Welcome to Grandma's Kitchen. Here you will find lots of recipes for a variety of tasty dishes. This is a collection of recipes that includes something for every taste. Some recipes are easy and some are more challenging. They can be made with Grandma's or Grandpa's gentle guidance. You might even recognize a few favourites.
Butter
You will need: heavy cream (36 percent) a jar with a tight lid
Fill the jar 2/3 full of chilled cream. Place the lid on the jar and make sure it is closed tightly. Shake the jar from end to end. After a few minutes you will start to hear a sloshing sound and see some solid chunks inside the liquid. Continue shaking the jar for about 10 to 12 minutes in total. You will know the butter is almost ready when you see a solid ball forming and separating from the liquid. This liquid is called buttermilk. The settler families would have used buttermilk for drinking and baking. Drain the liquid out of the jar and you will be left with butter like the settlers would have made in a churn. Tip: Before adding the cream to the jar get the jar nice and cold by putting it in the freezer for a few minutes. The colder the container stays the faster the butter will form.
butter churn
Gingerbread
You will need: 3/4 cup shortening 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup of light molasses 3/4 tablespoon vinegar 1 beaten egg 4 1/2 cups flour 3/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon ginger raisins cookie sheet, rolling pin (or bottle)
Mix the first five ingredients together well. Add the next five ingredients and mix well. Roll this dough into a ball and then flatten it to a large square on a flat surface. Draw a person shaped pattern on cardboard to trace with a butterknife or use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to make the cookies. Place on a cookie sheet and bake in an oven for 12 to 15 minutes at 375 degrees F. Let cookies cool and decorate with raisins for eyes.
Summer
Apple Butter
You will need: 6 apples (peeled) 1 tbsp cinnamon 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar
Core the apples and chop them into chunks. Place in slow cooker. Add cinnamon, water and both sugars. Stir to coat apples with other ingredients. Cook on low for 4 1/2 hours. When cooking finishes, mash or puree until smooth. Store in small jars.
Old Fashioned Pickles
You will need: 1 cucumber 1 sliced onion (optional) 1 cup white vinegar 2/3 cup water 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt pinch of pepper 1 quart jar (mason jar size)
Mix the vinegar, water, sugar, salt and pepper together in a bowl. Slice the onion. Scrape the sides of the cucumber with a fork from one end to the other. Be sure to scrape all sides of the cucumber. Slice the cucumber. Add the onion and cucumber slices to the jar. Pour the vinegar mixture into the jar. Put the lid on the jar and refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours.
Strawberry Freezer Jam
You will need: 2 cups mashed strawberries 4 cups white sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 ounces (88 ml, one pouch) liquid fruit pectin potato masher, spoon small jars (big enough to hold 5 cups jam)
Chop up strawberries and mash until smooth. Place strawberries in a microwave safe bowl and add sugar. Stir for about one minute. Microwave the mixture on high for about three minutes to dissolve sugar. Remove from microwave and stir mixture for about one minute. Set aside for two hours, stirring about every thirty minutes. Combine lemon juice and pectin in a bowl. Add this mixture to the strawberries. Stir for three minutes. Fill containers to within one half inch of the top of each jar. Put lids on jars. Let stand on counter for twenty four hours. Store jam in the refrigerator for up to three weeks and in the freezer for one year.
Jelly Roll
You will need: 4 eggs 1 tablespoon cold water 1 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup flour 2 teaspoons baking powder egg beater, knife shallow pan (can use cookie sheet with edges) damp tea towel
Beat eggs until very light. Add sugar gradually and beat after each addition. Add vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder and add to egg mixture, folding in gently. Fold in cold water. Pour batter into pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12- 15 minutes. Turn out of pan onto damp cloth. Spread jam over surface. Starting at one edge, roll the cake from one side to the other to form roll. Work quickly while cake is warm. Slice with a knife to desired width.
Scottish Oat Cookies
You will need: 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 7/8 cup butter 2 tablespoons corn syrup 5/8 cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 1/3 cup rolled oats 1 egg cookie sheet
Beat butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and syrup and mix well. Stir in flour and baking powder. Add oats and mix well. Put heaped teaspoons of mixture onto a greased cookie sheet and flatten slightly with back of spoon. Bake for 12 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Cool on a rack. Bateman Family Recipe
Traditional Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberries Put 6 cups of chopped strawberries in a bowl. Cover with 1/4 cup white sugar. Set aside in refrigerator.
Biscuits You will need: 3 cups flour (chilled) 1/4 cup white sugar 2 tablespoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed 1 cup whole milk (chilled) 2 tablespoons milk (for glazing) rolling pin, pastry cutter, cookie sheet, biscuit cutter or glass (about 3 inch diameter)
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together in a bowl with a whisk. Add cubed butter and blend into flour mixture using a pastry cutter. Pour milk into the flour mixture and stir until blended. The dough will be crumbly. Put the dough on a slightly floured surface and form into a ball. Use a rolling pin (or bottle) to flatten the dough to about a half inch (2 cm) depth. Use a glass to cut circles in the dough. Gather scraps and repeat last two steps until all the dough is used. Place biscuits on cookie sheet and lightly brush tops with milk. Sprinkle with sugar, if desired. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Makes about 8 biscuits.
