Merkley Family Memories

Pi-Li-Li's

2010-07-04T10:25:00.001-07:00

This recipe isn't from Grandma's cookbook - Greg actually found it on a really fun sourdough website called Northwest Sourdough. I know that Grandma liked using sourdough, and even has a Sourdough Starter recipe in her cookbook. They're like a donut but they're made using sourdough. They're cut into rectangles, deep fried, and sprinkled in sugar (I used vanilla sugar - yum!). You could also dip them in powdered sugar. I think they'd also be good eaten plain with honey butter. Rather than posting the recipe here, it will probably just be easier for you to follow the instructions on the link below (note - they really do puff up better if you stretch the dough as explained in the tutorial): Pi Li Li's

Enjoy!

Sloppy Joes... With a Twist

2010-04-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

I got this idea from Harli's preschool teacher. It's a fun little meal that kids can help with and is fun to eat. I used Grandma's Sloppy Joe recipe (I'll include the recipe below). But instead of serving it on a bun, I took some Pillsbury Grands biscuits, flattened them out, and placed them in greased muffin tins to create a bowl. Then fill them with your sloppy joe mixture and bake according to the directions on the biscuit package (maybe a few minutes longer because of the added moisture content). You can also top them with cheese if you'd like. I used one package of biscuits (8 qty) and I cut Grandma's recipe in half and still had sloppy joe mix left over. There's nothing like homemade sloppy joe mix. After learning how easy and how much more delicious is it to make it from scratch I would never have it any other way. And Grandma's recipe is the best I've tasted.

Grandma's Sloppy Joe Recipe:

2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1/2 cup ketchup
1 can tomato sauce
3 Tablespoons mustard
4 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 Tablespoons vinegar
1 Tablespoon worcestershire sauce

Brown hamburger and onion. Add remaining ingredients. You can add flour if it's too runny.

Grandma made a note that says this was her mother's recipe and she used it to make and serve at the race track when different organizations were in charge of the food booths.

Yummy Soup & Mom's Garlic Bread

2010-03-24T17:49:00.001-07:00

The cutest little cook I've ever seen:

The taste test (she approved):
I'm not quite sure what to call this soup, but it's similar to the Pasta Fagioli at Olive Garden. My friend Lisa taught me how to make it and it has become a quick favorite. You know whenever you make spaghetti and you either end up making way too much pasta or way too much sauce? If you have leftover sauce, no matter how little, keep it (it freezes really well). The basic recipe for this soup is:
Leftover spaghetti sauce
Chicken broth (a couple of cans, or you can use bullion and add water)
Whole grain pasta shells
One can tomato sauce
Pinto Beans (I used one can, but you could use fresh if you wanted)

Add all ingredients and cook it until the pasta is done. Sprinkle it with some mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. It's good served with cornbread or garlic bread

Today I didn't actually have any leftover spaghetti sauce, but I did have leftover pizza sauce from making calzone's the night before. I also cleaned out the fridge and used a few other things that I needed to use up before my next produce co-op delivery. I added some onions, bell peppers, and carrots. I also had about 1/3 cup of edamame (soy) beans in the freezer that needed to be used so I threw those in. It turned out great. This is such a great soup to make when you just need to clean out the fridge.

And I also made moms garlic bread recipe with some of my homemade french bread (yum!). This is the best garlic bread ever. I know it's a lot of butter, but it's sooooo yummy.

Garlic Bread:

2 sticks butter

8 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 loaf french bread

Melt butter and add the rest of ingredients. Simmer together for 15 minutes. Pour butter mixture into baking sheet and place split loaf of bread cut side down in butter. Let soak in for a few minutes. Turn over and toast cut side up in oven at 400 for 8-10 minutes.

The Best Whole Wheat Bread

2010-03-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

I made whole wheat bread today with a new recipe and its the best I have tasted. It was really easy to make using my Kitchen Aide mixer.

