Summer Reading - Transition Man

Do you remember the first book you ever checked out of a library?  Mine was Casper, and I never wanted to give it up.  I was so thrilled at the thought that, for a little while, the book was mine.  Once I was able to find used books at thrift stores, I thought I was in heaven.  I remember when you could buy used Harlequin romances for a dime each.  I would leave the store with a grocery sack full of books already holding the one I was reading next.  I'm constantly on the search for the next great book I want to read. 
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This evening's news spotlighted a new author, Jon Pew, and his first novel,  Transition Man (The Griffin Chronicles)




Transition Man is described as a fantasy action/adventure.  I have to admit the fact that this book is from a local author that is active duty military intrigued me.  So, I had to take a closer look.  After reading a few pages, I was instantly hooked and found myself eagerly turning the pages.  As your Summer is winding down and you search for something different to read, consider giving this book a try.  You won't be disappointed.

Horseradish Sauce

I noticed the other day that The Pioneer Woman Cooks had a great recipe for Hotel Butter and I started thinking about this wonderful sauce.  Try this recipe the next time you're serving a steak.  You won't be disappointed.  It also doubles as a great dip for fried mushrooms!

HORSERADISH SAUCE

• 2 tblsp. butter
• 2 tblsp. flour
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup grated horseradish
• ¼ tsp. dry mustard
• salt and pepper

Melt butter, remove from heat and stir in flour. Add the milk gradually, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Add salt and pepper and cook for 3 minutes more. Add the grated horseradish and dry mustard and blend well. Keep hot in double boiler. Serve on slices of boiled beef or corned beef.

How do you spell yuck?

How do I spell yuck?  S O U S E.  Souse, sometimes called head cheese has to be an acquired taste.  I never acquired it.  Honestly, I don't even remember trying it as a child even though Mom and MaMa had it often.  There's a reference to it in the slasher movie The Texas Chain Saw Massacre .  Just thought you'd enjoy reading about what you don't have to eat anymore!  This is one of the reasons I'm happy to be born to a different generation.

SOUSE

Use 3 pigs feet or about 2 lbs. Scrape, wash and clean thoroughly. Place in stew pan with 1 chopped onion, ½ cup chopped celery and cover with cold water. Let it come to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until meat is tender and comes easily from the bone. Pick meat from the bones, strain liquid, which should measure a scant 3 cups. (If less add water). Put meat and liquid into a bowl. Add 3 tblsp. strong cider vinegar, ¾ tsp. salt, black pepper and several thin slices of lemon. Chill overnight, remove surplus fat from the top. Turn out on a platter and serve with lemon slices and parsley.

Apple Strudel

Back in the Hollow we had a huge apple tree and Mom was always making something with the country apples.  This recipe was always a family favorite.   You can also make it with peaches.

APPLE PEACH STRUDEL

Into bottom of a buttered baking dish put thick layers of apples. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon mixed. Dot with lumps of butter. Into a mixing bowl sift:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 cup flour
• ½ tsp. salt

Into this break 1 egg. Mix until crumbly. Put over apples and bake in moderate oven (350-f) till crust is brown. Serve with milk, whipped cream or ice cream.