Irish Soda Bread

My children’s great great grandparents, Patrick and Katie Fleming, came to America from Ireland during the potato famine, probably passing through Ellis Island with hundreds of other brave people risking it all to find a better life in America. (I wonder what they would think of the state of things in this country now?) [...]

Torta Rustica (or “the big sandwich thing we make at Christmas”)

I’m  not sure, but I think that “torta rustica” means something like “country pie” in Italian.  So let’s all put on our Bob Dylan hats and hum a few bars: “Oh, me, oh my — love that country pie.” He may have been thinking more about apple or cherry, but this is a great “big [...]

Ranger Cookies

I have always been a history buff.  Maybe it’s because I come from a family of storytellers, and was fascinated with our family history, the stories my mom and dad and grandparents would tell. First person sources are always the best, but stories passed down through generations ring true also. So I was interested to [...]

Lemon Bars

Every body loves them, although I think one is enough — boy are they rich.  Barb Gertz at Recipeczar.com has a really good recipe for Lavendar Lemon Bars; they raise the elegance bar (pun intended) a few notches.

Mix

1/2 c. butter (no substitutes)
1 c. flour (I use at least part ww)
1/4 c. powdered sugar

Press in  a [...]

BLT Chicken Salad

This is a much-requested recipe (at least as far as my children are concerned). I have seen it from several different sources (mags, etc.) but it’s pretty much PD now. (I hope.) Enjoy.

Mix:

1/2 c. real mayo
1/3 c. water
1 1/2 teaspns. vinegar (balsalmic is good)
1 tablespn. BBQ sauce
1/4 teaspn garlic powder

Cook 1 pound chicken breasts; cool, [...]

Orange Julie Bee and Buttermilk Smoothie

My first trip to California was for my brother’s wedding in 1971 (72?).I thought, and still do, that San Diego was a beautiful city: palm trees and oleanders lining the streets, sunshine and lots of fresh fruits and veggies.  My sister and I would walk to the corner in the mornings and get a drink [...]