Homemade whipped cream You will need: 1 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla mixer Add ingredients to chilled bowl and beat with mixer until thickened.
Final assembly: Slice biscuits in half horizontally. Layer bottom half of biscuit with strawberries and whipped cream. Place other half of biscuit on top.
Rhubarb Crisp Muffins
You will need: Topping 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon softened butter or margarine 1 teaspoon cinnamon Muffins 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 1/2 cup softened butter or margarine 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup milk 3 cups diced rhubarb muffin tins Make topping by combining melted butter, sugar and cinnamon. set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Make muffins by blending together sugar, butter, egg and vanilla in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add the flour mixture into the first bowl and add the milk as you stir. Fold in the rhubarb until all is blended together. Pour mixture into muffin tins and sprinkle each muffin with the topping mixture. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes.
Wheaten Bread
You will need: 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup buttermilk 3/4 cup milk 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch loaf pan Combine first six ingredients in bowl. Add buttermilk and other milk while stirring.. Turn batter into greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to 325 degrees F and bake 25 minutes longer. Cool for ten minutes and then remove from pan. Bateman Family recipe
Grandma's Lemonade
You will need: 6 lemons 1 cup white sugar 8 cups ice water 1 cup boiling water juice reamer strainer jug
Use the juice reamer to squeeze juice from the lemons. Strain the lemon juice into a large jug. Add the sugar and ice water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside. Place the lemon rinds in a bowl and add the boiling water. Set aside until the water is room temperature. Discard the rinds and add the water to the jug. Stir well and refrigerate. Makes about 2 1/2 quarts.
Wild Blueberry Scones
You will need: 2 cups all purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons shortening 1 egg 1/3 cup milk 2 tablespoons milk 1 1/2 cups wild or frozen blueberries pastry blender, glass, pastry brush, pastry board, cookie sheet, rolling pin Sift flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl. Add shortening and mix into dry ingredients with a pastry blender. Mix egg and 1/3 cup milk together in a separate bowl. Combine egg mixture with flour mixture until blended. Add blueberries. Turn dough onto lightly floured board and form into a ball. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Use edge of the glass to cut dough into rounds. Brush scones with 2 tablespoons milk. Place on cookie sheet and bake in 425 to 450 degree F oven for 10 - 15 minutes. Alternative: Bake scones without adding blueberries. Cut scones in half horizontally and spread with blueberry sauce (below). Blueberry Sauce You will need: blueberries 1/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup water 1 tablespoon cornstarch small pot Add 1/2 cup water to blueberries in a small pan. Add 1/4 cup white sugar and stir until dissolved. Cook until mixture begins to boil. Stir in about 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Bring back to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Fruit Tarts
You will need: Pastry: 1 1/2 cup sifted all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup shortening 3 tablespoons ice water rolling pin, rolling board, glass, pastry blender, muffin tins or tart forms, cookie sheet (optional) Sift flour and salt in a bowl. Cut shortening into mixture with pastry blender. Mix in cold water gradually. Chill dough for about 5 - 10 minutes. Place dough on lightly floured board and roll to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut dough into circles with a glass. Fit each circle into muffin tins or tart forms. Fruit filling: 1 1/2 cups chopped fruit 3/4 cup fruit juice 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch Mix fruit juice and sugar with cornstarch and cook until thickened. Set aside. Fill each tart chopped fruit. Pour thickened fruit juice mixture over the fruit. Bake in the oven at 450 degrees F for first 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 degrees F for another 30 minutes until fruit is cooked.
Chokecherry Jelly
You will need: 3 cups chokecherries 3 cups white sugar 1/2 cup lemon juice water to cover cherries in pot 1 package fruit pectin 1 teaspoon butter (optional) pot with a lid (tall cooking kettle is best) masher, strainer, bowl jars with lids, canner for water bath Remove stems and wash chokecherries thoroughly. Put chokecherries in the pot and cover with water. Put a lid on the pot and bring to a boil. Then simmer until the fruit is softened (about half an hour). Remove from heat and gently mash the fruit. Put the fruit into a strainer over a bowl to catch the juice. Discard the pulp. Collect the juice and return it to the pot. Stir in the fruit pectin and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Watch carefully to avoid boiling over. Hint: Add a teaspoon of butter to prevent the juice boiling over the top so easily. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Boil juice mixture for about 15 minutes. Ladle the juice mixture into the jars leaving a half inch of space at the top. Put the lids on the jars and tighten slightly. Place the jars in a water bath just covering the tops by an inch. Simmer in the bath for about 5 minutes. Remove from water bath. Store jars in a cool, dark place.
