Farmer Boy Recipe for Mardi Gras

As we make our way through the month of February, we find ourselves in the midst of another Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana.  So, what does that have to do with Laura Ingalls Wilder?
Okay, here is the connection (without the long story surrounding it): Laura's husband was Almanzo Wilder. Almanzo had a sister, Eliza Jane.  Eliza Jane moved to Louisiana.  At some point, Rose Wilder (daughter of Laura & Almanzo), went to live with Eliza Jane, in Louisiana.
Now, for a short gastronomic history of Louisiana.  The original inhabitants were Choctaw Indians. When the people came from Europe, the first to come into Louisiana were the French.  They came with their bouillabaisse soup.  Next to arrive on the scene were the Spanish, coming up from the Caribbean.  They came with spices and changed the cuisine to their liking.  But, throughout these changes, those Choctaw peoples taught the new-comers how to thicken their soup with ground sassafras leaves, called "File'".  And thus was born what we know today as, "File' Gumbo".
Now, to get back to the present day story: here in Mansfield, (where Almanzo & Laura had their farm), you'll find an abundance of sassafras trees.  This has prompted me to put this recipe together to celebrate the Mardi Gras, right here in Mansfield!  And today I'm sharing it with you, so that you can enjoy it wherever you live!
This is a pretty basic soup. It may not be the long-winded version that they have in New Orleans, but it is tasty!
Ingredients:
1 lb. of smoked sausage, (as Andouille) cut into 1 inch pieces
2 Chickens, cut up, skinned, and deboned
4 Tablespoons of peanut oil
4 Tablespoons of all-purpose flour
4 ribs of celery, chopped
1 sweet green pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 large can of crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon of thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
pinch of ground cloves
pinch of ground all spice
1 teaspoon of chopped basil
2 Tablespoons of file' powder
2 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
1 - 2 teaspoons of Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon of salt
pinch of black pepper
3 - 4 quarts of water or chicken stock
3 - 4 cups of cooked long-grain rice
Directions: In a large pot: heat the oil and brown the sausage.  Remove the sausage & set aside to add later.  Place the chicken into the pot & brown it.  Remove it and reserve it.  Add the celery, peppers and onions.  Heat through, till soft.  Add the flour to the pot, to make a light brown roux. (You may need to add more oil)  Add the file' powder and then the rest of the ingredients, along with the water or stock.  Put the chicken and sausage back into the mix.  Cover and cook on medium low heat for at least an hour.  (The longer it cooks the better the taste!)  
While this is cooking, prepare your rice.
Serve the gumbo in a bowl or over the rice, in a bowl.  Either way, you'll think you're in New Orleans, or at least some backwoods cabin in the heart of Louisiana! 

If you make this version of Gumbo, please leave a comment to let everyone know how it came out. Thanks.
The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

A "Veggie Tale" Recipe

Following Father's Day is, "Eat Your Vegetables Day".  Sounds like something your father would say, doesn't it?  Unless things have changed since I was a youngster, this is still the motto of the family table!  And, again, if things haven't changed, it is still a challenge for parents to get those kids to eat their veggies!

Well, this may work for you parents out there.  This is a casserole recipe.  Casseroles are good for their ability to hide all sorts of things in them.  And it might work to help disguise some of those vegetables that some of the more finicky kids refuse to eat.

When I was growing up, you would learn to eat everything on your plate.   There was no choice!  There was no such thing as saying, "I won't eat such and such a vegetable!"  We respected our parents.  We knew that they worked hard to get the food they put on our plate.  We respected them, their authority, and their guidance.  If they told us that vegetables were good for us, we'd eat them; and never questioned it!  Oh, I did know of some kids who would be rebellious.  Those kids would tell the stories of how they got punished for their disobedience!   It made us grow and mature into good citizens and I wouldn't change that for the world!  I wish and pray that these values come back in our country.  They will be the country's salvation - well, they'll be the values that will help the whole world to get along!  (Not likely, but I still pray for it!)
Okay, here's my recipe:

Farmer Boy Best Casserole Ever!

