Banana Nut Muffins By Leann Albrecht   At our house, usually the last banana in the bunch gets too ripe before we can eat it so I put it in the freezer. It keeps perfectly fine in the skin until I am ready to use it. When it's time to make banana bread or a smoothie, I take it out of the freezer and lay it on the counter for about 5 minutes. Then the skin peels off easily and the banana inside  is in perfect form. If I don't have any in the freezer, I try to use bananas that have a few … [Read more...]

Chewy Ginger Cookies (an adaptation from Bon Appetit - Dec.2012) I enjoy cookies that stay chewy long after they are taken out of the oven. Recently, I discovered this recipe looking for a new flavor to add to my holiday baking. This cookie has substantial character and flavor....one I enjoy with every bite... accompanied with a tall glass of ice-cold milk.           With electric mixer, cream together until fluffy: 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 … [Read more...]

This corn dish is a great addition to any meal. My friend, Rachel, introduced this recipe to me over 30 years ago. In fact, her soiled hand written recipe card is proof that I make it often for our family meals. It's also a wonderful substitution for potatoes or rice.         Glorified Escalloped Corn 1 egg  - beaten well Then add: 1/3 cup oil 8 ounces sour cream 1 can cream style corn (14-15oz) 1 can regular whole kernel corn - drained 1 … [Read more...]

CONVERSION CHART I’ve posted this conversion chart for your convenience. Please feel free to print it out for your own use. Be Careful….always remember to double check your recipe. There is a big difference between Fluid Ounces and Dry Ounces. Fluid Ounces = Volume Measurement Dry Ounces = Weight Measurement Liquid (Fluid or Volume) Measurements (approximate): 1 teaspoon 1/3 tablespoon = 5 ml 1 tablespoon 1/2 fluid ounce 3 teaspoons  = 15 ml, 15 cc 2 tablespoons 1 fluid ounce … [Read more...]

This is the recipe I wrote about in the song “What Christmas Means To Me”  from my jazz Christmas CD called "The Greatest Gift". Go to my store now. The lyric in the first verse is, "Making angel cookies from my best friend's recipe. Listening to Nat King Cole sings Christmas songs to me." Hear the song. Last Saturday, my friend Linda and I made these cookies in the shape of angels and other Christmas shapes, while listening to one of our favorite Nat King Cole CDs. These cookies … [Read more...]

When Carl and I lived in St Louis, we enjoyed going to the symphony from time to time.  This recipe came from the St. Louis Symphony of Cooking cookbook first printed in 1964.  It has a selection of recipes chosen from friends of the St Louis symphony; music lovers, orchestra members, and celebrities from all over the world who came to help St. Louis celebrate her 200th birthday. For years, this particular recipe has been Carl's and my mother's favorite carrot cake. In fact, page 57 is … [Read more...]

                            Moist Holiday Turkey By Leann Albrecht Is your holiday turkey as succulent as it smells?  Try my unconventional way to bake a turkey that makes every bite juicy. 1 turkey (10-15 pounds) 2 sticks of softened butter (1 cup) 1 large brown paper bag (I use a plain Kroger grocery bag) and closing clip 1 bottle of dry white wine Rub one … [Read more...]

Linda's Veggie Bake - By Linda Forrest Ingredients: 2 eggplants Peel and slice eggplant into 1/2" circular disc. Place on paper towels and lightly salt both sides. Set aside. 2-3 medium zucchini squash - sliced into 1/2" slices 6-8 roma tomatoes - sliced in 1/2 " discs  1 large onion - chopped 5-6 cloves garlic - chopped 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese - more if desired olive oil or coconut oil  - I use half of each Directions: Heat 1/2" of oil in non-stick skillet. … [Read more...]

Friendships are satisfying on many different levels. One of the things I enjoy is being able to share great recipes. My friend, Elliott, makes an outrageous salsa.  Elliott’s Avocado Salsa 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted 1 cup pickled jalapeños, stemmed, cut in fourths; I use El Casteno sliced in a can with carrots and onions. Throw the carrots and onion in too. 2 cups water 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro, wash … [Read more...]

  Jerusalem Chicken By Leann Albrecht The first time Carl and I had this dish was at our local Chef's Market. I inquired about the recipe but, of course, it was a "chef's secret". So we dissected the flavors then I went home and created my own recipe which is nearly identical to the flavors we originally savored. I enjoy making meals that bake in the oven for two reasons. First of all, as it bakes, the aroma fills the house and preps your taste buds for dinner. Secondly, oven … [Read more...]