March 22nd, 2020
When I was a little girl, this is the OG cake that was always at my grandmother Florence’s house. She kept a chocolate and a vanilla version on hand for any occasion. If it was a birthday she iced it with buttercream or cream cheese frosting. If it was a picnic she served it with fresh berries or berries in their own syrup. This cake is so good you can eat it plain. It feeds a ton of people via sheet cake, rounds or cupcakes, keeps on the counter for days, refrigerates and freezes perfectly. This recipe is an oldie but a goody. The only thing we have changed from the original well-worn recipe as you can see by the photo, is that we substitute grass fed butter for the shortening.
Print Recipe
Florence's White or Chocolate Buttermilk Cake
A versatile and delicious cake that can be iced ore served plain with fruit.
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar and eggs.
In a small bowl combine buttermilk, baking soda and vanilla.
In another small bowl combine flours OR if chocolate then flour and cocoa
Alternate adding flour and buttermilk to creamed mixture.
Grease and flour three (3) cake rounds. Pour in batter equally.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden on top or until toothpick comes out clean.
Recipe Notes
This cake is a delicious "everyday" cake that can easily be eaten without icing as a poundcake, with fruit or iced with buttercream icing. It also freezes well.
March 19th, 2020
When I was young, I was invited to a philanthropic party at a mansion, with a glamorous host and hostess to match. As I snuck off to peek around the gorgeous home, I found a woman, nicely dressed, crouched down with a broom and dustpan cleaning up a kitchen mess. I assumed it was the housekeeper or caterer. As she stood up she said, “Hello, just sweeping up a little mess”. I quickly realized she was our hostess, she saw my curious look and said, well, you know, “everybody sweeps”. I’ve thought about that moment from time to time over the years and when I remember, I think, “You know what, everybody should sweep!” We are all competent to “sweep” in the broadest sense of the term, but we don’t. We rely on a multitude of services providers and we outsource almost all of our “sweeping”.
This is one reason that handling the repercussions of coronavirus and being home-bound seems so difficult. Gen X’s and Boomers grew up having to “sweep” more. We did a lot for ourselves. We cleaned up our own messes and few households had daily help. Most of us learned to grocery shop and cook under the apprenticeship of our elders, enjoying mostly homemade foods. The service industry as we know it today did not emerge until we were grown. Thus, we have a few more tools to help us “sweep”.
Social media is full of “information”, but as we all sit at home and wonder what WE can do we all need to think about the future. This all happened fast! We need to get back to the basics of what makes American’s unique yet connected. We must get in touch with our shared humanity and community, we all need to learn to sweep for ourselves and others! We may not like doing everything ourselves, it is certainly easier to outsource our cleaning, cooking, laundry, gardening, child-care, schooling, personal beauty care, shopping or the myriad of other services we tap an app and have on demand. All of us must KNOW and learn how to do things ourselves so that times like these don’t seem so unmanageable. That staying at home, entertaining at home, home self-care and improvement are not as daunting as they seem. We want you to have confidence that you can do anything from sweeping to plumbing. It is possible and even preferable not to mention profitable!
We arguably founded SaySo, to keep the “sweeping” going in our own household with advice and family recipes for family and friends to access wherever they are. Over the next few days and weeks, I’m going to use my time, doing more postings to help my community “sweep”, so that we can all feel empowered today and going forward. We can all work together to become more self-sufficient, more empathetic, more altruistic and more American.
We know that your inboxes and sites are full of information and missives and are glad that we all seem to be supporting one another. This article, https://drhyman.com/blog/2020/03/17/protect-yourself-from-covid-19/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_campaign=b424a99fdd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_03_29_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_07a277e311-b424a99fdd-124065441&mc_cid=b424a99fdd&mc_eid=21d6c0231f, and this podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/98-peter-attia-m-d-and-paul-grewal-m-d-coronavirus-covid-19-faq/id1400828889?i=1000468457729, are timely, thoughtful and comprehensive, showing how much YOU can do to protect yourself and loved ones.
