Monday Again

Man, I forgot just how exhausting it is to be around my father for more than a few hours. We had a good weekend. Dad brought up a bunch of old family papers, he calls them "junk" but I think they will be fascinating to read and may give lots of information. I'll have to get some of it translated as my German isn't that good anymore. But BIL showed me a Yahoo program that will help. Dad even gave me an old pocket watch that belonged to my Great Grandfather, as well as a scroll-work veil box (made by same person for his wife) and my Grandmother's rosary. I love family things.

Had a nice Mother's day. The house was a little over crowded :) I don't have a Mother's day picture to share. Ella was playing with Grandma Linda and slipped and fell, bouncing her face off the corner of Daddy's desk chair. By picture time Ella had a nice black eye starting. It's really purple today.

As much as my Dad complains, I actually think he was fairly pleased with the weekend. High praise indeed. He really like the supper I made yesterday. Here's some recipes.

Ham

5lb smoked ham -bake in oven, covered at 325F for 18-25min/lb

before last 45 min, make a paste of the following:
1 cup br. sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp dry mustard
trim off any rind and excess fat, spread glaze and let finish coming up to 135F

Scalloped Potatoes

Peel and slice potatoes into a greased baking dish. Layer with sliced onions, salt, pepper, and if you wish a sprinkle of garlic powder and a bit of cheese. Pour this sauce over potatoes:

Melt 1/4c butter 1/4 cup flour or cornstarch
1 tsp dry mustard 1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

stir and cook for 10-15 seconds
pour in 2 1/2 -3 cups milk. Stir constantly until thickened.

Bake 325F for about 2 hours until potatoes are tender.

Steamed Chocolate Pudding
1 Tbsp margarine 1/2 cup wt. sugar
2 Tbsp cocoa 1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla 1 1/2 cup flour
2 tsp bk powder 2 tsp salt

Cream margarine, sugar and cocoa. Add milk and vanilla. Beat well. Add the remaining ingredients. Pour into a greased 4cup bowl. Cover bowl with greased foil and tie sides down with string. Place on a wire trivet in a 5-6 qt slow cooker. Set bowl on top. Pour boiling water into slow cooker to reach halfway up the side of the bowl. Cover and cook on High for 2 1/2 hours. Serve with ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Chocolate Sauce
1/2 cup cocoa 1 cup wt. sugar
1 cup corn syrup 1/2 cup milk
4 Tbsp margarine 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
Put everything but vanilla into a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring all the time. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes. It will keep in the fridge for a long time, if you hide it from the family :) It will thicken in the fridge but can be thinned by placing it in a pan of hot water.

Ella loves this pudding so much she has asked for it for this Sunday's anniversary party for Colin's folks. Should have seen her jumping up and down when I said ok :)