Aebleskiver Recipe

One of our family traditions is to have aebleskivers for breakfast on Christmas morning.
Here is  Myrl Buchanan Brugger's (Popi's mother) recipe.

Aebleskivers

6 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup milk
1 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 cups flour

Separate eggs and beat egg whites until stiff.
Combine egg yolk with other ingredients.
Fold into beaten egg whites.
Cook in aebleskiver pan.


Aebleskiver Recipe for 8 eggs

8 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 1/2  tsp baking powder
1 1/3 cup milk
4 tsp sugar
2 cups flour


Note:  Most recipes for aebleskivers just make a pancake batter, with one or two eggs.  You can make these with pancake batter, they just won't be as round.

The Secrets to Perfect Spritz Cookies

The Secrets to Perfect Spritz Cookies

This is a repost of  a blog entry from my old blog thedittmarfamilypage.blogspot.com.

These are some of the secrets tI have learned for making perfect Spritz Cookies.  

1. The dough should be very soft.

2. Chill the cookie sheets. This makes the dough stick to the sheet instead of the cookie press, so you don't end up with big globs. Turn the knob of the press exactly the same amount each time.

3. I always use parchment to make cookies, but DON'T use it for spritz cookies-the dough won't stick to it.
4. When you take the cookies out of the oven let them sit on the cookie sheet a few minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.

5.  Always use real butter.

This is my mother's recipe.  She made the best cookies.

Butter Spritz Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups sifted flour
Sprinkles for garnish

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a mixer with a paddle attachment, add the sugar and the butter. Mix until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla and almond extracts and mix to incorporate. Sift together the baking powder and the flour. Add the flour mixture. Mix until combined. Using a cookie press, press cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets. Top with the sprinkles of your choice. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, or until firm, but not yet browning.

Christmas Chili

My mother made the best chili, from scratch.  For decades I always made her recipe.  Eventually, I got a little lazy and modified the recipe to use canned beans.
I always make a big pot of chili a few days before Christmas to eat on Christmas day.  When my girls were little I wanted to be able to play with them all day rather than cooking.  Chili became our traditional Christmas dinner.  We have added tamales and taquitos to the day.  I put the tamales in a crock pot and just heat the taquitos in the oven so it is still not work.  I buy a vegetable tray and serve red and green tortilla chips with salsa, too.  Paper plates, bowls and cups are a must.  I don't want to waste time doing dishes.
Sara and Dallin will be having their own Christmas in Florida this year and Sara asked for my recipe.  It is pretty much a "to taste" recipe, but here it is.

4-5 cans beans (I like to use a variety, such as pinto, red beans, black beans, etc.)
1 large can tomato sauce or jar of spaghetti sauce
1 can or jar of water
1 lb ground beef (browned)
2 tbsp chili powder (to taste)
onion and garlic powder (to taste)
salt (to taste)

Combine everything and heat it up.

When the girls were little Santa always brought them cereal in their stocking so I didn't have to make breakfast.  Eventually, they preferred me to stop and make aebleskivers for breakfast.  So I now do some cooking on Christmas day.

Crock Pot Cream Corn

Crock Pot Corn

1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp cold butter, cut in pieces
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream

Put frozen corn in crock pot.  Stir in flour, sugar and salt.  The flour needs to be well distributed through the corn.  It will coat the corn.  Add the butter and Parmesan cheese.  Finally pour in the heavy cream.  The cream will freeze on the corn and will not mix in well.  It will mix in as the corn heats up. (Mixing the ingredients into the frozen corn makes it unnecessary to make a roux.)  Heat about 2 hours until simmering.


This is based on a recipe for Gulliver's Corn, but has been modified for the crock pot.

This became a part of our traditional Thanksgiving meal about 20 years ago.

Oreo Turkeys

I know my girls don't actually need this "recipe", but I may as well make sure it is saved.

I've seen lots of cookie turkeys, but these are so simple to make.  In our family the kids always made them on Thanksgiving day.  

If anyone makes some this year, send me a picture and I will post it here.

Marshmallow and Sour Cream Fruit Salad

Marshmallow and Sour Cream Fruit Salad

1 can pears, drained, cut into bite size pieces

1 can pineapple tidbits, drained

1 small bottle maraschino cherries, drained, cut in half

40 large marshmallows, cut in fourths

1 cup sour cream

1 can drained mandarin oranges, (optional) 

Combine all ingredients.  