Whole Wheat Bread

3 cups warm water
1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup honey
4 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon wheat gluten
1 tablespoon dough enhancer
1 1/2 tablespoon yeast
4 additional cups whole wheat flour
1 scant tablespoon salt

In mixing bowl combine water, oil and honey. Add 4 cups flour, wheat gluten, dough enhancer and yeast. Mix on low for about 10 minutes. Add salt and remaining 4 cups whole wheat flour. Mix on speed 2 for 5 more minutes.

Place dough onto oiled surface. Divide into 3 loaves, shape into loaf shape, place into loaf pans and allow to rise for 1 1/2 hours or until double in size. Bake in 350 oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, dump bread out of pans and allow to cool, brush top of loaves with melted butter.

(I replaced 1 cup of the whole wheat flour with 1 cup of white flour and it worked great, it says you can replace up to half of the whole wheat flour with white if you want.)

Dad and I really liked the flavor of this bread best of all the whole wheat I have made, Andru was here and she didn't like it! We made Nikki's Pumpkin Cookies and she did like them, wonder why? She said they were just like her mom's, but the bread wasn't, I bet that's why, she likes the way her mom cooks.

Baked Apple Pancakes

2010-02-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

This morning I decided to make grandma's Baked Apple Pancake recipe for breakfast. It's so moist and delicious. It makes its own caramel sauce so you don't even need syrup with it. It would be yummy topped with whipped cream as well. You could also add a little bit of cinnamon and vanilla to the pancake mix if you wanted. These are very filling. Grandmas looked much nicer than mine do because she sliced her apples (i cut mine into chunks) and arranged them nicely in the pan. But it all tastes the same, right? Here is the recipe:

Baked Apple Pancakes

1 cup pancake mix
2/3 cup milk (i used some cream that I had on hand and it worked well)
2 tablespoons oil
1 egg
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 apple, sliced (i cut mine into chunks)

In a bowl, combine pancake mix, milk, oil and egg. In oven safe skillet, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and apple slices until sugar is dissolved. Pour batter over apple mixture. Cook uncovered on the stovetop until bubbles form on top. Then bake uncovered at 350 for 12-17 minutes or until golden brown. Invert onto serving platter.

Tomato Tortellini Soup

2010-01-24T15:38:00.000-08:00

I made the the best soup today, I also made from Cheesecake, but it needs to chill before we find out how it turned out. The soup is "Tomato Tortellini Soup"

1 9 oz pkg cheese tortellini
2 can condensed tomato soup
2 cup vegetable broth
2 cup milk
2 cup half and half
1/2 cup chopped oil packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook tortellini according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in large pan combine soup, broth, milk, half and half, tomatoes and seasonings. Heat through, stir frequently. Drain tortellini and add to soup. Stir in cheese. Serve.

This is so good, and very easy to make.

Now we will have to see about the cheesecake.

Steamed Carrot Pudding

2009-12-19T15:13:00.000-08:00

Today I made "Steamed Carrot Pudding". It is SO very yummy, especially with the sauce poured over top. I steamed it using this large pot that I have; it's like a spaghetti pot with an insert that has a strainer sort of thing in the bottom - perfect for steaming. I found that my bundt pan fit perfectly inside. It cooks for three hours. Chris thought that carrot pudding sounded a little strange, but he really liked it, as did I.

Christmas Party

2009-12-19T11:55:00.001-08:00

Bet you can't wait for the Cook Family Christmas Party! We are going to have Monkey Bread, Breakfast Bake, Hash Browns, Eggs, Ham, Sausage and more. Oh and of course Cinnamon Rolls.

Very Good Custard

2009-12-18T08:46:00.001-08:00

I love custard, but I've never tried making it; I've always just eaten it down at the Idle Isle Cafe here in Brigham City. I decided to try making it today using the "Very Good Custard" recipe. This is my very first time using my new oven and it worked very well. Here is a picture of it as I put it in the oven - you steam it in a water bath (i think that's what it's called, anyway):

I forgot to take a picture after it was done steaming. But it turned out really well - it reminds me of the one they serve at Idle Isle. I think the next time I make it I will add a little bit of vanilla to it. It was a nice, light dessert (and breakfast - I ate some for breakfast this morning too).