Cherry Cobbler
You will need: Biscuit dough 2 cups all purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 - 4 tablespoons butter 2/3 cups milk flour sifter, pastry blender Sift flour, baking powder and salt together into a bowl. Add butter and blend with pastry blender. Mix in milk to form dough. Set aside. Fruit 4 cups pitted cherries 1 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 cup boiling water Heat cherries, sugar, cornstarch and water together until mixture is bubbly and thickened. Remove from heat and spread cherry mixture in a 9 x 9 inch greased pan. Spread dough over top of cherry mixture. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.
Gooseberry Sauce
This sauce can be used to top ice cream or biscuits. You will need: 5 cups gooseberries (washed and tailed) 3 1/2 cups white sugar 1 1/2 cups water Heat water and sugar in a pot, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add gooseberries and cook, stirring until mixture is clear. Store in a jar in the refrigerator.
Iced Hibiscus Tea
You will need: 1/3 cup fresh, chopped ginger 5 cinnamon sticks 2 cups dried, edible hibiscus flowers (available at tea shops, International sections of grocery stores, Walmart and online) 12 cups water strainer, pot Boil water with ginger and cinnamon for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Add hibiscus flowers and steep for about three hours. Strain and chill. To sweeten, dissolve agave syrup or sugar in warm water and add to the mixture. The amount of sweetening will depend on personal taste. Hibiscus tea can be bitter so adjust accordingly. Also, steeping for a shorter period of time may result in a weaker brew. To serve, mix equal amounts of hibiscus mixture and water. Add ice, as desired. Recipe makes about 12 cups of hibiscus mixture.
Grandma's Easy Cucumber Pickles
You will need: 32 cups ripe cucumbers (peeled and seeded) 5 cups white sugar 6 cups white vinegar 3 ounces pickling spices tied in a bag large pot Cut cucumbers into chunks. Dissolve sugar in vinegar and bring to a boil. Add cucumbers and spices in their bag. Boil until clear, about 30 minutes.
To make your own pickling spice: Mix together a desired combination of these spices: 2 tbsp mustard seed, 2 bay leaves, 2 tsp dill seed, 2 cinnamon sticks (broken in pieces), 1 tsp ground ginger, 2 tbsp allspice, 2 tsp black peppercorns, 2 whole cloves, 1 tbsp celery seed, 1/2 tbsp chili flakes Store in an air tight jar. To make a pickling spice bag: use cheesecloth and cord
Cornbread (Johnny Cake)
You will need: 1 cup flour 2 tablespoons sugar 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup cornmeal 1 egg 1 cup milk 1 tablespoon melted butter sifter, cake pan (8 x 8 inch) Mix and sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add cornmeal. Beat eggs and milk and add to flour mixture. Mix thoroughly and add melted butter. Bake in a greased cake pan in a 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes. Variation: Cover cornbread batter with a layer of apple slices. Sprinkle with a mixture of 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon before baking.
Baked Apples
You will need: 6 medium cooking apples 1 cup orange juice or apple cider 1 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted 1 tablespoon flour 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/3 cup melted butter apple corer, baking dish with lid, pastry brush Slice 1/2 inch off the top of each apple and remove the core, stopping about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the apples. Brush with 1 tablespoon of orange juice or cider. In a bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, almonds, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir in melted butter until well mixed. Fill the apples with oat mixture. Place in baking dish. Pour remaining juice or cider over apples. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees F for about 50 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 - 15 minutes. Variation: Core apples, as above. Combine 1/4 cup dried fruit, 3 tablespoons finely chopped nuts, 3 tablespoons honey and 1/2 teaspoon of spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) Spoon mixture into apples. Place apples in a slow cooker. Pour 1 cup apple cider over apples. Add a pinch of fresh ginger to slow cooker, if desired. Divide 1/4 tablespoon butter to top each apple. Cook on high for 2 1/2 - 3 hours. From: Better Homes and Gardens: 100 Best Apple Recipes 2020
Crabapple Jelly
You will need: crabapples sugar (3/4 - 1 cup for each cup of juice) water (about 1 cup for 4 quarts of fruit) (5 cups = 1 quart) large pot or preserving kettle, jars, jelly bag or cheesecloth, vegetable masher, large bowl Wash fruit and remove the stems. Cook in a large pot with just enough water to keep the apples from burning. Heat to boiling and cook until the fruit is tender. Use a vegetable masher to crush the fruit. Dampen the jelly bag (or cheese cloth) and pour the apples and juice into the bag suspended over a large bowl. Let the juice drain into the bowl overnight. Measure the amount of juice collected in the bowl. Boil the juice for 10 minutes and skim off any foam collected on the surface. Add 3/4 - 1 cup of sugar for each cup of juice. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Boil an additional 3 - 10 minutes until the syrup mixture jells. The syrup has reached the jelling point when it drops off a spoon and breaks apart. Use a candy thermometer to check for a temperature range of 216 degrees F to 220 degrees F. Pour the jelly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch at the top. Set aside to cool. Store in the refrigerator. Crabapples are among the fruit that have natural pectin and will jell without adding it. Preparing the jars: wash jars with soap and water. Scald in a water bath to sterilize by immersing (covering) jars in water in a deep pan and bringing the water to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes and let cool. Draining the juice: use a jelly bag or 1 square meter of cheesecloth folded into layers and suspend the bag or cloth over a bowl. Do not squeeze the bag during the draining process. Variation: Wash, stem and cut crabapples into quarters, removing the core. Cook in a pot with just enough water to keep from burning. Cook until apples are tender. Mash apples and serve warm.
