Eileen’s lemon bars were the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, made with care and a touch of love. Baking was one of her favorite ways to show affection, especially for her seven children, who eagerly awaited a batch fresh from the oven.
Every summer, her lemon bars became a highlight at family gatherings, often served alongside a big bucket of KFC chicken—a simple but cherished tradition. The bars, dusted generously with powdered sugar, carried the taste of sunshine and togetherness.
More than just a dessert, these lemon bars were a reminder of Eileen’s warmth, her laughter in the kitchen, and the joy she found in feeding her family.
These bright, tangy squares quickly became a timeless favorite — a perfect balance of buttery crust and citrusy sweetness. This recipe appeared in the 1963 Betty Crocker's Cook Book, which helped popularize the dessert nationwide.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword 4chion Foodie, bake, cooking, family recipe, lemon bars, Recipe
6TSBPLemon JuiceFresh lemons provide a tart tangy flavor
1/2CShifted Powdered SugarSave for dusting at the end
Instructions
Crust
Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Combine cold, cubed butter with the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs withpea-sized pieces of butter. Press mixture into a 9×13" greased pan. Food tip: Line the baking pan with parchment paper. Bake 18-20 min. until golden brown. Coolc ompletely
Filling
Beat eggs, sugar, flour, and lemon juice w/electric mixer until well-blended. Pour mixture over cooled crust. Bake 25-30min. cool completely. Dust with sifted powdered sugar
Notes
Eileen’s Family Lemon Bars Recipe
Food: The Great Connector
Food is the great connector, linking us to our ancestors through recipes, memories, traditions, and love. It evokes the warmth of a grandmother’s kitchen and the comforting aromas of something simmering on the stove, speaking a language older than words. With every bite, we remember who we are and carry those stories forward, nourishing the future with the essence of the past.
Five generations of family history and tradition connect through stories, names, and recipes. Peery Manford Winger, who worked hard to provide for his family, passed down resilience that shaped those who came after him. Noah Winger, who served in the Civil War, carried a spirit of endurance and sacrifice that still inspires his descendants. In more recent times, little Jolene Ann Moss celebrated with cowboy hats, baked beans, and birthday joy. Even a dish like Bootlegger Beans, hearty and flavored with bacon, molasses, and tradition, carries with it the taste of togetherness, linking the past and present around the family table.
Jolene Ann’s First Year
On a sunny day filled with laughter and cowboy hats, the family gathered to celebrate Jolene Ann’s very first birthday, her “first rodeo.” The house was alive with the sounds of birthday fun as we enjoyed a hearty meal of ribs, potato salad, corn bread, and baked beans. Dressed in our cowboy best, we marked this special milestone with joy and gratitude.
1st Birthday Jolene “So Big”
Jolene’s First Rodeo
Jolene’s first year of life was filled with both challenges and triumphs. Born with a cleft lip, she grew strong and healthy, gaining the weight needed for surgery. From the very beginning, we loved her beautiful smile, and after her surgery, she brought us a brand-new one. It took a little while to get used to the change, but her smiles remained just as radiant, each one a gift of happiness.
Her personality shone through from the start. Jolene is a calm, cheerful child who loves to snuggle and play with her toys. She has a playful streak, often teasing and exploring the world around her, filling her home with joy and laughter.
Jolene Ann Moss Olivia and Jolene Moss
Jolene has brought endless joy and entertainment to the family in her first year of life. Surrounded by love, cowboy cheer, and the warmth of family tradition, her first birthday was a true celebration of her journey and the bright future ahead.
Jolene’s Name
Her name carries deep family meaning, tying together generations of women: Chloe Ann (maternal great-grandmother); Jo Ann (her paternal grandmother); Kara Ann (niece); and me. In this way, Jolene Ann’s name honors her family roots as she begins her own story.
Perry and Chloe Winger Home
The Life of Perry Manford Winger
Perry Manford Winger (Paternal Great Grandfather) was born June 18, 1876, in Spickard, Missouri. He was the 8th of nine children.
They lived in Missouri, farming. His father, Noah, was a farmer and a horse trader. They were not financially well-off, and they lived in very humble circumstances, but they had love, respect, and consideration for one another.[n]
Preston, Idaho
Perry moved to Preston, Idaho, with his family in 1906. He lived the rest of his life there. He married Chloe Ann Dixon on November 13, 1908, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They had 8 children.
He was a good carpenter and built a beautiful home in Preston for his family. The home had all the modern amenities of the time: electricity, running water, and a water heater.[g] The family lived with Joseph Gaily (his brother-in-law) on their farm for a few years while Perry built the home.
He was a farmer as a “sharecropper” for various people and worked for the Preston police department. He was an all-around good man and was well-liked by everyone.[o]
Ancil (paternal grandfather) states, “My father worked on the police department at night. Father was a good carpenter and he built a nice home for the family in Preston on a five acre farm. The family moved in when I was one year old. The home was equipped with plumbing and electric lights. I remember my father would come home in the morning and I would climb upon his knee while he ate his breakfast. I was four years old when Father died. He died of a ruptured appendix on June 15, 1920.” [f]
Appendicitis
Etta Lydia Dixon, Perry’s sister-in-law, passed away from the Spanish flu on February 2, 1920. Perry took his family to assist her spouse with the 6 young children and farming duties in Banida, ID, in June. While there, Perry felt he had strained his back. As time went on, he became very ill. The family journeyed back to Preston, ID. When they arrived, he had gangrenous appendicitis. He passed away on June 15, 1920. He left behind his wife, Chloe Ann, five months pregnant, and seven young children.
