Triple Decker Strawberry Stuff (Hungarian Pastry)

Image via WikipediaThis recipe appeared in the "Tast of Home" magazine in the February/March 2007 issue.  I got it from my Mom, who got it from my cousin Mickey Freidman.
It is not for the inexperienced baker.  The dough must be worked quickly after it comes out of the fridge as it becomes soft.  I got banned from my sister-in-law Linda's kitchen after I made a bit of a mess from the flour "flying" everywhere.  But I will tell you this....all the trouble is worth it!  This IS my all time favorite dessert.
Anyone I make it for knows they are loved alot for me to prepare this Strawberry Hungarian dessert for them. 

Triple Decker Strawberry Stuff
2 pounds Strawberry Jam

5 cups Flour

1-Cup Sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

4 egg yolks

½ pint Sour Cream

1-teaspoon vanilla

Pinch of salt

½ pound margarine plus 2 tablespoons Crisco

Topping

2-1/2 cups ground walnuts

½ cup sugar

Sift dry ingredients together. Add Crisco and butter. Mix as for piecrust. Add egg yolks, sour cream and vanilla. Mix well. Divide dough into 3 portions. Place in plastic wrap and chill well.

Roll out first portion of dough as for piecrust and place in a 15” x 1” x 12” jellyroll pan.

Sprinkle with ½ sugar and nut mixture.

Roll out second portion of dough and place on top of first layer.

Spread with Jam and remaining nut mixture.

Roll out third portion of dough and cut into lattice strips. Weave lattice strips over jam and nut mixture-sealing strips on the edges.



Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.



Cool and cut into squares.

Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Tuna Salad Coney's

Image by MI SHPO via FlickrAbout 20 years ago, I helped compile and edit a cookbook for the Chamber of Commerce in Sturgis, Michigan as a fundraiser.  We called it "A Taste Of Sturgis". We asked community members to submit their favorite recipes.  We ended up with a cookbook that contained over 600 recipes and 320 pages. This recipe comes from that book.

1/4 pound American cheese, cut into small cubes
3 hard cooked eggs, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can tuna, drained
2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons onion, chopped
2 tablespoons stuffed green olives, chopped
2 tablespoons sweet pickle, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
6 hot dog buns

In a medium size bowl, combine all ingredients, except buns, and stir to combine.
Fill hot dog rolls with tuna mixture.  Wrap individually in aluminum foil and place in oven at 250 degrees for 30 minutes and serve hot.

Enjoy
The Old guy

Dottie's Lemon Cake

Image via WikipediaI got this recipe from my good friend Dottie.  This cake is moist and light and is one of my favorites.  Hope you enjoy..............
Dottie's Lemon Cake

 For the Cake:
1 box Lemon cake mix (not the kind with pudding in the mix)
1 (3.4 ounce) box Jello Lemon Instant pudding
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
4 large eggs

For the glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Place all cake ingredients in the bowl of your electric mixer with the paddle attached, and mix for 8 minutes.

Pour into a 9-inch x 13-inch x 2-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray and place in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for about 1 hour or until sides of cake pull away from the sides and top springs back when lightly touched.  Remove from oven, and while cake is still hot, poke holes in the top using a fork.

In a medium size bowl, place all glaze ingredients, and mix well to combine.  Pour evenly over hot cake.

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Passover Apple Fritters

Image via WikipediaI just looked in the cigar box I got from my Mom (La Corona Belvederes) that contains her recipes, some handwritten.  As April 19, 2011 is the first day of Passover, I would like to share Mom's recipe for Apple Fritters, my favorite Passover dessert. It really brings back warm memories.

Apple Fritters

3 tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup Matzo Meal
3 large eggs, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons melted chicken fat (Schmaltz)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Mix all ingredients except apples, together in a large bowl.  Mix well.  Add apples.
Drop by large spoonfuls about the size of a Potato Latke,  in hot oil, heated to 375 degrees and fry until golden brown.  Drain on brown paper (or paper towels)

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture liberally, on both sides of warm fritters.
 Good warm, good cold.  Happy Passover (Pesach)

Enjoy
The Old Guy

Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole

Image via WikipediaI love Casseroles!  They are truley comfort food, and they last a couple- three days,  This one is a favorite.  It's quick, and inexpensive.

Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole

6 servings

50 minutes 15 mins prep

2 lbs lean ground beef

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can cheddar cheese soup, undiluted

1 package frozen French fries, any style

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded



Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Scramble fry ground beef until cooked.

Drain off grease.

Then add salt, pepper and garlic.

Add both soups and stir until well blended.

Heat through on stove and then transfer to 9 X 13 glass pan.

Cover beef mixture with the french fries.

Bake for 30 minutes, until fries are crispy.

Sprinkle cheese over top of casserole and return to oven until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

Tuna Zucchini Patties

I seem to be stuck on a tuna kick, but, with the Lenten season, this will be a good Friday dinner.



Tuna Zucchini Cakes


½ cup finely chopped onion

1 tablespoon butter

1 can (6-1/2 ounce) water-packed Tuna, drained and flaked

1 cup shredded zucchini

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/3 cup minced fresh parsley

1 teaspoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs, divided

2 tablespoons canola oil



In a small saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Remove from heat. Add the tuna, zucchini, eggs, parsley, lemon juice, seasonings and ½ cup bread crumbs. Stir until well combined. Shape into six ½ inch thick patties; coat with remaining bread crumbs.

In a large skillet, heat oil. Cook the patties for 3m minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Triple Chocolate Mess (my Version)

Image via WikipediaBake in a crockpot?  Who'd a thunk it?  Wow, it's good.  A combination of chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, and chocolate mousse.  What could be bad?

