Fat Frog Diary

Bias Tape- Love it or hate it, you have to have it when you quilt or sew. Well-meaning friends often give a quilter/sewer lots of scrap fabric, whether it's suitable for quilting or not. I have received bags full of absolutely stunning high-quality wedding silks, a footlocker full of grandma's table linens, and an entire 18-gallon tote of upholstery fabric. Then again, I also have my own Mount Scrapmore. I can't bear to throw away anything larger than 2-1/2" wide. It's still useful.  I confess I hated making bias tape. That was one of the reasons I stopped quilting. I always screwed up the angles making bias tape until Dave found this method below. Within a day, I was zooming through my scraps making all the bias tape out of all the 2-1/2" strips I'd been holding onto for years. If my cats hadn't practiced their interference mastery skills by laying all into my piles (sorted by color) I probably would have been falling asleep at the sewing machine.   

Stop paying high prices and wasting your spices by not using the whole bottle.

You hardly need more instruction than this. Impossible Pies really do seem like a miracle, making their own crust.  Notes:  I personally love coconut and don't just "sprinkle a little" on top. My coconut fills the pie pan before the filling goes in! I serve this pie cool in summer and warm in winter.  If your pie isn't completely set after 40 minutes, turn off the oven but don't remove the pie. Let coast to its final destination in the cooling oven. The pie is done when it doesn't jiggle in the center.  Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com

  Any Fruit Bread (Apple Butter Bread Reimagined) Use apple butter or any other jam, jelly, or  preserves! This bread's flavor changes with each jam/jelly used. I personally make the small because it does indeed have a high rise. Play it safe the first time and make a size smaller than you normally would.  Sources: The Bread Machine Cookbook by Donna Rathmell German ISBN 1-55867-025-4 ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com  

Hoppin' John   A classic American dish from the Deep South, this was commonly served at my family home on New Year's Day. It's a superstition (or a way for Mom to get us to eat black-eyed peas) that the more black-eyed peas you eat on New Year's Day, the more money you'll get in the coming year. Serve with a side of cornbread because it's gold and also brings wealth. Besides, it soaks up the juice from the beans.  Notes: 1. This is a crock pot recipe but starts in a skillet. It's worth the extra trouble to collect those lovely brown bits. If Mama celebrated a bit too much the night before, this recipe won't strain her brain too much.  2. I don't add the crab meat because I'm allergic. I'd love to hear from someone else how they felt it tasted.  3. For the dirty rice mix, I used Zatarain's, but Tony Chachere's or any other brand would work.  Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'

  Eggnog Pie This vintage recipe appeared on the internet, and you know I had to swipe it! Please read through all my notes and the entire recipe before beginning. I won't tell if you use a store-bought pre-made pie crust. I soften the unflavored gelatin in a small custard cup just before I start whipping the egg whites because it only takes about 5 minutes or so to "bloom." This filling is a cooked custard eggnog, and well worth the extra time and trouble. If you're a bit nervous, have a practice run and serve the custard (or a whole pie) to a  friend. I have no trouble finding a guinea pig who will let me do a trial run with them.  Notes: 1. Separate the eggs at the very beginning. You can store the whites in a jar in the refrigerator until you need them. Beat the egg yolks to that lemony/foamy stage and set aside. When you add the hot cream mixture to the beaten egg yolks, do so slowly and patiently. Work in a little cream mix at a time. The idea is to heat u

  Diabetic Holiday Eggnog I got my first copy of this magazine from my grandmother's collection when she passed. I puzzled over why she had so many when she herself was not diabetic. Maybe she understood even then that sugar wasn't good for you in such high quantities as in the American diet. Who knows? It's still a custard-based eggnog and therefore superior to the eggnogs in stores.  Sources: Diabetic Living Magazine (out of print) ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available on

  Praline Yams I started out cutting out recipes from the backs of bottles, boxes, cans and jars when I was 17. This recipe isn't quite that old, but it does specify a certain brand of yam. Recipes from a brand name usually highlighted the best way to use the food inside the package. They aren't some dodgy recipe off the net, but carefully chosen and tested recipes whose purpose is clearly understood: to get you to buy the product.  Notes: No need for marshmallows, but whipped cream is excellent.  ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on product

  Broccoli Chicken a  La King I love vintage recipes! This one comes from my youth, when the can of soup and the microwave would set the housewife free from the drudgery of the kitchen. This was the age when the woman was supposed to be Super Mom, able to work a full-time  job and then come home and whip up a nutritious meal in only a few minutes. The manufacturer's ideas of what was nutritious were flexible, of course.  The true beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. There are options on the cheese, the meat, and what you serve it on top with. What Mom did back then depended on her own energy level, but I personally would recommend either tossing a baking potato or three in the Instant Pot if you have a few extra minutes.  Notes: 1. While I know I'll get some hate for this; I use and keep Spam and canned cooked chicken around for those days when I forgot to defrost something. These "shelf special" recipes have saved me plenty of money, since I didn't hav

  Crispix Nachos Snacks Yes, this came off the cereal box.  Notes: Instead of pouring oil over the chips mix, lay them out on a cookie sheet and use an oil sprayer. You'll get a better distribution of oil. Then toss to coat.  ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com