Lyman Winger Lyman Winger The Great Bank Robbery Aunt Blanche WingerAncil’s Ice Cream Gloria and Lloyd Winger Floyd Winger and MeLyman, Blanche, Lloyd, Floyd, Ancil, Eldon, and Perry
Perry Winger’s Legacy
Lyman Myrl Winger
Lyman Myrl Winger (Paternal Great-Uncle) was the eldest child of Perry Manford Winger. He was an American film industry technician who specialized in the camera and electrical departments during Hollywood’s mid-20th-century studio era. His career took him to Los Angeles, where he contributed behind the scenes on a variety of productions (Mame and The Great Train Robbery).
During filming, he worked with lighting, power, and camera operations to meet the demanding standards. Outside of work, Winger maintained ties to his Idaho roots and his faith in God. He lost his eyesight due to Macular Degeneration and had Parkinson’s disease in his later years.
He was a father to one son, Robert Eli, who was adopted.[d] His first wife passed away on January 11, 1946. [d] He married Jennie Calder Watson on July 2, 1949. He passed away on October 7, 1996, at the age of 86.[e]
Blanche Winger Barrymore
Blanche Winger Barrymore (Paternal Great-Aunt) was a photographer who worked for Pacific Bell. She was beautiful and independent throughout her life. Blanche lost her eyesight due to Macular Degeneration. She passed away on June 22, 2010, in Ketchum, Idaho. Just 2 months shy of her 100th birthday.
She married William “Bill” Barrymore, a Hollywood stuntman and silent-screen white-hat Western movie star. She was the mother of two sons, Douglas William Barrymore (moved to Switzerland) and Richard (Dickie) Barrymore, a major figure in American ski culture, known for his films and writing. His memoir is Breaking Even.
Lloyd Dixon Winger
Lloyd Dixon Winger (Paternal Great-Uncle) was born on April 18, 1914, as a twin. After trying acting, he joined the Navy as a photographer. He worked as an insurance agent following the war. He married Gloria Flo Pugh; her first husband died shortly after their wedding in a plane crash. She attempted suicide upon receiving the telegram.[l] Lloyd had 4 children, the oldest died shortly after birth. Lloyd was killed in an auto accident when he crashed into a logging truck on an icy road. He was suffering from cancer at the time. He passed on December 13, 1991.[k]
Floyd Dixon Winger
Floyd Dixon Winger was born on April 18, 1914, as a twin, was a member of the Sea Bees, a unit of combat engineers in the Navy, during World War II. During the war he was on a Naval construction ship. He was a Battalion carpenter. His first assignment was on a ship going to Alaska. Later, he was transferred to the South Pacific, where he remained until the war ended in 1945. Following the war he utilized this skill to later work behind the scenes on films such as Ben-Hur, Moses, and others.[b] He often stated, “Marilyn Monroe was always late; it is always about her. We would stand around waiting for her during filming.”
He married Clara Luella Ellingson on June 10, 1948, in Los Angeles, California. They were the parents of Gary Ronald Winger, Penny Lee Winger, Beverly Ellingson Winger (died at birth), and Floyd Ellingson Winger. He passed away on June 27, 2011.
Our family visited him in Seal Beach in 1999. We enjoyed dinner at the Old Country Buffet, discussions about working on films, and giving my son a red bow tie. He told my son to wear a bow tie, a sign of dignity, respect, and passion.
Ancil Winger
Ancil Winger (Paternal Grandfather) was the 5th child of Perry Medford Winger. As a baby, he was often placed in a bassinet that hung from the ceiling so the 18-month-old twins would not bother the baby.
He obtained a degree in husbandry. This provided a future to make ice cream for Meadow Gold throughout his entire career. Ancil was well respected for his dedication and hard work. They gave him several promotions, retired as a plant manager in Pocatello.
He had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and was dedicated to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his lifeetime he served the church in various leadership positions therefore, providing guidance and direction in their faith.
The father of 3 sons, Keith, Dennis, and Larry. Accordingly met his sweetheart, Florence Bernice Wright, at a church dance, and the rest is history. He passed away on February 22, 2006.[g]
Eldon Dixon Winger
Eldon Dixon Winger (Paternal Great-Uncle) was born April 27, 1917. After the death of his father, he was taken by an aunt to live in Los Angeles. He lived with Aunt Carol and Harmer Cartwright.[a] This was done without Grandma Chloe giving permission. He lived here his entire childhood. He had little contact with his siblings until later in life.[b]
He married Margaret Ann Smith in 1946. He adopted Silvia Ann Winger, Margaret’s daughter. Caroline Margaret Young and Eldon married in 1974. He passed July 31, 1991.
Fae Dixon Winger
Fae Dixon Winger was born on April 17, 1919. She lived in Milton, West Virginia. She had 2 daughters. Annetta Powers died before turning 1 year old. Her faithfulness was as a dedicated member of Bethel Baptist Church. She married Alvin DuWayne John in 1937, and her second husband in 1941 was Roy Vinson Powers. She passed away on October 19, 2004, in Charleston, West Virginia.[h]
Here’s a beautifully worded recipe post for Ancil’s Bootlegger Beans, updated by his granddaughter for modern kitchens using dry beans and homemade seasoning blends. Perfect for family gatherings.
Soak the beans overnight, then drain and rinse. Simmer beans until almost soft in a saucepan.
In a Dutch oven or heavy pot, fry the bacon over medium heat until browned.
Add onion and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant.
Stir in soaked beans, tomato puree, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard powder, salt, and spices. Pour enough water to cover the beans by about 1 inch. Add optional whiskey.
Cover and simmer low and slow for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the sauce thickens. Add water if needed during cooking.
Taste and adjust seasoning. The flavor deepens as it sits. This is great, made ahead.
Notes
Bootleg Beans RecipeFamily Dinner
Noah and Lovina Gates Winger Family
Noah Winger Legacy
Noah Winger (2nd paternal great-grandfather) was born on April 6, 1836, at Cave Springs, Virginia. As a young man, he lived a short time in Charleston, Iowa, where he met his wife, Lavina Catherine Gates. They married on November 13, 1859. He then moved to Missouri, where he raised his family of six boys and three girls.
