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Monday's Edition of Nancy's Pantry.
Tuesday's Recipe Exchange Newsletter

Hey Nancy,
How are you and the furkid? Great, I hope!
I've made the no-knead bread and I bought a cast iron enamel pan off of e-bay for around $29. It takes a 3 qt pot and watch out because it gets hot! QVC had Cooks Essentials for a while and it was even cheaper. I just went on the site and didn't see any. Good luck!
Denise Falls Church, VA

We are starting a Women's Ministry group at our church. Does anyone know of any books, resources, websites etc. than can help us plan various women's events, workshops and get togethers.
Bobbie/IL

Granny's Fried Apples
2 quarts small tart apples, unpeeled
1 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter

Cut each apple into 6 wedges; core. Place in 10 inch skillet. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon; dot with butter. Cover with lid or foil. Place skillet on cold burner; turn heat to low. Cook, stirring only occasionally, until tender, about 45 minutes. Uncover and cook 3 to 5 minutes longer. Serve warm. Makes 6-8 servings.
Lisa

Batter Fried Vegetables
Mushroom, onion rings, carrots, asparagus, zucchini and yellow squash
broccoli, cauliflower

Pancake batter
Vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste (after deep frying)

Dip vegetables in batter. Deep fry in vegetable oil.
Works well with zucchini and other squash. Love fresh asparagus deep fried. Carrots should be cut into 3 inch lengths and cut into strips about 1/2 inch wide and cooked a few minutes before dipping in batter and frying.
Lisa

I Love cinnamon apples and have made them this way only it depends on the apple for the sugar , I put a big marshmallow on top if I leave the apples in 1/2's and miniatures if I slice them in separate bowls for company slightly melt under broiler or put lid on to melt.
B

Hi Judy, I have been making this wonderful no knead bread for quite a while and it is such a forgiving recipe, you can do almost anything to it and it just doesn't fail. I bake mine in a cast iron Dutch oven. I place the dough on a longish corn mealed piece of aluminum foil, form dough into a ball, then use the ends of the foil as handles and lift it into the very hot Dutch oven, fold the ends in, then place the lid on. Then I use them as handles to lift out. It makes a neater loaf, and is easier. You can reuse the foil.

I've also found, in my cold winter WI home, that if I put my oven light on, a 40 watt bulb, this makes the perfect temperature for bread to rise in the oven, with just the light on.

Also, I do not put the bread in a plastic bag. I just keep the cut side down on my cutting board, and that keeps it fresh inside and crusty outside, for two days. If the loaf isn't gone by then, I freeze the rest, and use it to serve with soup. It's good for another day this way. Or, I make two smaller loaves and freeze one.

And, this kind of baking bread is so good, I bought a cookbook filled with no knead recipes, it is now my bread bible and favorite gift to give. It is called "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day," by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois, and it has so many wonderful recipes; potato bread, whole wheat, baguettes, rye, pizza dough, pumpernickel and more... and you don't have to let the dough sit so long. It can be baked in only 2 to 5 hours, and the basic recipe makes enough for 4 1 lb. loaves and it keeps in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Refrigerator to Table is about 45 minutes, 40 minutes resting time. And this bread bakes in your oven on a stone, you don't need the hot pot.

I have purchased an extra large lightweight plastic mixing bowl and a hand dough mixing whisk, a french razor-blade slasher thingie (note my technical language), and a sour dough starter, but none were necessary, I already had the stone. Now my problem is staying on my diet!

I still make the 18-20 hour no knead bread about once a week, just because we love it so much. This is called baking bread from a Polish. Eve in WI

In the Feb. 17 newsletter regarding Nancy's favorite scalloped corn recipe, about how many servings does it make?
Thanks! Joan in Oklahoma

In the Feb. 17 newsletter, Joan in New Jersey mentioned making a bridal gown out of toilet tissue. I've been to a shower where they did that and it was so much fun.

Also, I like the idea of setting a timer while the bride is opening her gifts. That sounds like fun too.
Joan in Oklahoma

For Judi in Mass here is my all-time favorite banana bread recipe. It's from Mama Dip's restaurant & cookbook. Really good. And for you middles not baking, try using a smaller loaf pans. Those always cook better for me.

Mama Dips’ Banana Bread
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. mashed bananas (about 3 medium; the browner, the better!)
3 Tbsp sour cream
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In bowl of stand mixer, cream shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time; then bananas, sour cream, and lemon juice. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

Slowly add dry ingredients to mixture. Pour into greased and floured 9x5x3 loaf pan. (or 2 smaller loaf pans). Bake for 60 minutes.
From Mama Dip’s Restaurant

Dawn
http://vanillakitchen.blogspot.com

Hi Nancy, Ditto and all Nancylanders:
I am looking for cauliflower recipes fixed in the oven. I'm sure you good cooks out there will be able to help me. Thanks for your help in advance.
Betty/Ky

Get free samples, printable coupons.