Crabapples ready for picking.
Crabapples are native to North America
Tomato Jam Relish
You will need: 12 ripe tomatoes 2 1/2 cups white sugar 2 cups white vinegar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon salt
Peel tomatoes. Hint: pour boiling water over tomatoes to loose skins. Place tomatoes in a pot with sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about an hour, stirring as needed, to avoid burning. Add vinegar, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Boil until thickened to jam consistency. Store in jars in the refrigerator. Serve on meat or use as a relish.
Autumn
Grandma's Pumpkin Pie
You will need: Crust: 1/2 pound lard (1 cup) 1 cup flour 1/2 cup hot water 1 1/2 cup flour pinch of salt 2 teaspoons baking powder Using a pastry blender or knife, mix lard into first amount of flour in a bowl. Add hot water to mix thoroughly. Sift second amount of flour, salt and baking powder together and stir into first mixture. When ready, mixture should form a ball. Set aside and chill in refrigerator for at least two hours. On a lightly floured bake board, use a rolling pin to roll the crust into a circular shape with a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Fit into pie plate and trim edges with a knife. Filling: 1 cup pumpkin* 1/2 cup maple syrup 1 egg, beaten 1/2 teaspoon of each: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla Mix filling ingredients together and add to pie shell. Bake in a preheated 450 degree F oven for 10 minutes. Reduce oven heat to 375 degrees F for 20 - 25 more minutes until filling is firm. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. *Note: Pumpkin can be cooked by washing the shell and cutting it into chunks. Remove the seeds and rind. Bake or steam in a casserole-type dish with a small amount of water in the bottom to avoid burning at 350 degrees F until tender (about 1 - 3 hours). Test with a fork. Scrape flesh of pumpkin off the shell. Aitken family recipe
Grandmas had a special way of writing down their recipes for generations to follow.
Pear, Apple and Cranberry Cobbler
You will need: Filling 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored and chopped 3 cooking apples, peeled, cored and chopped 2 cups fresh cranberries 1 cup sugar 3 tablespoons flour 2 teaspoons orange zest 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon salt ****** Topping 3/4 cup flour 1/4 cup cornmeal 2 tablespoons sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 cup butter, cut up 1/3 cup milk or half and half 1 egg, lightly beaten Combine the first eight ingredients in a bowl. Spoon mixture into a 2 quart casserole dish. Bake, uncovered in a 375 degree F oven for 25 minutes. In a bowl, combine the next four ingredients. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until combined. Combine egg and milk. Add to flour mixture. Stir until combined. Spoon mixture in dollops over the hot fruit. Bake for 25 minutes more. Cool and serve. From: Better Homes and Gardens 100 Best Apple Recipes
Cream of Carrot Soup
You will need: 1 tablespoon butter 3/4 cup chopped onion 3 cups diced carrots 1 large potato , peeled and diced 1/4 teaspoon each of thyme, rosemary, basil and salt dash of peeper 5 cups chicken broth 2 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons flour 1 cup half and half cream grated carrot to garnish (optional) 2 pots, masher, wooden spoon
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pot and cook the onions until transparent. Add diced carrots and potato, all the herbs and spices and 1 cup of the broth. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Mash vegetables until smooth. In another pot, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter and add the flour, stirring to make a sauce. Add the remaining cups of broth, stirring until slightly thickened. Add the vegetable mixture to this sauce. Heat for 5 minutes and add the half and half cream. Stir until heated through. Garnish with grated carrot, if desired. Source: From The Kitchens of Lanark County
Spiced Pumpkin Muffins
You will need: Dry ingredientsWet ingredients 1 ½ cups flour 2 eggs 1 teaspoon baking powder ¾ cup white sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ cup cornsyrup ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 cups cooked pumpkin* ½ teaspoon cloves Also: ¾ teaspoon ginger muffin tins, papers ½ teaspoon nutmeg scoop or spoon ½ teaspoon allspice 2 bowls Blend dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Add sugar, corn syrup, oil and pumpkin to eggs. Stir until mixed. Add egg mixture to dry ingredient mixture and stir until blended. Use scoop or spoon to divide mixture into muffin tins (use muffin papers or grease the tins). Bake at 350 degrees F for about 25 minutes. Variation: canned pumpkin pie filling can be substituted for cooked pumpkin. Be sure to adjust the sugar if using canned as it is sweetened already. *Pumpkin can be cooked by washing the shell and cutting it into chunks. Remove the seeds and rind. Bake or steam in a casserole dish with a small amount of water in the bottom at 350 degrees F until tender (about 1 –3 hours). Test with a fork.