Civil War
On September 12, 1861, Noah Winger was called to serve in the Civil War as a Private in Captain T. T. Tallis’s Company “I,” 18th Regiment of Missouri Veteran Infantry Volunteers.
Family tradition holds that it was during this enlistment that the “t” was dropped from the surname Wingert, leaving the simpler form Winger that his descendants carry today. The story says his uncles encouraged the change, believing the shorter spelling was easier and perhaps more Americanized during a time of great national conflict.
Service with the 18th Missouri Infantry
The 18th Missouri Infantry was part of the Union’s Western Theater campaigns. The regiment saw heavy marching, long campaigns, and some of the war’s hardest-fought battles:
Battle of Shiloh (April 1862): One of the war’s bloodiest early battles, where the 18th Missouri endured fierce combat and heavy casualties.
Officers and staff
22 were killed, mortally wounded or missing in action. Many of those missing were taken prisoner
Of the rank and file,
19 were killed, 124 were missing, 60 were wounded, 66 men died of disease
28 deserted after the battle[r]
Siege of Corinth (May 1862): The regiment took part in the push to capture this key Confederate rail hub in Mississippi.
Campaigns in Tennessee and Georgia (1863–64): The regiment marched across the South, fighting in smaller battles, guarding supply lines, and aiding in major offensives.
Chattanooga Campaign (1863): The regiment was present in the struggle to secure this vital city, which became the Union’s gateway into the Deep South. [q]
Noah served faithfully for three years, enduring the hardships of long marches, poor rations, camp diseases, and the strain of battle. On November 13, 1864, he was honorably discharged at Chattanooga, Tennessee. A battle-worn soldier returning to civilian life.
Mormon Missionaries
While in Missouri, the Mormon missionaries were proselytizing. The story goes, “About this time, some of Noah’s family, other members of the extended family, and the neighbors had joined together and were going to tar and feather the missionaries and run them out of the county. About a month after, that, these Elders were headed for the ferry over the River Nodaway that Jessie Winger (one of Noah’s sons) ran and stopped at Noah and Lovina Winger’s home again for the night. Before night came, the neighbors came over and said ‘We are going to tar and feather those Mormon Elders tonight and we were wondering if you would help us?’ Grampa Noah said, ‘By golly boys, I’ll sure help you. You see that granary over there, now you come over tonight and I’ll be there with a shotgun and the first @#$#%^% that shows up, I’ll blow his head right off!’ and he meant it. They didn’t come.”[s]
Addie Leora, Noah, and Lovina joined the Mormon church in Missouri. After Addie joined, she came out to Utah. Perry and Joseph Erastus joined while living in Preston, Idaho. None of the rest of the family ever joined.
Preston, Idaho
They came out west about 1906 and settled in Preston, Idaho. In 1907, they bought a small house in Preston. He showed love to his family. They had love in the home. He spent the remainder of his life here. He passed away on May 12, 1913.[s]
Baked Beans History
Baked Beans History
Baked beans have a surprisingly deep history that ties together Indigenous food traditions, early colonial life, and later American and British cuisine. Here’s an overview:
Indigenous Roots
Long before Europeans arrived, Native peoples in North America were cooking beans with maple syrup, venison fat, and bear fat in earthen pots buried in the ground.
Narragansett, Penobscot, and Iroquois prepared beans with corn and squash—the famous “Three Sisters” combination that provided balanced nutrition
Colonial Adaptation
When the Puritans and Pilgrims settled in New England (1600s), they learned bean cookery from Native peoples.
Colonists replaced maple syrup and fat with molasses and salt pork, both readily available from trade.
Boston & Molasses
In the 1700s–1800s, Boston became central to the Triangular Trade: rum, molasses, and enslaved people.
Molasses (a byproduct of sugar production) became the signature sweetener in baked beans, earning Boston the nickname “Beantown.”
In 1869, the H. J. Heinz Company (how does Gordon Ramsey feel about Heinz beans?) began selling canned baked beans in the UK. They quickly became a staple, often eaten on toast, a tradition still common today.
Heinz popularized canned baked beans globally, especially in the UK.
In the U.S., brands like Bush’s and Campbell’s dominate, with sweet-savory styles. (Facts generated by ChatGPT)
What is your favorite family recipe? Share here using #4chionstyle #4chionfoodie
Food: The Great Connector
Food is the great connector, linking us to our ancestors through recipes, memories, traditions, and love. It evokes the warmth of a grandmother’s kitchen and the comforting aromas of something simmering on the stove, speaking a language older than words. With every bite, we remember who we are and carry those stories forward, nourishing the future with the essence of the past.
Winger, A. (1994). The life story of Ancil Winger: As dictated by Ancil Winger (P. Wolf & T. Wolf, Eds.). Ancil Winger Family.Winger, D. (2025, June 14). Grandpa meets Grandma [Oral history recording]. Ancil Winger
Winger, D. (2025, June 14). Grandpa meets Grandma [Oral history recording]. Ancil Winger Family Oral History Collection.
When my granddaughter Ellie churned her first batch of homemade ice cream this week, I couldn’t help but think of my grandfather, Ancil Winger, and the magic that poured from his creamery decades ago. Family stories tell how his ice cream was served to the troops training for the atomic bomb mission, cold comfort in a time of tension. As a child, I remember visiting the factory, riding the frightening pull freight elevator to watch in awe as thick, velvety cream transformed into something joyous. We would eat chocolate-covered peanuts and a small cup of vanilla ice cream with a wooden spoon.
Today, the tradition continues in new and tender ways. My son reads Ice Cream Face to his little ones and me at bedtime. Clementine, wide-eyed and full of wonder, tells me about her adventure with the neighborhood ice cream truck. Just before the Fourth of July, the girls enjoy Tillamook Ice Cream, a family beach tradition. These may be small moments, but they echo a legacy.
