Picture
Feeding a family more locally grown and processed food can be a challenge, and certain types of food are more difficult to find than others.  It is obviously impossible to find locally grown must-haves such as coffee, chocolate, nuts, olive oil and spices, and I don't give a second thought to purchasing them from local grocers.  I've found it's fairly easy to find local sources for fruits, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, beef, pork, lamb, chicken and eggs.  And every day I get a little closer to trying local, raw milk.  (I'll let you know how that goes.) 

It is very difficult to find locally grown and milled grains.  Michigan is more of a fruit bowl than a bread bowl.  Still, we have a wonderful milling company less than an hour away in Chelsea, Michigan.  Chelsea is a bit of a bedroom community for Ann Arbor and has been the home of the Chelsea Milling Company, maker of Jiffy Mix, for nearly 120 years. I remember touring the Jiffy factory as a child, and they still give tours today! 

Jiffy Baking Mix is similar to Bisquick, and can be used to whip up pancakes, waffles, biscuits and casseroles.  Jiffy also has 22 other mixes, including Corn Muffin Mix, Blueberry Muffin Mix, Bran with Dates Muffin Mix, Pizza Crust Mix, Pie Crust Mix, and several cake, frosting and cookie mixes. 

Now I understand that the ingredients inside these mixes are not organic and do not come from local sources.  BuI I feel good buying baking mixes from a locally owned company, one that makes its own "little blue boxes" and employs Michigan workers in a time of record unemployment.

So tonight, I threw together a Jiffy Spoon Bread Casserole.  It is a simple, comforting dish that goes well with ham or roast pork.  Whenever I take it someplace I am invariably asked to share the recipe.  Thanks, Jiffy!

Jiffy Spoon Bread Casserole

1 pkg. "JIFFY" Corn Muffin Mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 can (8 oz.) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (8 oz.) cream style corn
1 cup sour cream
2 eggs

Pour margarine or butter and corn into prepared dish. Blend in sour cream. In separate bowl, beat eggs and stir into casserole along with muffin mix. Blend thoroughly. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 35-40 minutes or until center is firm. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.



Leave a Reply.