Beef Brisket With Mushrooms

April


4lb. boneless beef brisket
1 onion, sliced
salt / pepper
2 T. flour blended with 1/4 c. cold water
1/4lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 T. oleo

Brown beef in its own fat in skillet. Add onion and seasonings. Cover and cook over low heat 1 hour. Skim fat from pan. Slice meat and return meat to pan liquid and simmer 2 hours. Stir flour water into pan liquid,cook until thickened. saute mushrooms in oleo, stir into gravy.

Among those things which are so simple that even a child can operate them are"parents".

Roasted Chicken

April


3lb. roasting chicken
1/2 lemon
2 T. oleo
1/2 t. thyme
1 3/4 c. water, divided
8 small new potatoes
2 T. flour
1/2 c. milk
1/2 t. poultry seasoning
celery tops from 1 bunch celery
1/2 t. paprika

Rub entire chicken with lemon. Stuff cavity with celery tops, then truss. In a dutch oven, brown oleo. Add chicken and brown well. Do not pierce skin!. Season. Add 3/4 c. of the water, potatoes cover and simmer 20 minutes. Remove chicken and carve. Discard celery and skim fat from pan. Blend in flour and gradually stir in remaining water and milk. Cook until thickened and smooth Simmer 2 minutes. Serves 6.

This recipe is dated pre 1930, but beats any roast chicken method by far. Serve stuffed celery and lots of any fresh garden veggies.

The best gift a man can give his children is to love their Mother.

Vegetable Beef Dinner Dumplings

April


1 1/2lb. ground beef
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1 can condensed vegetable soup
1 large potato, diced
1 1/2 c. water
1/2 c. celery, sliced
salt / pepper
2 c. baking/biscuit mix
2/3 c. milk

Brown beef and onion in a dutch oven. Drain. Stir in water and vegetables and soup. season to taste. Heat to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered for 20 minutes. Stir biscuit mix with milk to form a soft dough. Drop by spoonfuls onto meat mixture. Cook, uncovered over lo heat 10 minutes. Cover and cook 10 minutes.
Serves 5

People have seasons too, I think. There is something steadfast about people who withstand the chilling winds of trouble, the storms that assail the heart and have the endurance and character for an April time.
Gladys Tabor

Baked Bass

April


6 T. oil
1 clove garlic
1 3lb. bass, with head
1 lemon, sliced
1/4 c. lemon juice
salt / pepper

In a 13" x 9" x 2" pan, add oil and place garlic in the middle. Heat in oven at 375* for 5 minutes, discard garlic. Leave head on bass until done. Turn bass in oil to coat. Place lemon in cavity. Sprinkle with lemon juice and salt and pepper. Bake 45 minutes or until flaky. Discard head.

My bass was caught in Mulvane, ks.3lb.! And cooked on a portable stove

A good architect can improve and old house by simply discussing the the price of a new one.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

April 21, 1983


6 large green bell peppers
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 c. cooked rice
1 15oz. can seasoned tomato sauce
1  1/2 t. seasoned salt
3/4 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. ground oregano

Cut around stem of peppers and remove pith from inside. Boil 10 minutes. In a large skillet, brown beef and onion until red is gone. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer 10 minutes. Divide the meat between the 6 peppers. Arrange in a 7" x 11" glass dish to standing up. Bake 40 minutes at 350*.

This is easy and good. My kids eat green peppers before I get a chance to cook with them.

Today my daughter Debbie won the $500.00 jackpot at Bingo. She had to split with someone, bless her heart. She insisted on someone taking her shopping without me and bought me a food processor. I wore it out over the years. I learned real quick to take the last few slices of bread or buy day old to make bread crumbs. Same with corn flakes!

Chicken Broccoli Divan

April 7, 1994


1 pkg. frozen broccoli spears, cooked and drained
1 1/2 c. cooked cubed chicken
1 can cream of broccoli soup
1/3 c. milk
1/2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1 T. oleo, melted
2 T. dry bread crumbs

Combine oleo and bread crumbs. Set aside. Place chicken in a greased 10" x 6" casserole dish. Place broccoli on top of chicken. Combine soup and milk and pour over broccoli. Sprinkle on cheese then bread crumbs. Bake 20 minutes at 375*.

Danny, my nephew, stopped in to visit on his way to coaching basketball and we chowed down on this. He loves it!. It's a glorious sunshiny evening at 61* and Jody is washing her car. I am watching "Full House".
I don't understand humor in lippy kids.

An excerpt from my diary April 18, 1978 2:30 p. m.
Today there was a school luncheon and I received a volunteer award. I brought deviled eggs and Debbie kept sneaking them out. Nancy calls everyone her new word "bull-headed. There are soap bubble spot on my clean clothes on the clothesline. It is time for Joyland!

Mackerel Patties

April


1 15oz. can mackerel, drained, flaked
1/2 c. celery, diced
3 T. onion, minced
3 T. oleo
3 T. dry parsley
1 egg
1/2 t. horseradish
salt/pepper

Mix fish, bread crumbs, veggies, egg, horseradish and seasonings. Shape into 5 patties, Fry on each side in oleo for 4 minutes or until golden brown.