Quick, creamy and tasty.

Rice Pudding
1 cup water
1/2 cup rice
1 quart milk (whole milk is best, but I've used skim)
1/4 cup butter
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
¼ cup apricot jam
1 cup raisins or 1/2 cup almonds (optional)

If using raisins, cover them with hot water to plump them up. Set aside. Bring water to a boil. Add rice and cook until water is absorbed (about 7 minutes). Add milk and butter. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Lower heat to simmer, cover and cook for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add the eggs, sugar, vanilla and raisins. Serve warm or cold sprinkled with cinnamon.
Judy/Buffalo

Recipes for Pancake Day

"No Knead Bread" Information.

BD - Start the bread to accommodate a morning process. Count back from the 18 hours it needs to proof. If you start it at 3PM the day before let it proof the 18 hours and you will be ready for the final process by 9AM the next morning. It will have to proof an additional 2 hours after you press out the air bubbles and get it to the baking stage but that will accommodate a reasonable time slot.

You should be up and ready for your day by that time. If not, set your alarm. Sacrifice your sleep it will be worth it.

Sher in PA - I would not use bread pans as they are not deep enough. You need all the steam accumulation you can get to make it rise while cooking. Make certain the pan lid is on tightly.

Suzy Indy - All purpose flour is all that is needed. However, I have made it using 1 1/2 cups all purpose and 1 1/2 cups whole wheat to equate to the 3 cups of flour necessary for the recipe. The finished product is much more dense but there won't be a crumb left. I guarantee it.

Doris, S Indiana - A "Dutch Oven' would be an excellent choice to make the bread in or just improvise with a deep pot.

People this is a very forgiving bread that you can enjoy any time. Just remember that the key to this recipe is 18 hours to proof (this develops the flavor) and a deep covered pot (for steam expansion).
Enough said on the No Knead Bread !!!!!!
Judy/Buffalo

Was reading about the No Knead Bread recipes in your newsletter and still couldn't quite figure out the process so.. I searched for it. NO KNEAD BREAD Recipe from the New York Times. The recipe came up and also a video showing how the bread is done on www.youtube.com.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13Ah9ES2yTU&feature=Jody

Comment
Another no knead bread demo is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evsdggMoBuM
Nancy Rogers

Hi Nancy,
I so enjoy your newsletter--so many interesting recipes and so many friendly comments. Y'all are all awesome.

No Knead Bread question on 2-17 re: the type of pot to bake the bread. If you have a cast iron dutch oven with a lid or something of that sort would work. Some LeCrueset dutch ovens have a metal knob handle on the lid so that type would work but the ones with the plastic knob would be ruined by the high temperature.

Today I saw a video on the site "The Green House" and it showed the entire recipe from mixing the ingredients to cutting the cooled loaf. He used a cast iron Dutch oven-the kind with the metal, hanging type handle that may have been used in years gone by to hang over the coals on a campfire. The video was light and entertaining. If you have a soft spot for animals you will like it even more.
http://www.green-house.tv/video/1359573:Video:12213
MaryLouise/LA

Comment
I went to the site and found lots of great videos.
Banana Bread
http://www.green-house.tv/video/1359573:Video:19984

How to Season and Clean Cast Iron
http://www.green-house.tv/video/1359573:Video:12304
Nancy Rogers

For Doris, S. Ind.
Now would be a wonderful time to make several pies and share with your good neighbors. I get my blackberries out of the freezer and let them thaw in the frig. and then make my pie. In fact, I wish you were here to share the blackberries one I have setting on the counter.

You can always make pies and muffins and freeze them for later.

Thanks Nancy for all the good work you do and also to the landers who so faithfully share their recipes.
mj, indy

Nancy to Judy Buffalo newsletter 2/17 my husband in '85 interviewed for a job in Buffalo but was not hired. He also in '85 interviewed for a job in New York city and would have been in one of the Tower buildings when it was hit. Also right now he is on a trip without me. Our family doctor would not let me travel with my legs down for such a long time. He will leave the West coast Friday at 12:30 pm and not be home until 10:00 pm. It is a long trip and we are always tried when we get home because we hurry to get to the airport then we just sit and wait for the airplane. Then we land and have to hurry through another airport then we sit again and wait for another airplane. Then we board that plain and we get Indianapolis around 10:00 pm. That day on this one trip it it rush, sit, wait, board, fly, land, rush from one end to another, sit, wait, board plan, fly, get off, go get bags, get car and finally get home.

