Minnesota Farm Living

All things Minnesota Farm Living


No-Bake Butterscotch Bars

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My mom loved to cook and bake. This recipe was one she made often, not only for us to eat at home, but she often shared them with friends and family. My mom passed away almost two years ago and I thought maybe it’s time I share some of her recipes. Family favorites. The recipes I share will be simple, just like she was. 

These No-Bake Butterscotch Bars are NOT low calorie. They are NOT low fat. They are NOT low sugar. But they ARE delicious! All in moderation, right? Recipe is at the bottom but I will show you how I made them:

Sugar, eggs and butter

Combine 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs beaten, and 3/4 cup butter in saucepan. Continue Reading

What To Do With a Whole Pork Loin

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I love my local Hy-Vee store! That’s where I do most of my grocery shopping. Always love the bargains and the Hy-Vee Perk Card where you can earn money off of your gas purchase. I watch the ads closely and periodically they have Hormel Whole Pork Loins on sale. And sometimes those sales are unbeatable. And even though I have a freezer full of our own pork, it’s really hard to pass up pork bargains. Hy-Vee store! That’s where I do most of my grocery shopping. Always love the bargains and the Hy-Vee Perk Card where you can earn money off of your gas purchase. They really do like farmers, too.

I watch the ads closely and periodically they have Hormel Whole Pork Loins on sale. And sometimes those sales are unbeatable. And even though I have a freezer full of our own pork, it’s really hard to pass up pork bargains.

Did you know that pork is the number one consumed meat in the world?

Pork loin is one of the most versatile and leanest cuts of meat. It’s also a really great source of protein. And if you are looking to reduce carbs, pork is a natural no-carb dish.

I prefer Hormel’s whole pork loins because they are great looking, tasty and I know a great source of nutritious protein for my family. (Oh, and by the way, that is where we sell our hogs!) Most whole pork loins weigh between 8-10 pounds. So unless you are planning on company, you may be wondering – What do I do with a 8-9 pound pork loin? The answer is simple – take a little time, cut and slice up multiple cuts of meat. 

Pork Loins

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Family Christmas Cookie Favorites

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As I sit here in southern Minnesota on a wintry morning of -25 degrees with a -45 wind chill, I am thinking how Christmas will be here in less than a week. I spent much of yesterday baking my annual family favorite Christmas cookies. These recipes, handwritten on well-worn cards, are a family tradition stored in my mom’s recipe box. I lost my mom this past April and as I was baking yesterday, I couldn’t help but reminisce all the years we baked these Christmas cookies. They are very simple recipes coming from a very simple life. Here are my family Christmas Cookie favorites. 

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Cherry Wink Cookies

Ingredients

  • 12 Tbsp butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3/4 cup Maraschino cherries
  • 2 cup flour
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup nuts
  • Cornflakes to roll

Instructions

  1. Combine butter and sugar together.
  2. Add in eggs, vanilla, cherries and nuts.
  3. Mix. Add in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt.
  4. Roll into balls and then roll into crushed cornflakes
  5. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes
http://www.mnfarmliving.com/2016/12/family-christmas-cookie-favorites.html

Fantasy Fudge

3 cups sugar

3/4 cup margarine or butter

2/3 cup (6-oz can) evaporated milk

Combine sugar, butter and milk in saucepan. Bring to boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add 12 oz. chocolate chips, 1 tsp. vanilla and 2 cups marshmallow creme (7 oz). Add nuts are optional. 

Pour into butter greased 9 X 13 pan and let cool.

 

Russian Teacakes

1 c. butter

1/2 c. powdered sugar.

Mix together butter and powdered sugar. Add 1 tsp. vanilla. Stir

Add in 3/4 cup. chopped nuts, 2 1/4 c. flour and 1/4 tsp. salt.

Chill dough. Roll into 1″ balls. Placed on engrossed baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Roll in powdered sugar when hot. Roll again when cookies are slightly cooled.

 

Cutout Sugar Cookies

This recipe is from the Better Homes and Garden Cookbook.

2/3 c. butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1 egg

1 tbsp. milk

1 tsp vanilla

2 cup flour

Mix butter and sugar together. Add in egg, milk and vanilla. Stir. Add in baking powder, and flour. Let dough chill for an hour. Roll out and use cookie cutters. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes. May frost and decorate cookies when cooled.

Banana Bread

banana bread
Banana Bread

We also made banana bread where you can find the recipe here.

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Homemade Banana Bread

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Banana bread was something my mom made frequently. She loved to bake and cook and did up until she could no longer. She passed away this past April. I will never live up to her cooking skills. This recipe was in her personal collection and I am happy to share it. And it truly is the best banana bread! A printable recipe is located at the bottom of this post and you can pin it on Pinterest. 

Banana bread
Combine 1/2 cup of shortening and 1 cup sugar

Yes, I am using my pyrex mixing bowls. Received these as a wedding gift – 38 years ago. I have managed to not break them–I still have all three. Continue Reading

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