Sue's Diner: Homemade Dye for Easter Eggs (Again)

Once again we are sharing our recipes for homemade food dye for Easer Eggs.

This recipe is not featured in any of the BryonySeries cookbooks, including Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and features all the recipes referenced in the novel Bryony. 

However, we are sharing these recipes with you on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

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

We do not have a good recipe for green dye. But Timothy came up with this work-around a few years ago, which we shared on this post last year.

For more photos, check out this story I wrote for The Herald-News in 2019 on the same topic (and a couple more at the bottom of this blog, which are showing up way better here than on the website). 

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

And have fun! 

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: Chocolate Easter Truffles

We're posting this recipe for Chocolate Easter Truffles early, so you can practice making them ahead of the Easter holiday.

But I do have to warn you: these are really, really delicious. And you may be tempted to try more than one.

This recipe for Chocolate Easter Truffles not featured in any of the BryonySeries cookbooks, including Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and features all the recipes referenced in the novel Bryony. 

Rebekah actually adapted it from a Nancy Drew cookbook I received as a gift when I was growing up. It was a recipe I always wanted to try, so when she was looking for some Easter candy recipes, I suggested it these chocolate truffles.

And they were, no lie, the best chocolate truffles I have ever eaten.

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

But try it 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. 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: S'Mores Mousse

This week we are featuring a recipe that Rebekah developed a few years ago: S'Mores Mousse.

It features a homemade chocolate mousse and homemade marshmallow cream (which is easier to make than you might think).

You can try the S'Mores Mousse 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.

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: Homemade Pierogies

This week we are featuring a recipe that is a favorite in our family: homemade pierogies.

A pierogi is simply a stuffed dumping. Pierogies are popular in Eastern European cuisine. Some cultures call them pirohi.

Traditional pierogi fillings include potato and saurkraut, but you can use any filling you like.

I learned how to make pierogies from a cookbook when my oldest son, now forty, was about eighteen months old. I always included the kids in making them.

My two preschoolers (Sarah and Joshua) helped me make two hundred of them one afternoon in the 1980s when one of our friends was being ordained to the priesthood.

I even had a regular customer for a short time, which provided some extra money for me.

You can try our pierogi 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.

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.

It's Not Easy Dyeing Eggs Green (Here's How)

If you've check out our homemade Easter egg dyes on the BryonySeries website this week, you've noticed we don't have a recipe for green.

Apparently green dye is not easily made with food. And the internet is apparently not much help.

But Timothy figured it out. So if you want to dye Easter eggs green, naturally and from food, follow his directions.

First, prepare the dyes according to the directions on the BryonySeries "Recipe of the Week" on the Sue's Diner page.

Green: 

1) Take hard-boiled egg and dip into the yellow dye for a couple seconds.

2) And then dip into the blue dye for a couple seconds.

3) Then back into the yellow for about five minutes.

4) Then into the blue for a minute or two.

5) And then go back to the yellow for a couple minutes.

6) And back to the blue for a minute. 

7) Panic because it's not turning green. 

8) Pray and dip it into orange. Watch in terror as it turns into a dark, sad color. 

9) And dip into yellow to try to lighten it up. At this point, it's the color of smog. 

10) Go back to blue for a minute. Dip it into the orange, then the blue, and finish with yellow. 

Congratulations! You've beaten the internet. 

Sue's Diner: Homemade Dye for Easter Eggs

Sue's Diner was temporarily closed due to illness (Rebekah and I were sick and didn't wind up cooking anything for the page), but we are feeling better each day. 

No, we didnt't have COVID, at least according to the tests we took (one rapid, one PCR apiece).

This week's recipe is actually several recipes, all for creating your own Easter egg dyes from food.

We will be leaving this recipe on the Sue's Diner page for two weeks, in honor of both dates of Easter (Eastern Christians will celebrate April 24).

For more photos, check out this story I wrote for The Herald-News in 2019 on the same topic.

And have fun! 

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: 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 permament 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.

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: Pizza

Few foods beat a homemade pizza, and we have a good recipe for you to try this week.

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

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

Before Melissa moved to Munsonville, her friends treated her to dinner at Pizza Express. Ogling cute bus boy Jason Frye was more fun than eating pizza, but we included the house’s signature recipe, anyway.

Note from Jim Brodnicki, who submitted the recipe for the cookbook: “ I added the option for the whole wheat flour given today's health awareness that we have. I remember one time my mom, Lillian, bought a package of dough mix from the store and it was really bad. That was when she just started doing it this way. The dough is what my mom use to use. The sauce recipe is my own.”

You can try the pizza 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.

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: Werewolf Parfait

If spring fever has you howling for warmer weather, we have the recipe for you.

This week's recipe for Werewolf Parfait is featured in the BryonySeries cookbook GRRR Twelve pawtastic werewolf-themed recipes.