See the site for all the comfort recipes, like banana bread, waffles, potato and bacon frittata, lemon poppy seed muffins, Mimi soup, chicken and noodles, pie, Florence’s Buttermilk Cake and tapioca pudding along with other favorites we are making for our group! Happy reading and sweeping!
March 19th, 2020
Mademoiselle loves to expand her culinary skills! She needed to make a quick brunch for a few friends so I sent over this super easy Potato and Bacon Frittata recipe. It could even be a big hit for Father’s Day, if you are in charge of cooking! So easy and delicious!
 Potato and Bacon Frittata 2016-05-01 15:17:21 Serves 6 - 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Cups Frozen Hash Browns either plain or with peppers and onions (We use Alexia)
- 6 Large Eggs
- 2 Tablespoons Milk
- 1 Cup of Shredded Cheddar (We use smokey cheddar)
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
- 6 Slices of pre-cooked bacon (crumbled)
- Chopped Herbs
- Chopped Tomatoes
- Chopped Avocado
- Chopped Scallions or Chives
- Combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper, set aside. If using herbs add them here.
- Melt butter over medium heat.
- Add frozen potatoes and cook until browned, but not too crisp.
- Pour over potatoes. As the egg mixture starts to cook, gently lift the edges of the frittata with a spatula tilting pan to promote even cooking. Continue lifting and flowing egg underneath the frigate until the center is cooked. If you have difficulty cooking center place a lid on top for 2-3 minutes or turn over gently.
- Remove from pan to platter. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Add bacon. Add other toppings or place chopped toppings or salsa on the side.
- If you use a cast iron skillet you can serve stove-top to table!
By Mimi
Adapted from GLinda's Recipe Repertoire
Adapted from GLinda's Recipe Repertoire
Because I Say So http://www.becauseisayso.com/
March 19th, 2020 Mademoiselle’s significant other MM loves waffles. We love that he loves waffles, and even though we taught him how to make them last week, we wanted to post the recipe so he always has it! So, here it is for easy access and for us to share. The recipe works perfectly for pancakes too. However, Mimi asks that you make her one important promise before you enjoy this recipe. Only use real maple syrup! That fake stuff does not do justice to the taste of the batter!
 Mimi's Wonderful Waffles 2019-09-12 17:28:14 Yields 12 The best slightly sweet and crispy waffle. - 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Teaspoons baking powder
- 1 Teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 Teaspoon salt
- 3-4 Tablespoons Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs, Lightly Beaten
- 3 Cups Buttermilk
- 4 Tablespoons melted butter
- Heat waffle iron or a griddle to 375 degrees. Butter or grease waffle iron.
- Whisk dry ingredients together in large mixing bowl.
- Make a well in the center of dry ingredients.
- In another bowl or large measuring container combine buttermilk and eggs, mix well.
- Melt butter and let cool.
- Add cooled butter to liquids.
- Add wet ingredients into well of dry ingredients and mix quickly with a whisk.
- Using a 1/2 cup measure ladle onto griddle for pancakes or waffle iron.
- For, pancake wait until bubbles appear on top and then turn. About 2 minutes per side.
- Keep heated in a 175 Degree oven.
By Mimi Because I Say So http://www.becauseisayso.com/
November 22nd, 2019 Ok Mademoiselle, you are on your own now and in LA! Time to bring our traditions to the Bay area! You better have your Greenburg Turkey and Honey Baked Ham! I reposted the basics, so get busy! Ha!
THANKSGIVING WITH MIMI AND MADEMOISELLE
APPETIZERS
Mademoiselle’s charcuterie board (she’s very talented at this!)
MAINS
Greenburg Smoked Turkey
Honey Baked Ham
SIDES
Party Potatoes
Mimi’s Sweet Potato Casserole
Biscuit Cornbread Dressing w/Giblet Gravy
Green Beans with Bacon and Fried Shallots
Cranberry Sauce
Parker House Rolls
DESSERT
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
Cherry Pie
Whipped Cream
These recipes are tried and true and handed down and over by family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving Y’all! Bon appetit!
