I arrived at work Monday morning hoping to see an e-mail inbox full of tasty recipes from local people. I realize that it will probably take a few weeks to get this column off the ground, but hey, it's always good to have high hopes and think positive, right?
I also know people are busy and may not have had time to send a recipe, or maybe a lot of folks didn't even see the introductory column in last week's paper (if you didn't you can check it out online at www.timesuniononline.com - there is a special section for What's Cooking).
I eagerly clicked on the e-mail icon. Eighteen new messages! That was a good sign, or so I thought.
Unfortunately, my inbox was not full of messages with delicious recipes and interesting stories, as I had hoped.
But there was one lone message with the subject line that said simply, "recipes."
My heart skipped a beat as I eagerly clicked on it, not looking to see where the note had originated from. As I started to read the note, I thought "Gee, this sounds really familiar."
As well it should have - since the message was from my mom! And as I continued to read, I could not stop the smile from creeping across my face as I read the stories and recipes that I remember all too well.
So here is the first official e-mailed submission for the "What's Cooking" column from Carol Price of Etna Green:
"I have three recipes that I would like to share with your readers.
"As a full time working mom easy meals were always welcomed in our house. It seemed we were on the go all the time.
"When my daughter (Editor's note: Yep, that's me she's talking about!) was a senior in high school I shared this first recipe with her.
"Ingredients: Milk (amount needed for thermos and Quik chocolate mix to taste. Place in pan and heat to desired warmth Place in thermos.
"This was the first time my daughter knew you could make hot chocolate with real milk not a pre-packaged packet.
"My second recipe is for my son, who thought jello with marshmallows was hard to make. Prepare jello according to directions and add marshmallows to taste.
"I guess I really was busy!
"My third recipe is really a favorite: Crock Pot meatballs and potatoes.
"These recipes have been submitted with love and laughs because I am Jen Gibson's mom and I thought I would start her new column off with one of my recipes."
CROCK POT MEATBALLS AND POTATOES
6 to 8 small potatoes
1-to-2 pounds ground beef
1 can mushrooms
1 medium onion, chopped
1 egg
1 cup bread crumbs
2 cans beef gravy
Peel 6 to 8 small potatoes and cut in half. Reserve and set to side.
Mix 1-to-2 pounds of hambuger, onion, mushrooms, egg, and bread crumbs. Form into balls about the size of a golf ball.
Place meatballs in greased crock pot. Cover with two cans of beef gravy.
Place reserved potatoes on top. Set crock pot on low to medium and cook for 8-to-10 hours.
Serve with vegetable or a salad. Meat balls can also be served with rice.
*****
My dad recently brought me another recipe from his sister, my Aunt Betty. I don't know the story behind it, but if you like peanut butter cookies - give this twist on an old favorite a try!
PEANUT BUTTER SANDWICH COOKIES
1 cup butter-flavored shortening
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups confectioner's sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5-to-6 tablespoons milk
In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening, peanut butter and sugars. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg. Add vanilla.
Combine flour, baking soda and salt, add to creamed mixture. Mix well.
Shape into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Flatten to 3/8-inch thickness with a fork.
Bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes or until golden. Remove and place on wire rack to cool.
For filling, in a large bowl, beat peanut butter, confectioner's sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve spreading consistency.
Spread filling on one cookie and top with another cookie.
