Aunt Peg's Recipe Box (2024)

Before my Mom passed away back in July, she and I spent some time going through her recipe box, so that she could share with me some of her favorite recipes. Mom had lost most of her ability to speak, but she could always get her point across to me, and with all the 20 questions I asked her and much laughter, we were able to figure out what she wanted to express about each of the recipes. We had a lot of fun, and I will treasure this memory.
She said this particular recipe was a favorite when we were young kids, it was fast and inexpensive, the perfect combination for a mom with a young (and naughty) family.
After she died, I spent even more time going through her recipes, marking the ones I remember, and setting aside many that I want to try in the coming months.

This is the first of those recipes. I made this while the zucchini were in abundance and I could beg some from my girlfriend Kylee (I don't garden either). My family were crazy for this stuff, so I count this a successful result.

BERRY ZUCCHINI JAM

4 c. zucchini, peeled and grated

1/2 c. lemon juice

(mom always used reconstituted juice)

1 pkg. Pectin

2 pkg. unsweetened punch mix

strawberry or Raspberry

(such as Kool-aid)

8 c. sugar

In a large stockpot add the peeled and grated zucchini, lemon juice, pectin, and punch mix. Bring to a full boil (at first it seems like there is not enough liquid to boil, but as the zucchini heats, it breaks down, adding a lot of water).
Add the sugar, return to boiling, and continue boiling for 5 minutes.
Immediately pour into clean pint jars, and seal according to your canning methods.

This is the original recipe, in my mom's handwriting.

I am not a person who does any canning, so this was actually challenging for me, so here are a couple of small things I discovered.
If you choose Mixed Berry flavored punch powder, you will have blue jam.

I added red food coloring to get to a deep purple color, which was definitely more appetizing than the lovely blue I started with.
As the jam boils, it develops a yucky foamy stuff on top. I had to skim this off with a large spoon.

I used 1/2 pint jars instead of the 1 pints that my mom always used (because that is the size I had on hand). Worked great. And the best thing? Every one of my jars sealed! I was very proud of myself. A real Suzy Homemaker here!

at8:00 AM0comments

Labels:5 Ingredients or less,All Recipes,Breakfast foods,Food Gifts,History and Stories,Jam's~Jellys~misc.

I am in heaven. I found this DELISH recipe on Pinterest (where the recipe pin links to Angela's Adventures, a fun blog you should spend some time visiting)!

Anyway, back to this awesome cookie recipe...

For all those who know me, there are 2 kinds of cookies that I absolutely adore, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip, and your basic soft Chocolate Chip Cookie. Love them. Sadly, I'm too lazy to make them. I'm seriously lazy. So, unless a friend takes pity and drops some off to my needy/greedy self, I don't get to indulge in either cookie very often.

NOW I'VE FOUND THE PERFECT ANSWER TO HALF OF MY COOKIE DILEMMA! Here it is...

Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for 1

(don't share)

1 Tbsp. butter, melted

1 Tbsp. white sugar

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

3 drops vanilla extract

pinch of salt

1 egg yolk

1/4 c. flour

2 Tbsp. chocolate chips

Spread into a ramekin, shallow bowl, or coffee mug.

This would be soooo good served still warm with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

~This takes me about 7 minutes to assemble and "bake". Less time if I don't clean up behind myself! Ha Ha ~

Note: I haven't tried to make the cookie in a mug, but I'm guessing that the cooking time may need to be increased because the dough is not spread out as thinly as in a ramekin or bowl.

Recipe source: Angela's Adventures Blog

at8:00 AM1 comments

Labels:All Recipes,Cookies,Dairy Free,Desserts,Food Gifts,Fun Food Idea's

Aunt Peg's Jewelry used this recipe along with some darling Christmas mugs to create quick and inexpensive gifts.
These were a hit with everyone who purchased them, and we have had a lot of requests for the recipe since...

It really makes an excellent cake (enough for 2 people) in the microwave in 3 minutes. No Kidding!

Chocolate Cake in a Mug

4 Tbsp. flour

4 Tbsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. cocoa

3 Tbsp. chocolate chips (mini are best)

Mix dry ingredients together.

(at this point if you are making this mix to give, place the mixed dry ingredients in a small bag, and add chocolate chips on top-seal bag)

Add chocolate chips.

Remaining ingredients & directions...

1 egg

3 Tbsp. milk

3 Tbsp. oil

Small splash of vanilla

Lightly coat the inside of a microwave safe mug with non stick spray. Add dry ingredients. Mix well with a fork. Add egg, and mix again. Pour in milk, oil and vanilla. Mix well.

Add chips.

Pour into mug, place in microwave and cook for 3 minutes (1000 watt).

photo of the cake baking in the microwave

Cake will rise over the top of the mug, don’t be alarmed. Allow to cool slightly, dump onto serving plate and enjoy!

Here are some photo's of the gift set we offered during the Christmas Holiday...

We're linking up here:

Beat the winter blue's, indulge your sweet tooth

at9:00 AM6comments

Labels:All Recipes,Cake's,Cupcake Creations,Desserts,Food Gifts,Sweets and Treats

This is truly one of thesimplestrecipe's I have, hands down. It's also one of my favorites. This stuff is good. It's addicting. Kids love it. Once you try it, you will be hooked!
Its a great dip to share or have on a buffet table with ham, and it is delish with pretzels.
And it is a MUST for Super Bowl Sunday Parties!

I know my ribbon is on upside down-what can I say? lol

SWEET MUSTARD DIP

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 c. prepared or ground mustard

3 Tbsp. prepared horseradish (optional)

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

In a medium size mixing bowl combine all ingredients and beat until smooth. The mustard dip will thicken as it stands. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 1 1/2 cups.

Note: To make the dip hot and zippy, use the ground mustard. For a milder version use the prepared mustard, and omit the horseradish.

This past Christmas I made several batches and gave to friends and neighbors along with a cute bag of pretzels. Such a fast and easy gift!

Linking up with:

at9:00 AM4comments

Labels:5 Ingredients or less,All Recipes,Appetizers,Food Gifts,Sauce's

at10:34 AM2comments

Labels:All Recipes,Cookies,Food Gifts,Fun Food Idea's,Sweets and Treats