(So named to hide the veggies even more!)

Ingredients: (made in 8x8 baking dish - if you need more for a larger family, just double or triple this and use a larger baking dish.)

• 1 yellow squash
• 1 zucchini
• 1/2 onion
• 1 large tomato
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• small bunch of Kale
• 1/3 Cup of grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/3 Cup of grated Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 Cup of sour cream
• 2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice
• about a dozen crushed Ritz Crackers

Directions: Spray non-stick into the baking dish.  Slice off coins of the squash and zucchini.  Layer them into the dish. Add slices of onion and tomato on top.  Drizzle the lemon juice on this.  Add dollops of sour cream.  Add the diced bell pepper.  Chop the Kale and add it.  Sprinkle half of the Parmesan on top.  Distribute the crackers.  Finish with more Parmesan and the Cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees F. for about 40 to 45 minutes.

* To make this into a one-dish meal, I added some cooked crumbled pork sausage on top and then added the crackerss and cheeses.  I served it over a bed of noodles - you could us rice instead.

If this doesn't get those kids to eat their veggies, it's probably too late - they're spoiled!  :( 

I'm not saying that your kids should become Vegetarians, but God made these things, and He said they were good for us!   And Father knows best!

(By the way, adults like this recipe too! ;)

"Children should be made to obey or shown that to disobey brings punishment.  Thus, they will learn the lesson every good citizen and every good man and woman learns sooner or later - that breaking a law brings suffering."  Laura Ingalls Wilder

If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a comment.  Thanks.

*By the way, I see that many have viewed my blog over time, but very few leave comments!  I don't know why this is the case, but I'd sure like to see more response from what I put on here!  And, for that matter, I'd like to see more people sign up as followers!  How about it, step into the flow!  Thanks.

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Spinach/Artichoke Hummus Grilled Cheese

Okay, so how does "The Old Man in the Bib Overalls" come up with a sandwich recipe like this?  That's a long story!  Here is the shortened version: My grandmother (on my mother's side), had a second marriage after having my mother.  The fellow she married was of unspecified ethnic origin.  He would never admit to any in particular, but what I could weasel out of the family was that he might have family in Turkey.

Now the second part of this story covers the fact that at one time he had a diner somewhere.  All this took place before I came on the scene, so details are all sketchy!

Growing up I had the opportunity to visit my Grandparent's home in another state a few times, during summer vacation times.  Grandpa always did the cooking (once a chef, always a chef, I guess!).  I always enjoyed the meals that he served.  Had I been older and wiser, I would have asked for his recipes!  As a result of all of this, I only have a few of his recipes, which were passed on to me through others in the family.

This is one of those. I have no idea if it was his invention or one of many recipes he collected and used while cooking in his diner.  But, with the use of Hummus, it seems likely that it was something that he might have had from his family.

Farmer Boy Spinach/Artichoke Hummus Grilled Cheese

Ingredients: (This makes enough Hummus for a number of sandwiches or for use in other dishes)

• 1 lb. of Chick Peas, soaked and prepared (or use canned, drained)
• 4 Cups of fresh Spinach, finely chopped, then gently cooked
• 1/2 Cup of Artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon of Red Bell Pepper, finely diced
• 2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice
• 1/4 teaspoon of Sesame Paste (Tahini)
• 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
• 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
• 2 - 4 Tablespoons of sharp Cheddar Cheese spread, or use shredded cheese (for each sandwich)
• 2 Slices of bread (any variety)
• melted butter

Directions: To prepare the Hummus: use a food processor.  Simply process the cooked peas.  Add the chopped spinach, artichokes, and peppers, along with the juice, garlic, oil and Tahini. (You can save the Hummus in a sealed container in the refrigerator to use in other dishes, if you'd like.)

