Sue's Diner: Fish Salad

Here is an unusual salad for these warm summer days, one you'll likely find few places except for Sue's Diner.

This recipe for fish salad is slightly modified from the Bohemian-American Cookbook by Marie Rosicky, published by the Automatic Printing Company (www.autoprintomaha.com). 

The version of the cookbook I had was published more than one hundred years ago. The Automatic Publishing Company is still publishing it today. The recipe is used with written permission.

This recipe for fish salad also appears in the BryonySeries cookbook "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

Background on where this week's recipe falls in the BryonySeries novel Bryony:

Although Simons Mansion hosted most of Munsonville’s festivities, the villagers reciprocated one summer with a celebration in honor of John and Bryony Simons, with John providing the entertainment. A torn dress kept Melissa away from the refreshment table, but, except for the cake, we doubt she would have eaten anything from it, anyway.

You can try the recipe for fish salad on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

Finally, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

Sue's Diner: Vanilla Ice Cream

These hot and humid Midwest temperatures are perfect for ice cream, aren't they?

This week's recipe, homemade vanilla ice cream, is authentically Victorian complete with a hint of vagueness in its yield - so we made a reasonable estimate.

This ice cream recipe is featured in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

It's also adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

This recipe is referenced in the BryonySeries novel Bryony. Here is the explanation from the cookbook:

Ice cream was John Simons’ one culinary weakness. Each lunch at Simons Mansion ended with a dish of it.

You can try the vanilla ice cream recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

Finally, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

Sue's Diner: Fried Potatoes

This week's recipe features an unusual twist for fried potatoes. A former daughter-in-law submitted it a decade ago when we were collecting recipes for a companion cookbook prior to the release of the first book in the BryonySeries.

This recipe appears in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

The recipe is referenced in the novel Bryony, where the protagonist, a 1970s teen named Melissa Marchellis, finds it on her breakfast tray during her first morning in the 18th century when she wakes up inside Simons Mansion.

You can try our modified recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

Finally, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

Sue's Diner: Independence Day Cake

This week's recipe is very patriotic to me and not just because it's mentioned in the fifth installment of Before The Blood. 

It's because I actually do like it. After I wrote the passage in italics, I, too, wanted to taste Independence Cake. So Timothy, and then Rebekah, modified the recipe for the modern kitchen. And it's actually really good!

Munsonville Inn would also sell a frosted loaf, popular in Thornton, known as Independence Cake, and Bryony longed to try this food from a land so far away.

 More than once, she and Susan read the advertisement in the window, boasting it was "flavored with wine and brandy," as well as "rich with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, mace, and citron," and "heavily speckled with currants and raisons."

Here is an actual nineteenth century recipe we found online:

"Twenty pounds of flour, fifteen pounds of sugar, ten pounds of butter, four dozen of eggs, one quart of wine, one quart of brandy, one ounce of nutmegs, three ounces each of cinnamon, cloves, and mace, two pounds of citron, five pounds each of currants and raisins, and one quart of yeast. Frost it, and dress it with box and rose leaf."

It's now my favorite Fourth of July recipe (however, no one else in my family likes it). 

Still, you can try our modified recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

Here is a non-Victorian version with sprinkles - because Timothy likes sprinkles, he said. I love the color combination.

Below that is a more traditional version.

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

All proceeds from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'" benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

And scroll for more photos!

Sue's Diner: Chicken Salad and Crackers

 This week's recipe for chicken salad and crackers was mentioned in the first book in the BryonySeries "drop of blood" trilogy: Bryony.

In chapter twenty-one John apologized to Melissa for his coldness by scheduling a large garden party where she could play gracious hostess. One of the items served was chicken salad with crackers. 

Our recipe is adapted from one that appeared in the nineteenth century cookbook Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

This chicken salad and homemade crackers recipe also appears in the BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

You may try the recipe for chicken salad and crackers on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

All proceeds from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'" benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

Sue's Diner: Jelly Cake

 This week's recipe is authentically Victorian and is adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

The recipe also appears in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

The recipe is referenced in the novel Bryony, where the protagonist, a 1970s teen named Melissa Marchellis, eats several slices of this cake at a nineteenth century party.

We really liked it, too. 

Try this recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

Sue's Diner: Cinnamon Lozenges

The following recipe appears in the BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

Here is some background from the cookbook on where this week's recipe falls in the BryonySeries novel Bryony:

When Melissa develops a crush on Henry, she boldly approaches him for a date. Henry seizes his chance to enlarge Melissa’s world and gives her a kaleidoscope evening of theatre, historical landmarks, and peasant food. 

This recipe is modified from the Bohemian-American Cookbook by Marie Rosicky, published by the Automatic Printing Company (www.autoprintomaha.com), and used with permission.

The version of the cookbook I had was published more than one hundred years ago. The Automatic Publishing Company is still publishing it today.