Rebekah Baran created this cookbook when she was laid off in 2020 due to the pandemic. She says this recipe is is "so dreamy, they'll be howling for more."

It has just four ingredients, including the sprinkles.

You can try the recipe for Werewolf Parfait 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.

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: Bertrand’s Birthday Mix

This week's recipe for Bertrand's Birthday Mix is featured in the BryonySeries cookbook Squeak! Twelve Mouse-Themed Recipes.

Bertrand the Mouse is a red herring in the BryonySeries novel Staked! He is alsno now a crocheted (amigurumi) mouse with his own book series and Instagram page.

Rebekah Baran created this cookbook when she was laid off in 2020. She says this recipe is "the kibbles mix all crocheted mice love." 

People probably like it, too. Even when it isn't their birthday. It's colorful, fun and easy to make - and it's perfect for this time of year: bits of color mixed in with snowy white.

You can try the recipe for Bertrand's Birthday Mix 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.

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: Darlene's Cookies

This week's recipe for Darlene's Cookies is featured in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permament fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

Rebekah submitted the recipe for the cookbook. Aren't they perfect for Valentine's Day?

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

Decorating cookies together is the perfect time for a mother-daughter, heart-to-heart chat.

You can try the recipe for Darlene's Cookies 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.

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: Recipe for Happiness

Someone shared this week's recipe with me a long time ago. I am not its original author, which is anonymous, as far as I know.

This recipe isn't featured any BryonySeries cookbook. But with all the indulging over the holidays, a zero-calorie recipe that tastes sweet and can be enjoyed all day is a good recipe to post this week.

Just so you know, the official BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," is a permament fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and features all the recipes referenced in the novel Bryony. 

The cookbook makes a great gift for people of all ages who like to cook, love history, or are simply curious as to the foods people once liked to eat.

Back to this week's recipe.

You can find the 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.

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: Chocolate Truffles

Like the chocolate chip cookies, this week's recipe is featured in none of the BryonySeries cookbooks, so you can only get it here.

Rebekah actually adapted it from a Nancy Drew cookbook I received as a gift when I was growing up. It was a recipe I always wanted to try, so when she was looking for some Easter candy recipes, I suggested it these chocolate truffles.

And they were, no lie, the best chocolate truffles I have ever eaten.

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

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

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?

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com.

Sue's Diner: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Today's recipe is featured in none of the BryonySeries cookbooks, so you can only get it here.

Rebekah had some chocolate chips with edible glitter she wanted to use up. So she decided to bake some cookies on Saturday night and share her recipe for the website and blog.

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

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

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?

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com.

The Cutest Cookbook You Might Ever Buy

In case you missed it, Rebekah Baran released her second cookbook a couple weeks ago.

It's called Squeak: Twelve mouse-themed recipes, and if you think that's an unusual name for a cookbook, well, you're right. 

Here is its description:

Wash your hands, put on your apron, and join Bertrand the Mouse in preparing twelve recipes that will delight humans and crocheted mice alike. Recipes either feature cheese or mouse shapes. Cooking safety tips are included.

Yes, Rebekah collaborated with a crocheted mouse in the kitchen.

And he had tons of fun leaning from her.

Timothy documented their hard work.

And the result is some of the cutest recipes you'd ever want to try. Here's one...

... and here's another...

And lest you think Bertrand scurried away when the fun was done, he also participated in the cleanup.

Buy Squeak: Twelve mouse-themed recipes on Amazon.

For more antics from Bertrand the Mouse, follow him on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

Chocolate Potato Cake with “Irish Potato Candy” Frosting

Last weekend, Rebekah baked a 19th-century style Irish chocolate cake that featured an ingredient not often found in chocolate cake: riced potatoes!

The result was a very soft cake (even though she hadn't used cake flour) with a nice, dense crumb.

Here is a picture she took and the recipe if you'd like to try it - which includes a very brief history of Irish Potato Candy (which contains no potatoes) and it's very vintage American history.

Enjoy!

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Four-Step Recipe for a Miracle

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Four-Step Recipe for a Miracle

1) Take an impossible need,

2) Ask God to supply it.

3) Thankfully accept the gift.

4) Repeat as necessary.


Yes, we are having a good day today. :)

Recipe for Victorian Sponge Gingerbread

Sharing an old post (and even older recipe).

It's simple to make and so delicious, I'm wondering now why we never made it again.

Perhaps we will this weekend.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Recipe for Victorian Sponge Gingerbread

I asked Rebekah to pick a recipe she'd like to make as a birthday cake for my oldest son's birthday on Saturday, and this is the one she chose.