Sandwich assembly: Lay out 2 slices of bread (I prefer using whole wheat bread), and spread both with cheese.  Next, place 2 - 4 Tablespoons of the Hummus on one of the slices of bread. Combine both slices to make a sandwich. Brush melted butter on top.  Place the sandwich onto a medium hot griddle or skillet.  Cook till lightly browned.  Brush the top with more butter and turn over to brown the other side.  Serve warm.

This is good served with a side of rice pilaf, made with raisins and nuts!  And a glass of apple juice, tops it off good too!

I occasionally  think back upon those times spent with my grandfather.  I remember how many schemes and dreams he talked about, that he either attempted or wanted to attempt in his lifetime.  Most of them were spurred on by his selfish ambitions.  And those were mostly unfulfilled or unsuccessful!  But I do believe it was his example of entreprneurship that most encouraged me to pursue my dreams.  But, being led by my relationship with the Lord, was what gave me the focus and not give in to selfish ambitions.

"Those who stop dreaming never accomplish anything."

"If we would not be satisfied until we had passed a share of happiness on to other people, what a world we could make!"  Laura Ingalls Wilder

I hope you'll try out this great recipe!  If you do, please come back here and leave a comment about it. Thanks.    And, if you wouldn't mind, share this blog site with some other folks too!

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Good dog, Jack!

Today we celebrate "Bulldogs are Beautiful Day"!

Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote, in her books, about the family dog, named Jack.  Jack was a Brindle Bulldog.  He was the family dog as long as Laura could remember.  She felt very close to Jack.  He protected her family and was a good, loyal companion, especially to her.  He walked under their covered wagon, mile after mile, as they moved from one place to another.  Laura wrote a story about the end of Jack's life, in "By the Shores of Silver Lake".  According to the story, Laura was leaving on a train and had to say goodbye to Jack.  She spent the afternoon caring for him and telling him, "Good dog, Jack."  It was to be the last time she would see him.  This was a very sad time for her and all her readers, as they followed along with this story!  In Jack's honor I am posting this recipe during "Grilled Cheese Month".

Farmer Boy "Good dog, Jack"

Ingredients: (for each sandwich)

• 1 large hot dog, cooked and split to fit the bread
• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of Pepper Jack Cheese
• melted butter

Directions: Place one slice of cheese on a slice of bread. Place the split hot dog on top of that.  Cover with the other slice of cheese and then the other slice of bread.  Brush the top with melted butter.  Place the sandwich upside down on a griddle or skillet, over medium heat.  As it cooks, brush the top with butter.  When lightly browned, turn it over and cook the second side.  Serve warm.

If you make this and enjoy it, please leave a comment here. Thanks.

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Farmer Boy's "Lucy, the pig"

If you've read the Laura Ingalls Wilder book, "Farmer Boy", then you probably enjoyed the story about Lucy, the pig!  Keeping with my celebration of "Grilled Cheese Month", I have designed this sandwich in honor of Lucy.

Farmer Boy's "Lucy's Apple/Cheddar Griller"

Ingredients: (for each sandwich)

• 4 or more slices of bacon, cooked
• 1/2 of a medium-sized apple, sliced thinly
• 2 - 4 Tablespoons of Cheddar Cheese, grated (or you can use "Cheez Whiz" or the like)
• 2 slices of bread
• melted butter

Directions: Lay out 2 slices of bread. Coat one slice with the cheese.  Place the cooked bacon on top of that and the sliced apple on top of that.  Cover with the remaining cheese and the other slice of bread. Brush the top with butter.  Place the sandwich upside down on a griddle or skillet, over medium heat. As it cooks, brush the top with butter. When lightly browned, turn it over and cook the second side.  Serve warm.

