what they wanted. Order forms, check, printers and paper, check, photographer, check, Santa and his Elf, check....5,4,3,2,1....GO!

We saw the usual type of child, excited to spend a few minutes with jolly ol' St. Nick, and of course, the little ones that would scream at the very sight of him. A few even remembered me from last year, which of course, confirmed the actual existence of Elves in their minds. As the children stood in line, I approached them and bent down, so that I was at their level. The smile in my heart spread to my face and I asked if they were ready to see Santa. Some of the children said that they were scared and did their best to hide behind the legs of any nearby adult. I gently peered around the adult and told them that I had something special that would take away all of their scared feelings. I pulled out a small jar of Magic Elf Dust from my pocket and opened the lid. Asking them to hold out their hands, I sprinkled the sparkly magic onto their heads and let it fall onto their hands. I wanted to know if they felt scared now, they shook their heads and we grasped hands and walked slowly over to where Santa sat in his large chair. The magic was working...we could all feel it. The pictures were the proof and the looks on the children's faces was the icing on the cake.Some of the children brought gifts to Santa, one that stands out was a small bag of carrots for the Reindeer. A few brought special artwork that they had created just for Santa, a few had written out their lists and one even brought a melted piece of candy that looked partially eaten. I told them all that I would place them in Santa's Big Gift Box so that he could take them back to the North Pole.

While children were in the room, I never saw Rick break from the character of Santa. He really was Santa, a real snowy white beard, wire rimmed glasses, sparkle in his eye, a voice that enchanted even the adults. During one of the slow moments, I stood back and pondered the thought of an average wife and mother, becoming an Elf for a day. How often does this really happen? How lucky was I, that I could give a gift such as this to all of these children? Children from all types of families. Rich, poor, those from religious homes and those that knew nothing of the traditional meaning of Christmas. I gave the same attention to all of the children because they each deserved my best.

Generally, when toddlers come to see Santa, they are excited and when asked what they would like for Christmas, they respond with a list of their favorite toys. A small boy, about 3 years old, approached with a middle aged woman. We did what we normally do; Santa greeted him, I helped to position him on Santa's lap and then the question of what he wanted was asked. We were not prepared for his response. With a quiet voice he stated that he wanted his adoption to be finished so that he could have a mom and dad. Silence. Rick and I shot a glance at one another, realizing the enormity of what had just been said. Holding back the tears until the little boy and his guardian left the room, we then held up the line of children so that we could break down. With that one little boy, the entire meaning behind what we were there to do, came into focus. I wept. I couldn't stop. Rick and I just sat and cried. What are we supposed to do with a wish like that? If Elf Magic did exist, I was heaping it onto this little child, engaging the powers of Santa, all of the Elves and each of the Reindeer to make this Christmas wish come true. How insignificant are all of our problems and complaints in comparison to what this 3 year old wished for Christmas? We were in awe. I cannot recall a time in my entire life where I felt so small and powerless. Being a mother as well as an Elf, I just wanted to hug, nurture, and care for this little boy. How in the world could I get through the rest of the day?

Somehow, we managed to pull ourselves together and continue on. We talked with big kids, who of course, thought that they were much too old to visit Santa, much less sit on his lap! At the slightest doubt of Santa's existence, out came the Magic Elf Dust...sprinkling the wonderful sparkles onto older children always resulted in giggles and a look of embarrassment. I could tell that there was now a question in their minds...just maybe, there really was a Santa? An older girl, that I remembered from the year before came in with her mother. I guessed her age to be 13 or 14 but she was obviously mentally delayed and was more like a child of 6 or 7. She remembered me also. Since there were no other children in line, Santa and I spent a little more time with her. She wanted a baby doll and stuffed dog for Christmas. She liked my striped socks and my hat with jingle bells. She knew this was the real Santa because of his beard. As she got up to leave, I asked her if she wanted to know what extra special thing I brought with me. I stood next to her and we looked eye to eye. She was entranced and ready to see what I had. As I pulled the Magic Elf Dust out of my pocket, her eyes lit up, her smile broadened and she began to giggle. I sprinkled the sparkly dust all over her and as her mother stood by, I again, felt the magic of the moment. Not surprisingly, tears started to form in the corners of my eyes. Keep it together for a few more minutes, I told myself. As she closely inspected the fallen glitter that was now covering her hands, her mother pulled me aside and told me how much I had meant to her daughter over the last year. She talked about 'The Elf' for an entire year. And here I was again, to confirm in her mind, the reality of Elf Magic. This 'job' of being the Elf was so much more than just a volunteer position for the day. This was an honor, a privilege, something that I could do to 'pay it forward'. Those that know me, know that I am a huge supporter of volunteering. It seems that each time I give of myself, be it time, talent, work of some kind...I am always left with the feeling that I was given far more that what I offered to start with. I believe that true magic happened in that little room that day. I saw it, I felt it and I have no doubts that Elf Magic was present through each moment.