Submitted by: Bonnie B.
Recipe origin: Southern United States
“When Nana was a little girl, she would often visit Aunt Sis and her husband, Millard Robert Ford (called “Unks”). They lived on Old Court Road in Pikesville adjoining the Suburban Golf Course. The house is no longer there. In the summer, Aunt Sis would make lemonade to sell to the golfers along with delicious homemade ice cream.
Nana lived with Aunt Sis for several years during her teenage years. While living there, Nana worked for the telephone company starting in 1926. Years later, after Unks died, Aunt Sis moved to Ocean City, where we visited
her many times. She died in 1975 at the age of 85. The following recipe was one of her favorites. It was a prize-winning recipe that was given to her many years before.”
1 heaping tbsp. butter
3 pts. (6 c.) boiling water
1 heaping tbsp. Crisco
1 pt. (2 c.) cornmeal
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs, well beaten
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Put the butter into a baking dish (casserole dish) and place in oven for dish
to get hot.
3. Bring water and Crisco to a boil.
4. Stirring briskly, mix in cornmeal and salt until all lumps have disappeared.
5. Mix in 2 well-beaten eggs.
6. Pour into hot baking dish and bake about 30 minutes or until it appears as a
well-browned custard.
7. Serve hot.
March 17, 2025 | Posted in:
Pastitsio II (Baked Macaroni with Meat)
Submitted by: The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Saint Sophia
Recipe origin: Greece
“The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Saint Sophia would like to share with you our Pastitsio II (Baked Macaroni with Meat) recipe that appears on page 117 of our cookbook. The recipe was introduced by renowned Greek Chef Nicholas Tselementes in the mid-1930’s who converted a very old recipe of a pasta and meat pie wrapped in phylo into a hearty, delicious casserole of layers of pasta, meat, cheeses and bechamel sauce. This is a version of his recipe. Since it’s publication, pastitsio has graced countless family dinners, party buffets, Greek festival and restaurant menus. You will enjoy making this tasty yet simple to make dish.”
Meat Mixture:
2 lb ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 stick (½ cup) butter
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
Macaroni:
1 lb (No. 4) macaroni
1 stick (½ cup) melted butter
¾ lb grated Romano cheese
Crema Sauce:
5 cups milk
5 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk, mixed with 5 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp butter
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a pan, sauté the onion in 1 stick of butter until softened.
Add the ground beef and brown well.
Stir in the tomato paste, allspice, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
Prepare the Crema Sauce:
In a saucepan, bring 5 cups of milk to a simmer, stirring constantly.
Before it reaches a boil, slowly stir in the milk-cornstarch mixture.
As the sauce thickens, gradually add the beaten eggs while stirring continuously.
Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Macaroni:
Boil the macaroni according to package directions, making sure not to overcook. Drain.
Mix the drained macaroni with ½ pound of grated cheese, 1 stick of melted butter, and 1 cup of the prepared Crema Sauce.
Assemble the Pastitsio:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Butter a 10″ x 15″ baking dish.
Spread half of the macaroni mixture in the dish and sprinkle with cheese.
Evenly distribute the meat mixture over the first macaroni layer, then sprinkle with more cheese.
Add the remaining macaroni mixture and sprinkle with more cheese.
Pour the remaining Crema Sauce over the top.
Bake:
Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly, cut into portions, and serve.
Enjoy! 🍽️
March 14, 2025 | Posted in:
Bobbie’s Sweet Potato Pie – A Classic Recipe for Pi Day
Submitted by: Regina T.
Recipe origin: Southern Cuisine
Pi Day (March 14th) is a celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi), but let’s be honest – it’s also the perfect excuse to indulge in a delicious slice of pie! What better way to mark the occasion than with a comforting homemade recipe that has been passed down through generations?
This Sweet Potato Pie is a true classic, rich with warm spices and a buttery, smooth texture that makes every bite a taste of home. Whether you’re celebrating Pi Day or just craving something comforting and delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!