pecans – cooking.intexas

Berry Chicken Layer Salad

This is one of those salads that is incredibly beautiful to look at as well as competes as possibly one of the best-ever easy, but complex tastes by layering a fruit, veggie and protein combo.

It is also another one of those times I can rely on my favorite Ziploc/Hefty bags to prep everything ahead of time until ready to assemble and serve.

I took this to a Bring-a-Dish/Potluck thing. It got rave reviews, as it won over everyone, competing with a great little spinach salad (also wonderful, second favorite), a few creative chicken and ham salads, and a trio of the noteworthy Jello salads (I know, you just have to go there….they are usually good and somehow take you back in time).

Category: "Easy Recipes", "Make-Ahead" Recipes, Chicken & Turkey, Salads, Sauces & Dressings, Veggies | Comments Off

December 9

Betty’s Pecan Bars

This is a classic holiday sweet to take to friends, family or just to have around the house for everyone to enjoy! Our family loves to eat these, and my sister Betty has mastered this recipe. It’s a close tie to the classic Pecan Pie, and you can always cut the bars into whatever size works for your entertaining or family.

Category: Baking, Desserts, Holidays | Comments Off

December 9

Betty’s Banana Nut Bread

My sister Betty is great at finding fail-proof recipes, that usually travel well. Since Texas is a BIG state, her creations have traveled all over the state to relatives and friends houses for holidays, birthdays, and family reunions.

She’s baked this Banana Bread recipe for years, and gives all credit to a little cookbook published back in the early 60’s by the Mt Olive Lutheran Ladies Aid in Houston, Texas. I don’t know it that officially makes it a “Retro” Recipe, but it’s a keeper.

Category: Baking, Desserts, Holidays | Comments Off

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

Category: Holidays | Comments Off