Tuesday, May 25, 2010

AZ Highways Travel Show photos




Vacation in Arizona was the theme at the Travel Show. With so many venues represented it is easy to stay in the state for all your travel needs. We shared a booth with AHS promoting the museum in Papago Park and the cookbook. The granola sampling was very popular. I think everyone came to the event hungry. Kay North and Jackie Berkowitz worked with Dr Peter Welsh. Even some 1880's dressed shoppers visited the booth. Thanks also to Margaret Pogue, Lindy Isacksen, Pat Faur and Tobe Daum who volunteered in the booth.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Helpful hints for Luscious Lemon Loaf


Got Lemons? Many of us in Arizona do in May when the trees are loaded with fruit and they are so-o-o big. But how to still have them in August? Try juicing the lemons, pouring the concentrate into ice cube trays and freezing. Put the ice cubes in zip loc bags for future baking, cooking and sipping.












Luscious Lemon Loaf
pg 198 Tastes & Treasures cookbook
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 tsp lemon extract
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line a 5 X 8 " loaf pan with baking parchment paper. Sift the flour (who does this anymore??), baking powder, and salt together. Combine the sugar, butter and eggs in a mixing bowl. Beat using a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl occasionally. Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, walnuts and flavoring.
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until the loaf tests done. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note: Put the loaf back in the cooled baking pan and poke holes in the top with a fork. Drizzle with a mixture of 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 tsp half and half and 1 tsp lemon juice. Then remove to a serving dish. This makes it so-o-o moist and lemony. Makes 1 loaf.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Arizona Highways Travel show at Phx Convention Center


AZ Highways Travel Show will help us tell the story of the Historical League and the museum at Papago Park. Promoting the cookbook and sampling granola . . . who can resist?

We are teaming up with staff at the AHS museum and talking to a lot of people interested in Arizona. Thanks to our great volunteers, Kay North, Jackie Berkowitz, Pat Faur, Margaret Pogue, Lindy Isacksen, Tobe Daum. Come by and visit Sat-Sun, May 22-23. 10 am - 5 pm at Phoenix Convention Center, South Building, Hall F. www.arizonahighwaystravelshow.com

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Chocolate Tower from Sandra Day O'Connor luncheon



The Executive Board for 2010-2011 was welcomed at the Recognition Luncheon by past President Jeannine Moyle. President Elect is Sharron McKinney. Outgoing President Ruth Ann Hogan introduced next years President Pat Faur.

Everyone enjoyed the exceptional chocolate dessert. We did not get the recipe but look at all those layers. Yummm.


Tastes & Treasures cookbook has some wonderful chocolate indulgences.


This recipe for Chocolate Sherry Cream Bars is very similar but only 3 layers not 5 layers. I am tempted to try it and create another 2 layers. Any suggestions?

Chocolate Sherry Cream Bars page 153 Tastes & Treasures cookbook
Chocolate Crust
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup (4 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sherry Filling
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1/4 cup sherry
1 cup walnuts, chopped

Chocolate Topping
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
6 tablespoons water
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

For the crust
, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Sift the flour and salt together. Combine the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until blended and stir. Cool slightly. Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl until pale yellow. Add the sugar gradually, beating constantly until blended. Stir in the vanilla. Combine the chocolate mixture, flour mixture and egg mixture in a mising bowl and beat for 1 minute. Pour into a greased and lightly floured 10 X 14 inch baking pan or 11 X 17 inch baking pan for thinner bars and bake for 25 minutes. Let stand until cool.
For the filling, beat the confectioners' sugar and butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add the cream and sherry gradually, beating constantly until light and fluffy. Stir in the walnuts. Spread the filling over the baked layer and chill in the refrigerator.
For the topping, combine the chocolate chips, water and butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave until blended, stirring occasionally. Spread the topping over the chilled layers. Let stand until set and cut into bars.
Makes 3-4 dozen bars

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

More Photos of Sandra Day O'Connor Luncheon

A photo collage of Historical League events highlights the year.

The welcoming committee greet members and guests at the Recognition Luncheon at Troon Golf Club. Lots of Smiles.










Sunday, May 16, 2010

Troon Luncheon photos

An amazing group of Historical League members received awards at the Recognition luncheon with Justice Sandra Day O'Connor as the guest speaker. It was a wonderful time and the smiles in these photos tell it all. Museum Director Dr Peter Welsh informed us that volunteer hours equate to $20/hour. Multiply that times 4900 volunteer hours and the Historical League has made quite a difference.





Thursday, May 13, 2010

Sandra Day O'Connor speaks at Troon Luncheon

A highlight of the year for Historical League members is this Spring Recognition Luncheon and to listen to Justice O'Connor was amazing. Troon Golf Club was the venue with sweeping vistas of Phoenix accompanied by delicious food. Kudos to organizers Gail Lucky and Mary Pat McNamara. Members received lovely thank you gifts from Leslie Christiansen and outgoing President Ruth Ann Hogan. Over 4,900 volunteer hours were recognized this year along with the realization that since it began the League has contributed over $1,000,590.00 to the AHS Museum.
Future plans for the Arizona Centennial "Kickoff" Gala are keeping many League members busy over the summer working on the Feb 11, 2011 event.