Jim's Holiday Treats

We here at the nursery are often blessed with Jim's culinary gifts. These are two of our personal favorites that we want to share with you for the holidays.


Jim's Italian Cream Cake

1 stick of butter
1/2 cup Crisco
2 cups of sugar
5 egg yolks
1 tsp. baking soda
2 cups of plain flour
1 cup of buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup flaked coconut
5 egg whites, beaten

Cream butter, Crisco, and sugar together. Add egg yolks. mix well. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk. Add vanilla, nuts, and egg whites and coconut. Bake in 3 - 9" round layers at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
ICING

12 oz cream cheese
1 & 1/2 lbs. powdered sugar
3/4  cup margarine
2 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients. If too thick add a Tbs of milk, one at a time to achieve a smooth consistency.
You may add 1/2+ cup chopped pecans or sprinkle the top.


Jim's Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar packed
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups oatmeal
1 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups of sifted flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Add oatmeal and raisins. Mix well. Add sifted flour, soda, and salt. Blend into mixture.
Drop mixture from teaspoon onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 min or until golden brown.
Coconut, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or nuts may also be added.

ENJOY!