the Beantown Menzies

My mission reunion is in less that 2 weeks and I'm happy to report that I've found a true Texas brisket recipe to serve as the main dish at the reunion! Although I didn't think to collect recipes of my favorite dishes while I was in TX, I'm glad I've got friends who've shared recipes for brisket & TX sheet cake that remind me of those unforgettable TX meals.

For now, here's the menu for our reunion:

Lubbock, TX Beef Brisket

Cut off most of the visible fat from the brisket then put in a pan. Using a meat fork, poke the meat, then cover both sides of the brisket with these spices, just sprinkle on to cover: Meat tenderizer, seasoned salt, celery salt, garlic salt, black pepper, worcester sauce and liquid smoke. Cover and marinate over night. Bake the brisket covered with foil at 250 degrees for about 5 hours.

I tried out Pioneer Woman's brisket recipe and it's very good, but not the TX taste I remember. One thing I will use is her suggestion of serving with BBQ sauce as an option.

Thanks, Charlene for the brisket recipe! It's a keeper.

Pioneer Woman's Crash Hot Potatoes

Go HERE for recipe

Green Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Fill cruet with red wine vinegar to “W” line

Add: 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, ½-1 tsp. basil leaves, ½ tsp. salt(more or less)

¼-1/2 tsp. ground pepper, 3 cloves garlic, minced, ¼ tsp. oregano, & 1 tsp. sugar

Shake to mix then add Olive Oil to “o” line.

Thanks, Ann for the dressing recipe...it's one of our favorites!

Texas Sheet Cake a la mode

Cake:

Bring to boil: 2 sticks butter, 4 T cocoa, 1 cup water

Pour over: 2 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 tsp. baking soda, pinch of salt

Add: ½ cup buttermilk, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla

Mix together until well blended. Bake 20 minutes at 350°. Cool.

Frosting:

Bring to rapid boil: 1 stick butter 4 T cocoa, 6 T buttermilk

Then add: 1 box powdered sugar (approx. 2-3 cups), 1 tsp. vanilla

Pour over cooled cake. Cut in large squares and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Thanks, Ellen for the TX sheet cake recipe...it's just like I remember!

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I'm so excited to throw my arms around my mission president and his wife.

We'll eat, visit, visit, and visit...CAN'T WAIT!