Not your usual suspects : Grandma B’s recipe #13

My youngest loves trying new things in the kitchen with me. Last week we decided it was time to try another recipe from Grandma’s box. It’s been a while since we tried one of Grandma’s recipes because the past few months have been a little nuts around here.

We looked thru some of the cards and decided to try something we hadn’t ever heard of before. “Graham Wafer Squares”. My mom informed me that she remembers these as “Funeral Squares” because it was something mennonite women would bring for the funeral dinner after the service. We weren’t sure if this was promising information or not.

At any rate, we made sure we had all of the ingredients and got started. In the midst of beginning the recipe, we decided to make some changes and make the squares our way.

You can see the recipe below. To those ingredients, we added chopped pecans to the filling, and a chocolate ganache sort of layer before the final graham cracker top layer. One issue: we weren’t sure what “ice” meant – glaze? royal icing? frosting? We used a cream cheese frosting to top the squares and it was a little too much. In the future, we may do something a little less rich.

Side note: I was especially happy to make a recipe that was credited to my Grandma’s sister, Aunt Betsy – who I loved dearly and spent a lot of time with in my childhood. Also, I can tell you that I think Aunt Betsy would have endorsed our changes. I believe I may have seen her “gild the lily” in her kitchen on more than one occasion.

Friends, these squares, especially with the chocolate and pecans, were wonderful! We loved them and will definitely make them again. Just reading the recipe, it’s hard to know what they will be like. I mean, graham crackers, with graham cracker filling doesn’t necessarily sound promising. But, I can tell you they are worth making – and you should try them! If you do, let me know what you think! 🙂

A few tips: We made these in a 9×9 pan. The chocolate layer was simply about a 1/2 cup of hot cream, poured over a 1/2 cup (ish) of chocolate chips, let the mixture rest a bit til the chocolate melts, whisk and ladle over the graham cracker mixture. I think a nice mixture of milk and powdered sugar with a bit of vanilla extract would work nicely for the glaze.

From the house and lineage of Brubacher

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If I take just a moment to think about my extended family, specifically my mom’s side – The Brubacher Clan – I’m overwhelmed with memories- memories that are full of emotions, sounds, tastes and experiences. As I type this I’m literally thinking, “I have no idea where to start or how to convey what I want to say…” but here goes…

The Brubacher family -Reuben and Annie’s family began in 1943 when they were married at a very young age, and their heritage was the Mennonite tradition. Eventually Brethren, and then Baptist – my grandparents raised their family with their faith and God at the very center of life. Later as an adult my Grandpa went to seminary, became a Baptist Pastor and was a shepherd to many congregations in Ontario, Canada over the years.

Both Reuben and Annie have gone on to Heaven now. What they left behind is remarkable. I saw it today when I got my own statement from their estate. I read it like a genealogy from the Gospel of Matthew… “Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers…”

Ours went like this: “The residual beneficiaries of the estate are…. Marvin Ray Brubacher, Donald Lee Brubacher, Rose Young, Sharon Harris, Nancy Switzer, David Brubacher, Ernest Jeffrey Brubacher, Heather Joy Weber, Andrew James Brubacher, Marilyn Young Bosley, Melody Young Day, Daniel Lee Brubacher, David Mark Brubacher, Jonathan Scott Brubacher, Lee Julian Brubacher, Donald James Brubacher, Paul Reuben Harris, Stefanie Anne Ritchie, Mark David Switzer, Kristi Sharon Waun, Angela Jean Pierik, Jenna Elizabeth Ibrahim, Michael David Brubacher and Kara Anne DeKat.

I look at these names and I can’t help but see a lot of people- my aunts, uncles, and cousins whom I love dearly. And then I see in my mind’s eye those people’s spouses and children too. But I can also see all of us as Grandma and Grandpa’s offspring – all of us following Jesus in different ways just like they did. Many giving their lives in His service just like Reuben and Annie did.

Okay – so, here’s the cool thing! Even if these weren’t my people – even if I didn’t get to be a part of the great big, crazy, fun, loud Brubacher family, I have something better! I know it seems impossible that there might be something better. But the truth is: I’ve been adopted into God’s family. Isn’t that amazing?

Right now at my church we are singing a Community Scripture Song together from Galatians 4:4-7. At face value it is fun to sing but, at its core the message is life-changing!

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

I write these words with a heart of thanksgiving – for my earthly family – and for my Heavenly Father who sent his Son so that I could be adopted into His family. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift! AMEN.

friends and loved ones · in my kitchen

Grandma B’s Christmas recipes #12

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Well hello! I bet you’ve been wondering what happened to me? I’m so sorry to disappear for a bit – but the month of December was a whirlwind of craziness- but it was so much good and fun, I didn’t mind! So here we are and I haven’t blogged for a while! How about we talk Christmas?

