A Little Brag about Homemade Stew

Blue Butterfly, back when she was 8

Last week a wonderful thing happened at home.  It was the end of a long day, and I didn't feel like cooking.  But dinner waits for no one, so I headed for the kitchen intent on finding something to make.  Low and behold, my lovely daughter, Blue Butterfly, volunteered to make dinner.  She said, "Don't worry, Mom. I'll just throw something together."

What she threw together was a wonderful, vegetable stew with three types of beans, corn, tomatoes, and a pinch of curry!  It smelled amazing, tasted amazing, and overall made a wonderful meal!  Not only that, but I have leftovers to eat for lunch. Mmmmm, mmmmm, good!

Wordless Wednesday - Very Old Family Photo

My Two Twin Aunts, with My Dad Peeking Between Them

Video - It's My Aunt Martha and Uncle Paul!!!!

For those who don't know, my father grew up in the Amish community.  He left it, but his sister Martha married an Amish man.  Here they are, singing a Swiss yodel.  I remember my grandparents singing this song at every reunion - I even know the yodeling part!

Enjoy!!!

Recipe: Inez's Zucchini Bread

Inez Patterson is my husband's Mom.  She was a character, from all accounts, who worked hard at being both a good person and a great mother.  Inez cooked dinners at home virtually every day, and my dear husband introduces us to various dishes from his childhood from time to time.  Last Saturday, he went to the kitchen with our daughter and whipped up a favorite of his - zucchini bread.  I was at the writing conference, and I came home to a wonderfully smelling house with even more wonderfully tasting bread.  I loved it so much, I decided to share the recipe.  I hope you enjoy this as much as we do.

 Inez's Zucchini Bread Recipe 

Ingredients:

• 2 c. Flour
• 2 tsp. Baking powder
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1/4 tsp. Baking Soda
• 3 tsp. Cinnamon
• 3 Eggs
• 1 c. Vegetable Oil
• 2/3 c. Sugar
• 2 c. Grated zucchini (from 2 medium-sized zucchinis)
• 2 tsp. Vanilla
• 1 c. Raisins
• 1 c. Chopped Walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a 13"x9"x2" dish or a loaf pan.
3. Mix together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture.
5. Add everything else in and mix together.  Do not overmix.
6. Pour mixture into the dish or loaf pan.
7. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the center springs back.