Cookbook collection puts plenty of good meals on the table

My “Traveling Cookbook Collection” includes cookbooks from so many of my trips across this country. I always discover favorite recipes in each book, and now I am sharing some of them with you. These recipes come to you thanks to trips to the Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta, to Rippavilla Planation with a Franklin County Schools gifted class and to Dollywood in Tennessee, as well as New Orleans and Disney World!

“CLASSIC COOKING WITH COCA-COLA”

The next book I wanted to share was from the first gifted trip I went on with one of my daughters. In 2008 I went with Leah to Atlanta to the Coca-Cola museum. This book is definitely a favorite. This recipe for chocolate cake is the best. 

Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups plain flour
• 8 tablespoons cocoa
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 4 cups sugar
• 1 pound butter
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups Coca-Cola

Icing:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup Coca-Cola
• 6 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 boxes powdered sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Grease and flour an 11×17-inch pan.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, heat the butter and Coca-Cola until the butter melts.
4. Add the eggs, vanilla and buttermilk and mix well.
5. Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and beat until smooth. The batter will be very thin.
6. Pour into the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
7. This cake must be iced while warm. Icing: In a saucepan, heat the butter and Coca Cola. Do not boil. Add all of the remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour over the cake.

“CIVIL WAR PERIOD COOKERY”

I went with Lara to Rippavilla Planation in 2017 with the Franklin County Schools gifted classes. This is a Civil War home in Spring Hill, Tenn., that is still available to tour. I bought this book in the gift shop. This recipe for sweet pepper relish is a family favorite. I make it every summer and use it all year round to make ham salad. This is definite staple in my home after Thanksgiving and Christmas to use with that leftover ham.

Sweet Pepper Relish

INGREDIENTS

• 12 red peppers
• 12 green peppers
• 12 medium onions
• 1 1/2 pints vinegar
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Slice open peppers and remove and throw away all seeds.
2. Mince peppers and put in large kettle.
3. Take the skins from the onions and mince and add to the kettle with the peppers.
4. Add the vinegar, sugar and salt.
5. Blend everything well and bring to a boil.
6. Let simmer for 10 minutes and remove from stove.
7. Fill pint jars while hot and seal.

“TENNESSEE MOUNTAIN HOME COOKING”

A family trip to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge led me to the Dollywood theme park. There I bought this book.  Everyone loves Dolly Parton. Not only can she sing, but she is also a delicious cook. She is known for her Southern, family-type meals. Here are just a couple of recipes I know you will love. 

Cola Chicken

I prefer to purchase boneless, skinless chicken breast when I prepare this.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup ketchup
• 10 oz. can of cola
• 1 fryer chicken, cut into pieces

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine ketchup and cola.
2. Skin chicken and place in baking dish.
3. Pour cola mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook at 375 degrees until tender.

Corn Fritters

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup sifted flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons of salad oil
• 2 ½ cups of whole kernel corn

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Sift together baking powder, flour and salt.
2. Add eggs and corn.
3. Drop by spoonfuls in hot oil.
4. Fry until brown.

“THE LITTLE NEW ORLEANS COOKBOOK”

A girlfriend trip in 2019 led me to New Orleans. There we went to many delicious places to eat. I purchased this book for my collection in a gift shop. It has the recipes for 57 traditional creole dishes  that are very unique to Louisiana . The two recipes I use most often from this book are Passion Cocktail Sauce and Tartar Sauce. For each, you simply mix all the ingredients together and store in your refrigerator.

Passion Cocktail Sauce

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Kemon juice
• 4 tablespoons horseradish
• 1/2 teaspoon tabasco
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Tartar Sauce

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup chopped dill pickle
• 1 tablespoon minced onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

“THE UNOFFICIAL DISNEY PARKS COOKBOOK”

This summer I headed off to Disney! Of course, I have a book from there too.

Caramel Apples

From Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom. I add chopped nuts or colored sprinkles to mine.

INGREDIENTS

• 6 large Granny Smith apples
• 11-oz. package soft caramels, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons whole milk

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare your countertop with a piece of parchment paper greased with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Push a Popsicle stick deep into the stem area of each apple. Set aside.
3. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add caramels and milk. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat cooking in 15-second intervals and stirring until all caramels have melted.
4. Working with one apple at a time, roll the apple in the caramel to the coat the whole apple. Place on greased parchment paper.
5. Allow the caramel apples to cool about 15 minutes before serving.