Browsing Extractions

I recently discovered a spiral bound cookbook while cleaning up and cleaning out the top of mom's garage where we store so much. I reckon she picked it up at some garage sale, estate sale, yard sale or some kind of sale. It is one filled with contributed recipes, in this case for First Lutheran Church of Waco, Tx. to herald their centennial: 1884-1984. When I peruse cookbooks I am often intrigued at the concoctions therein. This one is no different. Many titles and, or, ingredients, will prove interesting. Oft times I really want to try something, but rarely do. More often than not, as intriguing as a recipe sounds, there are ingredients I either detest or are too chicken to try, such as hot and spicy elements. I found in this First Lutheran cookbook as few interesting recipes, but only one of them I may actually try.

Prairie Fire Cheese Dip

contributed by Evelyn Aga

1 can (1 lb.) Kidney beans, drained

1c. butter

1/3 lb. sharp cheese, grated

2 bottles hot peppers, chopped fine and

 1 tsp. juice

medium onion, grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

Mash beans. Mix all ingredients in top of double boiler and heat until blended. Serve warm with assorted crackers.

Now, I don't do peppers and other hot stuff. The name is what drew me to it. I can see why it has such a title. Best to probably keep the phone handy in the event the fire department needs to be called.

Next...

Ruth's Railhead Cheese Soup

contributed by Diane Palan

1/4 c. butter

1/2 c. carrots, diced

1/2 c. onion, diced

1/2 c. celery, diced

1/4 c. flour

4 1/2 tsp. cornstarch

1 qt. chicken stock

2 c. milk

1/8 tsp. baking soda

18 slices American cheese

Melt butter in saucepan and cook vegetables over low heat until soft. Add flour and cornstarch and cook until bubbly. Add chicken stock and milk and cook until smooth. Add baking sod and American cheese and cook until cheese melts. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serves 8 to 10.

The following I intend on trying. Sounds really good. Spam is an acquired taste and I have acquired it.

Spam Salad

contributed by Elenora Smith

1 can Spam, chopped

3 hard boiled eggs, chopped

1 c. Miracle Whip salad dressing

1/2 c. diced sweet pickles

grated onion, to taste

Mix well and refrigerate until serving time.

The title of the next recipe had me doing a double take. I really read what I saw.

Yummy--But Yucky Fruit Salad

contributed by Marion Truitt

1 can pineapple chunks

1 can fruit cocktail

1 pkg. vanilla instant pudding

1 can mandarin oranges, drained

3 bananas

lemon juice

1 small jar maraschino cherries, chopped

Drain pineapple and fruit cocktail. Mix vanilla pudding with juice. Then add the pineapple, fruit cocktail and oranges. Slice bananas and sprinkle with lemon juice and add to the fruit. Add cherries. Refrigerate until cool.

Lastly...

Black "Eyes of Texas" Casserole

contributed by Joyce Heckmann

1 (15 1/4 oz.) can jalapeno black eyed peas, drained

1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes with green chilies

1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted

1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted

1 (10 oz.) can enchilada sauce

1/4 tsp. liquid hot pepper seasoning

1 1/4 dozen corn tortillas, cut into halves

2 c. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated

Saute ground beef, onion and garlic until lightly browned, stirring to crumble the meat. Stir in remaining ingredients except tortillas and cheese. Alternately layer the mixture of meat and tortillas, beginning and ending with meat mixture, in a greased 13x9x2 inch pan. Sprinkly with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 35 minutes or unto bubbly.

Yield: 8

Note: freezes well.