Curried Corn Chowder

After Mom's experience with the massive ice storm of 2010, including 10 days without electricity, we over-prepared for this week's snow storm.  Before the storm hit, Mom cooked pots of beans and chicken and dumplings, both things we could reheat in the fireplace if the need arose.  Fortunately we did not lose electricity at any point this week and have passed the time being snowed in reheating both of those lovely dishes in the microwave and eating in the warm comfort of our home.  Five days in, I'm tired of both beans and chicken and dumplings, so I decided to be adventurous and make a new curried corn chowder for lunch today.  It turned out well.  It's spicy and filling, making it perfect for this cold day.

Balsamic Kale with Garlic and Onions

I know this is surprising for my family, but the star of this dish isn't the roast, but the kale.  Since reading all the New Year's articles on resolutions, healthy living, and "super foods," Mom and I had been curious about kale.  We finally manned up and invested the necessary $0.98 to try some.  It was a good investment.  We've been eating it like crazy women ever since.

Chocolate Sheet Cake

This is the world's best chocolate cake and has been my birthday cake since I was old enough to tell Mom what I wanted.  I wish my mom or grandma could take credit for the recipe, but they can't.  It comes from an old cookbook from the '40s or '50s that first belonged to my Mam-Maw and now belongs to my mom.  The author of this recipe is Mrs. Mae Brewer of Riverside, Oklahoma.

My Mam-Maw - a good cook and a total hottie

Even though my family can't claim this recipe, it has been part of our family gatherings forever.  Every time my grandparents had company, Mam-Maw made this cake.  And because Mam-Maw wanted everyone to like everything she cooked, she would put pecans on top of one end of the cake and leave the other half without nuts.  If only that trait hadn't skipped a generation.

Every time we have a "special occasion" meal at our house, I request this cake.  It's chocolatey, with a little cinnamon, very moist, and dangerously tempting because we walk by and grab "bites" every time we're in the kitchen to get coffee or water. 

I really can't stress how much I love this cake.  If I'm ever in a position to choose my last meal, this is all I will request.  It's the perfect combination of tasty food and great memories for me.  I hope you enjoy it!

Fudgy Brownies

A friend made a special request for a brownie recipe, so I don't have a picture of these at the moment.  This is my grandmother's brownie recipe.  It's the brownie recipe that I grew up eating and I still make it any time I think I need a brownie.  It's fudgy, chocolatey, and just incredible.  Enjoy!