Coconut Pecan Frosting

2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
2 egg yolks
1/3 cup butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/3 cup coconut (or more depending on preference)
2/3 cup chopped pecans

Put first five ingredients in a medium pot. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. When the first bubble appears, it should be done. Remove from heat and add coconut and pecans. Makes approx. 2 1/2 cups frosting. This frosting goes great with german chocolate cake.

Recipe from my mom. This is the dessert my dad would usually request for his birthday and Father's Day.

Lion House Rolls

2 c. warm water

2/3 c. nonfat dry milk (instant or non-instant)

2 Tb yeast

¼ c. sugar

2 tsp salt

1/3 c. butter or shortening

1 egg

5 to 5 ½ c. all purpose or bread flour

Combine water and milk powder; stir until milk dissolves. Add yeast, then sugar, salt, butter, egg and 2 cups flour. Mix on low speed until ingredients are wet, then on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups flour; mix on low speed until ingredients are wet, then on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add about ½ c. flour and mix again. Dough should be soft, not overly sticky, and not stiff.

Place dough in a greased bowl; turn to coat. Cover and let rise until double in size. Turn dough over on floured surface so that it is floured on both sides. Gently flatten to 1 inch thick, then roll into a 18x8 inch rectangle, ¼ inch thick. Cut dough in half the long way, to make two 4 inch strips. Cut dough every two inches. Starting with the short (2 inch) end, roll the dough up and place on greased baking pans with the short end down. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Bake at 375° for 15 to 18 minutes or until browned. Brush with melted butter while hot. Makes 1 to 1 ½ dozen rolls. (Dough may be used for breadsticks as well – 375° for ~10 minutes.)

Recipe from Lion House via The Sisters Cafe.

Peanut Butter Balls

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 1/2 c. peanut butter (fresh ground peanut butter is great in this)

1 1/2 c. crushed graham crackers (crush, then measure; about 9-10 full crackers)

1 3/4 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

pinch salt, opt

Mix all ingredients except powdered sugar. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar first, then add a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached (I like mine firm so I add it all). Good dipped in or drizzled with chocolate.

Recipe from Cindy Peterson.