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-12-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

Today I made Kristi's Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies... YUM! They have pudding mix in them and they're super soft. I made them using half chocolate chips and half Andes mint chips, so these have a little bit of a minty flavor. My new stove/oven is being delivered tomorrow, so you better believe I'll be a cooking mad-woman this week... even more-so than normal, anyway. :D

I still have to make a pumpkin pie for Chris tonight (using moms recipe - we made it at Greg and Janice's last week and it turned out really yummy), and then I'm making Erin's BBQ Bacon Chicken for dinner, which I've made once before and it's SO YUMMY! I made it using Grandpa's BBQ Sauce recipe that he got while he was in the Army. Oh man, you have GOT to try both the BBQ Sauce and the BBQ Bacon Chicken. Delish!

Candy, Candy & more Candy

2009-12-12T07:14:00.000-08:00

I love this cookbook! I don't have to dig for the recipes anymore they are all in one place. I have been having fun doing Christmas baking and making candy. I haven't gotten to do that for many years, now without a job I have time to do some of the things I enjoy. I have made fruit cake, fudge, peanut brittle, almond roca and this afternoon I am going to make some cookies. Now if I can just get all of the other Christmas projects done. Have a Wonderful, Happy and Very Merry Christmas!!!

Fruit Cake & Sees Fudge

2009-12-09T10:39:00.002-08:00

I am starting my Christmas baking and made Fruit Cake and Sees Fudge today. Both of these recipes are in the cookbook, which I Love! They are both very easy to make and soooo good. The fudge is better if it gets a day to set up, so I only got to taste the stuff I scraped from the bowl. The Fruit Cake is so good and I don't like Fruit Cake but this doesn't have strange stuff in it. Yes it takes 12 eggs but it makes 10 small loaves or 5 medium loaves.

I got my first spot on my cookbook, it made me sad for a minute, but I'm OK now.

Chocolate Cream Drops

2009-11-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I made one of grandmas old recipes; Chocolate Cream Drops. Oooooh, they are yummy! I took some over to my in-laws house and also sent some to work with Chris to share with the guys. I think I have all of his coworkers convinced that I'm the most domestic wife in the whole world - they've been very spoiled with homemade goodies during the making of this cookbook. These cookies are perfect; they aren't too rich or too sweet. They're light, and fluffy, and creamy, and oh-so-yummy.
Chocolate Cream Drops

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
8 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Icing:
1 tablespoon butter
1 square unsweetened chocolate
3 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:
Mix shortening, sugar and eggs. Add cocoa, stir in sour cream, vanilla, flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add 1 cup of nuts (cut up) and bake at 400 for 8-10 minutes. Icing: Melt 1 tablespoon butter, 1 square unsweetened chocolate, 3 tablespoons milk and 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar. Ice while they are warm.

Thanksgiving Dinner

2009-11-20T10:55:00.001-08:00

Look at that beautiful homemade butter! Yum!

I am SO excited for Thanksgiving this year. It will be my first year hosting dinner for Chris' side of the family. I plan on making it extra special by using all of Grandmas recipes. Of course I'm a little nervous, but Chris has such a small family I'll only be feeding 6 people (nothing compared to the size of our family get-togethers). It's interesting to see how Chris' family celebrates Thanksgiving compared to how I'm used to it, so I'm excited to show them how I grew up celebrating Thanksgiving. I have already started getting ready - I've made three different lists, started setting stuff out, gathering ingredients, and preparing whatever I can this far in advance. Grandma would be so proud; today I made home-churned butter for the occasion. I LOVE homemade butter. I will freeze it until the day before.

My menu consists of:

Turkey

Hot Rolls

Frozen Fruity Slushy Drink

Stuffing

Sweet Potato Casserole

Broccoli Salad

Manderine Orange "Quick Salad"

Mashed Potatoes

Raspberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad

Variety of Pies

Olives

Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Butter

Homemade Whipped Topping

Pump Gunk (if time allows)

Pickle Pie (if time allows)

Grandma's Cookbook

2009-11-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to announce that Grandma's cookbook is done! We have all worked very hard for a very long time to complete this project for Grandma and I know that that she would be absolutely tickled with how it turned out.

