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.

Calzones

The last post was a recipe for home-made pizza. Since then, I have used the pizza crust to make a calzone.

It works very well; you just bake it longer.

Here is how I made the dish tonight:

• I made spaghetti
• I made the pizza crust
• Roll out the pizza crust and spoon the spagetti into the middle, (like you would for a burrito).
• Roll the crust up like a giant burritto, pinching the ends and placing it folded side down on the ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 400* for 30-35 minutes. After it bakes, slide it out and brush it with butter and bake for five more minutes to brown it (or if you are brave, put it on broil).

After I made the spaghetti calzone, I thought it would have been even better if I had sprinkled some garlic salt/powder or Italian herbs on top. Have fun with it!

Here are some good ideas for a large variety of calzones.

Home-made Pizza

I found a great recipe for pizza crust a couple of years ago. It has served me well, so I decided to share. I always double the recipe to make a giant pizza.

Self rising pizza crust:

2 1/2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp dry yeast

3/4 cup water

3/4 cup oil

Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients. I mix all together with a wooden spoon.

I roll it out on top of a large piece of aluminum foil (sprinkle with flour). Pick it up and flatten it into the pan and up the sides.

Top with sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake at 400 F for 15-20 minutes (make sure it is browned or it will be gummy).

Easy Fudge Recipe

Easy Fudge

You can use an 8x8 or even a bread pan if you want a big block of it.

This is so easy and so yumm!

1. 2 pounds of powdered sugar
2. 1 cup of cocoa
3. 1/2 cup of milk
4. 1 tsp of salt (I don't put this in unless my butter is unsalted)
5. 2 sticks of butter
6. 2 tsp vanilla (I use maple flavoring sometimes too)

Mix 1st four ingredients in a very large microwave safe bowl. Cut butter into pieces and add to the top. Microwave on high for 2 minutes (my microwave takes longer).

Stir very well with a mixer and pour into pan. Refrigerate until set.

You can buy foil pans to pour it in if you want to give as a gift

Frugal at Home: Once-A-Month Cooking Family Favorites: Review and Giveaway

Frugal at Home: Once-A-Month Cooking Family Favorites: Review and Giveaway