This recipe is featured on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try the cinnamon lozenges recipe this week. It will be gone next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

All proceeds from Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From "Bryony" benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

Sue's Diner: Fruit Fritters

This week's recipe, fruit fritters, is authentically Victorian complete with a hint of vagueness in its preparation.

This fruit fritters recipe is featured in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

It's also adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

This recipe is referenced in the BryonySeries novel Bryony. Here is the explanation from the cookbook:

The Munsonville Times was so impressed by the spread John Simons served for his wedding to Miss Bryony Marseilles that the newspaper listed each item. 

You can try the fruit fritters recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

Sue's Diner: Sue's Diner: Yorkshire Raised Biscuits

This week's recipe is an especial favorite of mine. But then, I really, really like homemade breads, especially right from the oven and with plenty of butter.

Our featured recipe, Yorkshire Raised Biscuits, is adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy,

This recipe is also featured in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

Moreover, this recipe is also quintessential Victorian. Meaning, some of the ingredients used and the directions for making these biscuits is vague and non-specific. So have fun!

This recipe is referenced in the novel Bryony. Here is the explanation from the cookbook:

It was at the Harrington’s ball that Melissa met Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, for the very first time. The Yorkshire Raised Biscuits is one of the food items Melissa choked down while the Steward explained his ruthless dictatorship.

You can try the recipe for Yorkshire Raised Biscuits on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

Not sure what (or where) Sue's Diner is? Read: "Sue's Diner Through the Years."

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner-food. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

Check out all three BryonySeries cookbooks at bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

Sue's Diner: Best Griddle Cakes

This week's recipe is for Best Griddle Cakes, which is adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

 The recipe also appears in the BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

These are, indeed, some delicious griddle cakes. But are they really "the best?" Try them and see.

The secret to their delicious taste, I believe, is one extra ingredient and one extra step.

The cookbook is available on Amazon and is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

This recipe is also referenced in the Bryony, the first book in the young adult "drop of blood" vampire trilogy. 

Here's what the cookbook said:

As much as Melissa enjoyed playing Bryony, she found some of Munsonville’s Victorian foods difficult to stomach, especially when they appeared on her breakfast tray. Here are the recipes for Melissa’s initial breakfasts at Simons Mansion.

Try this recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Sue's Diner: Spiced Hot Chocolate

Snow, cold temperatures, and the holiday season is upon us - and for some of us, the first two are happening today.

So this week's recipe is perfect for all three. Furthermore, this recipe even serves up a touch of nostalgia since it's more than one hundred and fifty years old.

The weeks' recipe for Spiced Hot Chocolate is adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy,

This recipe is also featured in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

This recipe is referenced in the novel Bryony. Here is the explanation from the cookbook:

Melissa, as Bryony, had a close relationship with the housemaid’s little daughter, Anna, much to John’s chagrin. They shared spiced hot chocolate at bedtime, and Melissa looked the other way when Anna sneaked candied orange peels.

You can try the recipe for Spiced Hot Chocolate on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

Sue's Diner: Stewed Fruit with Cream

Although the original recipe calls for stewed fruit, we used this delicious sauce over fresh fruit, which shows how versatile this vanilla sauce is.

You might find other ways to use it, too.

Today's recipe appears in the cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

Here is the background on where this week's recipe falls in the BryonySeries novel Bryony

Melissa is thrilled when John finally invites her to a picnic away from the mansion, just the two of them. Of course, John feels Bryga packed enough food to feed them for a week, but even that careless remark couldn’t completely dampen Melissa’s excitement of being alone with John.

This recipe was adapted from the nineteenth century cookbook Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

Try this recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

All proceeds from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'" benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com.

Sue's Diner: Strawberry Ice Cream

This week's recipe for strawberry ice cream is authentically Victorian, is vaguely mentioned in the BryonySeries novel Bryony, requires just three ingredients, and has an incredibly fresh strawberry flavor.

Best of all, it's very simple to make.

Here is how the BryonySeries cookbook references it:

Ice cream was John Simons’ one, particular culinary weakness. Each lunch at Simons Mansion ended with a dish of it.

This recipe for strawberry ice cream appears in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

You may try the recipe for strawberry ice cream on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

All proceeds from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'" benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com.

Sue's Diner: Lemon Drop Cakes

Here's a light, refreshing dessert that holds up in the summer heat, while giving everyone a break from frozen desserts.

This week's recipe for lemon drop cakes is referenced in the BryonySeries novel Bryony, where these lemon drop cakes appeared on the buffet table at the Harrington ball.

John placed a glass of punch into Melissa’s hand and piled her plate with slices of cold beef, several tiny biscuits, miniature lemon and coconut cakes, and a mound of plum preserves.

We adapted our recipe from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy, which is a real nineteenth century cookbook, for use in the modern kitchen.

This recipe also appears in the BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

You can try the recipe for lemon drop cakes on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Sue's Diner: Apple Ice

This week's recipe is a nineteenth century apple ice, which can't get simpler than this: just two ingredients, no cooking, and few directions.

Apple ice is perfect for the current heat wave, while using up any extra apples lurking inside your refrigerator.

