The days of the big, overstuffed collection of family recipes in a three-ring binder might be numbered. Modern cooks call the help line on the turkey wrapper in Thanksgiving panic (been there!), or Google up directions for “Cornbread Dressing” online. So, what do we do with precious pass-me-down recipes? I like this updated take on our moms’ recipe file: mix photos of family and friends into your recipe binder or box. Then, it’s part photo album, part recipe file, all keepsake.
Here is a recipe from my mother-in-law Myrna, a wonderful South Texas character, who got it from her friend Maudie. Myrna almost never failed to arrive at our house with a batch of Miss Maudie’s savory cheese wafers packed carefully in a coffee can. Luscious with cocktails or wine, they are totally indulgent. In fact, Paul Deen recently declared, “Us Southern girls wouldn’t dream of planning a get-together without cheese straws!*”
Miss Maudie’s Cheese Wafers
2 sticks margarine
2 cups flour
8 oz extra sharp cheddar, grated
½ tsp. garlic salt
½ tsp. cayenne pepper (more for extra sass)
2 c. Rice KrispiesCut margarine into flour. Add seasonings and cheese. Mix well. Add Rice Krispies, combine. Roll into balls in palm of hand making small balls, about size of a walnut. Press dough firmly into a ball. Flatten with fork, making each one rather thin, so they will be crisp. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Makes 84 to 90.
Ready to create your own kitchen photo album? You can make one with any photo album or recipe box. But if you would like to really do it up with fresh recipe cards with a nostalgic kitchen print look, check out Kath Kidston’s Recipe Binder»
*For Paula Deen’s Cheese Straws, which are piped out onto a tray and baked, see this link: http://www.pauladeen.com/recipe_view/696