From military mess halls to sticky-fingered summer afternoons, ice cream has always been more than a treat in our family; it is a taste of family history that ties us together. One scoop at a time, we keep Ancil’s spirit alive.
Ancil Winger’s Ice Cream
Ancil Winger (paternal grandfather) lived a life marked by faith, family, and service. Born October 4, 1915, in Preston, Idaho, he was the son of Perry Manford (paternal great-grandfather) and Chole Ann Dixon Winger (paternal great-grandmother).
Young Ancil
Ancil states, “my father worked on the police department at night. Father was a good carpenter and he built a nice home for the family in Preston on a five acre farm. The family moved in when I was one year old. The home was equipped with plumbing and electric lights. I remember my father would come home in the morning and I would climb upon his knee while he ate his breakfast. I was four years old when Father died. He died of a ruptured appendix on June 15, 1920.” [f]
When Grandpa Ancil was just thirteen years old, he left home to work for a farmer named Clarence Talbert. He lived with the Talbert family, rose early to do chores, and attended school right alongside their children. Life on the farm was not easy, but Ancil was dependable. Later, he worked for another farmer, Harold Johnson. His days were tending to the animals, milking the cows by hand, and caring for the plants in every season. It built the strength and character we all remember in him.
Ancil Making Ice cream Ancil’s Ice Cream Ancil, Bernice, Dennis, and Keith
Ancil Goes to College
“When I finished high school in 1935, I had earned a scholarship from the U.P. Railroad. I went to the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. To help stretch the money, I hitched hiked [sic] to Moscow to go to school. It took me three days to make the trip. One time, I picked up a stranger and we hooked on a freight train, in the dark, at Weiser, Idaho. It was that evening that I learned that it never pays to gamble. I got with the wrong people and I lost almost all of my money. I only had thirty-five cents left. As a result, I went hungry for awhile.[sic]”[f]
Ancil Winger’s Ice Cream- For World War II Soldiers
His first job after college was with Arden Dairy, where he worked for two years. He was deferred from enlistment in World War II, because he was working in food. Ice cream became a necessary treat during the war. There was a ban on liquor for the troops on the ships; ice cream was the replacement. Ice cream shops floated in the water. This boosted morale.
During that time, he met the love of his life at a local dance. Their connection was instant, and they quickly fell deeply in love. Their engagement came soon after, a testament to their strong bond and shared dedication. As they were making plans for their future together, an unexpected change shifted the course of their lives.
Sudden Changes
Ancil got a job offer with Meadow Gold Dairy in Provo, UT. He quickly took the train to Pocatello. He was there to take Bernice (paternal grandmother) to Provo, UT. A 2nd stop was Prescott, ID, for his mother. They stopped in Logan to get the marriage license. The 3rd stop was in Salt Lake City, UT. They married on April 10, 1940, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Chloe was the witness to their marriage. (great-grandmother) [g] Together, they had three children: Dennis Ray, Larry Dean, and Keith A. Winger.
Meadow Gold provided well for my grandfather, Ancil. His success led to promotions that required the family to relocate, including a move to Hawaii. This is a tough opportunity for the family. They returned to the States 6 months later. He became the plant manager in Pocatello, ID. He received various awards for his ice cream.[g] He retired in 1978 from the Meadow Gold plant in Pocatello, ID. He continued as a consultant with Meadow Gold until 1984.
Ice Cream Retirement
They moved to Salt Lake City to care for their son, Keith’s M.S., and be closer to Dennis and Larry. He took care of his wife. She had several illnesses that required help. Keith and Bernice both passed within 20 days of each other in 1992.
Grandpa Ancil’s dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ was unparalleled. He served faithfully in many bishoprics, offering marriage counseling, organizing welfare efforts, and raising funds for church buildings and programs. At one point, there was no bishop’s office available, so he opened his home for interviews. My dad remembers sitting with other members, watching TV in the living room while they waited for their turn. [d] Grandpa Ancil served in the Church in some capacity his entire life, a quiet, steady pillar of faith and service.
He would often say to me, “You are my mother, you remind me so much of her.” I was born on October 19, her birthday, just eleven months after she passed away.
He passed away on February 22, 2006.
Edmund DurfeeMorley Settlement Burning
Ancestor Edmund Durfee, Mormon Martyr
Edmund Durfee (paternal 4th great-grandfather) was born on October 3, 1788, in Tiverton—a small coastal town in the late 1700s known for its farming, fishing, and shipbuilding. Many families in the area, including the Durfees, were part of the colonial and early American fabric since 1660 when Thomas Durfee immigrated to America from England.
Marriage and Family
He met Magdalena Pickle and they married in 1810. They settled in Montgomery, New York. The 6 children were born here. In 1822, the family moved to Amboy, New York. He bought some land, built a home, and had a wonderful garden filled with maple trees. The 6 more children were born here.
The family moved west to Ohio, selling their home in Amboy, in 1830. Here was baptized into the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1831. In December of that year, he left for a mission for the church. He moved his family to Far West, Missouri. They were excited to join the saints. The dream was temple work and being eternally sealed together. Here, the temple site was dedicated, but never completed.
Expulsion of the Church Members
They moved once again in 1835 to Kirkland, Ohio. The Kirkland temple was completed, and Edmund was one of the few who placed the cornerstone. The last child, Nephi, was born here. They moved from Ohio as tensions rose around Mormons.
Therefore, they settled in Caldwell, Missouri. This was a dedicated county for the LDS church members. Tension grew when the church members went to vote. The governor soon ordered the expulsion of the church members.
