How to make Mead in the early 1800's

I collect old, old, old books and I always fine interesting things to read about. Here's the recipe (or Receipts as they call it) for mead, which is one of the oldest alcoholic drinks there is. Depending on how long you let it ferment determines it's strength. But after making, it's ready to drink after 24 hours.

MEAD

3 gallons of water

5 pounds of honey

2 egg whites

*

1/4 tsp cinnamon

a pinch of ginger

a pinch of mace

10 cloves

a spring of rosemary

*

a Tablespoon of brewer's yeast

Whisk eggs into the water. Then put egg water and honey in a large pot and bring to a boil for 1 hour.

Add the spices. Wait until the mixture is cool and add the yeast. Stir well. Cover with a cloth and let sit for 24 hours.

Drink and Be Merry!

Apple Pie

Ingredients:

6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored & sliced
1-1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 deep dish pie crust doughs
1/4 cup milk
4 teaspoons butter
1 tablespoon sugar for spinkling

Mix first sugar, cinnamon, flour & cornstrach, stir in apples. Pack into pie crust, dot with butter, cover with pie crust top, cut several small holes into crust for vents, brush top crust with milk & sprinkle sugar.
Bake 400 degrees for 50 minutes.

Breakfast Muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded cheddar

1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1 pound cooked ground sausage

3 beaten eggs

1 tube of 10 flaky biscuits dough

Split each biscuit into 2 pieces so you have 20 disks. Press into a cupcake pan so dough covers bottom and up sides. Mix all other ingredients and fill the dough cups.

Bake 325 degrees for 20 minutes.

Recipe Day: Hash Brown-Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Hash Brown-Sausage Breakfast Casserole

1 lb hot ground sausage

1 lb mild ground sausage

2 lbs frozen shredded hash browns

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/2 cup green pepper, chopped

2 Tablespoons minced garlic

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or fiesta blend

8 eggs

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

2 cups half-n-half creamer

In fry pan, cook both sausages, stirring to crumbles. Add green pepper, onions and garlic. Continue cooking until vegetables are crisp tender. Drain off fat. Remove from pan and set aside.

Add hash browns to pan and cook, lightly browning. Layer hash browns in the bottom of greased 9x13-inch dish. Layer sausage on top of potatoes and then layer on cheese.

Beat eggs, salt, pepper and creamer until well blended. Pour evenly over cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees, uncovered until eggs are set and cheese starts to brown, about 45 minutes.
* Can make ahead the night before, keeping covered in refrigerator until ready to cook.

Recipe Day - Cheddar Cheese Bombs

2 cans (20) of country style biscuits

8 ounces cheddar cheese cubed into 40 pieces

1/4 cup butter

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh minced chives

Cut each biscuit in half, roll out flat, sprinkle on chives, minced garlic, place a cube of cheese and fold dough around, seal tight and shape into ball.

In small bowl, melt butter. Dip balls of dough, roll in Parmesan cheese, place on baking sheet.

Bake 375 degrees for 12 minutes or until brown.

Recipe Day - Fudge Truffle Easter Eggs

1/4 pound Butter, melted 

7-1/2 ounces cook and serve chocolate pudding mix
1/2 cup Milk
16 ounces Confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
10 ounces melting chocolate

Combine butter, pudding mix and milk. Bring to boil. Simmer 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add sugar and vanilla and stir until well blended. When cool enough to handle, shape into eggs. Place on wax paper lined tray. Chill until firm. Melt chocolate bark and dip eggs. Place on wax paper until coating hardens.

Recipe Day - Greek Easter Cookies

1 cup butter

1-1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1/2 cup orange juice

6 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

Separately mix together:

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

Sesame seeds for sprinkling.

Cream butter. Add sugar gradually.

Add eggs one at a time alternately with orange juice.

Add flour, baking soda, baking powder.

Once blended into soft dough. Roll pieces into 1/2" thick by 6" long ropes. Fold in half and twist together. Brush with milk-egg mixture and sprinkle with sesame seeds

Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.

Recipe Day - Honey Mustard Dressing Dip

1 cup plain yogurt

4 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons honey 

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Combine everything and use for dip or a salad dressing. 

Recipe Day - Orange Chicken Quesadillas

2 pounds boneless chicken breast

3 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup Tomato Paste

4 teaspoons ground Ancho Chile pepper

10 ounces dices tomatoes and green chilies

1 small finely chopped white onion

32 ounces taco cheese

Butter

10 - 8 inch flour tortillas

Cube chicken and cook in skillet in oil with onion. Add juice, paste, pepper and tomatoes with chilies. Simmer a few minutes until warm.

Lightly butter one side of 5 tortillas. Place butter side down on baking sheets. Spread shredded cheese over tortilla. Top with chicken mixture. Top with more cheese. Butter remaining tortillas and lay on top with butter side up.

Cook at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes, until cheese has melted and tortilla begins to brown.

