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  • Welcome to My Kitchen

    Laura Estes|Updated Feb 26, 2017

    Avocado Ice Cream? My first thought was “that is a horrible thing to do to an avocado”, but apparently this is all the rage in several east coast areas. One restaurant serves avocado ice cream on toast, and according to the news article, it sells out fast so people line up early to get this treat. Have any of you readers tried this interesting concoction? A search on Pinterest turned up several recipes with quite varied ingredients, and judging from these recipes, it appears i...

  • Welcome to My Kitchen

    Laura Estes|Updated Jan 25, 2017

    ears to be in store for Odessa residents. Sore throats, colds and a bit of flu have kept many indoors for days at a time. Russian Tea is an old-fashioned and comforting citrus-infused beverage, “good for what ails you,” as the saying goes. Popular recipes from the 1960s relied on powdered orange and lemon mixes quite high in sugar content. Recently a member of a closed Facebook quilting group I belong to shared her grandmother’s recipe using fruit juices. The recipe has been...

  • Welcome to My Kitchen

    Laura Estes|Updated Dec 29, 2016

    Snow on the ground, sledding parties and Christmas caroling call for warming up with hot chocolate and sweet cookies. Charlene Kagele brought glazed carrot cookies to a recent event and I was asked to get the recipe. Charlene said she got the recipe from me, and I think this is the correct one. It comes from Betty Crocker’s Cooky Book, 1979 edition. Golden Carrot Cookies 1 cup shortening, or (part butter or margarine) 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 cup mashed cooked carrots...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    Laura Estes|Updated Oct 6, 2016

    October officially begins the baking season on my calendar. Frosty mornings and cool days invite the warming of the kitchen with the heat and aromas of freshly baked breads, muffins, pies and cookies. Kathie Donahue shared her recipe for the Oatmeal Bar Cookies she brought to a recent gathering of quilters. She describes them as “tender, chewy; great as an energy bar or trail bar.” These bars would be ideal for breakfast on the go or a mid-morning coffee break. You could sub...

  • Welcome to My Kitchen

    Laura Estes|Updated Sep 27, 2016

    Deutschesfest trappings are packed away for another year, but already plans are being laid for 2017. Though the dirndls and lederhosen won’t likely be seen for another year, Germans from Russia culinary skills need not disappear. Kraut Ranza are great to have on hand for a quick, heat and serve meal. You may not care for sauerkraut, but any thick filling can be sealed in tender yeast dough, baked and served immediately, or cooled and frozen. Frozen bread dough may be used i...

  • Welcome to My Kitchen

    Laura Estes|Updated Sep 14, 2016

    Kraut Ranza, Cabbage Rolls and Apple Strudel have been filling the First Avenue corridor with delectable aromas the past few weeks as preparations for Deuschesfest swing into high gear. Most of the recipes are available in the Hospital Auxiliary Cookbook, Unser Tagelich Brot, The Staff of Life V, and are easy to adapt to home kitchens. The recipe for apple strudel, however makes dough for four, a bit much for one person to deal with alone. The recipe I use for one strudel...

  • Welcome to My Kitchen

    Laura Estes|Updated Aug 30, 2016

    Zucchini is showing up in various dishes as this prolific summer squash hits peak season. Sautéed, steamed, in cakes and breads, versatile zucchini can be added to just about any recipe, adjusting the liquid measure to accommodate the moisture of the zucchini. An eight inch zucchini equals about 1 cup liquid. Many recipes call for grated zucchini, but some picky eaters can detect a shred of zucchini in a recipe from twenty paces. The solution, puree the zucchini. This works fo...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    Laura Estes|Updated Jun 15, 2016

    Popsicles, a favorite frosty summer treat of children for nearly one hundred years, are fun to make, and the variety of fruit combinations is endless. Thin pudding mixtures may be frozen as well, increasing the flavor selections. Frank Epperson registered the trademark Popsicle in 1923, the name being derived from lollypop and icicle. Popsicles have had a variety of shapes over the years, but all feature a stick handle of some sort to hold onto while eating. My mom and other...

