Sylvia’s Strawberry Salad and Wedding Cookies
My cousin, Sylvia Stewart, was a well-known teacher of dance in Gadsden, but she was also a wonderful cook. One of my favorite dishes that she prepared was her delicious strawberry salad. She often brought this salad to covered dish suppers at Eastside Presbyterian Church. This was also a favorite of Phyllis and Jimmy Lyons.
Sylvia’s Strawberry Salad
1 can strawberry pie filling
1 large can crushed pineapple (drain some of the juice)
1 can Eagle Brand Milk
1 large Cool Whip
1 cup chopped pecans
Mix altogether and refrigerate.
Andy’s Note: Now how easy is this? This is a great luncheon salad. It›s light and cool, so it’s very good for hot days in the South. This salad is also great for weddings and special events. I have several of Sylvia’s recipes in my cookbook that I cherish dearly.
Wedding Cookies
1 cup real butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla or 1 teaspoon almond flavoring
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-2 cups of finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup powdered sugar (roll cookies in this sugar) you may need more powdered sugar
Cream butter and sugar. Add remaining ingredients except the 1/4 cup powdered sugar and pecans. Mix well. Then add nuts. Chill dough until easy to handle. Shape into balls or crescents. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned. Roll cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm. Roll again when they are a little cooler. Makes three or four dozen.
Andy’s Note: These little cookies are quick, easy and the best tasting cookie you will ever put in your mouth. They are so versatile. You can shape them in balls or crescents and color the dough.
During the Christmas holidays, I always tint them red and green. They are so pretty with the dark red and green on the inside and the white powdered sugar on the outside. They are so attractive and dainty served at a beautiful wedding reception. I love to tint them a pale pink for a wedding or tea. I LOVE to bake cookies!
Gardens are growing everywhere in our beautiful South. I cannot wait to hopefully see large, red tomatoes hanging from the vines. Mary and I were talking about my tomato pie recipe yesterday and sharing it with all of you.
Happy summer and happy cooking,
Andy (Andrea) Bedwell
“Southern Cooking with Andy Bedwell” can be purchased at Little Faces Doll Shop, Alabama Gift Company, and the Messenger on Broad Street.