They were driven out by violent mobs who invaded their homes, committed atrocities against women, and killed 17 men. All weapons—even household items like kitchen knives—were confiscated. Fearing for their lives and with no means to defend themselves, they fled in a state of panic.
Peaceful Living in Yelrom, IL
Therefore, in November 1838, Edmund moved to Yelrom, IL. Soon they enjoyed peaceful living and their religion for a few years. President Joseph Smith was martyred in 1844, bringing new uprisings and tensions between local communities and church members.
Murdered for A Gallon of Whiskey
“In September 1845, mobs ransacked and burned his home, barn, and grain, forcing him to escape with his family to nearby Nauvoo. A month later, Edmund joined other displaced Mormons to recover their crops in Morley’s Settlement. The property of Solomon Hancock became the central location for that effort. Sometime near midnight on November 15, 1845, a mob set fire to one of Hancock’s haystacks. Edmund and others rushed out to fight the fire and save a nearby barn from burning. A whistle was heard and the ambush began. The mobsters emerged from the darkness and began firing. Edmund was shot and immediately died. Apparently, the ambush was a form of sport for the mobsters; a gallon of whiskey was awarded to the first one who could kill a Mormon. After Edmund fell, the attackers melted back into the darkness of the night.”[h]
This family would suffer another loss when their mother passed May 17, 1850, at Council Bluffs, waiting to walk to Utah.[i]
Durfee’s Maternal and Paternal Connection
Ida Pauline Nicholas (My 2nd maternal great-grandaunt) married Henry Dennison Durfee. The connections to Ida are: William Jones (2nd maternal great-grandfather on my grandmother’s side) married Ida’s sister, Mary Ann Nicholas. George Ward (2nd maternal great-uncle on my grandfather’s side) married Ida’s sister, Eunice Alice Nicholas. On my paternal side, Edmund (paternal 4th great-grandfather) and his daughter Dolly Durfee (paternal 3rd great-grandmother) connect the paternal side. The maternal and paternal families are related through Thomas Durfee (9th paternal Great-grandfather).
All Roads To Thomas Durfee
Thomas was born in 1643 in Exeter, Devonshire, England. Immigrating to America, settling in Rhode Island as an indentured servant. He is contracted with Peter Tallsman. He has several run-ins with the law. One incident, “he was convicted of a breach of contract with his employer, Peter Tallman, and, later that year, of participating in a scandalous relationship with Ann Hill Tallman, a woman 10 years his senior and the wife of his employer.” [e]
Ann (9th paternal great-grandmother) refused to return to her husband, Peter Tallman, “he was known to be a disagreeable and volatile man. When Ann told the court that she would rather die than return to her husband, the court granted Peter Tallman a bill of divorce.”[e]
Ann and Thomas live in a common-law marriage and have 5 more children; Peter and his 2nd wife raised their first child. “Thomas and Ann were convicted of fornication and were sentenced to either lashes with a whip or a monetary fine. Thomas paid the fines.”[e] He was admitted a freeman of the town of Portsmouth, I.I., May 6, 1673.
A Man of Honor: Thomas Durfee
Above all, he became a man of honor and nobility in the community; Thomas was the town deputy. The Durfees were highly respected in the early colonies of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. “Numerous of Thomas and Ann’s descendants fought in the Revolutionary War, one of whom, Col. Joseph Durfee, was an officer in the Continental Army. Joseph served under General George Washington in battles against British General William Howe. Over the years, Durfee served on various town councils and in the state legislature. Two were prominent judges, including one who served on the Rhode Island State Supreme Court.”[l]
Ann Durfee’s Story [h]
Thomas Marries
On August 2, 1698, it is mentioned that Thomas has a wife, Deliverance Tripp. They had 2 daughters. Thomas passed on July 12, 1712. His will stated, “To wife Deliverance, and two daughters, rest of land; to wife, all movable estate. A Negro slave called Jack for life and at her death value of said slave shall be equally divided between 2 daughters.”[j]
“It was a common practice for slaves to adopt the surname of their owners, hence Jack was known as Jack Durfee. Wills and estates inventories of early residents list slaves, bequeathed to the heirs of the deceased, along with other property. Slavery was abolished in Rhode Island in 1783.”[k] Rhode Island had the highest proportion of slaveholding households in New England.[chatGPT] Today, this term is considered outdated and offensive. We include it here only as a historical reference while acknowledging Jack’s full humanity and the injustices.
Ruth loved ice cream—it was always a special treat in a cone when we visited. This homemade recipe captures the sweetness of those summer evenings and the joy she shared in every scoop.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword dessert, family recipe, ice cream, Vanilla ice cream
Gradually add sugar and salt. Beat the mixture well.
Then add heavy cream and vanilla. Do not whip the cream before adding.
Add milk last.
Mix well. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
Using a dasher (an addition to a Kitchen Aid mixer or ice cream maker, follow the manufacturer’s directions.
You may add additions after 15 minutes.
Freeze the ice cream 2 ½ hours before serving.
Video
Tracy General Store, Almo, Idaho
At the heart of Almo, Idaho, stands the Tracy General Store, where a cherished tradition lives on—homemade ice cream, made in small batches right on site. Serving ice cream is more than a product; it is part of the Durfees’ legacy of hospitality. Reviews highlight homemade scoops as the store’s standout attraction.
Whether it is vanilla custard-style, chocolate, or seasonal fruit swirls, each batch connects visitors to generations past, when treats were crafted, not processed; shared, not shelved. It is more than dessert—it is heritage you can hold in a cone.
The Tracy General Store is one of the oldest continuously operating general stores in the United States. Located in Almo, residents have relied on the old-timey store since it opened in 1894[c]. A store visited often by Grandma Ruth and Grandpa Lawrence. This ia a stop for a snack and ice cream when visiting Almo for funerals.
