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

New England Baked Beans

Image via WikipediaI finally bought a Bean Pot.  Always wanted one, and when I found one on sale I could not resist.  Scoured many baked bean recipes and this is the one I selected.  Learned alot on my first bean outing.  Overnight soak on dry beans work better than the "quick soak" method.  Sort em, cook em for a couple hours, let them stand overnight, and cook em again.  MAKE SURE THEY ARE TENDER BEFORE YOU PUT EM IN THE BEAN POT.  They will not soften that much more while baking.  All you will accomplish by baking longer is the risk of scorching your sauce.  So, again, be sure the beans are soft enough before you begin.

Boston Baked Beans

1 pound dried Great Northern Beans
1/2 pound thick sliced bacon strips, chopped
2 large onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups ketchup
1-1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup molasses
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Sort beans and rinse with cold water.  Place beans in a Dutch Oven.  add enough water to cover by 2 inches.  Bring to a boil for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat; cover and let stand for one hour or until beans are softened.  Or let set overnight. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid.  Return beans to Dutch oven; add 6 cups of water.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender.
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.  Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of the drippings.  Saute onions in drippings until tender.  Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer.  Stir in remaining ingredients.
Drain beans, reserving the cooking liquid; place in a un-greased 3 quart cooking pot or bean pot.  Stir in the onion mixture and bacon.  Cover and bake at 300 degrees for 2-1/2 hours or until beans are tender and have reached the desired consistency, stirring about every 30 minutes.  Add reserved cooking liquid as needed.

Enjoy.
The Old Guy (slightly more flatulent after eating the above)

Things that you always wanted to know!

Image via WikipediaWhat follows are a list of things that you always wanted to know, and will also make you an expert at Trivial Pursuit.  You will amaze your friends with these little known facts and such..........

Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to pick the little "stringy things" off of it.

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store.  If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster. (really)

Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating.
Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef.  It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

Heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat unitl warm.  This keeps the crust crispy.  No soggy micro-pizza.

Store your open chunks of cheeses in aluminum foil.  They will stay fresher much longer and not mold.

Hate foggy windshields??? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep in the glove box.  When the windows fog, rub with the eraser.  It works better than a cloth.

If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something minside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two.  It will unseal easily.

The end.
Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Creme De Menthe Cake

Image via WikipediaThis is a easy, fast, and fancy dessert you can Wow your friends or at your families next potluck.

Creme De Menthe Cake

1 package White cake mix
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons Creme De Menthe liqueur
1 (16 ounce) can Hershey's Chocolate syrup
1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed

Prepare White cake as directed on package, except substitute 1/2 cup Creme De Menthe for 1/4 cup of the water.  Bake in a 13-inch x 9-inch x 2-inch baking pan, according to baking directions.
Remove from oven when done and while cake is still hot, poke holes on cake with fork or skewer or handle of a wooden spoon.  Pour the chocolate syrup evenly over the top of cake.  Refrigerate.  After cake is cooled, mix the Cool Whip with the remaining 3 tablespoons of Creme De Menthe, mixing well to eliminate "streaks".  Spread over cake.  Store in refrigerator.
Cut into squares and serve, and wait for the "Wows".  Yummm

Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Parkway Hamburgers

Image via Wikipedia
Here is a favorite Burger recipoe of mine I found many years ago.

Parkway Hamburgers

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 dash hot sauce
2 teaspoons Heinz 57 steak sauce
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons horseradish
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons onion, minced
2 teaspoons Worchestershire sauce
3 tablespoons Chili sauce

Mix all ingredients and let stand, refrigerated, for 12 hours. Form into patties  Place in a skillet and brown.  Be sure to msoak up the bun in the cooking ":juice".

Hungarian Beef Short Ribs

Served over wide egg noodles, this is one of my favorite dinners.

Hungarian Beef Short Ribs

2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
2 medium onions, sliced
1 can (15 ounces) tomatoe sauce
1 cup water
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Cooked wide egg noodles

In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.  Brown on all sides.  Add onion; cook until onions are tender.  Combine all remaining ingredients except noodles; pour over ribs.  Reduce heat to simmer; cover and simmer until meat is tender, about 3 hours.  Thicken gravy if desired.  Serve over noodles.
Yield: 6-8 servings
Enjoy
The Old Guy

Asparagus Shepherd's Pie

I got this recipe from Siri, a co-worker of mine.  I hope you enjoy it as much as
Siri and I do.