Apple Cake
You will need: 3 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 1 1/3 cups white sugar 2 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup chopped nuts 1/2 cup raisins 3 cups coarsely chopped apples (peeled and cored) In a bowl, mix the eggs with a fork. Add the remaining ingredients and mix. Spoon mixture into a greased 13" by 9" pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. Let cake cool slightly before cutting.
Ten Day Pickles
* make sure an adult is helping with the cooking parts of this recipe You will need: 4 quarts (5 cups) green cucumbers, sliced Brine: 1/2 cup salt to 2 cups water 3 pints (7 1/2 cups) white vinegar 4 pounds white sugar 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) cinnamon buds 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) allspice buds 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) celery seed 2 teaspoons alum crock or airtight container with lid Wash and slice cucumbers. Combine salt and water and heat until salt is completely dissolved. Cool and pour brine over cucumbers. Cover and leave for 3 days. On the third day, drain off the brine and replace with equal amount of cold water. Cover and leave for 24 hours. On the fourth day, make a syrup by combining the remaining ingredients. Boil 5 minutes. Drain water off the cucumbers and pour on hot syrup. Cover and leave for 3 days. On the seventh day, pour off syrup into a pot, reheat it and while still hot, pour it back over cucumbers and leave for 3 days. On the tenth day, pour off the syrup and reheat it. Pack cucumbers into hot, sterile jars. Fill each jar with hot syrup and seal. From: Purity cookbook
crock
Winter
Tea Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls
You will need: muffin tins To make dough: 2 cups flour 2 tablespoons shortening 2 tablespoons baking powder shake of salt 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar 1 cup milk (approximately), use just enough to moisten dough Combine dough ingredients, moistening with milk until blended. Roll dough out on pastry board. Set aside. To make topping: In another bowl, combine: 1/4 cup apple juice tablespoon honey 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1/4 cup melted butter 1/4 cup chopped nuts Divide the nuts into each section of the muffin tins. Cut the dough into small pieces and place each one in the sections of the muffin tins. Pour some topping mixture over each piece. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.
Butterscotch Bread Pudding
You will need: Pudding: 2 cups bread with crusts, cubed 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup raisins 2 egg yolks 1 whole egg, beaten 1 1/2 cups milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix all pudding ingredients together and pour into greased casserole dish. Place the casserole dish in a shallow pan of water to ensure even cooking. Bake 1 hour (custard should be set when finished). Drizzle with sauce (below).
Sauce: 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup cold water 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon vinegar Mix together sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add cold water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Add butter, vanilla and vinegar and mix together.
Sugar Cookies
You will need: 1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 egg, well beaten 2 tablespoons milk or cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 3/4 cups flour, sifted 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt
Blend butter into sugar and add egg, milk and vanilla. Mix and sift flour, baking powder and salt into first mixture. Mix well. Chill dough. Roll dough to 1/ 8 inch depth. Use cookie cutter to form cookies. Place cookies on greased baking sheet and bake in 375 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
Alternative: Instead of rolling the dough, use an ice cream scoop to form balls. Place balls of dough on cookie sheet and use bottom of drinking glass to press down and flatten the balls to form round cookies.
