Grandma's Recipes

After Grandma's passing we found a handful of her recipes carefully and lovingly written by her.  Everyone got a copy.  Now to see who can use the recipes and come as close as possible.  You see like all cooks she used "a little more, a pinch, not a full cup" as measurements.  I have made raviolis and gnocchi just following what she did.  Of course they are good, but not the same.  Her secret ingredient in some sauce was wine.  I was shocked.  She made "Torta" an Italian cheese bread that was just the greatest.  Bob and I were at the Italian store and bought some real Italian things there.  One of those things was a greated cheese.  When I opened it it reminded me of Mom's Torta.  I kept shoving it under everyone's nose to smell and we all agreed "Torta."  Yes, it is time for me to try.  Everyone else has!

I have never cooked with yeast before.  It said to put it in a bowl and add warm water.  If it rises it is good.  In the mean time mix these ingredients!  Bob, of course was right there to help.  I put the first ingredients in and he mixed.  All of a sudden I looked over at the yeast!  Yes, it's good, it is about to overflow the bowl!  The blob is invading my kitchen!  That was the next ingredient, so in it went.  We used the mixer until it wouldn't mix any more.  So now we must do this by hand.   Not an easy feat.  Two more cups of flour to go.  Bob wanted it to be like cake batter.  It's a bread!  We switched from a bowl to a big pot.  Now that we have mixed till our arms are ready to fall off, we need to put it in pans.  Mom used one big one.  I used two loaf pans, and the crock pot.  Now we cover with Saran Wrap - oiled.  Yes, I skipped the oil and found out why oil was needed.  Let them rise, then put in oven, bake, let cool.  Stand in front of them so no one can touch them. 

They were in the kitchen like flies.  They smelled it and wanted it!  I finally broke down and flipped one out and cut it.  Wow, it looked and smelled like Mom's, but of course it wasn't as good.  It needed more cheese.   They ate it so fast including the one I froze.  Oh well, I guess I'll have to make it again.  Bob, want to go to the Italian Store?.......