Asparagus Shepherd's Pie

6 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed Cream of Asparagus soup, undiluted
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Paprika (sweet Hungarian)

In a saucepan, cover potatoes with water; cook until very tender.  Meanwhile, in a skillet, over medium heat,
cook beef until no longer pink; drain.  Add onion and garlic; cook until tender.  Stir in soup and pepper; pour into a greased 2-quart baking dish.  Cook asparagus in a small amount of water until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes; drain and place over beef mixture.  Drain potatoes; mash with milk, butter, sage and salt.  Spread over the asparagus.  Sprinkle with cheese and paprika.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Yield: 6-8 servings.

Enjoy!
The Old Guy

Cottage Cheese-Special K Casserole

Image via WikipediaI got this recipe from my Sister-In-Law this past Thanksgiving in Brookville, Maryland. It is a vegetarian side dish.  It savory,not sweet, and would go well with either meat, poultry, or vegetarian dinner.  Thanks Darlene.
Enjoy
The Old Guy

Cottage Cheese-Special K Casserole 

Cottage cheese-Special K loaf




1 (16 ounce) container small curd cottage cheese

5 large eggs, well beaten

1 stick butter, melted

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cups Kellogg's Special K cereal (plain)- crushed

1-tablespoon garlic salt

2 Tablespoons chicken granules (use Mrs. Kaus Chicken Seasonings to make it Vegetarian)



Sauté onion in butter until translucent. In a large mixing bowl as the beaten eggs, cottage cheese, sautéed onions and melted butter.

Mix in crushed Special K. Add a little extra if too soupy.



Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 x 2 inch glass casserole dish with cooking spray. Place all in casserole dish and bake for 35-45 minutes or until top is slightly browned.

Chicken Caesar Tetrazzini

Image via WikipediaI found this recipe in a cookbook put out by the members of the S.A.A.D Chapter of Athens High School in Southern Michigan.  It was postedby a student named Bill.  Good job Bill!  I made it tonight, and it was SUPER.
Enjoy
The Old Guy

Chicken Caesar Tetrazzini

8 ounces cooked spaghetti
2 cups chicken, cooked and cubed
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup Caesar Salad dressing
1 jar sliced mushrooms, drained (I used a 4 oz can)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 Tablespoons dry bread crumbs

Combine cooked spaghetti with the chicken broth, Caesar dressing, and mushrooms in a large mixing bowl.  Place the mixture in a 2 quart casserole dish; (I used a 9 x 13x 2 inch dish) Mix together the Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs in a small bowl and sprinkle over spaghetti mixture.  Bake at 350 degrees in a pre-heated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until casserole is hot and bubbly.
Serve with a salad and garlic bread for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.

Potatoes and Hot Dogs

Image via WikipediaThis was one of my all time favorites when I was growing up.  Today I still make it because it is fast, easy, and still as good as I remember it.  It takes only 30 minutes to make.  Add a salad and you have a complete meal.
Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Hot Dogs and Potatoes

1 package of your favorite brand hot dogs (I like Koegel brand skinless) cut into bite size pieces
1 large onion, diced
1 (22 ounce) can tomato juice
2 tablespoons sweet paprika
4 or 5 potatoes cut into bite size chunks
1 (4 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup water
salt and pepper to taste
Oil for cooking onions

In a large deep skillet, over medium heat, add oil and onions and cook until onions are translucent.  Add potatoes, tomato sauce, water, paprika and tomato juice, cover and cook about 12 minutes. Add hot dogs, cover, and cook until potatoes are tender and hot dogs are hot, stirring occassionally. You can add more water if necessary. Add the salt and pepper to taste and dinner is ready. It's sort of a "hot dog stew".

Roasting Garlic

Roasting garlic in the oven usually takes about 45 minutes.  Here is a quick way to do it if you are in a pinch.
Enjoy.
TheOld Guy







 Roasting Garlic


Slice off the top of the head to reveal all the cloves. Place the head in a small, deep dish, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of good olive oil. Spoon 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and cook at medium power for 7 to 7½ minutes. Let stand for a few minutes before unwrapping.

One Pot Spaghetti

Image via WikipediaYou make this recipe in one 3 Quart pot on top of the stove.  No other pans to dirty. Best of all it's fast and easy.
Enjoy
The Old Guy

One Pot Spaghetti

1-1/2 pounds ground beef (could use a 1 pound package)
1 small onion, chopped, or 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic, pressed, or finely minced
1-1/2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder (may omit if desired)
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2-1/2 cups tomato juice
3-1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons (more or less) brown sugar
1 (8 ounce) package spaghetti (uncooked)

In a 3quart pot on top of the stove, add ground beef and brown until crumbly; drain.
Add minced onion, salt, garlic, oregano and chili powder and stir well.
Add tomato paste, tomato juice, water and brown sugar.  Stir well to combine.  Bring to boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 20-30 minutes.  Add uncooked spaghetti.  Stir, and cook uncovered, until spaghetti is tender and sauce is thick (about 20 minutes).  Stir occassionally during cooking to be sure spaghetti is not sticking together.  Add a little more water or tomato juice if necessary.
Serve with a salad and garlic bread for a complete and easy Italian meal.  Sprinkle spaghetti with grated parmesan cheese if desired.    