Steamed Christmas Pudding (simplified)
You will need: 3 cups flour 1 cup suet, shredded 1 cup milk 1 cup molasses 1 cup raisins 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda
Mix flour, salt and soda. Add suet. Mix milk, molasses, raisins and cinnamon. Add to flour mixture, blending well. Put in greased heat proof dish. Pack down with back of spoon. Cover with parchment paper cut to fit over top of dough. Cover top of bowl with foil, leaving a pleat to allow for expansion. Place bowl on trivet in water bath that comes half way up side of bowl. Steam for 2 - 3 hours, adding water, as needed. If using slow cooker for steaming, place trivet under bowl. Fill water half way up side of bowl. Heat in slow cooker on high for 4 - 5 hours. Sauce 1 cup brown sugar 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups water, boiling 3/4 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 cup butter Mix sugar, cornstarch and salt together. Add boiling water gradually, stirring constantly. Boil 5 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and add butter. Stir until melted and then add vanilla. Drizzle warm sauce over pudding. Aitken family recipe
steamed pudding molds
Yorkshire Fruit Cake
You will need: 2 cups currants 2 cups raisins 3/4 cup mixed peel 3/4 cup butter 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 3 eggs 3 1/2 cups flour, sifted 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup milk
Mix fruit and peel together and set aside. Blend butter into sugar. Beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Add unbeaten eggs one at a time and beat thoroughly after each addition. Mix flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg and sift. Add dry ingredients alternatively with milk while. Blending together. Add in fruit and peel mixture. Line deep pans with parchment paper and carefully spread in the batter, filling pans about 2/3 full. Bake in 325 degree F oven for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Allow baked cake to 'set' for 15 - 20 minutes before removing from pan. Cool and serve. May be iced, if desired. From: Purity Flour cookbook
Scotch Shortbread
You will need: 1 cup butter 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 egg yolk 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups flour, sifted 1 teaspoon baking soda
Mix butter into sugar, blending thoroughly. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Sift flour with baking soda and blend into first mixture. Spread in ungreased pan. Lightly poke holes all over mixture with a fork. Bake in 350 degree F oven for 25 minutes, until golden brown.
Alternative: The shortbread dough may be rolled out and cut with shape cutters. Then it can be baked on a cookie sheet. from Purity Flour cookbook
cookie cutters from the Middleville and District Museum
Fudge
2 cups sugar 2/3 cup milk 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar or 2 tablespoons corn syrup 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Boil together sugar, milk and cream of tartar or corn syrup. Bring to 234 degrees F on a candy thermometer or to soft ball stage (*see note below). Add butter and boil one minute longer. Let stand until slightly cooled. Add vanilla and beat until smooth. Pour into a buttered pan and let cool. Cut into squares.
*Soft ball stage: Fill a cup with cold water. Drop a small amount of candy mixture from a spoon into the water. When the candy can be formed into a soft ball that holds its form, it is in the soft ball stage and ready for the next step. from Purity Flour cookbook
Scottish Oat Cakes
You will need: 2/3 cup pinwheel or steel cut oats 1/4 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 3 tablespoons water
Mix oatmeal, flour, salt and baking soda. Blend butter into mixture. Add water and mix. Form dough into a ball. Roll dough out to flat circle or rectangle. Cut dough into circles using a glass or rectangles using a butter knife. Place these on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool and top with jam, marmalade or cheese, if desired.
Yule Log
You will need: Cake: 6 large eggs 2/3 cup castor sugar 8 ounces dark chocolate 4 tablespoons water Filling: 1 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
shallow pan parchment paper vegetable oil (for greasing) Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease and line a 9 inch by 13 inch shallow pan with parchment paper. Apply a light coating of vegetable oil to the paper. Separate egg yolks and whites. Whisk egg yolks and sugar together. Heat the chocolate in a double boiler until melted. Slowly add melted chocolate to egg and sugar mixture. Stir together. In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff enough to form peaks. Fold a tablespoon of whites into chocolate mixture. Add remainder of whites, folding in gently. Spread this mixture onto cake. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and place on cooling rack. Lay a piece of parchment paper on top of cake. Place palm of hand on paper and flip cake over onto flat surface. Remove top paper. To make filling, whip cream and add vanilla. Spread cream over the cake, leaving 3/4 inch border at edges. Begin to roll short edge of cake toward the centre. Use bottom parchment paper to help you. Continue rolling until you reach the other end. Chill to set. Dust with icing sugar, if desired.
Note: if castor (fine) sugar is unavailable, white sugar can be ground to finer consistency and substituted.
Grandma's Traditional Apple Cider Wassail
You will need: 2 quarts apple cider juice of 1 lemon 2 cinnamon sticks 1 tablespoon whole cloves 1/2 cup honey 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 star anise 6 allspice berries sugar a few apples 2 or 3 oranges baking dish, stock pot strainer Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Slice apples in half and scoop out the core. Place apples with rounded side down in a shallow baking dish. Fill the hollowed out centre of the apples with sugar. Poke the cloves into the oranges and place into dish with apples. Add 1 inch of water in the bottom of the pan and place the dish in the oven to roast for 40 minutes. Pour cider into large stock pot. Add remaining spices, lemon juice and honey to the cider. Allow to simmer on low heat. When fruit is roasted, add it to cider and keep on low heat until ready to drink. Remove from heat, strain and pour cider into mugs. From: thegingerwhisk.com
Hot Cocoa
You will need: 2 cups milk 2 tablespoons cocoa 2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups boiling water double boiler (optional) candy thermometer (optional)
Scald the milk by heating it to a temperature of 180 degrees F in a sturdy pot. Small bubbles will form on the surface of the milk. Mix together cocoa, sugar and salt and add boiling water slowly. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add scalded milk and keep mixture warm over water (double boiler can be used). Beat mixture with rotary (hand held) beater until light and foamy.