It went into production today and is estimated to arrive within the next couple of weeks. I absolutely can't wait! I have already purchased a cookbook easel for it, and plan on displaying it on my counter all the time. It is something we will all treasure.

Pineapple Cookies

2009-11-08T12:40:00.001-08:00

I was in the mood to make cookies, but decided to try something a little different from the usual, so I made Grandma's pineapple cookies. They're very delicious - nice and soft. They don't have a very definite pineapple flavor to them either, it's very subtle.

Chicken Salad Puffs

2009-11-05T16:53:00.001-08:00

I wanted to make something nice and light for dinner tonight so I made Grandma's Chicken Salad Puffs. Delicious! I've seen these served at luncheon's or baby showers before, but it was a nice change to have them for dinner. They were very easy to make, too. I imagine that the chicken salad would also be yummy rolled up in a lettuce leaf and served that way.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chews

2009-10-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

I've been craving these lately so I finally decided to make them this afternoon. They're healthy and yummy and easy to make. I rolled some of them in chopped nuts and some in coconut.

No Bake Peanut Butter Chews

3/4 cup peanut butter

3/4 cup powdered milk

1/2 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

coconut, chopped nuts, or wheat germ

Mix together peanut butter, powdered milk, honey, and vanilla. Form into small 1" balls and roll in wheat germ, coconut, or chopped nuts. Let them firm up in the refrigerator for a couple hours before serving.

Scary Halloween Cookies

2009-10-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

Today was a perfect day to turn on the oven and bake, its very windy here. Grandma Merkley said her dad used to say that the wind made him mean, I don't think he was ever really mean, but I know that the wind can make me grumpy. So to make this a fun day I invited Easton and Andru over to make scary halloween sugar cookies. We used Stephanie's Sugar Cookie Recipe. We were going to make spider webs on the cookies out of green (Easton's favorite color) and pink (Andru's favorite color), I showed them how to make spider web's on the cookies but you can see they had other plans. I do think the designs they made would be very good at catching spiders! They made big heart cookies for their moms and the others are to take home. The cookies are very good and soft. We had lots of fun, even if Easton didn't want his picture taken...again? Sure do love the grandkids and wish they could all be here to make cookies. Happy Halloween!!! Love you, Grandma Georgene

Basic Muffin

2009-10-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight I made Basic Muffins, it is one of the first things I learned how to cook. Grandma taught a 4-H Cooking Group to me and my friends one year, this is one of the things we learned to make, of course, Grandma never met a muffin she didn't like so basic muffins was a good place to start. These are kind of bland, but they are real good with butter and jam, and so quick to make. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Seeds & Never Fail Pie Crust

2009-10-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Soooo... pumpkin seeds aren't as good burned as Hawaiian chicken is. Better luck next try, I suppose. Luckily I have 8 more pumpkins to carve.
Since I'm hosting the Jones Family Thanksgiving at our house this year (for the very first time in the 13 years we've been married) I figured I should practice making a pumpkin pie ahead of time since pies are NOT my specialty. I used Grandma's "Never Fail Pie Crust" recipe. It's quite obvious that I need some practice making it "pretty" but Chris said it tastes absolutely delicious. It was very easy to make, but I somehow couldn't manage rolling it out so instead I just did the best I could and then pieced it together, pressing it into the pie dish. Chris could eat pumpkin pie every single day if I'd let him, so I'm sure I'll get better with practice.

I've also heard about how much better using *real* pumpkin is than using canned pumpkin. So today I gave it a try. Wow! It really is so much better. It's amazing the difference. I found some "Pie Pumpkins" at one of my favorite fruit stands here in town; Paul's Patch. Pie pumpkins are different from regular pumpkins - apparently they're sweeter and have a smoother texture. They were .50 each and one pumpkin made enough puree for two pies. So it's obviously MUCH less expensive than buying canned pumpkin. To prepare your pumpkin, you can cook it any way you'd like - I cut mine up in large chunks and steamed it. If you're mom and you decide to bake it, please remember to poke holes in it first - I'd hate for you to have to clean pumpkin off of the ceiling. Not that you'd ever do such a thing though. Once you cook your pumpkin, you simply scrape the pumpkin out and puree it. I read that it freezes really well, so I'll do that with the remaining 7 pumpkins I bought. That way I can make pumpkin pie all year round when pumpkins are out of season.

