Coffee Cream Pie

Mom remembers making pies like this one. She did not make them for special events, but just for a different dessert. Although I did not like coffee as a kid, I love it now. But, the coffee flavor is not too strong, so try this pie even if you do not like coffee.

This pie is delicious and a perfect summer treat. It has a unique flavor due to the combination of the coffee and the nuts. And, it is very creamy, but not too rich.

For this pie, I used almonds for the nut crust. Any type of nut could be used, but I really like almonds with coffee. Also, I particularly liked the nut crust for the pie, and, I may even try using a nut crust for other types of pies.

Coffee Cream Pie  

Shell

• 1 egg white
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups nuts, finely grounded

Filling

• 2 1/4 miniature marshmellow
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp. instant coffee
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
• 1 tsp. almond extract

Nut Shell: In a small bowl, combine the egg white and salt; beat until stiff but not dry. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form. Carefully fold in 1 1/2 cups finely chopped nuts. Press onto bottom and sides (not rim) of an 8-inch well-greased pie pan. Prick shell with a fork. Bake at 400 for 12 minutes. Allow to cool.

Filling: Combine in a saucepan and place over medium heat 2 1/4 cups marshmallow, 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon instant coffee, stirring constantly until the marshmallow melts. Beat egg yolk, then slowly add to marshmallow mix. Cook over medium heat for one minute, stirring constantly. Chill until thick, but not set. Beat slightly. Fold into mixture whipped cream and almond extract. Pour into cooled nut shell. Chill several hours. If desired, decorate with whipped cream or nuts. Enjoy!

Grandma Holmes's Apple Cake

This recipe comes from one of Grandma Holmes's recipe cards. Grandma Holmes loved sweets, so it is not surprising that she had many recipes for cakes and such.

This apple cake is delicious and simple. When I mixed the cake, there seemed to be more apples than batter. I thought it might be too many apples, but I was wrong, it was just the right amount: There is apple in every bite.

I made this recipe in a 9x13 pan, but it could easily be made in a different pan or in muffin tins. Despite Grandma Holmes's recipe, I did grease the pan. The recipe calls for raisins and nuts, but I left them out. I had this cake unfrosted, but it would be delicious frosted with buttercream or other frosting. But, I did enjoy this cake warmed slightly with a scoop of ice cream.

Grandma Holmes's Apple Cake 

• 4 cups chopped apple
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup nuts (optional)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Blend the eggs, sugar, oil, flour, soda, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Fold in the apples, nuts and raisins. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until done. Allow to cool. Enjoy!

Sangria

Cold drinks and summertime go together. When I found this Sangria recipe, I knew it would be great on a warm summer day. Now, when I was a kid, I never had Sangria, and although this recipe is in her recipe box, I don't remember Mom making it. But that won't stop me from trying it now.

This recipe is excellent. I have made other Sangria recipes and there are many variations. Sangria is something that can be easily modified or made with many types of wine or fruit. For example, white wine and peaches makes a great variation. Mom's Sangria recipe is now my staple Sangria recipe. My only modification is to use the soda water just before serving, so if you are not planning on enjoying the Sangria all at once, add soda water to the glass as served.

Sangria 

• 1 bottle dry red wine
• 4 to 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1 stick cinnamon
• juice of one lemon
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 8 ounces soda water
• Ice cubes

Several hours before serving, pour wine into a pitcher. Add sugar and stick cinnamon. Stir in lemon juice, lemon and orange slices. Refrigerate for several hours, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, add the brandy, soda and ice cubes. Enjoy!