I'm reminded of the story about the discussion had between the chicken and the pig.
It seems the chickens on the farm went to see the pig, in his pen.  They were bragging about how the chickens were the most important animals on the farm. "We give the farmer and his family eggs for his breakfast every day" they bragged.  The pig thought about this for a moment and then said, "Yes, that is important, but your contribution is small compared to that sacrifice which I make to contribute to that breakfast meal!"   This is so true - the eggs were a sacrifice, but could be replaced the next day.  But the pig would have to give up his life to provide the bacon!

I guess the moral of this story is for us to keep in mind our committment to causes.  Are we just wishing others the best, letting them do all the work towards success, or are we putting forth full effort ourselves to make the endeavor a success?  We should always do our best; and that, not just for acclaim!

If you make this recipe, please leave a comment here. Thanks.
The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Farmer Boy Recipe - Not a BLT, but a BCT!

Still celebrating "Grilled Cheese Month" here!  So this is my next recipe to help with the celebration:

Farmer Boy BCT (Bacon, Cheese, Tomato)

Ingredients:

• 2 Slices of bread
• 1 Slicing tomato
• 4 - 6 slices of bacon, cooked crispy
• 2 - 4 slices of American cheese
• 2 dollops of Thousand Island Dressing
• melted butter

Directions: Lay out your slices of bread.  Spread dollop of dressing on each face. Place the cheese on top of the dressing.  Slice the tomato and place that on one slice of dressed bread. Arrange the bacon on top of that. Combine the 2 slices of bread.  Brush the butter on top.  Place the sandwich, upside down onto a medium hot griddle or skillet. While the first side is cooking, brush the top side with more butter. When the bottom is lightly browned, turn it over and cook the other side. Serve warm.

This is just a starting point! You can always change the variety of bread, cheese, or dressing.  I used a wheat bread here.  I enjoy a BCT, using Blue Cheese dressing too! If you desire, experiment, and then come back here and leave a comment on that. Thanks.  If this is your first time viewing my blog, please on to be a follower. And tell others too!  Thanks.

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

"The Hole in the Wall Gang"

Still celebrating "Grilled Cheese Month"!  This time the inspiration for this grilled sandwich comes from the hideout of the notorious Old West gangs of thieves and robbers.  This was an opening in the mountains of Johnson County, Wyoming, where people like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid would hide from the authorities.  They used this hidout for decades - from the 1860's, on into the first part of the 20 Century. It was called "The Hole in the Wall" or "Robbers Roost".

This makes a great breakfast sandwich!
Here's how to make it:

Take 2 slices of bread (any variety you'd like) and place slices of American Cheese in between them.  Using a biscuit cutter, cut a hole in the middle of both slices and the cheese. Then brush the top with melted butter. Place this upside down on a griddle or skillet, set on medium low temperature. Next, break an egg into the hole.  As you see the egg begin to fry up, when it has reached a desired firmness (depending on how you want your egg cooked - hard or soft), butter the top and then turn it over.  Cook the rest of the way.  Serve warm.

Of course you could eat this grilled sandwich any time you'd like; it doesn't have to just be for breakfast!

And there is a serendipity also!  You can use the cutout center to make a finger sandwich!

As far as "The Hole in the Wall Gang" is concerned - you can ask Freda (my 91 year old houseguest - who is also Almanzo Wilder's cousin).  She has visited the site of the hideout.  She also had a relative who was associated with "The Wild Bunch", Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. (Ann Bassett - or was she Eta Place?  You'll have to sort that one out yourself!)  But you may have to wait till Freda completes her memoirs for those stories!  ;)

I hope you'll try this recipe and then leave a comment here. Thanks.  And be sure to spread the word about my blog site too!  Thanks. The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Farmer Boy Recipe - "Apples 'n' Onions Grilled Cheese"

This is "Grilled Cheese Month", and I hope to share a number of grilled cheese recipes to celebrate.
This one would probably be the favorite of Almanzo Wilder!

If you plan on trying this recipe, you'll need to go into my blog archives to find the "Farmer Boy Apples 'n' Onions" recipe.  After you make a batch of that recipe, you'll use that to make this grilled cheese sandwich.