Cocoa Syrup
You will need: 1/2 cup cocoa 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup water 2 teaspoons vanilla
Mix cocoa, sugar, salt and water. Place over medium heat and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla. When cooled, store in glass jar in refrigerator. Mix 1 tablespoon of syrup with a glass of milk to make chocolate milk. Can also be used as topping for ice cream.
Bannock
You will need: 2 5/8 cups oatmeal (ground oats) 2 1/8 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or 1 1/2 cup milk and 2 teaspoons lemon juice, set aside 30 min) flat skillet Heat flat skillet on low. Mix oatmeal, flour and salt in a bowl. Add baking soda to buttermilk. It will foam up slightly. Add milk mixture to flour mixture and mix to form dough. Put dough on floured board and divide into two parts. Knead dough and form into flat, round discs that will fit into skillet. With a breadknife, draw a mark, 1/4 inch deep, from one side of the disc to the other. Draw a second mark to form an X on top. Heat one side until almost cooked through and browned. Turn over and finish cooking.
Wash Day Pudding a staple recipe in many early households, often having many different names
You will need: Batter: 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 cup raisins 1/2 cup milk Sauce: 1 cup brown sugar 2 cups boiling water 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla Mix first 4 ingredients together. Add milk to make batter. Put in a casserole dish. Mix sauce ingredients together and pour over batter. Bake at 325 degrees F for approximately 30 minutes (until knife comes out clean). Recipe from McPhee and Foster families
Hot Gingerbread Apple Pudding
You will need: 3 tablespoons butter 1/3 cup brown sugar 3 apples baking dish
Batter: 1/4 cup butter 3 tablespoons sugar 1 egg, well beaten 1/3 cup molasses 1 cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ginger 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/3 cup boiling water
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan and add brown sugar. Cook for 3 minutes. Add peeled, sliced apples to butter and sugar mixture in a baking dish. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup butter, egg and molasses. Sift flour, baking powder, salt, ginger and cinnamon together and add to the wet ingredients. Mix well and add boiling water. Spread this batter over top of the apple mixture. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 - 40 minutes. Serve with a favourite sauce, if desired.
Chicken Stew with Biscuit Top
You will need: Stew: 2 or 3 pieces cooked, chicken 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 3 potatoes, peeled and cut 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 cup flour (approximate amount)
Cook carrots and potatoes in water, as usual. Drain carrots and reserve cooking water. Add flour to reserved water and whisk to thicken too make a gravy. Drain potatoes. Add cut up chicken, potatoes, carrots and gravy to a baking dish.
Biscuit topping: 1 cup flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2 tablespoons shortening 1/2 cup milk Mix salt, flour and baking powder together. Add shortening and blend together. Add milk and mix. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit topping on top of vegetable mixture in baking dish. Cook in a 350 degree oven for 15 - 20 minutes, until biscuits have browned slightly.
Spring
Maple Oatmeal Pancakes
You will need: 3/4 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup milk 1 1/4 cup flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 2 eggs 3/4 cup milk 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon vanilla melted butter (for skillet)
Combine rolled oats and 1/2 cup milk. Set aside for 15 minutes. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir in oatmeal mixture. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir to combine into a batter. Melt butter on a hot skillet. Use a ladle to drop batter in small amounts on the skillet. Turn over when bottom side begins to brown. This recipe makes about 8 small pancakes. Double the amount of batter for a family batch. Drizzle with maple syrup or top with fruit to serve. Adapted from Bobby Flay via Fuller Sugarhouse
Sugar on Snow
You will need: 1 quart maple syrup 1 tub or pan of packed snow candy thermometer
Note: always watch syrup carefully when heating to ensure it does not boil over the pot.
Gather clean snow and pack into pan. Keep cold until ready to use. Heat syrup to 235 degrees F (use candy thermometer) in a pot. Remove from heat and drizzle over snow. Use a popsicle stick or fork to roll the taffy as it cools on the snow. From: fullersugarhouse.com
Maple Nut Butter
You will need:
1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 pound of butter 1 cup sugar 1 1/2 cup nuts
Melt butter. Mix in sugar and maple syrup. Bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and add nuts to mixture. Spread mixture onto a greased cookie sheet. Let cool. Break into pieces.
Maple Syrup Butter Tarts
You will need: Filling: 2 eggs 1 cup brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons white vinegar 1/2 cup maple syrup 6 tablespoons melted butter 2/3 cup nuts Beat eggs and add in sugar, salt, vinegar and maple syrup. Add melted butter and nuts.
Pastry: 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup shortening 2 tablespoons ice water
Sift flour and salt together. Blend in shortening with pastry blender or table knife. Add cold water gradually. Chill dough for 10 minutes. Next turn dough out onto lightly floured board. Roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut dough into circles with large topped drinking glass. Fit the dough into muffin tins.
