You know you are in Minnesota when the temperature is 70 degrees one day and perhaps almost freezing a day or so later. That was the scenario last week. Time to get out the winter wear and turn the furnace up a few degrees. Once again harvest has been postponed as lots of rain has soaked the ground recently. The crops are maturing slowly and hopefully, the rain (and snow) will hold off for a while so the farmers can once again get in the fields and take in the crops. A bit of snow overnight on Thursday but oh those winds, which we probably need to dry out the soil.
The Texas Schmidt’s were here this past weekend coming for Terry’s mother’s funeral. She passed away on Sunday, October 6 after failing health for some time. She and Henry, Slayton residents for a number of years had moved to an assisted living in Princeton, MN three years ago to be closer to several of the children. Terry was able to come for a week to be with them during her last days. Harriet was 90 plus and passed away on their 71st wedding anniversary.
As families become more scattered about the country it is good to have them together but wishing it was for happier occasions such as Terry and Ruth’s granddaughter Elizabeth’s second birthday celebrated also this past weekend while they were here. Our granddaughter Sarah was not able to come for such a short visit as it was too expensive and besides she was investigating wind tower production in India for the company she works for in Sweden. Needless to say, she does get around as she was in Australia just a short time ago.
Cheese Ham Chowder
10 bacon strips, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup diced carrots
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups cubed potatoes
1 can (15 3/4 oz.) whole kernel corn, drained
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
Pepper to taste
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
In a Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towel to drain. In the drippings, saute onion and carrots until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually add milk and water. Bring to a boil and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Add potatoes, corn, bouillon, and pepper. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add cheese and ham; heat until is melted. Stir in ham. Makes 10 servings.
Maple Walnut Sweet Potatoes
4 pounds sweet potatoes(about 8 medium)
3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, divided
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 apple cider or juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Peel and cut sweet potatoes lengthwise in half; cut crosswise into 1/2 inch slices. Place in a 5-quart slow cooker. Add 1/2 cup walnuts, brown sugar, cherries, syrup, cider, and salt; toss to combine. Cook, covered, on low 5-6 hours or until potatoes are tender. Sprinkle with remaining walnuts. Makes 12 servings (3/4 cup each)
Glazed Apple Pie Squares
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons salt
1 cup cold butter, cubed
1 egg, separated
3 to 4 tablespoons 2% milk
1 cup crushed cornflakes
9 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples (about 10 medium)
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar divided
2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Glaze
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk.
Combine flour, and salt; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a measuring cup, combine egg yolk and enough milk to measure 1/3 cup. Gradually add to the flour mixture tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball.
Preheat oven to 350º. Divide dough in half. Roll one portion into a thin 15×10 inch rectangle. Transfer to the bottom of an ungreased baking pan. Sprinkle with cornflakes. In a large bowl, combine apples, 1 cup sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon and nutmeg; toss to coat. spoon over crust.
Roll remaining dough into a thin 15×10 inch rectangle; place over apple filling. Beat egg white; brush over pastry. Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the top. Bake 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Make glaze and drizzle over warm pastry. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares. Make 2 dozen.