Farmer Boy Apples 'n' Onions Grilled Cheese

Ingredients for each sandwich:

• 3 - 4 Tablespoons of the "Apples 'n' Onions"
• 2 slices of bread (I prefer to use Sour Dough Bread - you'll find a recipe to make that in my archives. Rye Bread also goes good - or use any variety you'd like!)
• Butter, melted
• 3 - 4 Tablespoons of sharp cheddar cheese spread (I use Merk's, but Cheez Whiz works good too.)

Directions: Spread the cheese onto one side of each of the matching slices of bread. 

Spread the "Apples 'n' Onions" onto one slice of the bread.  Put both slices together.  Brush melted butter onto the top.  Place this upside down on a hot griddle. Cook till lightly browned. As it cooks, brush the top with melted butter, then turn it over to cook the second side.

Serve warm.

Almanzo made a success of his farm by overcoming his disabilities and getting down to work.  He followed the Biblical example, set forth in Proverbs 16:9, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."  If you would also hope to succeed in this world, you might consider to do likewise.  Some people will tell you that, "Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, he can achieve."  But if you approach it that way, where is God in that equation?  How do you think you can do something worthwhile without God's permission and blessing?  But, once you get those, go out and put in the hard work behind it!  And if you took the time, in the first place, to allow God to inspire you and then teach you, you can't go wrong!  Laura Ingalls Wilder, (Almanzo's wife) had this to say, "We must first see the vision in order to realize it; we must have the ideal or we cannot approach it. But when once the dream is dreamed, it is time to wake up and 'get busy'. We must 'do great deeds, not dream them all day long'. "

You may really be surprised at what you can accomplish, if you give God all the credit!

Long ago, I made Proverbs 3:5,6 my life's verses to live by.  Try it for yourself, see if you won't live a more content life!  You may not accomplish every dream you dream, because God may not want that for you. God with the flow of God's Will! He knows what is best for you!

If you make this sandwich, please leave a comment here. Thanks. The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Farmer Boy Recipe - Scrapple

Since this is "National Hot Breakfast Month", I figured I'd include this great recipe!
There are probably as many recipes for Scrapple as there are towns or villages in the world!  From the best I can gather, it has its origins in Germany. This is where my ancestors came from, and they brought their version of it along with them.  In my heritage recipe collection, I have at least 5 different versions!  Some of them are so old, that the paper is just about to crumble. And some make me wonder what these people were thinking when they put their recipe on paper! But, I urge you to try this recipe, I think you'll like it.

So, sorting through all this, I came up with my own version of Scrapple.  I present this to you, with the hope that you'll try this recipe and give me some feedback. I haven't found anywhere in my research, that any of the Wilder or Ingalls families ever recorded a recipe for Scrapple.  But that doesn't mean that they didn't have one or that they didn't eat it!

All my family Scrapple recipes, (those really old ones) call for a labor intensive operation.  I won't get into the details on those here, but they involve a hog's skull and lots of parts from a hog, which aren't readily available today; unless you buther your own livestock!  My recipe is much less labor intensive and uses ingredients that you can find just about anywhere.

Farmer Boy Scrapple

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of corn meal*
• 1 Cup of cold water
• 1 Cup of hot water
• 2 Tablespoons of bacon drippings
• 1/4 Cup of cream
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1/2 lb. of groudn pork, or pork sausage
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground sage & poultry seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon of groudn black pepper

Directions: (the preparation is similar to making Gruel and Fried Corn Meal Mush - see my recipes in the archives) *Note: One of my ancestors made this with Oats, instead of corn meal.  (I've not tried that ... yet!)

In a skillet, melt the bacon drippings.  Add the onions and brown the meat.  Mix in the seasonings and pepper.  In another pan, boil the cup of water.  Add the cornmeal.  Add the cream and cold water.  Stir the meat mixture into the pan of corn meal.  Bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes, till it gets very thick.