Fill tart shells about 1/2 way with filling.
Bake tarts in 450 degree oven for 10 minutes. Then reduce oven heat to 350 degrees and bake for another 20 - 25 minutes until filling is firm.
Pre-made tart shells can be used. Reduce baking time to 20 - 25 minutes at 350 degrees F. from: Purity Flour cookbook
Maple Syrup Brown Bread
You will need: 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon soda 1 cup maple syrup 2 cups buttermilk or sour milk 1 cup raisins
Mix together first 4 ingredients. Combine syrup and milk. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Add raisins. Put mixture in 1 1/2 quart baking dish and steam for 3 hours or put in 2 greased 4 x 8 inch bread pans and bake in 325 degree oven for 1 hour. From: Tempting Treats by OMSPA (1976)
Maple Custard
You will need: 4 eggs 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 1/4 cups milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla maple syrup nutmeg custard cups
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Lightly butter 6 custard cups. In a bowl, beat eggs until fluffy. Add in sugar and salt. Beat again until thickened and lemony. Add milk and vanilla and blend into mixture. Put 1 tablespoon of maple syrup in bottom of custard cups. Fill cups 1/2 full with custard. Sprinkle nutmeg on top. Set cups in shallow pan of water (up to 3/4 in from top of cups). Bake in oven for 1 hour or until inserted table knife comes out clean. Refrigerate until ready to serve. From: Tempting Treats by LCMSPA (1976)
Maple Fudge
You will need: 2 cups maple syrup 3/4 cup 10 % cream 2 tablespoons butter
*Note: Always watch syrup carefully when heating as it boils over easily.
Add ingredients to a large pot. Boil mixture until it reaches 238 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Cool to lukewarm (110 degrees F) without stirring. Beat until creamy. Pour into buttered pan. Cut into squares. From: Tempting Treats by LCMSPA (1976)
Salted Maple Squares
You will need: Crust: 1 cup flour 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
Filling: 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup maple sugar 1 tablespoon flour 1/2 cup cream, 35 percent 1/2 cup maple syrup 2 eggs 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional) parchment paper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line an 8 inch by 8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on all sides.
Crust: Combine 1 cup flour, 3 tablespoons brown sugar and salt. Add butter and blend together. Press this mixture into pan and bake for 20 minutes.
Filling: Combine brown sugar and maple sugar. Add flour and mix. Add cream, maple syrup and eggs. Blend together until smooth.
Remove pan from oven and pour filling over crust. Return pan to oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven and sprinkle sea salt on top. Reduce oven heat to 300 degrees F and return pan to oven for 30 - 35 minutes. Remove pan from oven and let cool completely (about 1 hour). Refrigerate for about 2 hours to set filling. Cut into squares and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed container. From: Chatelaine February/March 2021
Rhubarb Crisp
You will need: 1 cup flour 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup rolled oats 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup melted butter 4 cups rhubarb (cut in pieces) 1 cup sugar 1/4 flour 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping: Combine flour, oats and brown sugar. Add melted butter and stir to make a crumbly mixture.
Filling: Combine rhubarb, white sugar, flour and cinnamon. Stir in water. Pour filling into baking dish. Sprinkle the topping over the rhubarb mixture. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees F for 35 minutes. Serve warm. From: Pioneer Potpourri
Rhubarb Streusel Cake
You will need: 3/4 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch 3 cups rhubarb (cut in pieces) 3/4 cup milk 1 tablespoon vinegar 3/4 cup white sugar 2 1/2 cups flour 3/4 cup butter or margarine 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 egg, beaten springform pan
Combine 3/4 cup sugar and cornstarch in medium saucepan. Stir in rhubarb. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Set aside to cool.
Stir together milk and vinegar. Set aside. Combine flour and 3/4 cup sugar. Cut in butter and blend until mixture is crumbly. Set aside 1/2 cup of this mixture. To the remainder, add baking powder and baking soda.
Combine egg and milk. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until moistened. Spread 2/3 of batter over the bottom and part way up the side of a buttered springform pan. Spoon rhubarb filling over batter. Drop remaining batter by spoonfuls over the filling. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 50 minutes. From The Kitchens of Lanark County IPM
Rhubarb Pie
You will need: Filling: 2 1/2 cups rhubarb (cut in pieces) 2 egg yolks 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons flour 1 tablespoon melted butter
Beat egg yolks until frothy. Add sugar gradually. Add flour, butter and rhubarb. Pour mixture into unbaked pastry shell and bake at 450 degrees F for 50 minutes.
Pastry: 1 cup flour 1/2 cup shortening 1/3 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons water or milk
Sift flour. Add salt. Cut shortening into flour using a pastry blender. Add water and mix until the dough holds together. Form dough into a ball. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Place over pie plate and fit into plate by pressing down gently. Trim off any extra crust. From: Pioneer Potpourri