Runza (sometimes called Bierocks)

Image via WikipediaKnow how to tell if a recipe is good as you look through your cookbooks or recipe cards?  Look for the ones that are the most soiled, and covered with water spots and food stains.
The following recipe fits all of the above.  Really stained, and really good tasting. 
This is a casserole version of the individual Runzas.  Economical, quick, easy, and tasty.
Enjoy.
The OldGuy

Runza (Casserole version)

2 packages crescent rolls
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 medium head of Cabbage, chopped
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup,  undiluted
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook cabbage and onion in oil in a large frying pan until cabbage is tender.  Brown ground beef; drain and add to cabbage and onion.  Unroll 1 package of crescent rolls in the bottom of a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish and seal perforations. Place beef mixture over crescent roll dough and spread evenly. Pat down slightly, and spread with Cream of Mushroom soup and sprinkle with cheese.  Unroll 2nd package of crescent rolls, seal perforations, and place on top of cheese.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Left-overs freeze well.


  

Lazy Cabbage Casserole

Image via WikipediaI learned how to cook from my Mom "long distance".  Both Mom and Dad worked.  When I got home from school, I would call Mom, and she would tell me what's for dinner and how to prepare it.
This is one of my "over the phone" recipes.  So easy even a 12 year old could make it, and it is really tasty.
Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Lazy Cabbage Casserole (Inside Out Cabbage Rolls)

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1-can condensed Tomato Soup
1 soup can water
3 tablespoons uncooked regular rice (could use Minute Rice)
2 cups chopped cabbage
2-3 tablespoons brown sugar (taste the sauce, you may want to add alittle more brown sugar)
a squirt of lemon juice
a splash of white vinagar
Prehear oven to 350 degrees.  Generously butter a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish (could use cooking spray).  Place chopped cabbage in the baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet, lightly brown the ground beef and onion; drain well.  Add uncooked rice, and all remaining ingredients. Mix well and simmer for 10minutes.
Pour ground beef mixture over chopped cabbage.
DO NOT STIR.

Cover with allumium foil and bake 1-1/2 hours, or until cabbage and rice are tender.
Tastes like stuffed cabbage only without all the work.

Strawberry Shortcut Cake

Image via WikipediaI seem to be on a dessert kick lately.  By the way, did you know that a cake that has been cut results in calorie leakage?  Lol.
This recipe comes from an old church cookbook from my collection.  It is really good.
Tried and True as TOH puts it.
Enjoy.
The Old Guy

Strawberry Shortcut Cake
1 cup miniature marshmallows
2 cups (10 oz. pkg.) frozen strawberries, sliced, in syrup, thawed completely
1 (3 oz) package Strawberry Jello
2-1/4 cups all purpose flour
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup solid shortening
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 large eggs

Generously grease the the bottom only of a 13-inch x 9-inch baking pan.  Thoroughly combine completely the strawberries in syrup with dry gelatin; set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients, except the marshmallows.  Place the marshmallows in an even layer in bottom of cake pan.  Pour batter evenly over marshmallows.  Spoon strawberry mixture evenly over the batter.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
When you remove from the oven you will see that the strawberries have sunk to the bottom, the cake is in the middle, and the marshmallows are on top.  WOW! It's Magic!

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Image via WikipediaThis recipe has been around for a long time.  Some people call it "Robert Redford", some call it "BTS Cake" (Better Than Sex"), I call it one of my favorites.
Enjoy
The Old Guy

Chocolate Eclair Cake
2 (3 ounce) boxes French Vanilla or Vanilla Instant Pudding
3 cups milk
1 (9 ounce) Cool Whip, thawed
Graham Crackers
1 can chocolate Ready-to-use frosting

Whip pudding mix and milk until thick; then fold in CoolWhip. Line the bottom of a 9-inch x 13-inch cake pan with whole Graham Crackers, breaking to fit if needed.  Add 1/2 pudding mixture.  Repeat another layer of whole Graham Crackers on top.  Add the rest of the pudding mixture.  Top with one more layer of whole Graham Crackers.  Frost with the chocolate ready-to-use frosting.  Place in refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.
Slice into squares.  (After you get the first piece out it is a breeze) (That first piece is always mine anyway.)
Yummmmmmmmm!