[carlo3b]

I agree with you about the the candy story.. It only confirms to me that many of our fondest memories of our childhood are involving parents and food..

I am on a personal quest to encouraging more folks to play with their children in the kitchen.. Both moms and dads, and grandparents can create a memory today, or tomorrow in your beautiful little children lives.. These threads are really my crude attempt at that goal.. Thanks.. Carlo :)

Clear Almond Taffy

• 4 cupfuls sugar
• 1 cupful Crisco
• Pinch cream of tartar
• 1 cupful water
• 2 cupfuls almonds
• 1/2 teaspoonful almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoonful salt

1) Blanch, split, and bake almonds to golden brown.
2) Crisco a tin, and sprinkle almonds on it split side down.
3) Dissolve sugar and water together in saucepan, add Crisco, salt, and cream of tartar, and boil until when tested in cold water it will be brittle, or 300 degree F.
Add almond extract and pour over nuts.
When firm, cut in squares.
Sufficient for one large pan.

[reformedliberal]

You are so wise, Carlo! Several years ago, my son, now passing 40, told me that his best memories were of cooking together. I remember him standing on a chair to help add things to a pot.

And you made me remember living with my grandparents and Papa Louis (my great-grandfather)during the war years when my father was overseas. Then, 10 years later, going to my grandmother's after school and watching her make strudel. She would put all the leaves in her kitchen table, which could seat 10, cover it with newspaper, and place the roll of strudel dough at one end. Then, she would start lifting and pulling and eventually, it not only covered the table, but you could read the newspaper through it. She's been gone for 47 years and I still miss her.

She made a cookie she called Kumish Bread. It was flaky and rich and filled with ground nuts and sugar and various fruit fillings. It was flat on the bottom and rounded on top and baked whole, then sliced. I have found various recipes with various spellings of *Kumish*, but none of them have the richness of the dough. Any ideas?

Baking is one area where I have the least confidence in myself. My best friend is an ace baker and I have gotten in the habit of having her bring the breads, cakes and cookies to parties. Growing up, no one even tried to compete with Grandma Betty.

Thanks for the thread and the memories!