Remove this mixture to a greased loaf pan and refrigerate overnight.

To make the scrapple, just slice into 1/2 inch slices, dredge in flour and fry in butter.

None of the recipes from my family ever give a serving suggestion with the recipes, and I'm not sure what traditions they had for accompanying dishes.  I've seen people eat scrapple alone, without any sides.  I've also seen it eaten with eggs, or pancakes.  And it can be served with or without syrup. Some serve it doused in applesauce or honey.  It can be eaten as a side dish at dinner or supper meals.  So, I'm not going to tell you what you should do with it, other than enjoy it!  :)

"The world is the beautiful estate of the human family passing down from generation to generation, marked by each holder while in his possession according to his character." Laura Ingalls Wilder

Please be sure to leave your comment here.  Thanks.  And I welcome new followers to my blog.

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Farmer Boy Recipe - "Fried Corn Meal Mush"

Since this is "Hot Breakfast Month", I thought I'd include this recipe.

In Laura's book, "Little House on the Prairie", they ate this for breakfast. One particular time, they ate it along with hash made from Prairie Chicken!  After that great meal, Pa had the enthusiasm to make the door needed to protect their newly built cabin! 
You probably won't have any Prairie Chicken Hash available, but it is worth trying this recipe, with another type of hash or even without hash.  (Besides, I don't recall having a recipe for Prairie Chicken Hash to help you out there!)  :)

Ingredients:

• Prepared Gruel (corn meal mush)
• All-purpose flour
• Butter

Directions: After making a batch of Grue (see my recipe in the archives), place it into a greased loaf pan and refrigerate it overnight.  Then slice it into 1/2 inch slices.  Melt some butter in a fry pan or skillet.  Simply fry up the slices, turning to brown both sides. 
Serve warm.  You may wish to make this as a side dish with eggs.  I like this with molasses drizzled on top.

Freda, Almanzo's cousin, told me that her uncle liked to fry this up in Bear Grease!
I don't know what this meal will do for you, but I'd sure be glad  to hear, if you'll come back here and leave a comment - especially if you fry it up in Bear Grease!  :)  Thanks.
The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

"National Cherry Pie Day"

Following the theme of "National Cherry Month", we have this special day.  I guess it was all designed around that old legend of George Washington, (whose birthday we celebrate this month). It was said that George, as a young boy, chopped down his father's cherry tree.  When he was confronted with it by his father, George could not tell a lie, and told his father that he had done it.  Thus George was given the reputaion of never telling lies.  As he progressed in life, he was trusted with commands in the army and eventually the office of the President of the new nation.  Whether there is any "truth" in that legend is another story!

Somehow, this brings us to my recipe for this special day.  This recipe is not my usual sort, (made from scratch or one handed down in my family) it is a 21st Century recipe.

Farmer Boy Cherry Mini-Puff Pies

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of store-bought Puff Pastry
• 1/3 of a can of store-bought Cherry Pie Filling
• 1/2 teaspoon of Almond Extract
• Powdered sugar

Directions: Following the directions on the package of Puff Pastry, thaw out one sheet.  In a small bowl, mix the almond extract into the pie filling.  Having first rolled out and cut the pastry into 3 inch squares, place each square into each chamber of a very lightly oiled muffin tin. Into each, fill with 1 teaspoon of the pie filling mixture.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.  Bake for 12 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let cool in the tin.

Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar.

These are a great, quick substitute for a whole pie! And, of course, you could serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!  :)

"Cooperation, helpfulness, and fair dealing are so badly needed in the world, and if they are not learned as children at home, it is difficult for grownups to have a working knowledge of them."  Laura Ingalls Wilder

I hope you'll make this recipe soon and then come back and leave a comment here. Thanks.

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

"Valentine Pancakes"

You didn't think I'd pass up Valentines Day without a special recipe, did you?