When it comes to Christmas goodies – my girl, Mackenzie and I love to bake. I dare say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, because my mom does too – and so did Grandma! This year we decided to make several of Grandma’s cookie recipes for our treats that we share with friends and family.

Here’s the list of what we made that were in her recipe box – some of which I’ve featured here before!

Ginger Cookies – always warm, chewy and delightful
Dad’s Oatmeal Cookies – which we dressed up for Christmas with coconut, pecans, craisins and white chocolate chips
Magic Layer Bars – some call these 7 layer bars – but Grandma’s version didn’t have 7.
Sugar cookies – we did a half batch of cutouts and had fun frosting them with my mom a few days after Christmas, so they didn’t make it onto the tray below.
Rocky Road fudge – This is the fudge with graham cracker bottom and marshmallows mixed in.

We also made Oreo Balls, Buckeyes, Egg Nog Cookies and rice Krispy treats. All of these goodies together made for a festive tray to share at Christmas! Here’s a Christmas hack for you: I also purchased a few goodies from Trader Joe’s to decorate the tray- mini chocolate mint stars and peppermint meringues. Man, do I love a pretty tray of Christmas Cookies.

Here’s the recipe for the Magic Bars – so simple, but definitely yummy! It won’t take much effort to try these! Let me know if you do! And Happy New Year!

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · in my kitchen · Uncategorized

Grandma B’s recipes #11 ginger cookies

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Well, friends Its been a while – September and October have been busy with anniversary and birthday celebrations, and travel and so much more. But, Mackenzie and I decided to make a new recipe this past weekend!

We needed to make a fall dessert and so we chose this recipe: Ginger Cookies!

Let me tell you – these cookies did not disappoint! In fact I’m going to tell you to make them. now. don’t wait. They are fantastic. soft and chewy, and perfect for fall or Christmas baking.

I can’t say that I remember Grandma making these cookies – maybe one of my aunts or my mom can recall having them before? But in any case, they are worth the time. If you enjoy ginger, sweet and spicy flavors, these are for you!

As far as the recipe goes, we followed the card instructions and didn’t really make many changes. I did add nutmeg and cloves to the sugar mixture that we rolled the dough in and it added a nice little bit of warmth and zing. We did make them a little big, so the batch was just under 2 dozen cookies. I do think you could make them a little smaller, and bake them for a shorter time.

Alright – that’s it for now – please let me know if you make them and how it goes! I hope you love them as much as we did!

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · Uncategorized

Bright and shining, 25

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Most people, if planning their 25th anniversary trip do not say, “I hope there’s a hurricane during our vacation.” I am definitely most people. It’s true that coming up against a force of nature away from home is unsettling – and that’s what happened to Michael and I last week.

On Monday morning we left for Rosemary Beach, Florida to celebrate our anniversary. We had been planning our trip for several months and although bad weather was in the forecast for a few of the days, we were in good spirits. But by the time we arrived Monday afternoon, we realized it may be a bit worse than just “bad weather.”

The funny thing is: at Rosemary Beach no one seemed to even be thinking about it! There were kids and parents everywhere, riding bikes, playing on the beach- it was as though they just didn’t care. The weather channel advised otherwise : there was potential for us to be in the cone of the predicted storm named “Helene.”

To say we didn’t know what to do was an understatement. While we waited for wisdom to dawn, we went to the beach. Monday evening we watched the sunset and it was so peaceful, it was hard to imagine a hurricane was on the way. We got up the next morning and went to the beach again, fully expecting to be rained out in the afternoon. But, we weren’t. Wednesday morning – the same thing – we went down to the beach – but no sign of storms yet.

However, Wednesday evening it appeared that everyone was vacating – and shops and restaurants were closing for Thursday and maybe Friday. So we bought some waters and stashed some food in our little fridge. At this point, the map of the cone had leaned to the east and we were several counties away from Helene’s path. We decided to wait it out. That meant Thursday we would probably just hang out in our room.

But – Thursday turned out to be the best adventure day of our vacation. Every few hours, rain jackets on, umbrella in hand, we would walk down to the beach and look for signs of the storm arriving. We walked around the little town of Rosemary Beach – and saw so much beauty even in the rain! It sure didn’t seem dangerous – although the waves were coming in faster and stronger as the day progressed.