Longtime resident Jake Bruesch recalled in a 1974 interview that, “circa 1920 Albert Tracy brought in a herd of Wisconsin cows, Holstein cows, . . . and a bunch of us bought ’em — five or ten or fifteen each . . . and started to milk ’em and bought separators and separated milk and sold the cream for a good many years.”[a].
The current owners, Kent and Janis Durfee; have continued the ice cream tradition with vanilla, chocolate, and the occasional seasonal flavors.
Vanilla Bean History
“The vanilla plant was flourishing in Mexico, and by the late 18th century, a few plants were sent to Paris, London, Europe and Asia, in hopes of producing the bean in other areas. Although the vine would grow and flower, it would not produce any beans. French colonists brought vanilla beans to Réunion around 1820.
Beaumont had been teaching young Edmond how to tend to the various plants on his estate. He taught him how to hand-pollinate a watermelon plant. Beaumont had previously planted vanilla beans, and had just one vine growing for over twenty years, but was also unable to produce any beans on the vine. Young Edmond began to study the plant and made a discovery. He carefully probed the plant and found the part of the flower that produced the pollen. Edmond then discovered the stigma, the part of the plant that needed to be dusted with the pollen to produce the bean. He used a blade of grass to separate the two flaps and properly fertilized the plant.
Shortly afterwards, while walking through the gardens, Beaumont noticed two packs of vanilla beans flourishing on the vine and was astonished when young Edmond told him that he was responsible for the pollination.”[m] Edmond was 12 when he made this discovery. He would teach other plantations on pollination. He was awarded his freedom. He was never paid for his discovery, he did outreach the govenor regarding payment, but never received a response.
Vanilla Ice Cream and Segregation
In the Jim Crow era (late 1800s–mid 1900s), racial segregation laws extended beyond schools, transportation, and public facilities — they often shaped access to leisure, dining, and even specific foods.
Southern social customs forbade Black people from being served vanilla ice cream, except on Independence Day (July 4th).
On other days, they might be limited to chocolate or fruit flavors instead.
This wasn’t a formal law everywhere, but rather a widespread racial custom and form of humiliation.
The restriction was symbolic — vanilla was associated with purity and whiteness, and denying it to Black people reinforced racist social hierarchies. [[chatGPT]
“People in Stamps used to say that the whites in our town were so prejudiced that a Negro couldn’t buy vanilla ice cream except on the Fourth of July.”[n]
Ice Cream Through History
200 BCE:China early versions of frozen desserts were made from a mixture of milk and rice packed in snow.
800-1300 AD: The Arab world introduced milk-based frozen desserts, including early forms of sherbet.
1686: England, ice cream was served at royal banquets. “Icy creams” became fashionable among the elite.
1744: USA ice cream came to America. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were fans; Jefferson had an 18-step vanilla recipe.
1843: Nancy Johnson (USA) patented the hand-cranked ice cream freezer — democratizing ice cream for home use.
1850: On July 4, 1850, President Taylor attended Independence Day festivities at the Washington Monument grounds. He reportedly consumed:
Chilled milk
Iced water
Fresh fruits, possibly cherries
A large quantity of ice cream
He returned to the White House and soon fell seriously ill with severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. He passed away five days later. Ice Cream took the blame, but there was no cause of death.
Ice Cream Food Facts
Lait – Milk
A la mode – pie served with ice cream
Ice – to cool by adding ice or surrounding it with ice
Cream – to beat fat and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. The fat content of milk
Milch cows are female cows kept primarily for producing milk.
Churning – can be an attachment to your KitchenAid Mixer or an old-fashioned ice cream maker that uses ice and rock salt. [d]
French Ice Cream is custard-based. Milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, and cream 20%. Scald milk in a double broiler made with hot milk, stirring constantly. Cook in a double boiler until it coats a spoon. Strain and cool before churning. Churn and freeze. Creamy velvety scoopable ice cream. [d]
Philadelphia-style vanilla. Cream, milk, and sugar—no eggs. Lighter, sometimes icier, Cleaner, and more delicate (ideal for fruit or fresh flavors or vanilla). The base is uncooked, making it faster and easier. Quick to make [chatGPT]
Food is the great connector, linking us to our ancestors through recipes, memories, traditions, and love. It evokes the warmth of a grandmother’s kitchen and the comforting aromas of something simmering on the stove, speaking a language older than words. With every bite, we remember who we are and carry those stories forward, nourishing the future with the essence of the past.
What is your favorite family food or ice cream memory? Share here using #4chionstyle #4chionfoodie
A Taste of Family History on Our Lifestyle Blog
Reference
166 Ibid., p. 7; Elba Ward, Cassia Stake, Historical Records and Minutes, 1881-1904, Manuscript #LR2566 23, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Historical Department, Salt Lake City, Utah; B. Ward, “History of Almo, n.p.; Jake and Ida Bruesch, interviewed by AW. Dawson, Oral History #180, p. 16. Accessed here https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/ciro/hrs2n.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com
FamilySearch. (n.d.). Thomas Durfee’s will [Digital image of historical document]. FamilySearch khttps://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/memories/27J3-NQ2
FamilySearch. (n.d.). Thomas Durfee—Spawning a Noble Family from Trouble and Scandal Memory]. FamilySearch. Retrieved July 2, 2025 https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/memories/27J3-NQ2
97th Oscars Celebration sounds incredible! Wolfgang Puck is a legendary chef, is the Chef for the Oscars® celebration, for the 30th year in a row is such a remarkable tradition. His culinary expertise is known for creating a luxurious yet approachable dining experience. It must be amazing to see how he keeps innovating the menu while keeping things classic for such a prestigious event.
The Academy is dedicated, “to implementing initiatives to operate as an environmentally responsible organization and ultimately reach carbon neutrality. Collective efforts are designed to account for our emissions, improve waste diversion, and pilot new organizational programs and technologies in line with best practices.”