November 22nd, 2019
This recipe is an oldie but a goodie, often referred to as Patrician potatoes, we call them party potatoes because we make them for almost any family celebration.
Print Recipe
Party Potatoes
Delicious mashed potatoes for any occasion.
Instructions
Peel Potatoes, cook and drain.
While potatoes are boiling, beat sour cream and cream cheese until fluffy. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, stir to combine well.
Add hot potatoes and 1/2 cup potato water to cheese and spice mixture. Mash to desired consistency.
Pour into large casserole dish. Cover with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika and chives if desired.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and serve.
July 4th, 2019 The weather is warming up and outdoor living and entertaining is upon us. Why don’t you invite your friends over and cook up a memorable outdoor meal? Mimi and Mademoiselle will share one of our favorite menus that says, “Yea, it’s summer!”
 Shrimp, Vidalia Onion and Chorizo Sausage Skewers 2015-05-20 11:16:32 Serves 4 Grilled Shrimp, Vidalia Onion and Chorizo Sausage on Skewers is a summer grilling hit! - 24 Jumbo Shrimp (Uncooked, Deveined)
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 Large Vidalia Onion
- 1/4 Cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil + 2 Tablespoons
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
- 8 oz. Dried Chorizo Sausage
- Kosher Salt
- Fresh Black Pepper
- Set out 8 skewers or soak 8 wooden skewers in water.
- Heat grill or indoor griddle.
- Toss shrimp in garlic, oil and lime juice in a large bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate.
- Cut onion into 8 wedges, in a separate bowl, toss in extra 2 Tablespoons olive oil. Salt and Pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate.
- Cut chorizo on the bias into sixteen 1" pieces.
- Thread shrimp and chorizo onto each skewer, alternating pieces with onion wedge slices. Approximately, 3 of each.
By Mimi & Mademoiselle Because I Say So http://www.becauseisayso.com/
 Avocados with Balsamic Vinegar 2015-05-20 11:29:49 Serves 4 A simple yummy summer side dish! - 2 Firm, large, ripe Hass avocados, peeled, pitted and cut in half.
- 1 small lime, juiced.
- Balsamic Vinegar, plain, peach or other light variety.
- Pinch of Herbes de Provence or Kosher Salt.
- Plate peeled, pitted and halved avocados.
- Squeeze juice of lime over prepared avocados.
- Fill seed center with vinegar.
- Optional: Season with a pinch of kosher salt or herbes de provence.
By Mimi & Mademoiselle Because I Say So http://www.becauseisayso.com/
 Tequila and Sweet Lime Watermelon 2015-05-21 12:37:23 Serves 12 A delicious way to serve watermelon! - One seedless watermelon
- 4 limes
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup tequila
- Cut watermelon into wedges
- Zest 4 limes
- Squeeze juice of 4 limes
- Mix lime juice and tequila in small saucepan, heat to simmer
- Add sugar and dissolve
- Cool completely
- Pour lime syrup over watermelon
- Sprinkle with lime zest
- Refrigerate until serving
By Mimi and Mademoiselle Because I Say So http://www.becauseisayso.com/
 Summer Fresh Strawberry Cake 2015-05-20 12:10:59 Serves 12 An easy but decadent summer cake! - 1 Package white cake mix
- 1 Small box jell-o strawberry gelatin
- 1 Cup small diced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 Cup hot water
- 1 Cup canola oil
- 4 Eggs
- 2 Tablespoons Flour
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup fresh diced strawberries
- Mix cake mix, jello and flour in a large bowl.
- Add hot water and oil. Mix until well blended.
- Add eggs one at a time, being well.
- Add berries folding gently into batter.
- Pour batter into a well greased and floured 9 x13 square baking dish.
- Bake at 325 Degrees for 30-45 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Cream butter and sugar together.
- Add strawberries, Mix well.
- Pour over completely cooled cake.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream. Hopefully, homemade! Enjoy!