This recipe appears in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

The recipe is referenced in the novel Bryony, where the protagonist, a 1970s teen named Melissa Marchellis, encounters it at a nineteenth century garden party at Simons Mansion. 

Here is the excerpt:

Several older ladies from church were discussing the latest corsets, so Melissa decided to join them. Henry Matthews, plate in hand, followed like an obedient puppy. He placed her food before her, sat beside her, and offered a glass. “I brought you an ice.”

With a frustrated sigh, Melissa accepted it, took a taste, then pointed her spoon at his nose. “Can’t you take a hint?”

This recipe for apple ice is adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

 You can try our modified recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

All proceeds from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'" benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com.

Sue's Diner: Chicken Salad and Crackers

 This week's recipe for chicken salad and crackers was mentioned in the first book in the BryonySeries "drop of blood" trilogy: Bryony.

In chapter twenty-one John apologized to Melissa for his coldness by scheduling a large garden party where she could play gracious hostess. One of the items served was chicken salad with crackers. 

Our recipe is adapted from one that appeared in the nineteenth century cookbook Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

This chicken salad and homemade crackers recipe also appears in the BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

You may try the recipe for chicken salad and crackers on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

All proceeds from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'" benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com.

Sue's Diner: Independence Day Cake

This week's recipe is very patriotic to me and not just because it's mentioned in the fifth installment of Before The Blood. 

It's because I actually do like it. After I wrote the passage in italics, I, too, wanted to taste Independence Cake. So Timothy, and then Rebekah, modified the recipe for the modern kitchen. And it's actually really good!

Munsonville Inn would also sell a frosted loaf, popular in Thornton, known as Independence Cake, and Bryony longed to try this food from a land so far away.

 More than once, she and Susan read the advertisement in the window, boasting it was "flavored with wine and brandy," as well as "rich with nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, mace, and citron," and "heavily speckled with currants and raisons."

Here is an actual nineteenth century recipe we found online:

"Twenty pounds of flour, fifteen pounds of sugar, ten pounds of butter, four dozen of eggs, one quart of wine, one quart of brandy, one ounce of nutmegs, three ounces each of cinnamon, cloves, and mace, two pounds of citron, five pounds each of currants and raisins, and one quart of yeast. Frost it, and dress it with box and rose leaf."

It's now my favorite Fourth of July recipe (however, no one else in my family likes it). 

Still, you can try our modified recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

Here is a non-Victorian version with sprinkles - because Timothy likes sprinkles, he said. I love the color combination.

Below that is a more traditional version.

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

And enjoy the photos!

All proceeds from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'" benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com.

Sue's Diner: Fish Salad

Here is an unusual salad to try now that warm weather has returned and temperatures are predicted to soar this weekend.

This recipe for fish salad is slightly modified from the Bohemian-American Cookbook by Marie Rosicky, published by the Automatic Printing Company (www.autoprintomaha.com). 

The version of the cookbook I had was published more than one hundred years ago. The Automatic Publishing Company is still publishing it today. The recipe is used with written permission.

This recipe for fish salad also appears in the BryonySeries cookbook "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

Background on where this week's recipe falls in the BryonySeries novel Bryony:

Although Simons Mansion hosted most of Munsonville’s festivities, the villagers reciprocated one summer with a celebration in honor of John and Bryony Simons, with John providing the entertainment. A torn dress kept Melissa away from the refreshment table, but, except for the cake, we doubt she would have eaten anything from it, anyway.

You can try the recipe for fish salad on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Sue's Diner: Vanilla Ice Cream

Who doesn't love ice cream, especially when temperatures are summer-like in the Midwest.

And our family has eaten a lot of ice cream this last year, although we really haven't bought any from the store.

However, we've been frequent visitors to Walt's Ice Cream in the last twelve months.

I'm not necessarily one for comfort food. But we've taken so many punches these last few years, our mantra has become, "We need ice cream." Walt's Ice Cream is consistently delicious and never fails to lift our spirits, even a smidge.

Back to Sue's Diner.

This week's recipe, homemade vanilla ice cream, is authentically Victorian complete with a hint of vagueness in its yield - so we made a reasonable estimate.

This ice cream recipe is featured in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

It's also adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

This recipe is referenced in the BryonySeries novel Bryony. Here is the explanation from the cookbook:

Ice cream was John Simons’ one culinary weakness. Each lunch at Simons Mansion ended with a dish of it.

You can try the vanilla ice cream recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Sue's Diner: Goose Giblet Soup

This week's recipe is Goose Giblet Soup, the very soup Orville Parks spilled when dining at Simons Mansion, staining the rug.

The Goose Giblet Soup recipe is modified from the Bohemian-American Cookbook by Marie Rosicky, published by the Automatic Printing Company, and used with written permission.

This recipe does appear in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," and you can also view it on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But check out the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

We have actually not tried this recipe, but some stores actually do carry goose.

So please let us know your thoughts if you do try it.

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.