In the Kitchen Lately…

I have been spending a lot more time in the kitchen of late and trying to learn to cook for 2. Apparently it is going to take awhile. So far the guys at Grumpy's work have had to help us eat beef stew, chili beans and apple pie. I froze some of the extra's like rocket soup, chicken poblano soup and some more beef stew. I think the neighbors might have to help with the lemon pie I made yesterday. Below are pics of the new recipe for Chicken Poblano Soup (first place winner from the contest sponsored by LDS Living) and the lemon pie. I haven't done a meringue in years and I think Nana would be impressed. It didn't "sweat". She tried for years to make a meringue that didn't get the sugary sweat beads on it. I didn't mind them, but she did. I couldn't tell you why it was successful, I just did it like the recipe said. I am posting the soup recipe on Nana's blog for anyone who wants to try a really good soup recipe. We love soup!




Grumpy is happy to not eat out so much as with all his previous travel time he did that a lot. He does love home cooked meals. He says I am making him gain some weight back…not me buddy! It's the seconds because he loves food. I love him no matter what, so it is what it is. We eat Tacos a lot, it is one of our all time favs. I am going to do stacked Enchiladas this Sunday for our first dinner guests.

We are enjoying our time together here. I love that Grumpy is not on the road so much and we can sit and talk and go places here in Midland. He is pretty good to run errands with me (as I am still lost most of the time) and likes to grocery shop. I baked 8doz.+ peanut butter cookies for a ward Habitat for Humanity project. Our ward made lunches for all the people working on the home. We spent some time putting lunches together and talking to people. I am trying not to be a stick-in-the-mud so much, and once in a while I succeed. Okay, I have to go out and do some errands now. (Oh bother!)

Stacked Enchiladas

Always a family favorite, one of the many things I learned to make from Gramma Dorothy. We love them so much, we have been known to give up the traditional turkey or ham at Christmas in favor of these delicious enchiladas. We were at Taya and Kevin's on friday cooking up dinner complete with pudding parfaits made by Kaitlin and Madison. They did a great job. Daron was a good helper with his chopping skills to help me with the main course. Papa was with us for dinner and we all had an enjoyable evening. I love these good times.

Coconut Pecan Frosting

For all of us who love “the frosting with germans in it” I am posting this recipe.  Mostly because I had a hard time finding my written copy of it, and I don't want to lose it completely.  Lacy called me most recently for the ingredients, and I hope it turned out well for her.  Here goes:

Coconut Pecan Frosting

1  cup evaporated milk 

1  cup sugar

3  beaten egg yolks

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

1 t. vanilla

1 1/3 cup flaked coconut

1 cup chopped pecans

Optional:  1 T. cornstarch (to thicken a little faster)

In a heavy saucepan combine first five ingredients.  Stir constantly over medium heat until mixture bubbles and is thickened.  Add coconut and pecans and remove from heat.  Allow to cool a little before frosting cake.

Variation (I found on the internet):  substitute 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk (eagle brand) for the evaporated milk and the sugar.

I usually double this recipe when I do a cake.  This insures I have way enough for my 2 cake mix cakes and there always has to be a little left for licking the pan.

Chocolate Icing

I found this pic - she looks like me except a lot younger, oh and I don't have blue eyes, or dimples.  I guess the only real similarity is the spoon with icing on it.