By Mimi & Mademoiselle Because I Say So http://www.becauseisayso.com/
November 21st, 2018 Mademoiselle is all about Mimi’s Thanksgiving recipes so here’s my easy Cornbread Biscuit Dressing! Its the best of both worlds, especially if you combine it with Giblet Gravy! Yum!
 Mimi's Cornbread Biscuit Dressing 2017-11-15 15:49:01 Yields 14 A Traditional Simple Southern Dressing - 4 Cups Soft Fresh Biscuit Crumbs (We use a can of Immaculate Bakery Buttermilk Biscuits)
- 4 Cups Cornbread Crumbs (We use our own recipe, but any will do)
- 4 Eggs (Lightly Beaten)
- 3 Cups finely sliced Celery
- 2 Cups Sweet Onions finely chopped
- 1/2 Cup Butter
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Finely Chopped Sage
- 7 Cups Chicken, Turkey or Vegetable Stock
- Salt and Pepper to taste (or 1 tsp. each)
- Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees.
- Crumble biscuits and cornbread in very large mixing bowl, set aside.
- In a large cast iron skillet, saute celery and onion in butter. Stir in sage, saute 1 minute. Remove from heat. Cool.
- Whisk broth and eggs together. Add to sautéed mixture.
- Pour sauteed mixture into biscuit/cornbread crumbs. Stir to combine.
- Regrease sides of cast iron skillet.
- Pour mixture back into cast iron skillet.
- Bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes or until golden browned.
- If you are vegetarian or vegan, you may replace eggs with your favorite egg replacer or 1/2 cup almond milk, but reduce the vegetable stock by 1/2 cup. You may replace the butter with olive oil or double the amount of applesauce. You may want to increase your herbs and spices a bit, but otherwise you should have a fantastic dressing too!
By Mimi Because I Say So http://www.becauseisayso.com/
November 21st, 2018 
Last time we posted “the crust”, this time we are focusing on some ideas for pie filling. A favorite pie around our parts is pecan. This is a very versatile recipe that always turns out perfect!
 Mimi's Pecan Pie 2015-10-12 17:27:41 Yields 1 The Perfect Pecan Pie - 3 Eggs
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Light Corn Syrup
- 1/4 Cup Melted Butter
- 1-2 Cups Pecans (whole or chopped)
- Preheat Oven to 375 degrees.
- Beat eggs slightly in a 2 quart bowl.
- Stir in sugar, corn syrup and melted butter.
- Add pecans (chopped or whole) either one cup for gooey pie and two cups for chewy, nuttier pie.
- Stir pecans to coat.
- Add filling to prepared raw pie dough.
- Bake in center of oven 35-40 minutes or until filling is slightly firm.
- Center of pie may look soft when pie is gently shaken, but it will become firm when cool.
- You can add 1 Tablespoon of Whiskey or Bourbon (reduce the butter by same amount) for a kick or line the pie crust with a thin layer of fudge before you cook it if you want a bit of chocolate with your pecans. Serve with homemade whipped cream.
By Mimi Because I Say So http://www.becauseisayso.com/
November 21st, 2018 Mademoiselle’s cooking for Thanksgiving and Mimi sent her a Greenberg Turkey! But, you cannot have your turkey without cranberry sauce. This recipe is so easy that you should NEVER use the stuff from the can again. If you are lucky to have any left after Thanksgiving, it stores just like jelly and is great on sandwiches until its gone!
 Mimi's Cranberry Sauce 2016-11-03 19:20:35 The basic cranberry sauce your grandmother made! - 1 Cup Water
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 Bag Cranberries
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add sugar slowly stirring constantly until dissolved.
- Add cranberries, let simmer until popped.
- Cool to thicken.
- We are purists. No orange juice or zest. However, some people love the extra flavor this adds. If you want a hint of orange add 2Tbsp orange juice and a teaspoon of zest. Chopped pecans are also an option.
Because I Say So http://www.becauseisayso.com/
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