At 6:15pm , after we had eaten our little dinner from the fridge – I looked out our window. Instead of the gray overcast of the day, the sky was a glowing pink. We put on our jackets one more time and hurried down to the beach front.

What we saw was surreal; I always love the golden hour at this time of day, but this was so far beyond anything I’ve ever seen before. And, in the middle of this beauty, I captured two tiny little birds, living their best life – scampering through the sand and the rain. I couldn’t help but think of Michael and I on our journey – life together – still aglow in love after these 25 years, living our own best life. What more could we ask for? Not just surviving the storm together, but enjoying the adventure, rain or shine! (or hurricane, I suppose!).

Here’s to many more Bright and Shining years together, come rain or come shine!

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · in my kitchen · Uncategorized

Grandma B’s recipe #10- a real favorite

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Over the holiday weekend, Mackenzie and I were trying to decide on something to bake. We love baking around here and I have to say that girl is becoming a force in the kitchen. But I was slow to make plans because I’ve had a cold and I just wasn’t very interested.

Then she said, “Why don’t I bake something from Grandma’s box? maybe some cookies?” So she started digging and pulled out a recipe. It was extremely familiar to me, one my own mom made A LOT when I was growing up. It’s titled “Dad’s Oatmeal Cookies” and on the card it says “from mother.” I spoke with my mom about this and we are pretty sure they were her dad’s favorite cookie!

Well, Mackenzie didn’t have to ask me twice! I sent Michael to the store for a few ingredients to make sure we were ready to roll. YUM!

There’s not a lot to say here, because Mackenzie followed the instructions, right up to the raisins! You might remember – no raisins for us in baked goods! Instead, she divided the batter and put chocolate chips in one half of the batter and I chopped up dates for the other half.

These cookies turned out perfectly – just like always! They are one of the best cookies- soft and chewy – with an extra hidden flavor of coconut that makes them truly a favorite!

We’re 10 recipes in on this project – and having lots of fun! Even Mackenzie’s into it now! Let me know if you try these cookies!

a bit of history · in my kitchen · Uncategorized

Grandma B’s Recipe #8 & #9 – Brown Cow bars and zucchini honey nut loaf

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I have this vibrant food memory from my childhood. I’m sitting at my Aunt Betsy’s kitchen table after school. I’m eating a tiny chocolate chip cookie – she always baked hers bite-sized- and I’m drinking chocolate milk – Chocolate milk that was made with Brown Cow.

I’m pretty confident that Brown Cow syrup is not sold in the states – but someone may have different information. Brown Cow syrup in milk was an amazing treat at Aunt Betsy’s house – because I don’t really remember my mom ever buying Brown Cow when we were living in London. But, maybe she did once or twice…

Looking thru Grandma’s recipe box with my daughter- we came across a recipe in the “squares” section we wanted to try. Now for all of you Americans reading – a “square” is like a bar cookie. In Canada brownies, rice krispy treats and those types of cookies all fall into the “square” category. They should not to be confused with the “cookie” category. Believe me when I say – Grandma’s “square” section in the recipe box was one of the biggest. The recipe we were interested in was the Brown Cow Peanut Butter Squares recipe.

Mackenzie made these and they were perfect! Super chewy and delicious – very peanut butter-y. We added Reeses pieces to the top! We ate most of the squares within a day or two! And our advice is : definitely make these! You will NOT be disappointed.

Onto the next recipe – Zucchini Honey Nut Bread. Our reviews are not so raving for this one. I made this recipe – and the flavor was not so yummy. We aren’t sure, but it just wasn’t quite right. I added coconut instead of nuts- but based on prior experience, that should have enhanced the flavor not made it unsavory. Oh well! you win some, ya lose some! Here’s the recipe, in case you want to give it a shot! 🙂

As always – Brubacher family, let me know if you remember anything about these recipes! And to everyone – I’d love to hear if you make any of the recipes! More recipe testing to come soon.

a bit of history · in my kitchen · Uncategorized

Grandma B’s recipe #7- raise your hand if you like fruit cocktail…

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This week I chose a recipe that caught my eye when I first looked thru Grandma’s recipe box. and not for good reasons, I suppose. “Fruit cocktail cake” the card was titled. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been a fan of fruit cocktail.

My initial thought was – How could this possibly be any good? But then I read the ingredients and thought to myself: How could this be anything but good?

Have a look for yourself:

And so – with one substitution in mind, I got ready to bake. Here’s what I did! I did NOT use actual fruit cocktail. I could not bring myself to put those canned grapes and cherries in this cake. Instead I selected some canned fruit and made my own concoction for the cake: peaches, pineapple and mandarin oranges.

