Joyful Kitchen

This cookbook includes the favorite recipes of an American family with several multi-cultural traditions. From Iowa-cut pork chops, Michigan Blueberry Stuffed French toast, Ohio Buckeyes, and Chesapeake Bay scalloped corn and oysters to Norwegian lefse and kinglars, Mexican tortilla casserole and flan, Chinese egg rolls and Thai soup, English plum pudding and Italian spicy sausage kale soup, this book includes the time-tested recipes, passed down and refined by four generations.Here are the recipes that have defined special family events: the surprisingly easy-to-make German chocolate cake that has commemorated my husband's birthday now for 73 consecutive years; the clam chowder enjoyed during election night watch parties; the graduation party cheese cakes, the hors d'oeuvres made for art receptions, and the Thanksgiving turdunken (turkey stuffed with deboned duck and chicken thighs and dressing). These are the recipes our children, and now our grandchildren, call home to request.This book includes the recipes that makes our kitchens joyful gathering places, filled with savory aromas, happy conversations, and much anticipation.I hope you enjoy this selective collection, and that these recipes bring your kitchen and household the same joy they continue to bring ours.About the author: Mary Ellen (Stratton) WallI grew up on a small dairy farm that included an orchard and croplands. My family was self-sufficient, and we lived off what we produced. From these ingredients, my mother created many delicious dishes and meals, which she passed down to me. My husband's mother also was an exceptional cook who shared her recipes and techniques. My personal life has exposed me to other cultural traditions, which further broadened my collection of recipes. This book includes a selection of our family favorites.