Fun, frugal idea

I was about to throw away an olive jar, and I looked at it and realized it would make a really nice glass for the kids. So I washed it out (soaked it) and have been using it.

I have collected 3 so far (I think one had peppers in it). I like the odd shapes, and so do the kids.

Brownies

A good and easy brownie recipe. Icing is optional since they are so rich and sweet.

1 cup of sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (I used maple)
1/2 cup of butter, melted
1/2 cup of all purpose flour
1/3 cup of baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt

In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar,eggs, and vanilla. Add butter; mix well. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; add to batter and mix well.

Pour into a greased 8 inch square baking pan. Bake at 350* for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.


from Taste of Home Baking p. 96 (icing recipe is included in the cookbook)

Amish Whole Wheat Bread

I got this from my 1977 Amish cookbook (published by Pathway)

"Best Whole Wheat Bread"

Makes 3 loaves....

2 cups milk
1/3 sugar (can use honey)
1/3 cup of butter, plus 2 tbsp.
1 tbsp salt
2 cups of whole wheat flour
1 cup of cold water
1 cup of very warm water
3 tbsp yeast

Scald milk. Add butter, sugar, and salt, stir until dissolved. Add whole wheat flour and beat rapidly with a wooden spoon (or mixer). Add dissolved yeast and cold water. Mix well, then add enough white flour to make a nice soft dough (Instead of white flour, I used wheat flour, oats and flax... just mix them in instead of white flour until dough is slightly sticky)

Let rise til double, punch down and turn over in a greased bowl. Let rise until double again. Then shape into 3 loaves and spank real hard to take out all air bubbles. Cover for 15 minutes. Let rise until double, then bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.