  • Welcome to My Kitchen

    Laura Estes|Updated May 7, 2016

    Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches have been a staple on the Quilt Show menu for many years. The recipe originated with Betty Lybbert of Moses Lake and shared with Debbie Buscher. Charlene Kagele adapted the recipe for serving a large crowd. The basic recipe makes 10-12 sandwiches, depending on bread size. Chicken Salad Filling 4 cups cooked, diced chicken 2 cups pineapple tidbits, well drained 2 cups green grapes, halved 1 cup minced celery 1/4 tsp fresh tarragon, finely chop...

  • Recipe Column

    Laura Estes|Updated Mar 11, 2016

    Many requests have come in for several cookie recipes. Peanut Butter Chocolate Toffee Crunch, brought by Shelly Hauge to a recent potluck, is a super sweet treat, especially appealing to young folks. It is easy to make, bakes quickly, but does require an hour of chilling time. Peanut Butter Chocolate Toffee Crunch 4 1/2 cups Reese’s Puffs cereal 1 cup butter 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 bag (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips, melted 1/2 cup creamy p...

  • Recipe Column

    Laura Estes|Updated Jul 15, 2015

    Much rejoicing could be heard around Odessa this past week as temperatures returned to normal hot weather as apposed to the scorching of the previous couple of weeks. N ever the less, Odessa cooks continue to search out and implement the most efficient ways to prepare meals with out heating up the house. Responding to my request for recipes, product selection and user tips, Irene Carnes shared the following information about stand alone counter top pressure cookers. Irene got...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated Jun 18, 2015

    Carrots tend to get overlooked except as the color in a veggie tray or grated into salads. Savory Grill Roasted Carrots flavorful side dish easy to prepare along side any slow grilling item as they need about 1 hour of cooking time. Savory Grill Roasted Carrots 1 pound carrots 2 Tbsp bottled Italian dressing Clean carrots, peel if necessary and cut into 1-1/4 inch pieces. Cut larger carrots in half. Place in a bowl and drizzle with dressing, mixing well to coat evenly. Place...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated Jun 17, 2015

    Easter comes early this year, and soon baskets of colored eggs and chocolate rabbits will delight both young and old. Celebration meals will be planned and several of this issue’s recipes may be incorporated into menu plans. Robin Higginbotham Jasman of Hartline brought Bean Salad to a Christmas gathering and the recipe was requested by numerous people. Robin’s recipe includes canned baby corn, a refreshing change from traditional three bean salads. Bean Salad 1 can (15 oun...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated Jun 3, 2015

    Graduation parties, reunion picnics and family barbeques can fill a June calendar quickly. Salads are on the menu, and all are ideal for summer dining events. Twist Tuna Salad, from the collection of the late Mrs. Rueben (Elizabeth) Fink, can serve as a side or main dish salad. I received this recipe from Elizabeth in 1989 and she told me it got the name from the spiral pasta, but for me the “twist” is the dill seasoning and the colorful red onion. Twist Tuna Salad 6 oun...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated May 20, 2015

    Washington-grown asparagus is in season, and available at markets and road side stands. Steamed and seasoned with a bit of butter, salt and pepper or prepared in your favorite main dish, nothing beats the flavor of fresh-from-the- field asparagus. Precious Frittata Prima-vera, a recipe from the Precious dairy products company, is a savory main course for breakfast, luncheons or dinner. Preparation time is less than 20 minutes, and the nearly 1 hour baking time makes it ideal...

  • Throwback Thursday harks back to recipes of the 1970s

    LAURA ESTES|Updated May 6, 2015

    Facebook has a custom of post called; “Throwback Thursday.” Participants post photos of past events and friends respond with remembrances of those events. We are in the season of wedding and baby showers and my “Throwback” is recipes for shower refreshments from the 1970’s. Lemon Fluff was a staple for showers and teas in the era. For variety change the gelatin flavor for, Cherry Fluff, Strawberry Fluff or Lime Fluff. The recipe was given to me by Ada Larsen of Marysvill...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated Apr 11, 2015

