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Top 10 of My Mother's Favorite Sweets and More

By Carroll Pellegrinelli, About.com

This page is lovingly dedicated
to my mother, Marianne.
October 28, 1934 - February 10, 1996.
I miss her so!

1. Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie
This was Mother's favorite dessert. Coincindentally, this is my mother-in-law's favorite too. I never cared for Pecan Pies because they were too sweet. This pie is different because it is loaded with nuts and flavored with brown sugar and butter. Yum.

2. Boiled Peanuts

Boiled PeanutsPhoto © 2007 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
I have fond memories of traveling with my mom and dad. A roadtrip didn't go by without stopping at a roadside stand to buy warm boiled peanuts. These days I make them at home in the crockpot. I've even served them for an appetizer. Everyone just loves this special treat.

3. Oatmeal Cookies

The Original Breakfast BarPhoto © 2007 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
I knew it was a good day when I came home to the smell of Oatmeal Cookies. I remember eyeing them as Mother would put them on racks to cool on the dining room table.

4. Peanut Butter Fudge

You can also make this with creamy peanut butter.Photo © 2007 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Another good smell to look for when I got home was the smell of peanut butter fudge cooking.

5. Piña Colada Cake

The cream of coconut is a great flavor enhancer.Photo © 2006 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Of all of the desserts she made, Mother was really known for her cakes. I just love the creaminess of her Piña Colada Cake.

6. Tropical Carrot Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Icing

You'll find all of the food groups in this cake.Photo © 2006 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Mother started making this cake and I carried on the tradition. This cake has so many good things in it that it's easy to convince yourself that the sugar and butter don't matter.

7. Bacardi Rum Cake

Barcardi Rum CakePhoto © 2006 Carroll Pellegrinelli, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Mother introduced me to this cake as well. This is the most popular recipe on my website.

8. Bread Pudding with Hard Sauce

I think this is one of the last desserts I remember her making. She just loved everything about New Orleans which was where she got her recipe.

9. Mincemeat Pie

It would be the same argument every year. Mother wanted Mincemeat Pie and I preferred Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving. Dad, a very gracious man, would go either way.

10. Rice Pudding

My mother would make rice pudding for my grandfather. They both loved it. It never was one of my favorites.

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