Steps taken to complete this are:
Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles and encouraging reuse by providing water refill systems
Digital distribution of Oscar event tickets, parking passes and event details.
Working with vendors, suppliers and partners committed to sustainability.
Since 2013, the Governors Ball has offered more than 50% plant-based and vegetarian dishes.
Food served is responsibly sourced, sustainably farmed, or listed on the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch recommendation list.
After the event, food is donated to Chefs to End Hunger.
Energy-efficient LED lights and battery-operated LED candles are used throughout the event.
Insight to the Oscars Celebration
Puck’s 30 years at the Oscars’ Governor Ball has brought about the best of food celebrations. Wolfgang Puck has revolutionized the dining landscape with a singular focus: to exceed expectations whenever our guests gather for a meal. There are 70 new dishes for the 97th Oscars Celebration. Pastry chefs Kamel Guechida and Garry Larduinat will feature around 30 desserts
Champagne Lallier is the champagne for the 97th Oscars Celebration. They were founded in 1906 in Aÿ, one of the few villages classified as ‘Grand Cru,’ and embodies a legacy of craftsmanship and Fresh Perspectives that mirror the artistry celebrated at the Oscars®.
The Governors Ball Press Preview The Governors Ball Press Preview Charles Joly, award-winning & Eric Van Beek, mixologists,
97th Oscars Celebration Menu
Tray Passed
Do you have a favorite dish or type of food that Wolfgang Puck is known for serving at the Oscars? Or any memorable moments from his previous menus?
Smoked Salmon Oscar Matzoh
Miniature Wagyu Cheeseburger House Remoulade, Cherry Tomato, Cornichon
Approximately 1/2 Pound Frozen Puff Pastry, Defrosted Following Package Instructions
1 Cage-Free Egg
Instructions
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and toss in a mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of the flour until evenly coated. in a large skillet over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. add the chicken pieces, reduce the heat slightly, and sauté, turning them occasionally, until light golden and thoroughly cooked, about 5 to 10 minutes. using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. add the remaining oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter to the pan, then add the potatoes, carrots, and onions and sauté until they begin to look glossy and bright, 2 to 3 minutes. reduce the heat to medium, stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme, and bay leaf, and sauté, just until the vegetables begin to color slightly, 2 to 3 minutes more. add the wine, turn up the heat, stir and scrape with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan deposits, and simmer until the liquid reduces by about half, 3 to 5 minutes. add the chicken stock and the 1 cup of cream. bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat slightly, and simmer briskly until the liquid reduces by about half again and is thick and creamy, about 15 minutes. remove the sprig of thyme and the bay leaf. Recipe By Wolfgang Puck, Adapted From“Wolfgang Puck Makes It Easy,” Rutledge Hill Press, 2004
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly and strain into a collins glass over large format ice cube. Garnish with citrus slice. Created By Charles Joly
Stay tuned here for all things 97th Oscars Celebration award night.
Root veggie soup is a great way to welcome the autumn season and staying warm throughout the winter season. Root vegetables are packed with fiber and antioxidants, and low in calories, fat, and cholesterol.
Soup History
Campbell’s state, “In Xianrendong Cave, Jiangxi Province, China, the first example of a soup bowl was discovered and thought to date back to 20,000 BC. The ancient pottery showed scorch marks, which would suggest the user was making sl’s hot soup of some kind.”
Soup is enjoyed world-wide throughout history. Italy took Gazpacho to Spain. Japan introduced dried ramen soup in the late 1800s. Campbell’s brought condensed soup to the US in 1897, by Dr John T. Dorrance. Soup is as popular today as it has been in the past. It is a tradition for religious celebrations, holidays, and seasons.
Root Veggie Soup Your Way
You can add a white bean, corn, and a favorite roasted squash. Together, they complement amino acids this forms complete proteins, often call Three Sisters.
You can add a cooked crumbled spicy chicken sausage. Cook sausage then add the last 30 mins. of simmering soup.
You can roast the veggies instead of sauteing with 1 tsp. of each herb, 2 TBPS olive oil tossed with herbs. Cover veggies with oil mixture. Roast in oven at a 375° until veggies are tender not soft with a fork.
What is your favorite soup? Post your recipes on social media and images using #4chionstyle #4chionfoodie
Chocolate Bark Oscar® Style is a Wolfgang Puck Favorite chocolate recipe. This elegant simple dish is a great desert at any Oscar party. You can get the same chocolate on Amazon. Then let the creating start.
Chocolate Bark Recipe
The 95th Oscars® will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.
Stay tuned here for all things Oscars® 2023 from nominations to award night.
Director’s Martini created by award-winning mixologist Charles Joly for the 95th Oscars®. Joly and his team of experts have spent countless hours preparing the cocktail experience like the Director’s Martini. This pairs perfectly with the tantalizing culinary offerings served during the star-studded Oscar® evening.
Director’s Martini Recipe
The 95th Oscars® will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.
Stay tuned here for all things Oscars® 2023 from nominations to award night.
Autumn means crock pots and soup. As a child fall was all about soup from fresh vegetable soup to French onion for Thanksgiving.
Autumn Soups
The first soup of the season was vegetable the last of the fresh garden vegetables. The root vegetables used were just a few from the garden. Many ended in a canner or the root cellar for the dark cold winter. The very last of the fresh greens, green beans, and corn were a great addition.
The soup season all of autumn went from the vegetable soup to chilli for Halloween night served with fried scones and honey butter. The autumn soup season would end with the deep rich French onion soup made from onion jam. Therefore the first of autumn was the last of fresh vegetables but ended with riches of the year’s harvest.
In a large warm sauté pan place your olive oil, add 1/2 seasonings toast slightly. Add onion, potatoes, carrots (heavier veggies) sauté for 3-4 minutes. Then add peas, corn, and spinach. Sauté fro 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic sauté 2-3 minutes.