Recipe Day - Miso Soup

32 ounces chicken broth

2 cups water

3 Tablespoons Miso paste

6 ounces firm tofu, cut in small cubes

8 ounces sliced mushrooms

1/4 cup sliced green onions

In sauce pan, combine broth, water, mushrooms & tofu. Simmer five minutes. Scoop out 1/4 cup broth and stir with Miso paste, return to pan, stir. Add onions and serve.

Recipe Day - Snickerdoodle Cake

2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1-1/4 Tablespoons baking powder
1/2 cup melted (real) butter
1 cup milk
2 large eggs


Mix dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls, then combine. Pour into a buttered, 9x13 baking dish. Bake 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. 

Recipe Day - Sweet and Sour Macaroni Salad

1 pound small sea shell macaroni (cooked)

½ cup finely chopped onions

½ cup finely chopped green peppers

6 ounces chopped pimentos (drained)

Mix in separate bowl:

1 can tomato soup

½ cup oil

½ cup vinegar

¾ cup sugar

3 Tablespoons sweet relish

Combine all & refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.

Tuna Fish Casserole

Tuna Fish Casserole

14 ounces Tuna Fish shredded

2 cans (approx 21 ounces) condensed Cream of Onion Soup

2 cups milk

1 can green peas

16-20 ounces flavored potato chips (divided)

In a big bowl stir all ingredients together except 2 ounces of the chips. Spoon into 2 quart shallow casserole dish. Sprinkle on remaining chips. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Z is for Zucchini Banana Raisin Nut Ring

Welcome to my Food Recipe themed 2014 Blogging from A to Z Challenge

I have two things I just love, love, love to do, write books and cook. Stop by everyday to see my favorites recipes and a glimpse of one of my books.

Z is for Zucchini Banana Raisin Nut Ring

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted real butter
1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 very ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup zucchini, grated
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts

1 cup raisins

Cream together the butter and sugars. Add eggs, bananas, zucchini and vanilla. Blend in baking soda, baking powder, salt and flour. Mix till a lumpy, but creamy texture. Stir in nuts & raisins. Pour into a greased and floured tube pan or 2 loaf pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

____________________________________

Hell Hath No Fury
by Brenda Williamson

Grayson’s never met a woman more beautiful or exciting than Fallon. Even her damaged spirit can’t dissuade him from showing her that all men aren’t d

eceitful bastards. Only his endeavors to win the love of a woman on the rebound are challenged.

Needless to say, Fallon and Grayson aren’t in for an easy journey to find true love when Hell Hath No Fury like an ex-boyfriend, a serial killer, and a few women spurned.

Available from Amazon

Y is for Yellow Squash Casserole

Welcome to my Food Recipe themed 2014 Blogging from A to Z Challenge

I have two things I just love, love, love to do, write books and cook. Stop by everyday to see my favorites recipes and a glimpse of one of my books.

Y is for Yellow Squash Casserole

Ingredients:


4 yellow squash (crookneck), cubed


1 bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup butter
1 medium onion, diced
16 ounces diced tomatoes
3 cups croutons
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Saute onions and bell pepper in butter until soft. Stir in squash and tomatoes, croutons and seasonings Place in 2 quart casserole, sprinkle top with parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

____________________________________

X is for X-tra Healthy Cookies

Welcome to my Food Recipe themed 2014 Blogging from A to Z Challenge

I have two things I just love, love, love to do, write books and cook. Stop by everyday to see my favorites recipes and a glimpse of one of my books.

X is for X-tra Healthy Cookies

Ingredients:


4 cups rolled oats, ground
15 ounces cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts


In a medium bowl, mash beans to a smooth paste. Stir in the white sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until well blended. Combine the oats, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Blend into the bean mixture. Stir in the dates, coconut, raisins and walnuts. Drop dough by heaping spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 325 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.

____________________________________

A Desperate Longing
by Brenda Williamson

He could be everything she’s hoped for. Or everything she fears.

Two years after Kacy Carwell eluded kidnapping by a serial rapist, she still lives with nightmares and panic attacks on her painstakingly slow path to recovery. When a mysterious new neighbor moves in next door, her tenuous hold on her mental stability spirals out of control. She thinks she sees her attacker everywhere she goes, and no one believes her.

Only the new neighbor, the patient, kind and handsome Gulliver Knight, prevents her from sliding into mental deterioration. He alone feeds her desperate longing to feel normal again. His gentle, attentive care calms her frazzled nerves, while his passionate lovemaking quickly sends her tumbling from attraction to deep love. His affections work like a balm to her wounded spirit.

Then Kacy discovers that Gulliver is not all he appears to be. Her world crashes around her just as danger—this time real—threatens not only her sanity, but her life. Before she can untangle the web of deceit from her own broken emotions, someone will get hurt.

And someone will die.

Available from Amazon

W is for Waldorf Salad

Welcome to my Food Recipe themed 2014 Blogging from A to Z Challenge

I have two things I just love, love, love to do, write books and cook. Stop by everyday to see my favorites recipes and a glimpse of one of my books.

W is for Waldorf Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups miniature marshmallows
2 celery stalk ribs, chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 large apple, diced
1 cup mayonnaise

Mix altogether.

