Secret Recipes
Happy April and a belated happy Easter. Here’s Mom’s easy “craft” instructions for making a bunny-shaped cake… #Easter EASTER BUNNY CAKE By Gloria Pitzer, as seen in her self-published newsletter… Gloria Pitzer’s Secret Recipes Newsletter (Secret RecipesTM, St. Clair, MI; Mar.-Apr. 1987, p. 12). INGREDIENTS/ITEM NEEDS: 2 8-inch or 9-inch, round cake pans [prepared per […]
Happy March and National Craft Month. In honor, here’s another one of Mom’s crochet patterns for a “V Stitch Pullover Vest” as seen in her self-published newsletter, Gloria Pitzer’s Secret Recipes Newsletter (Secret RecipesTM, St. Clair, MI; July-Aug. 1988, p. 11). As always, asking only for proper credit if you wish to share it. #NationalCraftMonth […]
Happy February! Next Sunday is the “big game” (aka: Super Bowl Sunday). If you’re hosting a party for it (or any other event), here’s Mom’s idea for a homemade pan warmer to use on your buffet table. #SuperBowlSunday Instant Warmer for Buffet Table By Gloria Pitzer, as seen in her self-published newsletter… Gloria Pitzer’s Secret […]
Happy New Year’s Day… “I may not have much candle left but, with what I have, I’ll shed a light.” – Gloria Pitzer, This is not a Cook Book! It’s Gloria Pitzer’s Food for Thought (Secret RecipesTM, St. Clair, MI; Oct. 1986, p. 34). #NewYearsDay HOLIDAY HURRICANE LAMP By Gloria Pitzer, as seen in her […]
Happy National Day of Giving Eve (for 2025). In honor, here’s Mom’s recipe for… SOFT SOAP (Homemade) By Gloria Pitzer, as seen in her self-published newsletter… Gloria Pitzer’s Secret Recipe Report (Secret RecipesTM, St. Clair, MI; December 1980, p. 9). INGREDIENTS/ITEM NEEDS: 1 bar (4.75-oz) Dial soap 1-qt (4 cups) hot tap water 4-oz cologne […]
Happy November! This is the perfect time for curling up in a cozy afghan. Crocheting was one of Mom’s favorite hobbies. Here’s her idea for an afghan made from “Granny Triangles” rather than traditional “Granny Squares”, similar to her Amish Windmill Quilt Pattern, Hand-Sewn. GRANNY TRIANGLE AFGHAN By Gloria Pitzer, as seen in her self-published […]
Happy September! Crafting talents run in my family. In honor of it, being National Sewing Month, here are some great sewing ideas from my grandma, as Mom wrote about them, almost 40 years ago, in her Secret Recipes Newsletter… Esther Carter’s Crafts By Gloria Pitzer, as seen in her self-published newsletter… Gloria Pitzer’s Secret Recipes […]
Happy August – as well as, Get Ready For Kindergarten Month and National Back to School Month! CHILLY PUTTY By Gloria Pitzer, as seen in her self-published newsletter… Gloria Pitzer’s Secret Recipes Newsletter (Secret RecipesTM, St. Clair, MI; Nov.-Dec. 1990, p. 4). From Art Lewis and Sue Smith, my every Tuesday at 10 am (EST) […]
Happy July! Having just enjoyed National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, I was reminded of this little craft project that Mom taught me many decades ago, when my children were young, using citrus fruits (usually oranges) and poking cloves into them, creating some sort of face or design. They were wrapped in ribbons that were […]
Happy June! By the way, Friday, the 13th, is… National Sewing Machine Day! In honor, here are directions for making one of Mom’s beloved rag dolls. RAG DOLL By Gloria Pitzer* FROM MOM’S MEMORIES… No Laughing Matter [Gloria Pitzer’s syndicated column (circa early 1980s)] Excerpt from… ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE THANKFUL AND/OR JOLLY [RE: […]