    Ham, eggs and mini-candies from Easter celebrations may be turned into delicious salads and fun cookies. Remembering to refrigerate meal leftovers is important when planning for future menu items. Deluxe Ham and Potato Salad is a warm salad suitable for cold springtime meals. Deluxe Ham and Potato Salad 4 hard cooked eggs 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 garlic clove, sliced thin 1 pound (2 medium) potatoes 3/4 pound cooked ham, cubed 3 medium tomatoes or 12 oun-ces halved cherry...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated Mar 13, 2015

    Saint Patrick’s Day brings corned beef to meat counters. Fresh cured corned beef is not hard to prepare but it takes time, and careful attention to temperature. Following the package instructions will produce a satisfactory main course. Including carrots, potatoes and cabbage during the last hour or so of the recommended cooking time produces a complete meal. All you need is some crusty bread to soak up the savory juices. Canned corned beef is a convenient alternative when y...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated Feb 28, 2015

    Splenda Peach Pie was the name on the label, and the search is on for the recipe for this pie. Originally, it was thought the pie was purchased at the Hospital Foundation Auction and Wine Tasting last spring, but no record of that donation was found. Therefore, it must have been a donation at either the Deutschesfest Museum German Bake Sale or the Christmas Fest Pie Sale. If you donated a Splenda Peach Pie to either one of these events, please share your recipe. You will make...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated Feb 17, 2015

    We missed National Cookie Day, December 4, so I am declaring February 21, Odessa Cookie Day. Make some cookies and share with your neighbors, a community- wide cookie swap. Here are some recipes to get you started. Gwen Clavel shared two cookie recipes I requested, but she had to wait until December to share. She gave cookies to me as part of Quilt Club Secret Sewing Pals. Very Good Oatmeal Cookies need no further introduction. Very Good Oatmeal Cookies 1 1/2 cups butter or...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated Jan 31, 2015

    Slow-cookers make weekend meal preparation a cinch. Whether you’re feeding starving teenage athletes, providing a meal after church or filling a buffet table for the big game day, there is a recipe suitable for slow cooking. Patricia Hrabs Potato Soup is a savory and tangy blend of flavors, sure to please a hungry crowd. I found this recipe in the Colville Lutheran Church newsletter a number of years ago and have adapted it to slow-cookery. Patricia Hrab’s Potato Soup 5-6 med...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated Jan 1, 2015

    The new year is here and it’s a good day to sort out the kitchen pantry. Specialty items get pushed to the back, unused holiday recipe items crowd around staples, making it hard to find what you need for everyday meals. An hour spent now will sped up meal preparations and save a few dollars by locating items where you can find them thus preventing duplicate purchases. The Plan 1. Clear counter or table space to work on. 2. Work on one shelf at a time 3. Sort out any past d...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated Dec 17, 2014

    Christmas and New Years Day are almost here. Last minute gift giving and parties can challenge even the most experienced and competent cooks. Quick and easy or make ahead recipes are in demand. Rocky Road Squares, is a quick, yummy recipe I got from Dolores Dills, Lake Stevens, WA. She learned how to make this recipe when she was in grade school, from a savvy teach using cooking to teach math skills. Rocky Road Squares 12 ounces real chocolate chips 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated Dec 3, 2014

    Visions of sugar plums dancing in your head? Probably not, but a list of Christmas baking may be formulating in your mind. Most present day cookie and candy makers would not want to spend the time involved in making the many layered confections known as sugarplums. Easy to prepare, bake and store cookies are what most cooks are looking for in recipes. A Spokane reader called requesting a drop sugar cookie recipe printed in this column a few years back. I believe Sour Cream...

  • Welcome to my Kitchen

    LAURA ESTES|Updated Nov 19, 2014

    Thanksgiving is just a few days away and many local kitchens are already bustling with meal preparations. Food allergies and health concerns dictate special menus that leave some searching culinary books for suitable recipes to accommodate all tastes. Cereal party mix is a favorite in many families and this Hawaiian Party Mix version shared by Coleen Janke, comes from her niece Kaci Bleau. Select gluten free cereals and pretzels and you will have a tasty traditional holiday...

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