Chill overnight to melt marshmallows and blend flavors.

Note:  This recipe traditionally contains 1 cup coconut.  Most recipes similar to this call for miniature marshmallows, but they do not melt as well as cup up large marshmallows.  You can use crushed pineapple or pineapple chunks, but the tidbits are just the right size.  

I will post a picture in a few days, after I have made this for Thanksgiving dinner.

Sugar Plum Elf Slippers

I finally finished the pattern for my elf slippers.  There are instructions to make adult size slippers and child size slippers.  They are so comfortable and easy to make.  Check out theslippershoppe on etsy.

Sarah Tuttle's Rolls

Sarah Tuttle's Rolls

(for bread machine or mixer)

1 tbsp yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp powder milk
1/3 cup sugar
3 cups flour
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil
3/4 cup water

Put all ingredients into machine.
For bread machine, set on manual.
For mixer, mix 10 minutes, let sit about 45 minutes, mix 10 minutes, let rest 10 minutes.

Dough should be soft.  It should require a little flour on the board to form the rolls.  If dough is too elastic, and won't stretch and flatten, let it rest for a few minutes.  (Elastic means it bounces back to its previous shape.)  Kneading and handling the dough makes it elastic.  Resting allows it to relax.  If the dough is too elastic the rolls will pop open as they rise and bake.

Pat dough into a square.  It should be about 1/4-1/2 inch thick.

Spread softened butter along one edge and fold dough over about 1 1/2 inches.  

At this point, Sarah always used a round cookie cutter and cut half-moons out of the edge of the dough.  I find it much easier to cut rectangular rolls.  They rise to look almost the same as the half moons.  

With large knife, cut the dough you folded over away from the flat dough.

As you pull this strip of dough away from the rest of the dough it will probably stretch some.

Cut into approximately square  rolls.  

Place rolls onto cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.

Notice I am not very careful about getting all of the rolls exactly the same size.

Place the rolls in a warm place and cover with a clean dishtowel to allow them to rise.

A stove top with a preheated oven is a good warm place.

Allow the rolls to rise until they are almost double in size.  This step seems to take much longer on cold days.  I cannot give you an estimate on how long it will take.

When you poke a finger into the dough and the hole holds it shape without bouncing back the rolls are ready to go in the oven.

Sarah always said "When you think the rolls have risen enough, let therm rise a little longer."

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.  Watch closely so rolls do not overbake.

I think these rolls taste even better after they have been frozen.  So, make them in advance and be sure to make extra.  

Temple Slippers

For many years I have looked for a temple slipper pattern.  I never found anything suitable.  So, I decided to make up my own pattern.  After months of trial and error and several versions I finally have a pattern.  I opened an etsy shop.  My shop is named theslippershoppe.  I plan to develop more slipper patterns.  The next pattern for sale will be my elf slippers as soon as I perfect the pattern.

Reflections

About a week and a half ago I had a very spiritual experience in San Antonio.  On Thursday night Annie, Frank and I went to the San Antonio Temple.  As we were waiting for the session to start we learned that a dear friend, Helen Burton, had passed away that morning.  I had grown to love and admire Helen so much as I watched her become one of the most Christlike women I knew.  As I walked into the session I saw her husband, Topper.  I thought "Of course, where else would he be on this day."  He looked so sad-a lot like my dad looked after mom passed away.  I hugged and kissed him and he thanked me, then I went and sat down, waiting for the session to start.  

As I sat pondering I realized that I have absolute faith that we continue to live after this life, that family relationships still exist, and that not only will we be together again, but we are not completely separated now.  I do not have the slightest doubt of this.  Helen was there with Topper, my mother was there with me.  I know this is true.  I am certain that after this life we work to help our family that is still on earth and those who are already in the spirit world.  What other kind of work would we do?  Isn't that a comforting and joyful thing to know.  It adds purpose and meaning to our lives now.  I am thankful to Heavenly Father for sending His son Jesus Christ to break the bands of death and sin to make it possible to return to Him. 

In case you don't know, Helen was diagnosed with a brain tumor 3 months ago.  It was a blessing that her suffering was short.  She blessed our lives.  

