Have you ever dined on a meal prepared from an old family recipe? The connection to the past with the present is one that is almost 3-D. You have memories, tastes, and sights all blended together for a little trip down memory lane. Preserving our heritage through cooking is one way to allow the memory of a loved one remain close in our hearts and recall a special time when "Grandma Donna", or "Aunt Florence" were still alive. Today's youngsters often miss out on such a rich family heritage by our fast paced world. Take some time to recreate a special dish and share the experience and memories of your family. Can you imagine if our children's only memories of food when they are older is of a burger and fries at McDonald's? ... or a skillet dinner from the freezer. Do you remember how much better farm fresh food tastes compared with grocery fare today? Homemade pickles were an everyday treat at Grandma's house ... even made from watermelon rind! My dad is still the king of homemade icecream. Grandma Donna's Jewish Apple Cake conjures up sights and scents from her tiny aqua blue kitchen. Aunt Lottie's farm fresh corn and roast beef dinner ... served in the grown up's dining room with a lace tablecloth ... yummy. Do you get the connection? Somewhere, packed away for the time being are my grandmother's cookbook and dh's grandmother's recipe box. This fall or winter when it's cold outside, I'm hoping to warm things up by unpacking a kitchen box filled with my family's heritage books.
Recipe: (Grandma Donna's) Jewish Apple Cake
Ingredients: 1/2 lb butter, 1/2 C sugar, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 3 C flour, 1 egg, 6 green apples, lemon zest,
1/2 tsp. vanilla.
Directions: Cream butter, sugar and vanilla, add beaten egg and flour. Mix well and divide dough in half. Press half the dough in a 13x9 rectangular pan to form lining. Peel and slice apples. Sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar, and a little lemon zest. Spread the apple mixture into prepared pan. Press remaining dough on wax paper to form a 13x9 inch top. After placing on the top, bake in a preheated 300 degree F oven for about one hour.
Serves 15
PS the recipe doesn't say how much sugar to mix in with the apples ... use your taster ... probably up to a 1/2 cup.
1 comment:
Great minds think alike! My blog today is in the same frame of mind. I'm 100% into carrying on family recipies/memories. I fear one day, they will no longer be important, but for now they are very precious. I can't wait to try you recipe for Grandm Donna Jewish Apple Cake. It looks simple and delicious!
Post a Comment