When I read the back of the recipe card I realized I wasn’t sure which canned milk to use… sweetened condensed milk? or evaporated milk? I knew there was SO MUCH sugar in the brown sugar topping and the icing already – I decided to go with the evaporated milk.

I mixed the ingredients up, and poured the batter into a 9×13 pan. Then, spread the topping over the batter and baked at 350 as directed for about 35-40 minutes. When I pulled it out of the oven it was nice and brown. While it was still hot I poured the cooked icing over the top.

Are you wondering how it turned out? I’ll tell you! It is rich and sticky- gooey- delicious- especially if you eat it warm. It’s not super fruity flavored – but very sweet! I give it a thumbs up and think you should try it!

Here’s a little history – my mom doesn’t remember Grandma making this cake when she lived at home. But, the card says “Katy” on it so my mom thinks the recipe came from her Aunt Katy, Grandma’s sister-in-law. I’d love to know if any of the family remembers tasting this cake in years gone by! Feel free to leave a comment below! And please – tell me if you make this cake! I’d love to know what you think!

I’ll be back soon with another recipe from Grandma B’s recipe box!

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · music, my true love · Uncategorized

Praise ye the LORD!

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Since 1980 I’ve been attending at least one week of Vacation Bible School every summer. No matter my age, no matter where I’ve lived – there’s always been at least one VBS to attend. At age 5 I remember my dad was the king of VBS at our church. There were trophies for learning the most scripture verses in your grade, there was a dunk tank, and there were snow cones not to mention pounds and pounds of homemade cookies and giant coolers full of red kool-aid.

As an adult I’ve loved leading children’s songs, in children’s church or Sunday school, children’s choir- you name it – but especially at VBS in the summer. There are so many great songs of Scripture and Truth to teach that will live on in the hearts and minds of children. I love seeing it happen in real time! Man, it’s great!

I’m leading VBS songs this summer at a friend’s church and I’m carrying on the tradition I learned from my dad all those years ago. We are singing “Hallelu, Praise Ye the Lord.” And let me tell you, these kids are SINGING! (or they *might be* shouting a bit… because we are having a contest to see who can sing the loudest.) It is possibly the most fun I’ll have all year!

This week we are hearing testimonies from missionaries from around the world – and there is a specific focus on prayer. God hears our prayers and God works in powerful ways when we pray – of course, that is true and I believe it. However, these beautiful VBS children did a craft yesterday and it really made things look different to me.

The kids were asked during craft time to write a prayer request on a colorful paper cross. Oh my, the prayers they wrote down. Here are just a few…

“that my sister will get better”

“please stop wars”

“I hope you can love me”

Jesus told us himself in the gospels that we must have faith like little children:

But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16

What a fantastic example for me and everyone who sees these requests! Sometimes in my grown-up world, my faith can be so weak. But – do you realize? He really does hear us! He is powerful to answer whenever we call out to him! This knowledge is worth praising Him with our whole hearts!

Oh wait! I know just the song we can sing!

Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah! PRAISE YE THE LORD!

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · in my kitchen · Uncategorized

Grandma B’s recipe #6: Summer’s Best

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A long time ago I learned to eat rhubarb. It grew in a prolific patch at the back of our property where we lived in Danville, Illinois. One day in early summer my sister got me to try some. And I learned then what I still believe now: Rhubarb is best eaten with a lot of sugar, preferably in baked goods.

One of my favorite “recipe memories” is of my GG’s rhubarb crisp. She made it in the summer when we would visit and there was always a healthy dollop of cool whip. Oh it was delicious! But I digress.

It is no surprise then, that one of the recipes from Grandma’s box I’ve chosen to try is Rhubarb Cake. While rhubarb grows heartily farther north, it isn’t so easy to come by in Tennessee. So, when my mom texted and said they were at Publix and had found rhubarb in the produce section and did I want some… I gave a resounding YES!

Recipe # 6 is Rhubarb Cake!

The card looks as though Grandma may have made it a few times over the years, although my mom doesn’t remember tasting it. I followed the recipe as written. However, it didn’t indicate what size or type of pan, so I chose a bundt pan.

Initially, I tried a few “scrumpies” from the bottom of the pan, and oh boy was it flavorful and moist. What I didn’t realize would happen is that the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture that I sprinkled on top soaked into the batter – it completely disappeared from the top.

The cake turned out to be very moist and a lovely texture. It was delicious, not overly rich – but, I would add a LOT more rhubarb – maybe another cup. Other than that, we topped with whipped cream and it was just right! You should make it – it is yummy!