Judy I have thought of your town many times and have prayed daily for all of you. I hope that God helps you all get through this making the area very stronger.
Susie Indy

Hi everyone. I want to thank Chris in NM for her recipe for easy beef and noodles that you submitted on the 14th of Feb. It was total comfort food and enjoyed by all. The only thing I did different from the recipe you submitted was I threw some frozen peas in the mixture so I even got my veggie in there. I was hoping to have some leftover for lunch today but it all disappeared last night for dinner. Thanks sooo much for a great keeper recipe.
Donna in KS

Grandmother's Recipes

Gold Cake
8 eggs yolks stiffly beaten
1-1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup milk
2-1/2 cups sifted cake flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon orange or lemon flavor

Sift flour, measure and sift with baking powder 3 times. Cream butter until light and soft; add sugar gradually fold in yolks. Fold in sifted dry ingredients alternating with milk. Beat hard and pour into buttered pan and bake in a moderate oven for about an hour. Cool and cover with lemon icing.
Lora

Sun and Moon Cake
11 egg whites, beaten stiff and frothy
1-1/4 cups sugar
3/4 teaspoon cream of Tartar
Pinch Salt
6 egg yolks
1 tablespoon cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon Almond extract

Add cream of tartar to beaten egg whites and fold in the sifted sugar. Beat egg yolks thick and lemon colored. Add water and salt to to them, take out half of the white mixture and fold in egg yolks with it. Add vanilla. Fold in 1/2 cup flour well softed to egg white mixture left. Add the almond extract and 3/4 cup flour. Place in alternate layers in well floured angel cake pan. Bake one hour in slow oven. you can mix as for marble cake.
Lora

Will send more tomorrow.
Lora

Hi Nancy and Ditto:
Just wanted Judy to know that I made the no knead bread. I did it by her version.

I started it yesterday around noon and punched it down about noon today. I have a 2 1/2 qt. Round Pyrex casserole with a lid. I put it in the cold oven, turned it on and when the oven was hot, I poured the "dough" in. You could really hear the sizzle.

I baked it covered for 30 minutes and uncovered for 30 more. It was a beautiful golden color.

We enjoyed it tonight with dinner.
By the way, if no one has tried the roasted potatoes with Onion soup mix, you are missing something good.
Jean in NC

Mary Ann in upstate NY: That was one of my grandma's favorite meals. I remember our enjoying it many times when I visited her in Arcade NY, about 40 miles from Buffalo.
Jeanlock in McLean VA

Judi in Mass. asked in the Feb. 17 newsletter for a recipe for Banana Bread. I have not used any other Banana Bread recipe since I got this one, as it is so very good. I've had it so long, I don't know where I got it.

Prize Nut Bread
2 large bananas, mashed
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
3 Tblsp. milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup melted butter OR oleo
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Beat bananas, sugar & eggs until light. Stir in milk. Sift flour, salt, soda and baking powder together and add to first mixture. Stir in melted butter, vanilla and nuts. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 300 degrees until tests done. [I don't have the size for the pan, but it the regular size for a loaf of bread.] Most often the bananas I used would be the ones that were in need of being used right away, or some of those that I had mashed and frozen to save them. The frozen ones may darken but work fine in this recipe. I have also made it without the nuts, still good.
IMM-Friendly Iowa

For Betty T. Ga. about your Grandmother's Famous cranberry bread, you list 1/2 baking soda. Is that tsp. or tbs.or something else? Sounds delicious and I would like to try it. Thanks. Gay in L.I.

Re: Towels
On all the sheets and towels I've ever purchased, the labels clearly state do NOT use fabric softener.
grannym Il

Comment
I thought I had read the same thing. I went to Consumer Reports and the very last sentence says

Liquid fabric softeners leave a film on towels that decreases absorbency and increases flammability. Use dryer sheets instead.

This was referring to bamboo Towels and Cotton Towels.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/

Hi Nancy and all Landers,
Nancy, I want to thank you for the bit about Ditto waking you up lol. I've tried the same thing(covering up my head) and my kitty also thinks this is a great game to play-finding me. I have been able to get her to snuggle down by my head and she will let me sleep or just lay there for maybe another 30 minutes lol. I am so amazed at what our animals will do for attention. The first time I heard her pound on the bedroom door I couldn't help but laugh.
Dianne in Wisconsin

I found another bread that is a keeper.

Vickie's Beer Bread
3 c. self-rising flour
3 tblsp. white sugar
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer, room temperature
1/4 margarine, melted

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F(190 degrees C) Lightly grease a 9x5 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and beer. Mix just until blended. Scoop into prepared baking pan. Pour melted margarine on top of loaf.
Bake in preheated oven 375 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes, until bottom of loaf sounds hollow when tapped. I just tested with tooth pick!

