As I reminisced about the square dancing of my youth and it’s connection to quilting bees in Square Dancing and Quilting Bees, I recalled some of the recipes of my youth. I also have two cookbooks that the ladies of my childhood community put together as church fundraisers.

Here’s a recipe they might have made to sell at the community square dance refreshment table.  Just going through the names of the contributors brought back memories of my growing up years.

Louise’s Chocolate Crackles would have been a hit with chocolate lovers.  Here is my variation upon Louise’s theme.

Combine 1 box Devil’s food or deep chocolate cake mix (1 lb. 2.5 oz.), 2 slightly beaten eggs, 1 tablespoon water, ½ cup vegetable shortening.  Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, if desired.  Mix together well. Shape into balls the size of walnuts and roll in granulated sugar.

Place on greased cookie sheet and bake about 350 degrees F. for 8-10 minutes until crackled and done. (Some recipes for this type of cookie recommend baking at 375 degrees F.)

©2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Square Dancing/Quilting Bee Foods

As I watched the first and second graders learning to square dance in music class, at the school where I was substitute teaching, I recalled my younger years in a farming community. Our 4-H leader taught my friends and me to square dance, waltz, and polka.

This prepared us for the monthly community square dances organized by the fire department and ladies auxiliary of firemen’s wives. Children and adults, whole families attended these social events in our town.

The ladies also served refreshments consisting of their home baked goodies. These they sold to raise money for the fire department.

 Quilting Bee Dances

This reminds me of quilting bee times when the ladies gathered at one another’s homes. Then in the evening, the menfolk and sometimes the children, joined for a meal and games or dancing.

If there was space in the hay barn, a place was cleared for square dancing. A neighbor might play his fiddle and call the moves.

It’s interesting, I find, how various memories can be connected to one’s own quilting, as well at that done in history.

Do you have any quilting bee and/or square dancing memories to share?

©2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Square Dancing & Quilting Bees