Green Tomato Pie

I love finding uses for green tomatoes because it always seemed like such a waste to be waiting for tomatoes to ripen in the summer. Of course at the end of the season, it seems as if you only get green tomatoes. This recipe for green tomato pie provides you with another option. It makes sense really. I mean, they say tomatoes are really a fruit after all.

Green Tomato Pie Recipe:

• 1 1/3 cups of granulated sugar
• 6 2/3 tablespoons of flour
• 1 1/3 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/3 teaspoon of nutmeg or cinnamon
• 4 cups of green tomatoes, washed and chopped
• Pie crust - top and bottom
• 4 tablespoons of lemon juice
• Lemon rind
• Butter

1. Turn on the oven to preheat at 425 degrees F.
2. Mix the sugar, flour, salt and spices together. Then mix in the tomatoes.
3. Place in the pie crust and add in the lemon juice and rind.
4. Dot with butter.
5. Place the top crust on.
6. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes.

Fairy Cookies

Fairy cookies don't get their name from their shape. To be honest, I'm not sure why these cookies are called fairy. Whatever these cookies are called or why, they taste great!

Fairy Cookies Recipe:
2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup of butter
2 eggs
1 cup of sour cream
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
flour - enough to make soft dough

Cream the sugar and butter together until fluffy.
Add in the eggs, sour cream, baking soda and vanilla extract.
Mix enough flour until it becomes a soft dough.
Drop in spoonfuls on a greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees F. until done, slightly brown.

You can add in dried fruit, add nuts, garnish with sugar, etc...

Church Window Cookies/Candy

With this recipe for Church Window Cookies you can use white marshmallows or colored marshmallows to make a more "stained glass" looking cookie. While these are called cookies, I think they really classify more as candy. In any case, who doesn't love both?

Church Window Cookies Recipe

• 12 ounces of chocolate chips
• 1 stick of butter
• 1 package of large marshmallows of choice
• 1 cup of chopped nuts
• powdered sugar for dusting

1. Melt the chocolate chips and butter together. It is best to use a double boiler so the chocolate doesn't scorch.
2. Place the nuts and marshmallows in a large bowl. Have this handy before the chocolate and butter completely melt.
3. Pour the liquid over the marshmallow and nuts. Stir until well coated.
4. Place 1/2 of the cookie mix onto wax paper that is coated with powdered sugar.
5. Form the "dough" into a roll and powdered sugar the other outside.
6. Now, do the other 1/2 of the mix.
7. Wrap the rolls with wax paper and store tightly in the fridge until firm.
8. Slice and serve.

Buttermilk Fudge

Buttermilk fudge can provide you with an alternative to your holiday candy platter. Buttermilk fudge will also help you use up that buttermilk that's been lingering around in the fridge. This brand of fudge is tangier and more caramel like than chocolate.

Buttermilk Fudge Recipe:

• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 3 cups of sugar
• 3 tablespoons of white corn syrup ( I use Bob White, but lots of people prefer Karo)
• 2 cups of pecans, pieces or chopped
• 1 teaspoon of butter
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla

1. Combine the buttermilk, sugar, baking soda and syrup in a heavy bottom sauce pan. Cook until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage.
2. Cool the mixture slight and mix in the nuts, butter and vanilla extract.
3. Beat the fudge until it appears creamy, then pour the contents into a buttered dish.
4. After cooling, cut into squares and serve.

*If the candy appears soft, drop it out onto wax paper by the spoonfuls instead of the buttered dish.

Mayonnasise Cake

Mayonnaise Cake is a great substutitue when you are out of eggs and milk. There are several times I've went to make a cake for a special occasion, only to find the egg carton with 1 lonely egg and a tiny chug left in the milk carton. Mayonnaise is made of egg whites, making it perfect for making cakes!

Mayonnaise Cake Recipe:

2 cups of flour
1 1/2 teaspoon of flour
1 cup of cold water
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 cup of sugar
4 tablespoons of cocoa
1 cup of mayonnaise

Mix and back at 350 degrees F. for 35 minutes. How simple is that? Top with your favorite icing or the one below.

Icing:
1/4 cup of cocoa
1/4 cup of milk
1 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of butter

Bring contents to a boil and remove from heat. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and our over the cake while it's still warm.

Canning Green Tomatoes for Frying

Fried green tomatoes are a southern tradition, but it's harder to get your hands on a decent batch in the winter months. Many people are unaware that green tomatoes can be canned for frying at a later date. It's very easy to canned green tomatoes slices!

Simply wash and slice the tomatoes the right thickness for frying. Place the slices into sterilized mason jars. Add 1 teaspoon per quart and fill the jars with water. Seal them by boiling the jars in water for about 10 minutes. Tomatoes are very easy to can, ripe or green.

The Best Coconut Creme Pie!

I've been on a search for the best coconut creme pie ever. I love coconut creme pie, but only when it's good. So many have been such a let down. I felt like Dexter trying to find Camilla the best key lime pie. It was near impossible. So far, this recipe has been the best I've found. I'll stick to it unless I find one that tops it, yet that is unlikely.

The Best Coconut Creme Pie Recipe:

1 cup of sugar
2 cups of whole milk
1/3 cup of flour
3 egg yolks, beaten
3 tablespoons of butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
9 inch baked pie shell

Mix the sugar and flour together. Stir in the milk and cook in a sauce pan on low heat, until thickened. Stir in a little of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks. Then add the egg yolks into the hot mixture. Cook for about 2 or 3 more minutes. Mix in the butter, coconut and vanilla extract. Pour the filing into the pie shell. Add meringue if desired.

Meringue:
3 egg whites
3 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of cornstarch
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Mix the ingredients and beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over the top of the pie. Brown at 350 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully! You can sprinkle coconut on the top before baking or after.