I put my bread in a ceramic baking dish that I had. It wasn't a loaf pan, but it worked fine, and was very good.
That is also the dish that I used with my No Knead Bread.

I have never been good at kneading, so these recipes are the kind I like.
Betty T. Ga.

Help! I used the stuff that was recommended for cleaning the dishwasher, ( I can't remember what it was called, but I bought it at Wal-Mart). Anyway, it left an obnoxious odor in my dishwasher. I then ran the empty dishwasher in rinse cycle only, and that did not do any good. Then I ran a load of dishes and they had the odor on them. I'm wondering if there is something wrong with my dishwasher? Would the ladies who originally recommended this cleaner have any ideas and/or suggestions? Thanks.
Frances in Wesley Chapel

Judy/buffalo wondered about the origin of the no-knead bread process and recipe.
.
The history and recipe appeared in Mark Bittman's Minimalist food column in the nytimes in 2006 and we've been enjoying variations on the original bread ever since. Mark attributed the concept to Jim Lahey at his Sullivan Street bakery in Manhattan.
.
As directed, I bake it at 450 degrees for 30 minutes in my covered dutch oven and then an additional 15 minutes uncovered. The wonderful thing about this bread is its crisp, crunchy crust created from its own steam inside the covered vessel. Here is the description of the origin of the recipe as published in the nytimes:
.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/dining/08mini.html
Leah

Nancy, thank you and God bless you!! For the 'Landers that are diabetic or wanting to eat healthier, Rite Aid Pharmacy (f/n/a Eckerd Pharmacy), is providing a free newsletter at
www.dlife.com
I hope this will be helpful.
Carolyn in Acworth, GA

To Judi in Mass
My favorite Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Very Moist Banana Nut Bread
http://www.recipezaar.com/Very-Moist-Banana-Nut-Bread-82486
Rosemary E

Pork Chop Supper
6 pork chops
6 potatoes
1 large or 2 small cans pork & beans
1 onion

Brown meat in skillet in a small amount of shortening. Peel and dice potatoes (par boil in water). Sauté onion in meat fryings. Add meat, onion and beans to potatoes with water to cover. Cook with lid on. Cook on low for about 1 hour or until cooked done.
Sue

All Day Casserole
4 potatoes
4 carrots
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can peas, drained
1 pound ground beef
1 can condensed tomato soup
2 can water

Slice potatoes and then carrots into crockpot. Drain peas and put on top of carrots. Brown and drain hamburger. Put on top. Mix tomato soup and water and pour over all. Cook all day on low.
Sue

Crockpot Creamy Potato Soup
6 potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 carrot, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
4 chicken bouillon cubes
1 tablespoon parsley flakes
5 cups water
1 tablespoon. salt
Pepper
1/3 c. margarine
1 (13 oz.) can evaporated milk

Put all ingredients in crockpot, except milk. Cook on low 8 hours. Stir in evaporated milk during last hour.

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
1/2 cup finely chopped pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3 chicken breasts
1 (10 ounce) jar sweet-sour sauce
1 (15 1/4 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
Hot cooked rice

Place pepper and onion in pot. Top with chicken breasts. Pour sweet-sour sauce and pineapple chunks over all. Cover. Cook on low 6-8 hours.  Remove chicken; keep warm. Blend cornstarch and water. Stir in juices. Cover. Cook on high 10-15 minutes until thickened. Serve over hot rice.

Note: Although the recipe does not call for liquid with the chicken I use a cup of chicken broth or chicken stock.  Check every several hours to see if it needs more liquid. If so add more chicken broth or chicken stock.
Sue

Crockpot Pork Chops
6 pork chops
1 can Progresso Soup Chicken and Home-style Noodles

Place uncooked pork chops in crockpot. Add soup and make sure meat is covered. Add 1/2 soup can water. Check every several hours to see more water if needed. Cook on low for 6 hours.
Sue 

This is for Dianne/Wisconsin. This can open up a whole new discussion! Almost two month ago, we adopted an adorable 5 month old orange/white tabby from the pound. He does the same thing. He sleeps with us, and around 4:30 to 5:00 AM, he licks my husbands face first, and then my husband pushes him to my side, he then proceeds to lick my face. We both duck under the covers with it tightly over our heads. Thankfully, most of the time we can fall back to sleep, but sometimes we can't. He has plenty of food and water, so it not hunger that's driving him. He's just lonely for us and wants to play. We've declared him human! LOL.
Judie/So.Calif.

Disclaimer: information posted here is provided as general information only and should not be a substitute to your medical doctor. This board owner is not responsible for the use or misuse or results of any action taken on behalf of the information presented here.