Nannie's Kitchen: Recipes from a Kansas Farmhouse is a delightful cookbook written by Jeannette Wall in 1999. It is a tribute to her grandmother, Nannie, who was a remarkable cook and taught Wall the art of making delicious and hearty meals from scratch. This cookbook is not just a collection of recipes, but a journey through time, giving readers a glimpse into the simple and wholesome life on a Kansas farm in the early 1900s. Let's take a closer look at the top 10 recipes from Nannie's Kitchen. Introduction
Nannie's Kitchen: Recipes from a Kansas Farmhouse by Jeannette Wall (1999)
No farmhouse kitchen is complete without a hearty and comforting dish like Chicken and Dumplings. Nannie's version is simple yet delicious, with tender chunks of chicken and fluffy dumplings cooked in a rich and flavorful broth. This recipe is a staple at family gatherings and is sure to become a favorite in your household as well. 1. Nannie's Famous Chicken and Dumplings
Nannie's Kitchen: Recipes from a Kansas Farmhouse by Jeannette Wall (1999)
Biscuits are a staple in any Southern kitchen, and Nannie's Buttermilk Biscuits are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can result in a delicious and versatile baked good. These biscuits are light, flaky, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Nannie's secret? Using real butter and buttermilk for that irresistible flavor. 2. Buttermilk Biscuits
Nannie's Kitchen: Recipes from a Kansas Farmhouse by Jeannette Wall (1999)
Nothing says comfort like a warm slice of apple pie, and Nannie's recipe is a must-try for any pie lover. The crust is made with lard for that perfect flakiness, and the filling is a delicious concoction of freshly picked apples, cinnamon, and sugar. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a true taste of Nannie's kitchen. 3. Homemade Apple Pie
Nannie's Kitchen: Recipes from a Kansas Farmhouse by Jeannette Wall (1999)
Fried chicken is a classic Southern dish, but Nannie's recipe takes it to the next level. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk and coated in a secret blend of herbs and spices before being fried to perfection. This dish is a labor of love, but one bite and you'll understand why it's worth the effort. 4. Nannie's Fried Chicken
Nannie's Kitchen: Recipes from a Kansas Farmhouse by Jeannette Wall (1999)
If you have a sweet tooth, Nannie's Chocolate Pecan Pie is a must-try. This decadent dessert combines the rich and gooey filling of a pecan pie with a layer of creamy chocolate for a match made in heaven. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. 5. Chocolate Pecan Pie
Nannie's Kitchen: Recipes from a Kansas Farmhouse by Jeannette Wall (1999)
Another staple in Nannie's kitchen was her hearty and flavorful Beef Stew. This dish is perfect for cold winter nights, with chunks of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth that will warm you up from the inside out. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal. 6. Nannie's Beef Stew
Nannie's Kitchen: Recipes from a Kansas Farmhouse by Jeannette Wall (1999)
This classic dessert may seem intimidating, but Nannie's recipe breaks it down into simple steps that anyone can follow. The result is a delicious and moist Pineapple Upside-Down Cake with a caramelized topping of pineapple rings, brown sugar, and butter. It's the perfect dessert to impress your guests. 7. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Nannie's Kitchen: Recipes from a Kansas Farmhouse by Jeannette Wall (1999)
Another delicious dish that showcases Nannie's skill in making flaky and buttery crusts is her Chicken Pot Pie. This comforting dish is filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. It's a great way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables from other meals. 8. Nannie's Chicken Pot Pie
Nannie's Kitchen: Recipes from a Kansas Farmhouse by Jeannette Wall (1999)
Pork chops are a staple in Nannie's kitchen, and this recipe adds a unique twist with the addition of apple cider. The tangy and sweet flavor of the cider pairs perfectly with the savory pork chops, creating a delicious and easy-to-make meal that your family will love. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes for a complete dinner. 9. Apple Cider Pork Chops
Nannie's Kitchen: Recipes from a Kansas Farmhouse by Jeannette Wall (1999)
The Warmth and Nostalgia of Nannie's Kitchen: A Reflection of House Design
The Heart of the Home
In the world of house design, the kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. It is the place where families gather to cook, eat, and bond over shared meals. It is also where cherished family recipes are passed down through generations, creating a sense of nostalgia and warmth. In her book "The Glass Castle," author Jeannette Walls paints a vivid picture of her grandmother's kitchen, affectionately known as Nannie's Kitchen. This space not only served as the center of the household, but it also reflected the design choices and values of the family.
Nannie's Kitchen
was a quaint and cozy space, filled with
homemade
furniture and
handcrafted
decorations. The walls were adorned with
family photos
and
artwork
made by the children. The
wooden cabinets
were adorned with
knick-knacks
and
souvenirs
from
Nannie's
travels. The
colorful
tile backsplash
was a nod to
Nannie's
Mexican heritage. Every detail of the kitchen
reflected
the
personality
and
history
of the family.
A Sense of Comfort and Nostalgia
The design of Nannie's Kitchen was not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also created a sense of
comfort
and
nostalgia
for the family. The
warm
color palette
and
cozy
furnishings
invited people to gather and
relax
. The
scent
of
freshly baked bread
and
coffee
lingered in the air, evoking memories of
childhood
and
family traditions
. Nannie's Kitchen was a
safe haven
from the chaos of the outside world, a place where the family could come together and find
solace
in each other's company.
The Importance of Personal Touches
Nannie's Kitchen serves as a reminder that
personal touches
are an essential aspect of house design. It is not just about following the latest trends or having the most expensive appliances. It is about creating a space that reflects the
values
,
memories
, and
personalities
of the people who live in it. Nannie's Kitchen may not have been the most modern or luxurious kitchen, but it was a space that was overflowing with
love
and
history
.
In conclusion, Nannie's Kitchen in Jeannette Walls' book is not just a kitchen, but a representation of the importance of house design in creating a warm and welcoming home. It highlights the significance of incorporating personal touches and creating a space that is both functional and reflective of the family's unique story. Nannie's Kitchen will always be a cherished
memory
for the Walls family, and it serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to infuse their home with a sense of
warmth
and
nostalgia
.
