Mom’s Chocolate Cake

This is one of those old family recipes, handed down from my spouse’s mother. It is from before the time when science discovered that trans-fats are no good for you, and before the reformulation of Crisco to exclude them from the product. This new formula has not proved to be a problem for any of… Continue reading Mom’s Chocolate Cake

Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins (Ocean Spray)

2 cups flour½ cup brown sugar1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon ground nutmeg½ teaspoon salt1 cup pumpkin pie filling2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped½ cup oil¼ cup milk¼ cup molasses1 egg Preheat oven to 350°. Grease muffin pans. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon,… Continue reading Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins (Ocean Spray)

Damp Gingerbread

9 tablespoons butter1 ½ cups golden syrup2 cups +2 tablespoons flour½ teaspoon salt1 ¾ teaspoons baking soda1 tablespoon ground ginger½ teaspoon ground cloves¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon1 egg, beaten1 cup milk Preheat oven to 350°. Butter a nine-inch round pan, and lined with parchment paper. Melt butter with golden syrup.  Sift flour and other dry ingredients… Continue reading Damp Gingerbread

Gingerbread Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Icing

For cake:6 tablespoons butter, softened½ cup molasses1 egg½ cup sugar2 cups flour1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon cinnamon½ teaspoon salt¾ cup boiling water For icing:6 ounces Neuchâtel cheese1 tablespoon skim milk¼ cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla1 teaspoon grated orange zest Heat oven to 375°. Lightly coat an 8" x 8" or 9" x 13"… Continue reading Gingerbread Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Icing

Chewy Cranberry Cookies

Cookie:½ cup butter, softened1 cup sugar¾ cup brown sugar, packed¼ cup milk2 tablespoons orange juice1 egg3 cups flour1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon baking soda2 ½ cups chopped cranberries, either fresh or frozen1 cup chopped pecans Glaze:1/3 cup butter2 cups confectioners’ sugar1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract2-4 tablespoons hot water Heat oven to 375°. Grease… Continue reading Chewy Cranberry Cookies

Banana Nut Muffins

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour1 cup chopped walnuts½ cup toasted wheat germ½ cup brown sugar1 tablespoon baking powder1 teaspoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg2 ripe bananas, mashed¾ cup milk5 tablespoons butter, melted1 eggcinnamon sugar, optional 1. Heat oven to 400°. Spray muffin cups with cooking spray. Line with paper liners.2. Mix flour, walnuts,… Continue reading Banana Nut Muffins

Gingerbread (Domino Sugar)

1 ¼ cups firmly-packed dark brown sugar¾ teaspoon salt½ cup shortening2 eggs1 cup milk1 teaspoon vinegar2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger½ teaspoon ground nutmeg Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a 9" x 9" x 2" pan. Cream sugar, salt, and shortening thoroughly in a large… Continue reading Gingerbread (Domino Sugar)

Orange Frosting

3 tablespoons butter, softened2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted1 teaspoon orange extract1/8 teaspoon salt3 tablespoons milk Beat together 1 cup sugar, the butter and the salt, beating thoroughly until light and fluffy. With mixer at medium, add remaining cup of sugar, about one third of the sugar alternating with one of the tablespoons of milk. Beat… Continue reading Orange Frosting

Cinnamon Petal Biscuits

2 cups sifted flour3 tablespoons sugar4 teaspoons baking powder½ teaspoon cream of tartar½ teaspoon salt½ cup shortening2/3 cup milk 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened3 tablespoons sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons cinnamon Preheat oven to 425°. Grease a cookie sheet. Sift together the dry ingredients. Using two butter knives, cut the shortening into the flour… Continue reading Cinnamon Petal Biscuits

Piecrust (single) and Pumpkin Pie

This is the family recipe of the previous generation. For a recipe modified from the can of Libby’s pumpkin, click here. Crust:1 ½ cups flour½ cup Crisco½ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons water Reserve ¼ cup flour. Stir together the dry ingredients, and used to knives or a pastry blender to cut the Crisco into the… Continue reading Piecrust (single) and Pumpkin Pie