Ms. Sara's Easy German Cake

Two weeks ago Kap and I headed to Canton to shop.  We stopped at Paul Michaels' store to pick up some ribbon. If you have never been in the store you should go.  They are so friendly and offer free snacks and drinks. While we were shopping, we met the sweetest lady named Sara that worked at the store.  I don't know how the conversation started but before we knew it we were exchanging recipes.  Sara explained how sweet and easy it was to make….she had me at sweet.

Miss Sara's Easy German Cake

1 Box of German Chocolate Cake mix

1or 2 cans of German Chocolate Frosting

Mix the cake mix following the box instructions but add the frosting to the cake mix and stir.  

Yep, that's it!

I asked Sara if she frosted it, too.  She said no…it would make it too sweet.  I think next time I'll frost it.  

Remember she had me at sweet.

"French" Pumpkin Cake

You don't know it yet but you have waited all your life for this cake.  It is the best "go to" fall cake you will ever taste.  It's moist, delicious and looks beautiful on your cake stand.

A Sunrise Tailgate Breakfast

Texas sunrise at the Howell Ranch

It may be 105 outside but come every Sept.1 the Howell cousins gather at the Howell Ranch for the annual dove hunt.  We all share wonderful childhood memories of being at our grandparents house on opening day of dove season.  There would be lots of men in camo, gun shots sounding in the pasture, the sound of Jerry Lewis on TV for the MD Marathon, and the smell of chicken fried steak and coconut cream pie in the kitchen of the farm house.

Cowboy Blackberry Cobbler

Summer time in Texas means three things....sweet tea, Blue Bell ice cream and cobblers made with fresh fruit.  I loaded up this blackberry cobbler in our big rig (as in truck and horse trailer) one weekend as we headed to a roping. 

Amish Fried Pies......Oh My!

A few years ago I headed up north to Ardmore, Oklahoma to attend an arts and crafts fair with my family.  Family as in the girls....not the guys!  We found lots of cute stuff and it was cute stuff at great prices.  But the best bargain of the day.....Amish Fried Pies....oh my!!!  Best $1.00 I have ever spent in my life and I learned a valuable lesson that day.  You have to buy the fried pies first thing or you won't get your choices of flavors.

I came home and was obsessed with finding this recipe.  As some of my friends know, I have been known to stalk the Amish and take their picture (without them knowing).  But I would never steal a recipe from them.  But I did find this recipe and I think it is an exact copy of the Amish Fried Pie I had that day.  I promise they are delish and you can't eat just one.

Coconut Pecan Cream Pie

This pie is so delicious!  It will take you back to your Mamaw's kitchen.  It's really a coconut cream pie with a twist.  I'll give you the recipe first and then I'll tell you the story behind it!

Little Ricky's Coconut Pecan Cream Pie

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. all purpose flour

1/4 t. salt

1 1/2 c. milk

1 1/2 c. sweet condensed milk

4 eggs

3 T. butter

1 1/2 t. vanilla extract

1/3 c. flaked coconut

1/3 c.  pecan pieces

1- 9 inch baked pie crust

Jan Jo's Ham, Tater and Green Beans

This recipe has been handed down for five generations.  We call it Ham, Taters and Green Beans.  My grandmother Georgia Gunter Hirsch, affectionately known as "Jan Jo" made it at least once a week.  It was a family favorite.

                                                                 

Brady Bunch Pork Chops

Ok.....so this recipe is really called Easy Pork Chops but I always think of the Brady Bunch when we have pork chops.  Remember the episode when Peter said, "Pork chops and applesauce."  Those  words, for some strange reason, are embedded in my head forever!  

You only need four ingredients...

1 can of Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 can French Onion Soup
4-6 potatoes (peeled)
4-6 pork chops

Chop potatoes and place them in the bottom of a casserole dish.

Place pork chops on top of potatoes (Seriously, does it get any easier?)

Mix soups and pour over potatoes and pork chops.   Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cover with foil and cook for about 1 1/2 hours @ 350 degrees......cook till potatoes are tender.

Serve with a little applesauce if you want to and watch some reruns of the Brady Bunch!  

Enjoy!