Mom used to make these crackers in the fall and winter to snack on. I am not sure how long it has been since I wrote this recipe down for myself. They are good as croutons or just for eating.
Oyster Crackers (Ranch Flavored)
Custard Based Vanilla Ice Cream
Just before Father’s Day, we discovered whipping cream was on sale for almost 50% off. Mom had given me a coupon for a free 2 dozen eggs. So we decided that we should make homemade ice cream to share.
Making homemade ice cream is a special treat! Be sure to start it early, because the custard base needs to cool down before adding the final ingredients. It is not very difficult to make, but do not rush or use high heat. It is often more expensive than store bought, but you can control how many “strange” ingredients you are eating. Plus, I think it tastes a lot better!
Lady Fingers (Savoiardi)
I do not think I ever had a ladyfinger cookie until Mark was teething. We could not find “normal” teething biscuits, so we bought ladyfingers instead. They were also good with tea.
Years later, I discovered they were also a main ingredient in tiramisu. They are available at stores, but not often easy to find. So we learned how to make our own.
Pizza
This is probably the best recipe for pizza that we have found. It is also very easy. Years ago, Andrea wrote the recipe down from memory. For the longest time we just mixed everything and used the dough immediately, but Andrea learned in culinary class to let the dough sit overnight and the crust is much better.
Chocolate Chip, Cherry, Walnut Bagels
While living in Slovakia, Allan was gone many nights. Often I would go to the office with him, play on the computer a little and just be lazy while he worked in the other room. I found a few bagel recipes that were good, but this is my favorite.
Bagels (New York Style)
Mark decided to surprise us with bagels. He and Megan made them with shredded white cheddar cheese and they were wonderful.
Blondies
These are just a very simple chocolate chip bar cookie.
Grandma Bea’s Sauerkraut Pierogi
My mom taught my siblings and me how to make pierogi when we were very little. I can only remember making cheese pierogi and there were no measurements for the filling. “Add potato flakes to cottage cheese until the cottage cheese is dry. Let sit a few minutes and season with salt and pepper.”
Grandma had many different ways to make pierogi, but sauerkraut is probably my favorite. After making, warm up pierogi in a heavy pan with butter and sau·téd onions. If desired, add sour cream before serving. This makes a great meal, but is best when served with green vegetables or salad.
Pekoura
Many years ago, we had a friend visit. Morsal taught Mark how to make Pekoura. These coated potato slices are wonderful. You can serve as is, but they are best with plain yogurt or yogurt with cilantro added to it.
Grilled Chicken
My brother Joe used to love chicken grilled this way and often had extra in the freezer.
It is similar to the chicken we can get at the fair. It uses an easy marinade and is best if made early morning.