If you are living on air or food pantries and health matters most, this is very healthy and that old bread and that single egg can make this meal. I don't fix it a lot but I have been in those shoes.

An excerpt from my diary April 23, 1978

I'm trying to teach you the song "Point of no Return" by Kansas as we walk to Mayberry Park to fly kites.
All went well until a stray dog ran across our lines, jumping at the kite tails. He just wanted petted and you girls did that well, then he just walked away. You see, there are enjoyable yet fleeting moments in ones life that happen for a second but the sweet memory lasts a lifetime. When you feel down, take yourselves back to those seconds in your own lives..Mother

Mountain Man's Pot Roast

March 3, 1991
I dedicate this recipe to the memory of Fess Parker and his role of Daniel Bone and to the cast.


1 5lb. round bone pot roast                                    
2 1/2 t. salt
2 T. shortening
1/2 c. barbecue sauce
1/2 c. apple cider
8 carrots, peeled and cut into thick coins
6 potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 onion, sliced thin
1 10oz. pkg. frozen okra
1 1lb. can tomatoes, undrained chopped

Fess Parker

Rub meat with salt. In a dutch oven, melt shortening. Add meat. Using medium heat, brow, turning only once. Reduce heat, add bbq sauce and apple cider. Cover and simmer 4 hours. Add veggies and simmer 1 1/2 hours.

The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching it, not by smashing it...Arnold Glasgow

Saucy Barbecued Chicken

March 10, 1983

2 to 21/2lbs frying chicken pieces

1/3 c. catsup
1/4 c. water
2 T. brown sugar
1 1/2 T. lemon vinegar, but any fruity vinegar works well
2 T. oleo, melted
1 1/2 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. sea salt
1 t. mustard
dash seasoned pepper

Place chicken skin side down in a greased 12" x 7 1/2" x 2" baking dish. Sprinkle with sea salt and bake 30 minutes at 400*. While chicken is baking, combine remaining ingredients. Spread over chicken and bake 30 more minutes, basting occasionally. Remove fat when you can. Serves 5.


Love is clean as mountain water
Shining down in sparkles...so pretty
Sparkling the nights away
Awaiting for a blue sky's bounty..By Joyce Montague

Macaroni and Meatballs

March 14, 1994


1 c. spaghetti sauce
1/4 c. water
1 8oz. can jellied cranberry sauce
1/3 c. bbq sauce
salt / pepper
1/2 t. Italian seasoning
2 1/2 c. cooked elbow macaroni
24 prepared meatballs

In a large skillet, put spaghetti sauce and water over low heat, covered, slow simmer 10 minutes. Stir in cranberry sauce and bbq sauce, stir and add seasonings. Add meatballs. Heat, uncovered over medium heat 20 minutes. Serve over macaroni. Serves 6.

It's a hot day 80*! Watching" Weinerville" on tv.

Porcupine Meatballs

March 25, 1995


1 can condensed tomato soup
1 lb. ground beef
1/4c. uncooked rice, any type
 1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4 c. onion flakes
2 T. dried parsley flakes
1/2 t. salt
1 t. garlic powder
2 T. shortening
1 c. water

Mix 1/4 c. of the soup with ground beef, rice, onion, egg and seasonings. Shape into 16 meatballs. Brown in a skillet with shortening. Blend in remaining soup and water. Cover and simmer 40 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally. Serves 4

We woke up to a thunderstorm, but by noon was sun came out. Trai and Devin are watching "Spiderman" cartoons and eating Fruit Loops.

In eight grade, my school clothes consisted of bell bottoms, mini skirts, white go go boots, cola flavored lipstick and freshly ironed hair I bought my first 45' record for .69..Ferry Cross the Mersey" by Gerry and the Pacemakers".

I still have that record...I love you guys

Primavera Pie

March 11, 1983

4c. cooked pasta, drained
1/2 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
2 eggs, slightly beaten
salt / pepper
1 4oz. pkg. pepperoni slices
1 c. cheery tomato halves
1 c. broccoli pieces
1 c. sliced mushrooms

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, grated

Combine pasta, 1/4 c. of the Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, eggs and seasonings. Mix gently. Pour into a greased 10" pie plate. Bake 20 minutes at 350*. Fry pepperoni until edges curl. Add veggies and cook until tender. Stir in the other 1/4 c. of Parmesan cheese. Spoon over pasta. Cut into pie slices. Serves 8

Whatever shape your pasta is, cook in lots of boiling, salted water until just barely tender. I use 3 qts. water

  per 1/2lb. pasta and 1 T. salt. Don't cover and stir occasionally. shake vigorously on a colander to drain without rinsing.

 There are a lot of people who mistake their imagination for their memory.

Praised Chicken

March 19, 1995

 2/1/2 to 3lb. frying chicken pieces

1 T. oleo, melted

1 can cream of broccoli soup

In a 12" x 8" baking dish, place chicken skin side down, drizzle with oleo. Bake 40 minutes at 375*.
Spoon soup over chicken and bake another 20 minutes or until chicken is fork tender. Stir sauce before serving. Serves 4

We celebrated the first day of spring with this easy recipe amid the OJ trial.