  Eggnog I can hear the screams even from my perspective in November. Yes, it has real eggs. This is a "custard" eggnog. And the original version is alcoholic. There's a non-alcoholic version at the bottom, but basically eliminate the booze and add in a bit more milk.  Notes: 1. Have the large bowl of ice waiting before you begin cooking the custard portion. Put a towel underneath the ice bowl to help keep it steady.  2. In this case, it's not advisable to substitute Cool Whip. The result would be oily in appearance. Take the time to whip the cream, and you can use a stand mixer for this if you wish.  3. I have doubled the amounts and served this in a punch bowl. It still was gone very quickly. Gauge your guests carefully.   ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do

  Crock Pot Gingerbread Despite the lengthy list of ingredients, this is a very easy recipe.  Pre-measure all the ingredients, and have them handy to toss in, once the butter and sugar have been beaten together. They aren't kidding when they tell you to spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray. Don't neglect this step or  think you can get away with a "healthier" oil.  Notes: 1. If you are using a regular slow cooker, this would be a good time to use a timer so that the three hours of cooking time don't begin until three hours before you want to serve. For instance, if I poured my ingredients into the slow cooker at 8 AM, but I don't want to serve dessert until 7 PM, then I would set the timer to start the slow cooker at 4 PM. Some newer slow cookers now have the timer built in, and that's handy!  2. Topping with whipped cream and orange peel is mind-blowing. Yes, Cool Whip is fine if that's all you have time for. Don't be ashamed.

  Holiday Stuffed Pork Roast By now, you're probably sick of turkey and leftovers. Here's an alternative worthy of the holidays. Take the time to make the brown rice at least one hour before you need it. I use the rice function of my Instant Pot. Make sure to toast those slivered almonds and all those delicious stuffing ingredients. I even make my own whole berry cranberry sauce, and it is far superior to the canned. However, if you prefer the jellied cranberry sauce, that's up to you.  Use the best orange juice you can get. I use the one with pulp, and fresh-squeezed if I'm really into the details. Since you need grated orange peel, you may as well take advantage of the oranges for sale at this time of year. I squeeze them, grate the skins, and then enjoy "cook's privilege" of eating the flesh. Well, except for the sectioned one required for the recipe of course.  If you're nervous about the stuffing being cooked while rolled in the pork roast, it

  AUTUMN PUNCH Notes: This is a Do-Ahead! I saved this one for one of the last recipes of November because it transitions well into the winter holiday season and can be served hot.  The ginger ale alternative is nice if you must serve a non-alcoholic version.  Sources:  Gewurztraminer:  Cooper's Hawk | Gewürztraminer (chwinery.com)   ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com

Apple Chunk Bread Frankly, I didn't peel the apples. I did dunk all the apple chunks in lemon water to keep them from browning.  Sources: The Bread Machine Cookbook by Donna Rathmell German ISBN 1-55867-025-4 ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com    

  More Dressings for Thanksgiving Who doesn't love dressing with their Thanksgiving? It's those extra flavors that give the chef's kiss to the feast, like bacon, maple sausage, apples, cranberries, raisins and the spices. I offer these two variations on the classic baked dressing (as opposed to the in-the-bird stuffing) as alternatives to options already presented. Yes, these can be made as Stuffin Muffins (see previous recipe by that name).  Sources: Jimmy Dean Sausage and Taste of Home.com respectively.  ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissio

  Roast Turkey with Sage Butter This recipe from the illustrious magazine, Epicurious, became my go-to turkey recipe from the first day we tried it. Take my advice and make the broth yourself using cheap wings, backs, and drumsticks. This is your opportunity to use all those carrot tops, onion skins, leek greens, and of course celery tops in the broth. Season lightly if at all! Remember you'll be adding seasoning during the recipe process when you use the broth. I make mine in the Instant Pot using the slow cooker setting, cool, strain out the spent veggies and bones, then cool thoroughly to remove the big disk of fat the next day. The result should be thick, gelatinized, and more delicious than anything you can buy from the store.  Yes, it's worth the extra trouble of frying up the bacon then mixing the butter, sage and bacon. Make sure you reserve that 1/3 cup of the sage butter for the gravy before stuffing the rest under the skin. Yes, slide your hand under the skin and

  Yes, it's that easy. If you happen to have cocktail skewers for the cranberry garnish, just lay the filled skewer across the rim and don't bother trying to float it. That just forces the guests to use their fingers to fish the thing out. Remember that your cocktail picks can be a way to mark a guest's drink, so consider skewers that are not all the same, or use beads/charms on hoop earrings to make each glass distinctive. Inexpensive charms for jewelry making are available cheaply at Amazon and craft stores.   Sources: I recommend Cooper's Hawk Sparkling Bubbly Rose  Cooper's Hawk | Bubbly Rosé (chwinery.com) ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original pos

  Pumpkin/Winter Squash Bread This versatile bread allows you to flex according to what's available in the grocery store in produce. Sometimes I can find only butternut squash or acorn squash, and not a sugar baby or pie pumpkin. I have resorted to canned pumpkin.  This bread comes out a bit dense and chewy. It has whole wheat flour as well as bread flour.  Sources: The Bread Machine Cookbook by Donna Rathmell German ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin ww