Since this week is "National Pancake Week" and this is "National Cherry Month", this is their baby! (so to speak  :)

Farmer Boy Valentine Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 Cup of quick oats
• 1 Tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 large egg
• 1 Cup of whole milk
• 1/3 Cup of water
• 1/8 teaspoon of almond extract
• 1/2 Cup of dried Cherries, cut in half
• red food coloring

Directions: In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.  Add the rest of the ingredients, except the cherries, and mix.

Let the mixture rest for about 15 minutes.

Drop by 1/3 cup onto lightly oiled griddle, over medium heat. Quickly add about a teaspoon or so of the cherries to the first side of each pancake, as it cooks. 

Do not brown as much as you normally would, but cook slowly for about a minute to set the first side.  Then flip the pancake and do the same for the other side.

Take off of the griddle and cut heart shape - you can do it with a sharp knife, free-hand, or use a heart-shaped cookie cutter.

Brush each pancake with melted butter mixed with a few drops of red food coloring.  (I tried putting the food coloring into the batter, but it doesn't come out as nice as adding it later.)

You can keep them warm in the oven, set at the lowest temperature setting, till you are ready to serve them.

Serve warm, with a pad of butter and your favorite syrup, if you wish.

"If we would not be satisfied until we had passed a share of happiness on to other people, what a world we could make!" Laura Ingalls Wilder

If you make these pancakes for your sweetie, please come back here and let us know how they came out.  Thanks.

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Farmer Boy Recipe - "Rise & Shine Pancakes"

Hear that rooster crowing, "Come on, get up, get up!"?  Well, if he doesn't get you up and going, then maybe this pancake recipe will do the trick!

Farmer Boy "Rise & Shine Pancakes"

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups of biscuit mix (homemade or store bought)
• 1/4 Cup of quick Oats
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 Cup of whole milk
• 4 Tablespoons of sugar (divided)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of corn starch
• 3/4 Cup of orange juice

Directions: In a sauce pan, combine 2 Tablespoons of sugar, the corn starch, and the orange juice.  Bring to a boil, stirring.  Remove from the heat and cool, till it is lukewarm.

In a bowl, add the milk and eggs to the dry mix and oats, stir to mix.

When the orange juice mixture is cool, add it to the batter.  Let this rest for about 15 minutes, while you prepare the optional syrup.

Optional syrup ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup of butter
• 1/3 Cup of honey
• 2 Tablespoons of frozen Orange Juice concentrate (thawed)

Directions: In a microwave bowl, or a sauce pan on the stove, combine the ingredients and bring to a boil.

On a hot griddle, pour out the batter, by 1/4 cup at a time, and cook the pancakes.

Serve hot cakes, topped with a pad of butter and your choice of syrup. 

This lip-smackin' breakfast should get you goin'!  And even if you live in the city, you'll feel like you live on the farm and hear that rooster crowing!

"To know that I have helped someone a little or made a day brighter will make my own work easier and cause the sun to shine on the dark days, for we all have them."  Laura Ingalls Wilder

If you make this recipe and it really does brighten your day, please come back here and tell me! Thanks.

The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

"National Pancake Week"

Let's see, what was that saying I heard somewhere?  Oh, yeah, "Seven days without pancakes, makes one weak (week). Or something like that. :)

Not only are we celebrating "National Pancake Week", but also this is "National Cherry Month".  So, it hit me - why not see if I can find a recipe, among my heritage recipes that covers those two celebrations?  This is what I came up with:  (this is on the order of those "Dutch Baby" or "German Pancakes" that I posted some time ago - you'll find that in my archives)

Farmer Boy Cherry German Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup of flour
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons of sugar
• pinch of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 Cup of whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract
• 1/4 Cup of butter
• 3/4 Cup of cherry pie filling
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons of brown sugar

Directions: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.  In a number 7 size iron skillet, melt the butter. (Don't let it turn brown or burn!)   Pour in the pie filling.  Place the skillet into the oven for about 5 minutes.  Prepare the batter while waiting.