____________________________________

V is for Vegetable Pizza

Welcome to my Food Recipe themed 2014 Blogging from A to Z Challenge

I have two things I just love, love, love to do, write books and cook. Stop by everyday to see my favorites recipes and a glimpse of one of my books.

V is for Vegetable Pizza

Ingredients:

1 package crescent rolls (roll out over cookie sheet)

Mix together and spread on dough:

16 ounces cream cheese

1 package dry ranch dressing mix

1 cup mayonnaise

Top with:

Diced tomato

Diced broccoli

Diced cauliflower

Diced peppers

Diced onion

Shaved carrots

____________________________________

A Wicked Wolf
by Brenda Williamson

Real Estate agent Randi Brown works the rich crowd, selling high-priced homes. With her parents dead it’s up to her to financially support two teenage siblings and she wants to spread her wings by negotiating a billion dollar land deal. Only the landowner, a business mogul no one has seen in years isn’t interested in selling his mountain to a development corporation, and Randi sets out to change his mind any way possible, even if that means sleeping with the reclusive billionaire.

After two years, since his wife’s brutal murder, Nicholas "Nick" Wolfe prefers to mourn her than get involved in business. So he lives cut off from society on Wolfe Mountain. Through his attorney, he’s offered billions, but no one knows to what extent the value of the land is more than the inhabitants—the Lycans, human wolf-like animal shifters.

When Randi shows up on the mountain one rainy night, Nick tires to fight the desires of the wolf in him to take a mate. Unfortunately, nature has made it impossible to resist the animalistic urges strengthened by the influence of a full moon and the power of lust in this woman’s eyes. Can love know no bounds?

Randi has no idea of where this torrid affair can lead until she learns the gruesome details of a woman’s murder by a creature not quite human. Then she becomes the next target and she discovers how falling in love can lead to a fatal attack from a Lycan.

Available from Amazon

U is for Upside Down Apple Cake

Welcome to my Food Recipe themed 2014 Blogging from A to Z Challenge

I have two things I just love, love, love to do, write books and cook. Stop by everyday to see my favorites recipes and a glimpse of one of my books.

U is for Upside Down Apple Cake

Ingredients:


Bottom
1 large apple, cored, peeled and sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup maple syrup

Cake
3 large eggs
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
1-1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Mix together butter and syrup and spread into bottom of ungreased 8-inch round cake pan. Layer appple slices. In mixing bowl, beat eggs, add brown sugar, oil, applesause, flour baking soda and powder, and cinnamon. Spoon batter carefully over the bottom-mixture in the pan. Smooth it evenly with the back of a spoon. Bake at 350 dregrees for 25 minutes or until slightly browned. Cool 15 minutes, loosen edges with knife and invert onto cake plate.

____________________________________

Under Her Brass Corset
by Brenda Williamson

Since the loss of her father, Abigail Thatch's life has been in turmoil. Her social status is in shambles, her finances depleted, and she's on the verge of losing her beloved home. But everything changes when she meets the dashing flying machine captain Jasper Blackthorn. Not only does he introduce her to a world she thought only existed in myth and legend, he awakens sensual feelings deep within her...

Jasper may be immortal, but he hasn't truly lived in years. Having secretly watched over Abigail as a favor to her notorious grandfather, he can't resist arranging a "chance" meeting with the beauty. But he has an ulterior motive: to retrieve the mystical Crystal Compass hidden in her house before it falls into the wrong hands. He never imagines he'll be tempted to love again...

When Abigail learns the truth, she and Jasper embark on a journey that will change both of their lives—and possibly the world...

Available from Amazon

T is for Tomato Garlic Bruschetta

Welcome to my Food Recipe themed 2014 Blogging from A to Z Challenge

I have two things I just love, love, love to do, write books and cook. Stop by everyday to see my favorites recipes and a glimpse of one of my books.

T is for Tomato Garlic Bruschetta

Ingredients:


8 roma tomatoes, diced
4 cloves minced garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Loaf Italian bread sliced 1 inch thick
2 tablespoons grated parmasan cheese

Stir all together except the bread and cheese. Toast about 10 slices of bread, both sides on a cookie sheet under broiler. Top each slice with tomato mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle on cheese to desired amount and broil to melt cheese.

__________________________________________

Truth or Dare
by Brenda Williamson

Caught up in a game of Truth or Dare, Laura finds herself in a nightclub, dressed in next to nothing, and nervously awaiting her turn to perform in a pole dancing contest. To make matters worse, her old boyfriend, handsome Mark Cantrell, appears at the club with his new bride. Upset by long-buried emotions, Laura wants to run for home, yet jealously roots her in place.

When a twist is thrown into the competition and Laura has to have a man perform with her, Mark actually volunteers to be her partner. From that point, Laura struggles with the right and wrong of seducing a married man, especially when Mark abandons his wife into his brother’s care and offers to drive her home.

Desperate to feel loved once more, will Laura lose the battle with her conscience?

Available from Amazon