Corn Cake

Everyone knows Granny loves to cook.  One of my favorite things to cook is corn cake.  I come from a line of bread eaters so this is no surprise when my family sees this post.  On my mother's side of the family, everyone has their own version of what to do with cornbread.  On my father's side of the family, many of the children were not as crazy about cornbread, so Grandma made it into a cake using Martha White corn bread mix.  Henceforth, the "Corn Cake".  She said she figured this would work since most children loved cake.  Of course, Granny has her own version.  One of these days, I'll share some of my family's recipes.
Today's recipe I'm sharing isn't homemade although I add other ingredients.  It still taste the same whether done by scratch, or the box.  Since most people are familiar with Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, that's the recipe I'll use for this week.

Ingredients:
2 boxes of Jiffy corn muffin mix
3 eggs                                                                
1/2 - 1/3 can of evaporated milk
1/4 c sugar
butter/margarine of choice
1-2 tsp flavorings of choice
glaze (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients according to back of Jiffy corn muffin mix box (I use 3 eggs for cake-like consistency.  Feel free to continue using 1 egg for each box if you choose).  Mix ingredients.  Add sugar.  Mix.  Add flavoring of choice.
Melt butter/margarine in cast iron pan to coat bottom (you may also use another oil or pan of choice).  Pour batter into pan.  Cook for approx. 20-30min (or until done according to your oven).  Spread butter to melt on top or make a glaze to pour on top if you choose. 

*My favorite combination of flavorings of choice is vanilla and orange.  Sometimes I do vanilla and lemon, vanilla and banana, or vanilla and almond.  You may use just one flavor if you choose.

Much love,
Granny

What memories do you have of someone special creating a dish to include you in the family meal plan?  If you come up with your own version, let me know.  I would love to try it.  Leave comments below.

Feel free to visit me at my other sites:
Be Wise and Know http://www.bewiseandknow.com
Time With Granny http://www.timewithgranny.tumblr.com  

Spinach Salad

Tonight's dinner was delicious.  One of my favorite things for dinner is Spinach Salad.  I don't have to tell you of all the good properties that come with it.  Mamma or Grandma have probably already told you so I'll just skip to the recipe.
*Some of the ingredients listed may not be viewed in the picture due to me eating before snapping the shot.

Mix in large bowl:
fresh spinach
sliced tomatoes
sliced red onions      
sliced cucumbers
black olives

Drizzle with oil and vinegar or dressing of choice.  You may also add or delete other ingredients you would rather have.  This is just the way I like it.  YUMMY!!!

Here's another post I did telling the story of how salad sandwiches became an important childhood memory for my sisters and I http://www.1elegantgranny.com/2012/11/salad-sandwiches.html

Hope you enjoy

Much love,
Granny


What did you have for dinner tonight?  Was it as simple as this?  Leave comments below.

Beef and Macaroni Bake with Pinto Beans

Hello everyone!  Granny here!!  No time no hear huh.  Just been busy with school reports and preparing for exams.  Tonight's dinner consisted of a dish I decided to explore with.  You know Granny loves her beans.  So here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
ground beef ( I prefer ground chuck )
chopped onions
chopped peppers ( I prefer mixture of green, red, and orange )    
diced tomatoes
fresh chopped garlic
whole grain elbow macaroni
sliced mushrooms
seasoning of choice
extra sharp cheddar cheese

1) Brown meat until done, adding seasoning of choice 
2) Saute peppers, onions, mushrooms, and garlic until soft but not mushy - feel free to cook with meat.  I like them separate
3) Add mixture to cooked pinto beans and cooked macaroni noodles - follow instructions on packaging for beans and noodles.  Make sure noodles and beans are drained - I like to use a little of the bean juice
4) Add diced tomatoes
5) Layer mixture as if layering a lasagne with the cheese
6) Bake covered for 15-20 min.  Uncovered for 10 min or until top layer of cheese is melted
7) Let stand approx 10-15 min before serving

You can change the ingredients to suit yourself.  I had this dish with a spinach salad.  I'll post about this later.

Granny loves cooking!  She loves eating even more!!  What are you having for dinner?  Leave comments below.

Meet Granny at Natural Hair Expo

What:  Natural Hair Expo
Where:  Kemper Street Fleamarket
             1415 Kemper Street
             Lynchburg, VA 24504
Who:  Elegant Granny to be one of the motivational speakers and natural hair models
When:  January 19, 2013
             3p-6p (Eastern Time)
Contact:  434-851-9980

Would love to meet you there

Who I Am

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

One of the goals for EG this year, is fine tuning how I service people I come in contact with.  For the last several weeks, people refer to me as the “Life Coach with no certification.”

HHMMMMM?!?!?!

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought about becoming one.  I never knew what to call what I enjoy doing.  It’s something in my makeup.  I just can’t help it.  As I become involved in people’s lives assisting them with their goals, they comment how I appear to be more excited about them completing their goals than they are.  People trust me enough to assist them develop goals for their lives.  When I ask them why, the number one reason is, “You don’t have a give up spirit.”

It’s always nice when someone knows who you are.  It’s even better when you know who you are.  As a result, I have decided to embark on the evolution of Granny with obtaining certification as a Life Coach this year.

As always, I want to thank each of you for your patronage and helping me be all I can be, so in turn, I can help others be all they can be.  When I complete my certification, I will definitely let you know.  It’s because of you, I have a name for “who I am.”

Happy New Year.  Be safe, enjoy yourself, and evolve into the best you were meant to be.

Much love,
Granny

Do you know who you are in regards to the people you are connected to?  How has this impacted your life?  What are your plans for evolving into the best you were meant to be this year?  Leave comments below.

Feel free to visit me at my other sites:
Be Wise and Know  http://www.bewiseandknow.com
Time With Granny  http://www.timewithgranny.tumblr.com