(Editor’s Note: The Patriot plans to run a recipe or two each week from locals and their favorite recipe books. If you have one you’d like to share, contact the Patriot at 763-275-0275).

Never Fail Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups brown sugar;

• 1/2 cup shortening;

• 1/2 teaspoon salt;

• 1/2 cup hot water;

• 1 cup sour milk;

• 1/2 cup cocoa;

• 1 egg;

• 1 teaspoon vanilla;

• 1 teaspoon soda;

• 2-1/2 cups flour.

Cream shortening, sugar; beat well. Add egg and beat again. Add sour milk, vanilla, then flour. Add hot water with soda last. Batter will be thin. Put in greased layer tins and bake for 25 minutes at 350º.

In memory of ShirLee Wipper

Eggless Spice Cake

• 3/4 cups shortening;

• 1 cup white sugar;

• 1 cup brown sugar;

• 1 cup warm water; 

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon;

• 1 teaspoon cloves;

• 2 cups raisins;

• 1 teaspoon salt.

Put all above ingredients into a pan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1 cup milk to cool. Pour into bowl and add 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon soda and 2 teaspoons baking powder. Bake at 350º until done.

In memory of ShirLee Wipper.

Steamed Dumplings

• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour;

• 1/2 teaspoon salt;

• 1/3 cup milk;

• 1-1/2 teaspoons 

baking powder;

• 2 eggs, beaten;

• 2 tablespoons melted fat or salad oil.

Sift flour,baking powder and salt together. Combine eggs, milk and oil and add to dry ingredients to make soft dough. Drop from teaspoon into stew or soup. 

Stew or soup should have 3 cups of liquid. Place cover on kettle and cook for 20 minutes. Shut off heat and leave covered for 1-2 minutes.

In memory of Doris Larson.