Carra's Collections and Passions

A few of my Hummel figurines.

I collect things. Dust, dirt, Hummel figurines, shampoos, flip flops, and recipes. I also collect hugs and kisses from my grandchildren, but, as much fun as that is, that’s not the topic today. (Grin) I forgot to mention I also collect piles. Piles of papers, magazines, and bills. When it comes time to clean, I stash those piles into Walmart bags or file cabinets to get them out of sight.

File cabinet with a pile on top.

There’s a three drawer file cabinet in my office that has become the catch-all for a lot of these piles. Well, this week it reached its limit. Refused to accept even a sheet of onion skin stationary. When I tried to open the top drawer, it only allowed a space large enough for my hand to squeeze through. I had to extract one or two files at a time until I was able to jerk it open. Needless to say what came out had to go back in. Two full trash cans later, the drawer was organized and I had found a folder of recipes that had been missing for a long time.

Many I’d gotten through the work years from co-workers and patients, others were from family dinners during various holidays. Now, I’m not much of a cook, but I love recipes and cookbooks. I have a Weight Watcher’s and other healthy cookbooks, but my favorites are the ones that come from small country churches. A lot of the recipes are several generations old and wonderful.

If you’ll indulge me, I’ll share a few of my favorites.

The first one is from a co-worker and bridge partner of thirty years.

Duffey’s Meat Loaf

1 lb hamburger                  1 egg

2 slices bread                     ¼ - ½ tsp sage

½ tsp dry mustard             ½ tsp celery salt

½ tsp onion salt                 ½ tsp garlic salt

½ tsp pepper                      salt

¼ - 1/3 cup milk                 1 tbsp Worcestershire

Mix all ingredients together and shape into loaf. Cover with 1 small can tomato sauce and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.

A really good snack comes from a former patient.

Carolyn’s Oyster Crackers

1 cup Wesson oil              1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix

1 tbsp dill

Mix well in a large plastic container and then quickly add 1 box Sunshine oyster crackers. (The recipe says no substitute, but this is older and Sunshine may not be available anymore.) Mix (shake) in large container.

One more for something sweet.

Hidden Kisses

1 cup butter                       Confectioner’s sugar

1 tsp vanilla                        2 cups all - purpose flour

1 cup finely chopped pecans         1 9 oz pkg Chocolate Kisses

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream softened butter, add ¼ cup Confectioner’s sugar and vanilla and beat together until light and fluffy at medium speed. Beat in flour and nuts at low speed until well mixed. Shape small portions of dough around each chocolate kiss. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes. Remove and roll in powdered sugar. Makes 40-45 cookies.

I’ve enjoyed sharing the perils of Pauline – oops – I mean, the tales of Carra. I like visiting with you and hope you leave a comment telling me about your favorite recipes.

Hugs,

Carra

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