Split-Second Cookies Recipe

Here’s the recipe I used to bake Split-Second Cookies. They are like a shortbread filled with jam.

I creamed the butter and sugar by hand.

Added egg and vanilla.

The combined dry ingredients.

I usually fill them with raspberry and apricot Bonne Maman jam. I was fortunate to receive some delicious marmalade and jam from two different friends.

I used Eileen’s Orange Marmalade and Pam’s Blubarb in addition to the raspberry and apricot.

Eileen’s Marmalade and Pam’s Blubarb Jam
Took a plateful to a friend for her birthday

Mushroom Risotto

The only risotto I’ve eaten was made in fine restaurants. Although I always loved eating it. I’d never made it myself.

I’ve been binge watching lots of cooking shows. One episode of Master Chef Junior had Joe Bastianich demonstrating how to make risotto. Then I found a video of his mother Lidia Bastianich at Harvard demonstrating the science behind the cooking of risotto at a public lecture on Science and Cooking. I watched them and felt confident but upon a second look I heard that you use 1/4 c of wine not the one cup I thought I heard. Good thing I watched again.

You need the Arborio rice to begin with so I bought the correct ingredients (except I did not have a hunk of Grana Padano cheese and used some Parmesan to finish it) cook with wine you would drink, no cooking wine.

The best 22 minutes I’ve spent in a long time, and standing at the stove stirring constantly wasn’t difficult. Can’t wait to make it again.

My Grandmother and Great Aunt c.1917

But who is in the middle? A neighbor, relative? Their grandmother? Not their mother.

I wish I knew. Maybe my cousins will be able to identify.

On the left my Aunt Edna and on the right her sister Charlotte, my maternal grandmother. The woman between is unidentified.

Durand Illinois c.1917

Spinach Pie Recipe – No Crust


This recipe is from a woman named Becky in 1980.  It has been a family favorite since then.  Somewhere I have the original recipe card.

 Spinach Pie

Butter a 9″ glass pie plate. Preheat oven to 325 degrees

In a large bowl mix together:

2  10 oz packages Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed, drained and squeeze out as much water as possible

4  Eggs

1  16 ounce container Cottage Cheese, (I like the small curd)

2  Cups of shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese ( I have added a bit of shredded Gruyere or fresh Parmesan on occasion)

Salt and Pepper to taste. The cheese is salty to me so I don’t add much salt.

Pour into the buttered pie plate.  Bake for 45 minutes or until knife in center comes out clean.

Let rest a bit before slicing so the wedge holds shape nicely.

 

 

Blurry Phone Photos Rectified

Who knew that the LifeProof waterproof iPhone case would create the blurriest phone photos due to the plastic cover over the camera lenses?

Everyone but me!

That’s right. It’s a thing. All over the Internet, reviews tell of this problem . The plastic cover on the phone back over the lenses gets all scratched and cannot be clear. Even if you are wiping with a microcloth meant for the task

There was one solution to the problem.

Remove it! The phone case is no longer leakproof, waterproof but I take phone photos in focus.

Here’s what I’m talking about

My case is no longer protecting my phone from water but my photos will be clear and in focus.