My List From Popper

My List From Popper

Popper was Robby's Maternal Grandfather. What a guy! We think of him often and miss him dearly. He was one in a million. One of the most intelligent and wise men ever. He could have written the questions to at least 4 Trivial Pursuit games without having to do any research.

Memories of Popper often revolve around food. I found a special paper this week, on it a list, dictated to me by our beloved Popper from many years ago. The note paper has little angels on it and reads...

Some days, the only place to go is UP! Until Heaven is ready, I'll just send a note.

This list has all of the things any good Italian Family would have ready in their refrigerator.

Bottles and Packages of things

Genoa Salami
Hot ham (has red pepper edges)
Proscuitini (has black pepper edges)
Sliced Provolone

Wedges of sharp cheese
Salamette (regular)
Pepperoni
black olives
greek olives
breads and rolls
regular italian provolone
Pecorino (sheep) Parmesan Cheese (at least 3 pounds)
wine

He also told me the best places to by these items.

Monte Carlo in Burbank on Magnolia
Romano's in the valley

Green Salad With Oil and Vinegar

This salad is one of Robby's favorites.  His Mommer (aka. Rob's Grandmother, Doris Fiello) is the best oil and vinegar salad dressing creator in the world.  She whips it up and it is magic.  Mommer can make anything taste amazing and part of the magic is she doesn't measure.  She knows the right proportions and everything turns out delicous!

Green Salad With Oil and Vinegar

Virgin olive oil
cider vinegar
garlic powder
salt and pepper
assorted salad greens
tomatoes
carrots, celerey, bell peppers
any raw vegetables you like; broccoli, onions, cauliflower, etc

The amount of ingredients depend on how many you are feeding.

Sprinkle the olive oil on the salad first, then sparingly sprinkle vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.  You have to taste the finished product, adjust to your taste.  You can usually use more garlic than you think.  Toss together lightly.

Scalloped Corn

Creamed Corn a staple on the dinner table during the holidays at the California Getskow house and Getskow homes in the midwest.  This recipe is from Jamie's cousin Suzy Hansen Berg.

Scalloped Corn


1 can creamed corn
1/2 can milk
1 sleeve saltine crackers
2 eggs
1 stick butter
pepper to taste

In a 2qt baking dish beat eggs. Add creamed corn and milk,mix well. Crush crackers and stir into egg and corn mixture untill well mixed. Dot top with butter, sprinkle pepper on top. Place in 350 degree oven and bake for 1 hour or until toothpick in center comes out clean. if you want, you can add onion and garlic to the mixture before baking

Baked Seafood Pasta

This recipe is from Jamie's Cousin Joe's beautiful wife, Jenna.  She is such a love and so much fun to go to weddings with!


Baked Seafood Pasta
(Straight track to a heart Attack, but so worth it. -Jenna Pellowski)

Cook 1/2 lb mafalda noodles to al dente
Add shrimp, crab and scallops or your fav combo
2 cups italian shredded cheese mix
1 can alfredo sauce
pepper to taste

Mix all together and then top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Cook at 375 degrees about half hour or until top is light brown and bubbly.

Friendship Tea

An oldie but a goodie.  A blend of delicous flavors that take you back.  A warm and cozy comfort drink.  During the holidays Jamie's Mom would mix this up and gift it to our friends and neighbors.

Friendship Tea

1 cup instant tea
1 1/3 cups Tang
1/2 cup dry sweetened lemonade mix
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a glass storage jar or a plastic one, combine all of the above ingredients. Mix well.  At this point you can put the mix into smaller containers for gifting.  Attach a label with the instructions below.  Or just follow the directions to make yourself a delicous cup of friendship tea.

To make friendship tea, place one heaping teaspoonful of the mix into an 8 oz. cup of hot water. Stir and enjoy.

28184 Old Fashioned Lemonade

Jessica, Jamie's big sister was the leader in the kitchen growing up.  She made all kinds of wonderful things.  We were fortunate to grow up with a Meyer lemon tree in our backyard.  When God gave us lemons... Jessica made lemonade, Lemon Meringue Pie, Lemon bars...

28184 Old Fashioned Lemonade

4 Meyer Lemons
3/4 cup sugar
1 Quart Water

Wash your lemons thoroughly.  Slice lemons into thin slices.  Be sure to remove all of the seeds.  In the bottom of your favorite aluminum bowl layer lemon slices sprinkled with sugar.  Using a potato masher, pestle or citrus reamer extract juice from slices.  Add the water and press slices a bit more until desired flavor is achieved.  Pour lemonade and slices into a pitcher.  Serve lemonade over ice with a slice of lemon garnishing the glass.

Serve at your lemonade stand or on a hot day.

Lemon Cake

This Lemon Cake is from Jamie's Aunt Peggy on Jack's side.  Aunt Peggy is a whiz in the kitchen.

Lemon Cake

One box lemon cake mix
4 eggs
One can lemon pie filling (Wilderness Brand)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix the eggs and cake mix until well blended.  Fold in the lemon pie filling.  Pour batter into a greased 15 x 20 pan.  Bake for 18-20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.  Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Prepare the frosting

3 oz. cream cheese room temp
1/2 cup butter softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Whip the cream cheese and butter until fluffy.  Add powdered sugar in small increments until all of the sugar is incorporated.  Add vanilla and whip again until smooth.

Frost the cake and be sure to store in the refrigerator.  Enjoy!

Peggy Detjen