r/RecipePalooza

The muffins have taken over the breakfast table around here, and I can't get enough! Between the Joan Crawford Muffins and the Ann Blythe muffins, in addition to the very muffin-like Betty White Applesauce Loaf and Orange Loaf, I feel like I need to bake a batch each week. They're just so good with coffee!

These muffins were very easy to make, and like some of these other vintage muffins and loaves, they do have a bit more baking powder than a modern recipe might have.

That's what makes them firm and so good with coffee, kind of how a scone is good with tea. For this batch of muffins, I thought it would be fun to add mostly (cut-up) strawberries, and a few blueberries. With 4th of July coming up, and all the strawberries available at the store right now, it seemed like a good idea.

I baked them at 400 for exactly 25 minutes and they came out beautifully! It made 12 muffins.

The strawberries in the muffins gives them moist pockets of sweet flavor and with butter, this can't be beat!

And yes it was wrapped in wax paper. In case you missed it, I also made Betty White's Easy-Slice Applesauce Loaf.

A great orange flavor and not too sweet. And as you can see, it does slice quite nicely. Olive oil makes this even better, IMHO.

Another ingredient that makes this delicious is the flavor and crunch of the pecans. My secret for nuts is always to soak them for 5-10 minutes before using. They're always so dusty and dirty out of the package.

Soaking nuts (often called "activating") is done to improve digestibility, enhance flavor, and achieve a crispier texture. It works by washing away bitter compounds and reducing surface dust and mold.

I'm not vegan but I make this regularly because it's just really good. Creamy Tuscan-style butter beans with wilted spinach, ready in under 30 minutes. Filling enough that you don't miss the meat at all.

This is the recipe: https://totallythedream.com/vegan-tuscan-butter-beans-with-spinach/

You see, making Joanie's Danti-Chips isn't just about cooking. It is about confidence, presentation, and knowing how to command a room. Bette Davis could never understand the meticulous care it takes to layer American cheese and deviled ham into a true crowd-pleaser.

Let us revisit the flawless script for this infamous appetizer:

• The Base: Crisp, beautiful chips or toasted bread rounds that stand up under pressure.
• The Costars: A sharp wedge of American Cheese topped with a perfectly sliced sweet pickle.
• The Leading Role: A generous, proud dollop of deviled ham right on top.
• The Big Finish: Toast in the oven until everything is warm, melted, and harmonious.

This is so simple to put together! And when you think of it, this is basically a little ham and cheese bite with a hint of pickle...NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT! (I made my own deviled ham for this recipe).

I preferred this hors d'oeuvre with the toasted buttered bread rounds (I used thin sourdough). After a taste test with my husband, he actually liked both, but thought the chip version was much better for a party. ( He was calling them "Smokers' Delights!") Just think about a smoke filled living room in Joan's home and people noshing on these salt-fueled snacks, and you'll get the reference.

Next time I'd use a thinner slice of cheese, for better melting. Also the potato chips burn quickly, so proceed with caution!

When done correctly, it is absolute magic. A performance worthy of an Academy Award! Now let's pour ourselves a freezing-cold Pepsi to celebrate!