My Version of Triple Chocolate Mess


1 package chocolate cake mix

1 pint sour cream

1 small package instant chocolate pudding

1 bag mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup oil

4 eggs

1 cup milk

Spray crock pot with non-stick spray. Mix all ingredients until smooth, about 2 minutes with mixer. Mix in chocolate chips. Pour into crock pot.



Cover top with paper towel to catch condensation. Then put on glass cover. Check and change paper towels once or twice as needed.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Serve in a bowl with ice cream. Best when served warm.
This one is a keeper.
Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Milky Way Pain Au Chocolat

Image via WikipediaOne of the best things about writing a Food Blog is sharing recipes from other Bloggers, who found recipes from other Bloggers who found recipes etc. etc.
This recipe I found on my new friend's blog,  jam-hands.blogspot.com.  She has some wonderful recipes you should look at, and become a follower of her blog.

I made these today, and they were "killer".

You might even experiment with other cut-up candy bars too.

Milky Way Pain Au Chocolat

2 Milky Way candy bars (2.05 ounces each)
1 package (8's) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

for the glaze
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon butter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.  Cut the candy bars into 1/4 inch slices.

Break open the crescent roll container.  The dough will be in 2 halves.  Unroll the dough and divide on the middle portion, taking care not to tear the diagonal perforations.  There will be 4 rectangles of dough.

Place all four rectangles of dough on the cookie sheet with the narrower edges towards you.  Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sliced candy pieces on top of each rectangle, leaving a 1/2 inch border on both sides and a 1 inch border on the farthest end from you.

Roll up the dough jellyroll style, beginning with the edge closest to you.  If the diagonal perforations tear when rolling, gently pinch them together.

Repeat with the remaining rectangles.  Space them 3 inches apart.  Bake 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown.

In a double boiler, or in your microwave, melt the chocolate chips.  Stir in the butter and mix until smooth.

Drizzle over the pastry and serve warm.  Yummmmmmmm.
Enjoy
The Oldguy and jam-hands.blogspot.com

Scalloped Carrots

Image via WikipediaEver since I discovered this recipe, it has become a holiday "must have" at our table.

Scalloped Carrots

1/4 cup butter
2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
1 (10-2/4 ounce) can Cream of Celery soup, undiluted
8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
2/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup milk
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add carrots and onion and cook, stirring constantly for approximately 15 minutes.  Stir in soup, cheddar cheese, sour cream and milk.  Spoon into a lightly greased 9-inch x 13-inch x 2-inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter, stirring well.  Sprinkle evenly over the carrot mixture.  Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until top is browned and carrots are bubbly.
Enjoy
The Oldguy

Tuna Patties

Image by The Hamster Factor via FlickrI like salmon patties, but I hate picking the bones and cartilage from the canned Salmon. Sooooo.........How about Tuna Patties.  No bones to pick and after making this recipe, I found that I like it better than Salmon.

Tuna Patties
1 (16 ounce package) chicken flavored Stove Top Stuffing Mix
1 (10-3/4 ounce can) Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup (undiluted)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 (9 ounce can) Chicken of the Sea Tuna, drained (or use the large 6 ounce pouch)
2 tablespoons margarine
1/4 cup milk
1 can baby peas (optional)

Prepare Stove Top Stuffing Mix as directed on package.  Stir in 1/2 can soup, the eggs, and tuna.  Form into patties.  Heat margarine in fryng pan over medium heat.  Brown patties on both sides and heat through.
Heat remaining soup with the 1/4 cup milk and serve as a sauce. (I like a lot of sauce so I use an extra can of soup diluted with a 1/2 can water.) I like mixing a can of baby peas with the soup for my sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes and a salad for a complete, easy, and inexpensive lunch or dinner.

Enjoy
The Old Guy`

Bill Knapp's Au Gratin Potatoes

Image via WikipediaThose of you located in Michigan and Florida will remember Bill Knapp's Resturants.  They were popular for the free chocolaste cake they gave you on your birthday, plus your discount equal to the number of years you were old. (50 years olds = 50% discount).  That's probably a contributing factor for why they had to close the Florida stores. (80 years old=80% discount). OMG.

My favorite meal at Bill Knapp's was their Ham Croquettes and Au Gratin Pototoes.  Here is a "copy cat" recipe I came across that comes REAL close.

Bill Knapp's Au Gratin Potatoes

6 cups potatoes- diced, boiled til tender, and chilled
2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon granules
6 ounces Velveeta cheese

Prepare potatoes.  Melt butter in a large saucepan.  Add flour and blend. (you are making a roux, so after mixing, cook a few minutes to get the flour taste out of the roux)
Gradually add the milk and cook until thickened.  If it gets too thick, add a little more milk.  Add the remaining ingredients and stir until cheese melts.  Add potatoes and stir well.  Pour into a greased casserole dish.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until top is browned.
For best results, use whole milk and real butter.  No substitutes.  Can top with buttered bread crumbs if desired.
Enjoy.
The Old Guy

"Good For You" Meatballs

Image via WikipediaHere's a good way for the kids (and grown ups too) to eat their vegetables.

"Good For You" Meatballs

1 large egg
1/3 cup shredded carrot
2/3 cup shredded potato
1/3 cup shredded zucchini
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound ground beef
1 can (10-3/4 ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can (10-3/4 ounce) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1-1/4 cup milk
Mashed potatoes, or cooked egg noodles, or rice

In a large bowl, combine first 8 ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.  Shape into 1-1/2 inch balls.  In a large skillet, brown meatballs in oil in small batches; drain.  Transfer to a greased 9-inch x 13-inch x 2-inch baking dish.  In a large bowl, combine soups and milk; pour over meatballs.
Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly.  Serve over mashed potatoes, or cooked egg noodles, or rice.  Add some crusty bread and a salad for a quick and inexpensive dinner or lunch.

Enjoy
The Old Guy