December 7

Chocolate Stout Bundt Cake

I took this Bundt Cake to a fund-raiser “walk-in” coffee at the Presbyterian church and got great reviews until I mentioned it had Guinness and some were a little surprised. But noticed one of the special volunteers managed to get a few pieces to take with as we were dividing up the leftovers.

The combination of the Guinness and molasses make an extreme dense and intense flavor, paired with an awesome chocolate glaze.

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December 7

Pumpkin Sage Bundt Cake

I have made this for several years for Thanksgiving instead of pumpkin pie (Not really a comparison since I love pumpkin pie) but love the sage, ginger, walnuts and texture of this savory fail proof bundt cake. I like it served plain, or, of course, with a little whipped cream on top.

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November 22

pecan pie and more….

Pecans are the official state nut of Texas and the Pecan Tree is our State Tree, so we are serious about our Pecans.

We eat them raw, roasted, added to salads, side dishes, crushed and topped on crusted meat dishes, but most often, it’s the ingredient in some of the best tasting sweets and desserts.*

Pecan Pie has always been a favorite in my family, expecially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Of course, back in the day, we secured  these buttery nuts the labor intensive method, by hours of hand shelling the pecans. Those perfectly shelled halves were coveted. My childhood home had several Pecan Trees that my Dad planted and nutured and we enjoyed pecans for many years. We realized what a luxury we had when we got sticker- shock in the stores!

It’s one of the easiest pies to make (if you use a ready-made pie crust).  Since my Dad knew how much we all enjoyed this tradition my Mom had started, he would always have one waiting for us when any of my sisters and  our families came for holidays. Great memories of enjoying this timeless Texas treat. Continue reading

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November 20

Elinor’s Turkey and Dressing

The holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas  is always an opportunity for family meals together with parents, grandparents,  cousins, and special friends.  In Texas, that usually means  “Road Trip”!

Our extensive Texas Highways help us travel to see loved ones, bringing our favorite dishes, desserts, and recipes to share. Why let a few hundred miles stand between a home cooked turkey and all the trimmings, a few football games, and grazing on leftovers?

Here’s a proven Turkey and Dressing recipe from what my family came to know as “the little book”.  My Mother, Elinor, (Meme to her grandkids)  always traveled with this small spiral notebook as we spent holiday meals either in Houston or often at my grandparents farm, and later when she moved to the country.  It was her survivor go-to recipes. More on some of  ‘tlb” recipes will follow in the future. This is basic homestyle cooking and stands the test of time and trends. Continue reading

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