What to send when there has been a death in the family

It is a very common question that we get asked a lot, so I thought that I would answer it here  . . . . in our blog. 

Traditionally, flowers are the most common gift that is sent when someone dies, but, today there are a lot of other options. Many obituaries in the newspaper indicate where or to what charity a donation can be made.

But of course, we think that sending chicken soup is the best way to warm someone's body and soul, especially when there has been a death in the family.  We send a lot of gifts for funerals and shiva homes . . . we have special pre-written cards that you can choose from.  For example:

Sympathy
With deepest sympathy for your most recent loss.
Chicken soup always helped our family in a time of grief,
hope it gives you some comfort too.

---

Sympathy 2
With heartfelt sympathy for your devastating loss.
We know chicken soup can't cure the enormous
ache in your heart right now but hope,
at least, it can give you some comfort. 

If you know anyone that has a question what to send, send them to us!  www.GrandmasChickenSoup.com and we can recommend the perfect gift.

Recipe using those great summer peaches!

The pick your own farms around here are full of peaches.  My grandchildren love picking and eating them.  With the ones still left to take home, we love to make Peach Cobbler. 

Ingredients:

Topping 

     2 C flour

     1 Tbs baking powder

     1/4 Tsp salt

     2 Tbs sugar

     1 Tsp lemon zest

     4 Tbs butter

     1/2 C milk

     2 Eggs

     1/8 vanilla extract

Mix together the first 5 ingredients.  Cut butter into mixture. Add milk and eggs and stir until smooth.  Pop in the fridge until ready to put on top of the filling.

Filling

     14 peaches

     1 C sugar

     1 C brown sugar

     1 Tsp cinnamon

     1/8 Tsp nutmeg

     1 Tbs maple syrup

Slice up peaches.  Combine sugar and spices and then toss with peaches.  Spread into standard sized baking dish (use not stick spray), drizzle maple syrup on top and bake for 20 min.  Take chilled topping and spoon over top of fruit.  Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes.  For true decadence serve warm with vanilla ice cream on top.

I took a summer vacation and enjoyed the grandchildren so my recipes went with me. Well rested the recipes are back! It is time to use some of those tomatoes from the garden or farm stand. Gazpacho (cold tomato soup) is a great way to enjoy them and stay cool at the same time.

Gazpacho

2 1/2 lbs tomato concasse

8 oz diced onion

8 oz diced red pepper

12 oz diced seeded cucumber

1 oz garlic minced

1 oz red wine vinegar

1 oz lemon juice

1 oz olive oil

1 Tbs lime juice

Salt and Tabasco to taste

1 qt tomato juice

Puree all ingredients except tomato juice. Once pureed mix in tomato juice and garnish with some extra diced onion, red pepper and cucumber.

Recipe #5 - A Chocolate Lovers Dream Dessert

Who knew a Grandma from the Northeast could make Texas Ranch cake? This recipe was passed on from a friend of a friend and made its way back East. This a real crowd thriller. If you need to bring a dessert for your next gathering, this is the one take. Everyone will want the recipe.

Sift in Bowl: 2 cups flour

2 Cups sugar

½ tsp salt

Bring the following ingredients to a boil and pour over above dry ingredients and mix:

2 sticks butter

1 cup water

3 tbs cocoa

Mix and add to above combined dry and wet ingredients.

2 eggs well beaten

1 tsp baking soda

½ cup buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla

Pour batter into standard greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 Degrees F for 20 minutes.

Start frosting last 5 minutes cake is in oven.  Heat – Do Not Boil – 1 stick butter, 3 Tbs cocoa, 5 Tbs milk

Add 1 box powdered sugar, ½ cup chopped nuts (optional), 1 tsp vanilla

Frost cake as soon as removed from oven (DO NOT wait until cake cools).  24 servings or 48 party sized pieces.

Summer Recipe #4

Nothing says summer like tomatoes and basil.  Below is a yummy recipe that uses both for a great summer appetizer.

Ingredients:
Preheat oven or toaster oven to 300 Degrees F

• Crusty French Bread, sliced into oval discs about 1/4 to 1/2 in thickness
• Tomatoes seeded and sliced
• Mozzarella sliced
• Fresh Basil
• Crushed garlic
• Olive Oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Unlike baking, exact measurements are not needed for these appetizers. The amount of each ingredient is based on personal preference.  Take the slices of French Bread medallions, place them on baking sheet (that has been sprayed with non stick spray or use parchment paper).  Brush on a very light coating of olive oil on each slice of bread then top with a small amount of crushed garlic.  Place in oven and toast up bread until it is slightly golden.  May take around 5-10 minutes or so.  Take bread slices out of oven, put enough tomato on each slice of bread to cover, then place mozzarella slice on top with sprig of fresh basil and salt and pepper to taste. 

3rd Summer Recipe from Grandma's Recipe Box - No Oven required

With the stifling heat of the summer, the last thing we want to do is use the stove.  So, don't for this recipe.  Coleslaw is a classic summer treat, easy to make and no heat source required! 

GRANDMA'S COLESLAW

Grate 1 Medium Cabbage

Grate 3 Carrots

Grate 1 Green Pepper

Grate 1 Tbs. Onion

2 Tbs. Vinegar Cider

2 Tbs. Sugar

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Mayo to desired consistency

Combine all above ingredients with mayo.  Let chill for several hours (if you can wait that long) to allow flavors to marinate.  Coleslaw is a great picnic item but don't let this coleslaw sit in the heat because of the mayo.  Enjoy and stay cool!

2nd Summer Recipe from "Grandma's" Recipe Box - Apricot Squares

Preparing summer fruit is a great way to celebrate the season.  This recipes uses jam so although it may taste like summer, it can be prepared anytime of year whether the farm stand is open or not.  Apricot squares are a great picnic dessert and easy to make.

Apricot Squares
Ingredients:

¾  Cup Butter

1 Cup Sugar

2 Cups and 1 Tbsp Flour

1 egg

1 1/3 Cup Coconut

½ C up chopped nuts

1 tsp vanilla

¼ tsp salt

1 Jar of Apricot Jam (or Fruit Jam of your choice)

Pre Heat Oven to 350 Degrees

Mix all ingredients well (except Apricot Jam) and then spread ¾ of this dough into a greased 9 x 12 pan.  Spread Jar of Jam over dough.  Sprinkle remaining dough on top of Jam.  Bake for 40 minutes