Here’s a great Cherry Crunch recipe from my mom’s vintage OMP recipe box (red plaid!).
I’m not sure how Beverly Kroupa fits into the OMP Kroupa clan, so I’m hoping someone will chime in and let us know. This would have been circa 1950s or 1960s maybe.
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Beverly Kroupa’s Cherry Crunch
Mix and set aside:
- 40 graham crackers (rolled fine)
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 1/2 sticks oleo, melted
Mix in separate bowl:
- 1 quart sour cherries, pitted
- 1 c. sugar
- Thicken with about 5 Tbsp. cornstarch
Mix in separate bowl:
- 5 egg whites, beaten stiff
- Gradually add 2/3 c. sugar
Take a little over 1/2 of the crumb mixture, and pat into bottom of 13″x9″x2″ pan.
Pour thickened cherries over crumbs. Spread egg white mixture over cherries. Sprinkle remainder cracker crumb mixture on top of egg whites.
Bake in 275 degree oven for 35 minutes. Serve plain or with whipped cream. It’s also wonderful with a small scoop of ice cream.
I love the “oleo.” Reminds me of my South Dakota grandmother’s recipes.
I love everything you share and write Janie you are super talented you keep the reader engaged!
Thank you, Shirley!
Beverly Kroupa was married to my cousin Dale Kroupa who farmed and lived next door to My uncle, Clarence Kroupa on Kroupa road (of course)!Bev was also known for making beautiful wedding cakes .
Thanks for the note, Linda! So where does Dale fit into the Kroupa clan? Is Clarence a brother to Don? And who is “Junior” Kroupa? There’s a discussion about Junior over on Facebook, but Tim and I aren’t sure who he is.
Facebook discussion here:
https://business.facebook.com/oldmissiongazette/posts/2170827542988416
Hi Jane, Let me tell you @ Grandpa John Kroupa’s children. Oldest son, Clarence, then George then Vernon (Fred), Magdalene, Edith (my Mom) and youngest Donald. There were 3 other children that died. Dale Kroupa was Clarence’s middle son and Clarence Jr. the oldest. Junior was the 1st grandchild. Now in his 90’s and living in T.C. I am fortunate enough to now own my familys cottage on West Bay near Bowers Harbor, and thank my cousin Karen Wood for telling me @ Old Mission Gazette. Keeps me informed about my favorite place in the world, & enjoy hearing the Kroupa (Nick is my cousin too) name & old times on the cherry farm, where this city kid spent my summers on the Kroupa cherry farm. Sincerely. Linda Sent from Windows Mail
Hi Jane, how do you count your graham crackers in your recipe. 40 sheets, 10 sheets = 40 squares?