Our fortune is like muddy water. Be patient, don't stir it, and it will clear.

Corned Beef Bake

March 26, 1989


3 c. pasta twists
1 can cream of celery soup
1/2 c. milk
1.2 c. warm water
1 T. dill seed
1 T. horseradish
1 small jar pimientos, drained
1 20oz. can corned beef, cubed
buttered bread crumbs

Cook pasta as directed on pkg. Drain, rinse under hot water and drain again. Combine soup, milk, dill seed and horseradish. Cover and heat to boiling occasionally. Add pimientos and corned beef, Place pasta in a buttered 1 1/2 qt. casserole  Add the meat mixture, mix well.  Top with  buttered bread crumbs. Bake
20 minutes at 350*. Serves 4

Our last frost warning!

An excerpt from my diary, March 12, 1977

Lord, help me.

Today my three girls and 3 cousins, Vinessa. Pat, and Denise walked to the TG&Y and each girl had a dollar. They behaved like a using a blender without a lid.

Jody has her first loose tooth and won't let me pull it

Sweet and Sour Chicken

March 27, 1992


1 1/2 c. instant brown rice
1/2lb. chicken, cooked, cut in pieces
1 T. oil
1 c. bell pepper, cut in julienne strips
1 T. cornstarch
1/4 c. soy sauce
1 8oz. can pineapple chunks
2 T. vinegar
2 T. brown sugar
1/4 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. garlic powder
2 t. corn syrup

Prepare rice as directed on package. Heat chicken in skillet with oil until sizzly. Add bell pepper and cook 1 minute. In a small bowl, stir cornstarch and soy sauce together. Add soy sauce mixture, pineapple chucks with juice and garlic powder to skillet. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Serve over rice Serves 4.

An excerpt from my diary March 14, 1977 Tuesday

I've not written in awhile. I'm babysitting Jackie's kids today and my hands are full of kids.
Wednesday: Callison's Restaurant called me to work some split shifts which is most difficult but good money.
I came home, folded clothes, got high, did my hair and sang songs with my daughters. We sing along to Patsy Cline, Maresy Dotes, Just Because, mainly Lawrence Welk songs that my mother sang to me

It is 2011 and we still sing those songs together.

Chickem In the Oven

March 10, 1983

2 1/2lbs. frying chicken pieces

1/3 c. catsup

1/4 c. water

2 T. brown sugar

2 T. apple cider vinegar

2 T. oleo, melted

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 t. salt

1 t. mustard

Place chicken skin side down in a greased baking dish and bake 30 minutes at 400*. Combine remaining ingredients and brush over chicken. Bake another 30 minutes, basting twice. Skim fat from sauce. Serves 4.

About Avocados:
Cut avocados in half lengthwise around the seed. Twist halves to separate. Carefully whack a kitchen knife in to the seed, twist, and lift out. To mash or chop, scoop fruit out of skin with a spoon. To slice or dice, place cut side down and remove skin with your fingers.

Pheasant

February


2 dressed pheasants
salt / pepper
1/4 c. oleo, melted
1/2 c. beef bouillon

Season pheasants inside. Truss. Place in a roasting pan. Pour on oleo and bouillon. Bake 45 minutes at 350*.

Serves 5

The difference between politics and baseball is when you get caught stealing, you're out.

Flounder Filets

February


2 pkgs. frozen broccoli spears, thawed
2lb. flounder filets
1 can condensed cream of celery soup
1 T. lemon juice
salt / pepper
parsley

Divide broccoli spears between filets. Roll up and secure with toothpicks. Lay in a shallow baking dish. Bake 20 minutes at 350*. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over fish.Bake an additional 25 minutes. Serves 6

Parsley:

To store fresh parsley. trim stems and remove any bruised areas. Wash and drain well. Place in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid in the refrigerator.

Our Fish Fry

February

12 crappies
3 c. crushed saltines
1 t. black pepper
1 t. lemon pepper
1 t. seasoned salt
1/2 c. oil
2 eggs

Cut filets in bite size pieces. Dip pieces in beaten egg. Combine crackers with seasoning, then dip coated fish in crumbs. Fry in hot oil 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serves 4

As ones goes through life, one learns that if you don't paddle your own canoe, you don't move..

Katherine Hepburn

Mushroom Broccoli Chicken

February 29. 1996


1 T.oil
2 c. mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 can cream of broccoli soup
1/2 t. parsley flakes
salt / pepper
2 1/2 to 3 lb frying chicken

In a large skillet in hot oil, cook onions and mushrooms 1 minute. Add half the chicken, cook 10 minutes or until browned. Remove and repeat process with the other half of chicken. Spoon off fat.  Return entire chicken to skillet, stir in soup and seasonings. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered 35 minutes. Stir occasionally. Serves 4

Watching "Hard Copy" and rocking a sick child.

Putting your best foot forward at least keeps it out of your mouth..Morris Mandel

Change is such hard work...Billy Crystal