Coconut- Pecan Frosting

Mom- Catherine puts this frosting on German Chocolate Cake. I am copying it out of the old Joliet, Illinois Ward Cook Book so it has been around for about 25 years since the cookbook is at least that old. It is a carmely, coconutty, nutty frosting.

1 cup canned milk
1 cup brown sugar
3 egg yolks beaten
1/2 butter
1tsp vanilla
1 1/3 cup coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened, about 12 minutes. Add coconut and pecans cool until thick and spread on cake. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

Submitted by April

Mashed Potato Casserole

Mom-Catherine made this for dinner since I can remember. Sometimes we make it with smashed potatoes- smashed potatoes are mashed potatoes with the skins left on. It is good topped with some Heinz ketchup.

• 8-10 medium russet potatoes mashed
• 2 cans greens beans or about 3 cups freshed cooked green beans chopped
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream(my addition)
• 1 lb browned ground beef
  
• 1 medium yellow onion minced cook with meat
  
• 1 cup medium cheddar or cheese of choice
• salt & pepper to taste

mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, browned meat& onion, green beans & pepper. Pour into a 9x13 pan or casserole dish. Layer mashed potatoes on top of soup mixture, sprinkle cheese on top and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until bubbling and cheese is melted.

Submitted by April

Grandma Bohman's Chocolate Frosting

I am sure many of you remember eating Grandma's yummy chocolate cake when we were growing up. This is the recipe for her chocolate frosting she would put on it. She would always make extra and make graham cracker sandwiches with the extra frosting for the Grandkids to have as a special treat.

• about 1 lb powder sugar
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 3 heaping table spoons of cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  
• 1 tsp vanilla
  
• about 3 table spoons of canned milk-do not substitute with regular milk it does make the frosting taste different!
  
• dash of salt

Melt butter- mix in cocoa and vanilla until smooth-mix in powdered sugar and milk add more milk if needed until a smooth spreadable consistency, mix in nuts and spread on cake or graham crackers. Remember Grandma never measured things, she measured to taste so if you want more cocoa or milk or nuts go ahead! Have fun!!

Submitted by April

Salsa

Alicia introduced us to this great recipe. It is now a family favorite! Thanks Alicia!

• 2 Large cans (28 oz) or 4 small cans (15 oz) diced tomatoes or equivalent of fresh tomatoes
  
• 1/2 chopped onion
• 1 chopped green pepper
• 12 slices of jalapeños fresh or bottled, may put more if wanted hotter.
  
• Vinegar or lime juice. About two Tablespoons, (may need more) Chopped Fresh Cilantro
  
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Blend together half of the tomatoes, onion, green peppers & jalapeños in blender. Mix in vinegar/lime juice, remaining chopped tomatoes and salt & pepper. Let sit for flavors to blend then serve.

Submitted by April