Mix together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.  Add the eggs, milk, and extract.  Whisk to mix and break up any lumps.

Take the skillet out of the oven and pour the batter on top of the cherries.  Sprinkle on the brown sugar.  Bake for about 20 minutes, till puffed up and golden brown. Serve warm.

* Note: this will make a large pancake, enough for 2 good servings.  If you want to, you can double the recipe and use a larger skillet and then slice into wedge servings, like a pie.

"As far back as I can remember, the old times were good times."  Laura Ingalls Wilder

If you make this recipe, please come back here and leave a comment. Thanks. The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

"National Soup Month" ends :(

It has been a good month of soups for me and I hate to see it end! But, for my sake and yours, I've saved the best for last!  (At least I think it is the best of the soups I make!)

I got this recipe years ago, from an old friend of the family, who had immigrated from Italy shortly after WWII.

Farmer Boy Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. of ground Chuck Steak
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
• 3 Tablespoons of salt
• 1 medium-sized Onion, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 Cup of snipped Parsley
• 1 1/2 Cups of diced Carrots
• 1 Cup of diced Celery
• 2 Cups of Cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 Cup of Zucchini, diced
• 1 Cup of Yellow Squash, diced
• 1 Cup of shelled Peas
• 1 Cup fo dried Kidney Beans, soaked overnight
• 4 quarts of water & 1 quart of Beef Stock
• 1 large can (1lb. 12 oz.) of Tomatoes
• 1 1/2 Cups of Elbow or Ditalini Macaroni
• Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions: Brown the meat in a stew pot with the oil, garlic, onion, celery, squash, carrots, salt and pepper.  Add the water and stock.  Cook, covered, over medium heat for about an hour.  Add the cabbage and kidney beans.  Simmer for another half hour.  Add the peas and tomatoes.  Simmer for another quarter hour.  Bring to a boil and add the macaroni.  Cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Serve, topped with grated Paresan cheese.

I think you'll absolutely love this soup!  I know I do!  :)

"Let us make memories carefully of all good things, rejoicing in the wonderful truth that while we are laying up for ourselves the very sweetest and best of happy memories, we are at the same time giving them to others." Laura Ingalls Wilder

If you make this recipe, please come back here and let me know how you liked it. Thanks.  And please spread the word, if you like my blog site!  Thanks!   The Old Man in the Bib Overalls

Granny's Sweet Tater Soup

I can't say for sure which "Granny" this was from, but it is a favorite recipe with me! 
This is certainly a recipe you won't see everyday! This one, like so many of my heirloom recipes, comes from someone looking in their pantry, finding it limited.  As root vegetables are often stored for the winter in a root cellar, this looking in the cellar found "Sweet Potatoes"!

Ingredients:

• 6 Sweet Potatoes, peeled and chopped
• Ham Stock or water
• 1/2 Cup of sugar
• 2 1/2 Cups of whole milk
• 1/2 Cup of heavy cream
• 1 Cup of cooked ham, finely diced
• pinch of nutmeg

Directions: Place the chopped potatoes in a saucepan, cover them with the stock or water. Cover the pan and cook over medium high heat, till the liquid is just about gone, stirring occasionally so that they don't burn. Stir in the sugar, ham and milk. Cook for about 10 minutes.  Add the cream and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve hot with a dollop of butter and a slight pinch of nutmeg on each serving.  You may wish to dress each serving with croutons or soda crackers.

Thanks, Granny - this is great!  I'd say it's good as finding gold in that cellar!

"However fleeting and changeable life may appear to be on the surface, we know that the great underlying values of life are always the same; no different today than they were a thousand years ago."  Laura Ingalls Wilder

If you try this, please come back here and let is all know, by leaving a comment. And please remember to share this blog site with someone else, so they can become a follower as well! Thanks. The Old Man in the Bib Overalls