I began cooking when I was about 11 or 12 years old, and it was almost therapuetic, even then. After I got married, in 1982, I began really trying to come up with recipes and menus of my own.
I catered a few parties here and there, but I have no artistic abilities, so cake decorating wasn't my thing, and that limited my opportunities.
I do make a lovely display of food, and can, given time and space, make a lovely buffet or tablescape, but my food is what I focus on. After all, the beautiful cakes, etc. only look that way until they are cut... it is then that the true test of the cook begins. I'm not saying my food is ugly, because it isn't. You eat with your eyes first, so it has to be visually appealing.
I cook some really fancy things, and I will include those recipes here and there. But everyday food is where the majority of cooks need help. It is the newly married couple, or the beginning cook I want to reach; those struggling to come up with tasty dishes for the average Sunday meal or a dish they can make over the weekend and re heat or restyle during the week, to broaden their menu on a smaller budget.
I love to smoke foods, grill a steak, etc. But I am a southern "if it ain't fried, it ain't supper" kind of gal. Most of my dishes aren't typically low fat nor are they figure friendly. They are comfort food... pure and simple.
One of the hardest things I learned to make was a good mashed potato dish... sounds simple, but there are so many potatoes out there, and some are great for roasting, but few lend themselves to that creamy texture we love when sitting down to a true "Sunday supper at Grandma's" taste.
So it is the everyday cook who should most enjoy my dishes. I certainly don't advocate fried food everyday, but I truly enjoy my share of country fried steak and gravy, fried chicken, pot roast, pork shoulder, etc. I love to eat, I love to cook for others and my motto is "Never trust a skinny cook; if they don't eat their own food, why should I?'"
There are plenty of folks out there who can show you how to make a standing rib roast, and I may publish my own version, but I want you to be able to take that unexpected afternoon off or that lazy Saturday and turn it into something that takes you back to your childhood, or makes you think of your Grandma or Great Grandma when you eat it.
Please let me know how these recipes work for you and your family. Tell me and the followers if you put your own spin on a dish. I'd love to know if the tips, recipes, etc are helpful....comment on individual recipes or post as you like. I love to hear how someone has made a dish their very own.

The photos of recipes you will see here are pics of the actual dishes I have made and served my family... if you look closely, you may see a dirty dish or two, or a hand in the photos... I think you should only publish a recipe you have tried and tested on your own family. ENJOY!

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Pancake Batter

2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
1 Egg
1 Cup Milk, (or 1/2 milk, 1/2 buttermilk)
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Mix these ingredients well, and pour in

1 Cup Self Rising Flour, Sifted or stirred with a fork:
If batter is VERY thin, add a little flour, until it reaches the consistency you are wanting. If really thin batter is desired, add some milk... if you make it really thin, this batter makes a fantastic crepe..

At this point, if you want chocolate chip or blueberry pancakes,add them to the batter

Mix and pour 1/4 cup of batter at a time onto hot griddle pan or into a heated skillet. When bubbles cover about 3/4 of the pancake, flip it. When cooking more than a few pancakes, as they get done, transfer them onto a cookie sheet in an oven preheated to 200 degrees, in order to keep warm until all of them are finished.

Suggested Toppings:

Strawberries and cream cheese w/Whipped Cream

Peaches, Berries, cooked apples, any sweetened fruit works well

Cream cheese and pecans with cinnamon

Maple or Table syrup

Any ice cream sundae topping works well, too. Warm the jar in hot water and spoon the warmed topping onto the pancakes.
If you want to make tropical, slice bananas, sprinkle some coconut, toasted or not, pecans and a little pineapple ice cream topping onto the pancakes and add a spoonful of whipped cream... a great dessert idea.

Mix pancake syrup and peanut butter. Spread or mix thinner and pour over pancakes, top with some Peanuts, or a mixture of peanut butter chips and chocolate chips. A dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup makes a great pick me up and a beautiful breakfast or dessert plate

Make any flavors you like. I love bananas with walnut topping, strawberries and whipped cream, or just maple syrup and butter. You can have bacon strips and sliced apples with maple syrup drizzled over it for a really sweet/savory combination... the possibilities are endless...

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