Nanny's Hamburger Stew

This soup has been a staple in our home because it is fast and easy, and I almost always have all the ingredients on hand. This was my Nanny Sibley's recipe, which my mom (own kids' "Nanny" as well) loved as a kid and served to us growing up—and it's now been passed down to a fourth generation of married cooks! There are few measurements... you just have to "feel" it and make it to your own liking!

For one Dutch oven-sized batch:

Boil 1-2 pounds hamburger in a few inches of water. (Choose leaner beef, as the fat will simply boil out and flavor the soup.)

Add diced potatoes and finely chopped onion, to taste.

Add 1-2 cans undrained tomatoes (either whole—pinched into pieces—or petite diced) AND 1 large can tomato sauce.

Season with SPG.

This is delicious served with a hearty, crusty bread and a side salad... or just crudités in a pinch.

Nanny's Lazy Daisy Cake

This cake is from my grandmother, who has affectionately come to be referred to as "my Nanny," as opposed to just "Nanny," my kids' grandmother.  My Nanny (Nanny S.) made this whenever she needed a super-easy, super-fast cake to serve within the hour.  It's saved me many times!

Makes small square cake.
(Double for 9x13 and cook 5 extra minutes.)

Mix together:
2 eggs
1 C. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift together* and add to the above mixture:
1 C. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt (I use less.)
(*I do not sift this, but rather put the flour in an even layer on top of the first ingredients, then even scatter the soda and salt across the top layers to be sure it is evenly distributed.)

Heat together* and add to mix:
1/2 C. milk
1 T. butter (I use olive oil.)
(*I do not heat this before adding it to the other ingredients.)

Bake at 350 in a greased pan for 30 minutes.
(Cook 35 minutes for doubled 9x13 pan.)

Frosting
Mix in saucepan:
2 T. butter
3 T. brown sugar
2 T. cream
1/2 C. coconut

Frost cooled cake* with above mixture.
(*I've never let this cake cool more than 5 minutes before glazing.  It is delicious served very warm.)