Little Family in the Big Woods

We just celebrated July 4th in the Big Woods.  Once July 4th is here, people in Tennessee start looking for wild blackberries to make a cobbler. I don't always find them, but this year, I found some growing around the edges of the farm. It takes about 2 cups of berries to make a good cobbler. We hit this just right with our picking. I think I managed to pick these without getting any chiggers or briar scratches. Once I got them back to the kitchen, I washed them through at least 4 clean water cycles, being careful to handle the berries with care and remove any stems. I started by making biscuit dough, but adding a little more Crisco than I would if making biscuits. 2 cups  self-rising flour 1/3 cup Crisco (This is what I used.) 2/3 cup milk I pinched off a baseball size piece of dough to save for the top crust and then rolled the rest out to less than a quarter inch thickness.  I cut this into strips to be ready to pinch off for dumplings. The berries are put in a pot and...

My Uncle Marvin came to every family covered dish meal with his famous  Lemon Ice Box Pie.  It was always a hit with everyone.   I made this pie using his recipe, and even though it was good, I just believe his were better. I will still make it again.  To make this pie, you will need: 1/2 stick margarine 1 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers 1 can Eagle Brand milk 3 egg yolks 1/2 cup lemon juice Start by crushing the vanilla wafers. I usually put mine in a baggie and roll over the top with a rolling pin a few times. Melt the butter and combine with the vanilla wafers, then place in the pie pan. I use this tool to press the vanilla wafer crumbs around the pie plate.   I have no idea what it is called. Juice the lemons and measure out 1/2 of a cup. I have also used imitation lemon juice for this pie. Mix the egg yolks, condensed milk and lemon juice together. Please note, the eggs do not get cooked in this recipe. If you do not want to eat uncooked eggs, this...

+If you are looking for an easy cake that is moist and delicious, this is it. + I especially enjoy a piece of this cake warmed up for just 20 seconds in the microwave with a cup of coffee.  +Yum! +You will need: 1 1/4 cup boiling water 1 cup quick cook oats  1/2 cup margarine-softened  1 cup granulated sugar  1 cup light brown sugar  1 teaspoon vanilla  1/2 teaspoon salt  2 eggs  1 1/2 cup sifted all purpose flour  1 teaspoon soda 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon  1/4 teaspoon nutmeg +Pour boiling water over oats in a bowl.  +Cover and let stand for 20 minutes. +Blend margarine until creamy.  Then, add sugars and blend together.  Then, add vanilla and eggs  and blend.   +Stir in oats mixture. +Sift together flour, salt, soda, and spices.  (Be sure to sift the flour before measuring or cake will be dry.)   =Add to cream mixture.  Mix well.   +Pour batter into greased 9x12 inch pan.  Ba...

Today, I want to share one of my favorite recipes. It is super easy to make and loved by kids and adults. You will need: 1bag butterscotch morsels 1cup peanut butter  1stick salted butter 6 cups Rice Krispies  Begin by buttering a 9 x 12 glass baking dish.  Butter the sides and the bottom.  Measure out 1 cup of peanut butter and place in a large saucepan.  Add the bag of butterscotch morsels and the stick of butter to the saucepan.   Melt over medium low heat stirring constantly.  I usually remove mine from the heat before the morsels are completely melted, as in the above photo. Remove from heat and add the Rice Krispies!  Stir to combine. Smooth the mixture in the pan, and then place in the refrigerator for about an hour to firm up.  Cut into squares and enjoy!

It 's a known fact that all green beans are not created equal. My Grandmother's green beans were by far my favorite ever. I am pretty sure they were blue lake variety grown in her garden. She seasoned her beans with cooking oil. I am not particular about the type of green beans that I cook. I have cooked blue lake and half-runner. I have cooked French style, cut, shelly and flat. Of course the best green beans are straight from the garden that you pick and break yourself, but those are hard to get these days, unless your sister has a garden! Whatever the variety, I typically cook green beans the same way with a few minor variations. If using beans from a can, pour the beans in a sauce pot.  I usually add a little more water. Add salt and pepper to taste. I add a slice of bacon or about a tablespoon of cooking oil to season the beans. Sometimes, I add a small piece of onion to add extra flavor. I will bring the beans to a boil, add a lid, and reduce ...

This puppy chow is without a doubt in the top five recipes that I make for my family each year.  Everyone in our household loves this sweet snack.  I have tried different variations of this recipe, but this is our favorite. You will need: Chex cereal (rice, peanut butter, or chocolate) 1 cup milk chocolate chips 1/2 stick margarine or butter 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar This is our favorite puppy chow bowl.  I make the puppy chow in this bowl, and then store it in this same bowl. You need a large bowl with a lid to shake the mix at the end. Go ahead and measure out the 9 cups of Chex Cereal and put in this bowl and set aside. Place the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and margarine in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave on high 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until smooth, stirring after 1 minute. Stir in vanilla. I always forget this part. The vanilla is what makes this recipe my fa...