Month: January 2011

Grandma’s Round Steak Sauerbraten

Here is another family favorite recipe from my Grandma. Sauerbraten is a German meat dish that is marinated in vinegar, sugar and spices. My Grandma had some German blood, not sure if this was an old family recipe or not. But try this, it is easy and economical.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds round steak or stew meat
  • 2 envelopes brown gravy mix
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 Tablespoons minced onion
  • 4 Tablespoons vinegar
  • 4 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • flour
  • cooked egg noodles

Directions
If using round steak, cut into cubes. Brown meat in shortening. Combine all ingredients except flour and pour over meat. Simmer slowly for two hours on stovetop. If it cooks down too much, add water. Just before serving thicken with flour to make a thin gravy. Serve over cooked noodles.

Nani’s Favorite Potato Egg Brunch Bake

Eggs
Eggs
This is a favorite recipe of mine to serve for brunch. I like using potatoes instead of bread. It is easy and does not need to be made up ahead of time. You certainly can make it ahead of time if desired.

Ingredients

  • 1 package of bacon, fried and cooled
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 large package frozen hash browns, thawed
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
  • mushrooms, onions, black olive, green olives (optional)
  • salt and pepper

Directions
Grease a 9×13 inch pan. Beat eggs, milk and 1/2 of the cheese. Pour into pan. Add potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Add any optional ingredients and bacon. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake @ 350 degrees for one hour or until set.

Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

This is a favorite recipe that is probably from the Vanilla Wafer. My Mom used to make it often and it was one of my Dad’s favorites. It is still as good today as it was back when I was a kid.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar, divided
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • dash salt
  • 3 eggs seperated
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups milk
  • 45 Nilla wafers, divided
  • 5 medium ripe bananas, sliced

Directions
Preheat oven to 350. Mix 1/2 cup of the sugar, flour and salt in top of double boiler.
Blend in 3 egg yolks and milk. Cook uncovered over boiling water 10 to 12 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla.
Reserve 12 wafers for garnish. Spread small amount of custard on bottom of 1 1/2 quart baking dish and cover with layers of 1/3 each of the remaining wafers and sliced bananas. Pour about 1/3 of the remaining custard over bananas, continue to layer wafers, bananas and custard to make a total of 3 layers of each, ending with custard.
Beat egg whites on high w/ electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Spoon over custard. Spread evenly to cover entire surface of custard and sealing well to edge.

Bake 15 to 20 min. or until lightly browned. Cool slightly and top with reserved 12 wafers just before serving.

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Green Split Pea Soup

Here is another favorite recipe from my Grandma. I always preferred the bean soup, but this one is really good too. It is definitely comfort food for a cold day.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry green split peas
  • 3 quarts water
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 uncooked potato, diced
  • 1 ham bone or 1/8 pound salt pork
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Directions
Rinse and sort peas. Place all ingredients in large stock pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 3 hours. Season to taste. Add more water from time to time if necessary. Remove from heat, put through sieve. Reheat and serve.