Girl of the Limberlost-(hope this post doesn't ruin it for you)

Two weeks ago tomorrow I suddenly got sick.  Fever, aches, nausea.  It wasn't flu, but was some sort of virus that lasted exactly 10 days.  I am completely better now and feel great.
While I was sick I didn't feel like doing anything at all except sleeping and reading.  (I didn't feel like eating or drinking which caused dehydration and I had to go get an iv to get rehydrated.)  The problem with reading was I wanted something easy to read, but that would hold my attention.  I tried a few new books, but abandoned them after a couple of chapters.  I decided to reread GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST.  It was a perfect choice.
 As I was reading I began to wonder what some of the moths really looked like.  Especially the moth Elnora calls yellow emperor.  So, I googled it.  I was amazed at how ugly the yellow emperor was.  There were some pretty moths, but that is certainly not one of them.  I hope I didn't ruin the book for you.  I still love it.

eacles imperialis (Elnora calls it yellow emperor)

It is impossible to imagine Edith allowing this to be the inspiration for her ball gown.

Luna moth.  This and the next two moths could be considered pretty.

Pictures of Sara

Pictures of Julianna

A few pictures of Julianna.

Julianna's baptism day.

Christmas morning.  I made dolls for the girls.

In the bathroom of our Lightstone house.

Popi is doing well

About 3 weeks ago Dr Inouye (sp?) put Popi on a new medication.  As people age a certain chemical in the brain decreases and causes the symptoms of aging.  This medication returns that chemical back to more normal levels.  It has been working great for Popi.  He says he can think, concentrate and remember better.  His balance is much better, he has more energy, he is more cheerful and his appetite has returned.  Doreen was really afraid she would lose him soon, but now they both feel encouraged that he will be with us for a good long time.  He had told me he would not go to the opera again, but now he feels good enough to go again.  So, they will be coming to Salt Lake on Monday to go to the opera with us.

Here are a couple of pictures you might like:

Beckie in our house in Ephraim.  1968 (Those glasses are right back in style, Beckie.)

Carolyn (Mom) (Grandma) on a mule in the Grand Canyon.  1977

Pictures of Annie

Wearing a hand-me-down from the Bailey cousins.

 
Second Birthday

Reading Go Dog Go (To the tree...It's a dog party.)

Watching TV with Daddy.

This is a picture of my favorite dress when I was on my mission.  What you can''t see is that it has a deep ruffle with jumbo black ric rac on it.  I know-sounds strange-but it was really cute.  

Before my mission my mother and I were shopping in an upscale department store.  I saw this Oscar de Laurenta dress and loved it.  So, I sketched it, went straight to the fabric store and made it for less than $10.  When I was in the Salt Lake Mission Home (where English speaking missionaries went before the MTC) the mission president's wife told me it was not an appropriate dress for a mission so I sent it home.  Then my mission president's wife told me it was perfect and so I had my mom send it back.  I wore it for special occasions.  

I have no idea who the other people in the picture are.  

Do you like my haircut?   Dorothy Hammill won a gold medal for skating in the Olympics and she had a similar haircut. It was a new style, called the wedge, and became all the rage.

Popi and the new house

I just talked to Popi.   He is feeling much better and stronger than he has the last week or so.  His pulse rate is normal (it was below 50 last week) and his balance is pretty much back to normal.
They went for an inspection of the new house with Rick Christensen.  Popi was feeling so much better than last time they looked at the house.  Between them they found a lot of things that need to be done before they could move in to the house.  There are many things that are not up to code.  They are still interested in the house, but only if they can get it for the right price, including the work that Rick will have to do.  So, Rick needs to get them an estimate and then there will be negotiations, then Rick will have to complete the work before they could move in.  So-if they do get the house-it will still be a while before they can move.
Popi said I could blog about this.  When they know a little more they will talk to Beckie and Clyde about what is happening.
Annemarie spent the day with Carlye and Carianne.  Their spirits are good.  Once they know what antibiotic to give her she will have a quick recovery.  I know they appreciate all the love, concern and prayers.

Pictures

I have been organizing and scanning pictures again.  There are still thousands to do.  Here are a few of my favorite.

Annie's first Christmas

Julianna's baptism

With cousin, Michelle on Christmas

Sara and Tina

Annie and Julianna

Tina 

My Baby Girls

Happy Valentines Day to everyone!

Here are some pictures of my baby girls.  They all look a lot like Molly.

Annie

Annie

Julianna

Julianna and Grandpa

Sara

Sara

Christina

Christina