May 16, 2008 Scans

2008-05-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

May 12, 2008 Scans

2008-05-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

March 10, 2008 Scans

2008-03-10T22:31:00.001-07:00

January 22, 2008 Scans

2008-02-22T13:58:00.001-08:00

February 17, 2008 Scans

2008-02-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

I'm a Slacker!

2008-02-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

Okay - I'm such a slacker! I haven't scanned any new slides forever. I promise that I will dedicate this Wednesday to scanning and posting slides for everyone.

January 21, 2008 Scans

2008-01-21T07:47:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2008 Scans

2008-01-20T22:42:00.000-08:00

January 18, 2008 Scans

2008-01-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

Video

2008-01-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

Make sure your volume is turned up for this video. You may want to sit back and relax with a big bowl of popcorn, because it's a long one. Hopefully it isn't too laggy. Enjoy...

January 13, 2008 Scans

2008-01-13T07:58:00.001-08:00

This is probably my favorite group of scans so far. I love to look at the old stuff in the background - the old TV, cars, furniture, toys, everything is so retro and neat.

Russel's 3rd Birthday

Russel's 4th Birthday

Georgene, Russel & Todd

May, Bradley, Diane, and Todd

Grandpa Dalton, Georgene, Russel, Todd and Pam

Todd and Bradley

Todd

Todd and Bradley

Grandpa and Russel

Grandma and Stephanie

Greg

Family Gathering

Kristi

Kristi and Todd

Family

Russel on Christmas

Todd - 5 Months Old

Todd - Easter 1962

Todd 8 Months Old

Georgene and Russel

Georgene on Christmas

Russel and Todd on Christmas

Todd

Todd on Christmas

Space Needle

Georgene's 4th Birthday

Geprgene's 4th Birthday

Pickup

Grandpa Dalton

January 12, 2008 Scans - 3

2008-01-12T18:42:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Dalton and Russel

Ranch

Great Grandpa's House

Todd

Georgene

Todd

Georgene

Todd and Georgene

Morning Glory Pool

Yellowstone

Stephanie

Greg

Stephanie

Cook Kids

Todd

Thanksgiving

Arold's Birthday

Grandpa and Grandma Merkley

Arold's Birthday

January 12, 2008 Scans - 2

2008-01-12T14:52:00.001-08:00

Kristi

Stephanie & Kristi

Georgene & Kristi

Stephanie & Kristi

Kristi

Stephanie Kristi & Greg

Stephanie

Greg

Grandpa with Salmon

Grandpa, Russel and Georgene

Grandpa with Georgene, Russel, & Todd - making ice cream

Grandpa with Georgene, Russel, & Todd

Georgene's 11th Birthday

Harringtons with Russel & Todd

Georgene - 18 months old

Grandma with Russel

January 12, 2008 Scans - 1

2008-01-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

I think this is my favorite one so far...

Todd, Russel and Georgene

Russel & Georgene

Russel

Georgene, Russel and Todd

Grandpa

Charlie

Tuffy

Unknown 1989 - anyone know who this is?

Georgene and Matthew

Unkown 1989 - anyone know who this is?

Stephanie

Stephanie and Matthew

January 11, 2008 Scans

2008-01-11T20:44:00.000-08:00

Russel's 3rd Birthday

Georgene on Christmas

Rhonda - Christmas 1960

Grandpa and Russel

Georgene and Rhonda

Georgene, Rhonda, and Russel

Georgene's 4th Birthday

Georgene's 5th Birthday

New Blog

2008-01-11T19:45:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on a project converting old slides into digital photos. I thought this blog would be a fun way to share these old photos with other members of the family. As soon as I am done I will burn a copy of the CD for each family member that would like one. I also plan on creating a DVD of all photos which would include captions, music and fun transitions. Check back often for more photos to be added.