Did you know that Thomas Jefferson was the first American to write a recipe for ice cream? Did you know that Mrs. Hill’s New Cook Book was the major southern cookbook published in the aftermath of the Civil War?  If not, you definitely need to read American Food Writing: An Anthology With Classic Recipes.  This is an excellent collection of essays, anecdotes, and recipes that span over three centuries (and yes, some of the old recipes aren’t too bad either!).  There is really interesting chapter on the thirteen course meal (I am still trying to figure out how to eat that much and can you imagine the dishes?!?).  There are more than 50 recipes that range from vintage (like the Thomas Jefferson’s ice cream recipe) to modern (like Lady Bird’s Pedernales Chili). Some surprising authors that are included in here are Nathaniel Hawthorne, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Walt Whitman, Thomas Wolfe, Willa Cather, and Langston Hughes.  Who knew they all were interested in food?  Chefs and critics discuss culinary philosophies and offer advice on the finer points of techniques too. This is a must have for all foodies.

When you start to plan a party of any kind be it a cocktail party or even a Halloween party, you definitely need to find a place to get ideas. Since Halloween is just around the corner, we all need to start thinking about Halloween party food.  Sometimes things we already make, like the dish on the left here, just need a few added ingredients to make them Halloween like.  The picture is off a Triple Layer Guacamole, Egg and Cream cheese Torte. However, you can easily make this with an sort of green dip you may have around the house (like spinach dip, avocado dip, etc.)

Another awesome treat is these brain dip crackers. They are actually shrimp appetizers, but don’t they look awesome?  I personally think the little brains are cute (even though I think they are going for the gross effect).  We are going to a Halloween party at my husband’s cousin’s house Halloween weekend, and I know she is going to want to make some of the Halloween food ideas that I found at Celebrations (which is also where I found these cool appetizers).  Most of the recipes are actually pretty easy to make and look this good.

Any treats you make for Halloween?

I love when I find services out there that truly make my life easier.  Scan My Recipes is one of those sites. It is super easy. You send your recipe cards, clippings, and printouts to them via UPS. They then scan your recipes and convert them to text. You then have several ways to access your recipes. You get a CD-ROM archive, you have private online recipes access, and you can even order your very own custom cookbook! My favorite part of this is that it saves me the time to organize all this information. I also hate having to check in four different books just to find the recipe that I want. Now, all of your recipes are organized on one easy to find place (well, more than one — you’ll have online and offline access).  This is such a great idea — I think I am going to start looking for all my recipes to send in.

Recipes that call for cottage cheese instead of shortening offer a healthy boost of calcium and contain a lot less fat.

Okay, I have forgotten to do this for several weeks now, but I am going to try to get back into the groove of doing these again.  If you want to join, check out Fun, Crafts, and Recipes.

#1. Cake. Buttercream, whipped cream or ice cream? I like all cake.  Since I am lactose intolerant, I prefer not to eat ice cream cake even though I do like it.
#2. When entertaining do you use real, paper, plastic or styrofoam dishes? If we are having a big party, plastic and styrofoam.  If its just immediate family, real because I have a dish washer.
#3. When hosting a party do you cook, have it catered or go to a restaurant? Cook.
#4. Share a recipe that you frequently serve when having a party.
Potato Salad – 10 lbs
10 lbs. potatoes
3 – 4 hard-boiled eggs
1 bottle of mayo
Mustard
½ lid white vinegar
½ cup milk
Sugar
Onion

Boil water with potatoes for approx. 30 minutes – 1 hr. Drain and put in fridge overnight.
Boil cold water and 3 – 4 eggs for 7 – 10 minutes. Drain and put in fridge overnight.

The next day, peel and slice potatoes. Mix mayo and mustard till yellow and add vinegar. Add in milk, salt, and pepper. taste, if bitter add sugar.

In separate bowl, put a layer of potatoes, seasoning, hard-boiled eggs, diced onions, and mayo mixture and stir. Repeat until you have all the ingredients in there and mixed. Put in refrigerator and let sit overnight before serving.