Yes, my thirty-one year old son still looks forward to his giant chocolate chip cookie, but since Christopher also likes ginger cookies, etc., we decided to try this cake recipe, too. This recipe originally appeared in Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

Sponge Gingerbread

1 cup sour milk

1 cup molasses

1/2 cup butter

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoon saleratus (We're going to substitute baking soda and see how that works)

1 great spoonful of ginger

Flour to make it as thick as pound cake

Put the butter, molasses and ginger together, and make them quite warm, then add the milk, flour, and saleratus, and bake as soon as possible.

Note: It doesn't say when to add the eggs. I'm thinking about beating them into the milk. Thoughts?

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." 

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: A Recipe for Happiness

A Recipe for Happiness (author unknown) is neither Victorian nor 1970's, but the following is appropriate for all people, of all eras.

1 large sense of humor

1 warm, wide smile

1 generous handful patience

Dash of courtesy

Plenty of love and humility (you can never add too much).

Mix all ingredients together and press through a sieve to strain out lingering amounts of unkindness. Yield: Serves all of mankind.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 27 through Nov. 1

It was a dark and stormy afternoon at Joliet's first "Panic at the Plaza" event.

Despite our canopy, the rains and and the winds were relentless.

And yet, the artists were stoic and brave.

Watch these two videos and see for yourself. And have a great weekend readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans. Happy November!

VIDEO: Voodoo Creations braves the elements in Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/69d04024-6dd5-497c-975d-d5c636f8509d.html

VIDEO: DISC Incense: hand-dipped scents in Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/4017272f-18da-45c8-915c-f9170ffbb7ed.html

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down.  Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): 

 Social media:

Daily updates: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to jon WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

Upcoming events:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts. 

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built. And be sure to "hover" your hand over the first square. Note: this only works (so far) with the desktop version.

But he's also made A LOT of changes to the website. So be sure to roam around a bit.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. If you have any questions, email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

These Joliet-area pets aren't shy about dressing up in costumes

See our collection of dressed-up dogs - and one cat.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/21/these-joliet-area-pets-arent-shy-about-dressing-up-in-costumes/d4jk5yp/


An Extraordinary Life: 'A straight-shooter all the way'
Joliet native stuck to his principles and never wavered

"Bob [Trizna] was an extremely principled person," Mike Hansen wrote in an email. "He believed extremely strongly in right and wrong and doing the right thing all of the time.He would never compromise his integrity or character."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/22/an-extraordianry-life-a-straight-shooter-all-the-way/d60nshu/


'They were dying that fast' 
Unknown Joliet victims of 1918 influenza pandemic to be memorialized 

Prayers and a plaque are part of tomorrow's dedication at Holy Cross Cemetery.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/27/they-were-dying-that-fast/dyak381/


VIDEO: Joliet victims of 1918 influenza pandemic to be memorialized 

Jack Gorski explains why it's important you attend, even if you are not connected to anyone in Holy Cross cemetery or the pandemic.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/d2c20a1d-4eb0-4a1a-bd02-cd4ae2cbf1ca.html


Learn about lung cancer screening on Nov. 12 in Joliet 

Are you or a loved one at risk?

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/14/learn-about-lung-cancer-screening-on-nov-12-in-joliet/dygud6p/


Joliet-area chefs pair popular sweets with the right beer and wine Chefs pair popular sweets with the right beer and wine 

For the 21 and over crowd

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/joliet-area-chefs-pair-popular-sweets-with-the-right-beer-and-wine/ap41r9a/


Joliet-area resident share their best scary recipes 

Five frightful ways to bring variety to your dinner table.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/joliet-area-resident-share-their-best-scary-recipes/du4irep/


VIDEO: Timbers of Shorewood saves Halloween 

The senior living facility opens its doors to the community for trick or treat.

And did you see that cat???

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/456ded0a-c0ab-4d6d-8242-6da055d54e84.html


A creative relationship with God
United Methodist Church of #NewLenox is offering 'The Artist's Way, a different kind of 12-step program

"It [the program] has a lot of different insights into our creativity and ways to go beyond that," Rick Johnston, a retired elementary school teacher and participant, said. "Seeing, pondering something and thinking are often seen as wasting time, but it's often very creative."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/31/a-creative-relationship-with-god/dvaz3dd/


Joliet lay contemplative shares art and reflection for All Saints Day

For a deeper story and two videos, click on the links in the story, too.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/28/joliet-lay-contemplative-shares-art-and-reflection-for-all-saints-day/d5cndxy/

LocalLit book spotlight: 'Did I Ever Thank You, Sister?' by former Joliet resident Sal Di Leo

Former Joliet resident Sal Di Leo wrote a book to commemorate the Joliet Franciscans who helped raise him when Di Leo lived at the former orphanage at Guardian Angel Home in Joliet.

He also built a religious retreat as a way to honor them.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/30/locallit-book-spotlight-did-i-ever-thank-you-sister-by-former-joliet-resident-sal-di-leo/ae1ccvm/