In a Crock Pot set on low if cooking overnight or high if soup is for dinner (cook 4 hours) add the remaining seasoning, bay leaves, bouillon, sauté vegetables, and 4 cups of water. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
In a saucepan add 1 tsp. bouillon, salt, pepper, and 1 1/2 cup water, and barley. Bring to boil once boiling turn to low. Cook for 20 min. Then add to the soup.
Serve with your favorite sourdough bread or crackers.
Please note you can add any vegetables your family enjoys i.e. celery, green pepper, spinach, mushrooms or even a hot pepper for some heat. You can use the leftovers from the roasted Costco chicken or fresh sausage in place of the beans.
What is your favorite autumn soup? Post your answer on social media using #4ChionFoodie
Queen Elizabeth II’s drop scones recipe sent to President Dwight David Eisenhower, on January 24, 1960. Eisenhower enjoyed the drop scones while staying at Balmoral.
The Queen was a simple eater. She ate a similar menu each week. Therefore all new menu items required the Queen approve.
Drop Scones Ingredients
The drop scones also known as scotch pancake is a treat to enjoy for breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea. Therefore there is a a way to best eat the drop scones with clotted butter (a favorite of the Queen) on top of the jam, fresh fruit, or maple syrup.
Caster SugarCaster Sugar
Drop Scones
4 teacups flour (3/4 cup= 1 teacup) (360g) 4 tablespoons caster sugar (56.7g)(sugar with a texture between regular sugar & powdered sugar you can create this sugar by pulsing 1 cup(128g) white sure in a blender) 2 teacups milk (180g) 2 whole eggs (100g) 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) (8.4g) 3 teaspoons cream of tartar (14.3g) 2 tablespoons melted butter (28.3g)
Beat eggs, sugar, and about half the milk together, add flour, and beat well together adding remainder of milk as required, also bicarbonate and cream of tartar, fold in the melted butter. Do not let the mixture stand to long before cooking. Place on a hot griddle (375ƒ) for cooking (this is key to success with these scones). These are thicker and smaller than American pancakes. Serves 16 calories 268 per serving.
Making cinnamon rolls Food Ellie is excited to create grammy’s cinnamon rolls. Ellie’s favorite treat from grammy is cinnamon rolls.
Ellie comes for a summer visit to celebrate the Juneteenth and swim for the weekend with grammy. She made her first pie crust for a sweet potato pie for the family Juneteenth dinner.
Measuring out the FlourLoves Washing The Dishes“always check for eggshells.”Juneteenth Dinner
Ellie’s advice is to always check the bowl for eggshells and wash up the dishes when done. She was determined to do this herself. She measured each cup of flour to be one cup ( I usually use my senses to measure for bread). It was a wonderful day baking with her. Sharing the tradition I learned from my own grandmother.
Cinnamon Roll Tradition
My grandmothers on my mother’s side were known for their outstanding baking skills. They always used all-purpose flour, white sugar, and no eggs to make cinnamon rolls. Family recipes are fun to create.
Food Ellie Measuring out the FlourFoodie Ellie Cracking Eggs Serious Business
I remember reading my great-great grandmother’s story gathering sego lilies and grinding them into flour to bake bread, cinnamon rolls, and creating pies. They did this after settling in Idaho from the Mid-West and food was scare. It is a make it work moment.
In a large bowl or Kitchen Aid, mixing bowl with the bread hook attachment. Add 2 cups of the flour and both yeast pkg. on top of the flour.
In a large pot on the stove on low add whole milk, butter, salt, and sugar heat warm to the touch.
Foodie Ellie Warming Milk
Pour the warm to touch mixture over the flour and yeast. Mix well on low if using Kitchen Aid. When mixed well add
2 eggs blending after adding each egg.
Slowly add the remaining flour (this will vary each time how much) 1 cup at a time. Mix well after each addition. Increase speed on the Kitchen Aid as needed. The dough should be firm and start to pull away from the sides of the bowl when enough flour is added. Knead by hand for 12-14 minutes (stretch and pull using palms of your hands). In the Kitchen Aid mix for two minutes on setting 8. This is equivalent to 12-14 minutes needing by hand.
Food Ellie Measuring out the Flour
Raising Cinnamon Rolls
Butter the sides of a large bowl. Place dough in a buttered bowl and cover with plastic wrap. My grandmothers used a clean dish towel. This does create a slight crust on the dough as it rises. Let dough rise until double size about 1 1/2 hours. Punch down, let rest 10 min.
Cinnamon Roll Dough Punching Down Dough Punching Down Dough
Next, roll the cinnamon roll dough into a circle, dust with flour if sticking, roll about 1/4″ thick. Brush the melted butter on the rolled out dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon and then sugar till well covered. You are welcome to mix the butter, cinnamon, and sugar together then spread on the dough with a butter knife. Roll the dough each roll please pull towards you. Then cut in 2-inch rolls with a sharp knife (children can use a butter knife it will be a change the shape of the cinnamon roll some but good experience for them).
Rolling out DoughSprinkling Sugar on DoughRolling Out Cinnamon RollsCinnamon Rolls
Finishing Cinnamon Rolls
Place cinnamon rolls in grease baking pan 9×13″. Let rise he cinnamon rolls rise until the are touching each other for about 20 minutes. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350° f until golden brown. Mix up the icing using a hand mixer. Cool cinnamon rolls until warm to the touch. Frost the cinnamon rolls. This is great to make ahead for a family Sunday brunch or holiday breakfast. Store in an airtight container.
Me, Great Grandma Lucy, Grandma Ruth, and Mother Eileen 1970 something
Teaching family recipes are so important in keeping the traditions and flavors alive. Taking time to recreate and creating new alterations make a life long memory that can last for generations. We enjoyed homemade pizza with the extra dough.
