Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Question: Stephenson's Old Apple Farm Products

Posted by Charles Ferruzza on Tue, Apr 7, 2009 at 3:13 PM

 

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Flicker: Una Bella Mondo
I received an e-mail from Linda, a reader in Dallas, Texas, who wrote: "I was trying to find something...about Stephenson's Old Apple Farm. I've been going there all my life and we used to go there on our travels at least two or more times a year. Oh, how we miss it. I wondered if they are selling their products anywhere? I want the apple pie spice, the green rice spice..."

Ah yes, the gone, but hard-to-forget Stephenson's Old Apple Farm Restaurant. Two years ago, I wrote about having a nostalgic yearning for Stephenson's Restaurant too and that I had looked in my neighborhood supermarket for Stephenson's brisket seasonings and the store manager telling me that the family was no longer manufacturing its seasoning line.

I did track down a phone number for the old Stephenson's Orchard in Independence -- 816-373-4990 -- which has an answering machine announcing it as "Stephenson's Fruit Market." But even though I called during the business hours mentioned in the recording, I could never get an actual human to answer the phone.

So the question is this: Where can Linda from Dallas find those Stephenson's seasonings? Or can she? 

 

 

 

 


 

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I am heartsick to know that Stephenson's is closed. It was always a family tradition to stop there everytime we went to visit my grandparents. Ever since I was a little girl I remember loving the rabbit warren of rooms and all the farm implements, and that huge barrel of their wonderful cider. It pains me to think of how many of these wonderful eccentric little places become lost to time, "progress" or mismanagement. We make their apple butter every year and I regularly make the fritters, always with rave reviews. I was lucky enough to have been given a copy of the 1967 cookbook as well and now I will be sure to copy and laminate it to give to the rest of my family. Thank you everyone for making the recipes available to those online!

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Posted by kestrel1027 on November 27, 2011 at 8:19 AM

I'm also from Wichita but now living in Texas.  Loved Stephenson's.  My aunt bought me their cookbook many years ago.

Green Rice

3 C of cooked rice
1 C chopped parsley
1/2 C grated Cheddar cheese
1/3 C chopped onion
1/4 C chopped green pepper
1 clove of garlic minced
14 1/2 oz. can evaporated milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c vegetable oil
1 T. salt
1/2 t. each of seasoned salt, pepper (I guess this is Stephenson's packaged seasoning)
1/4 t. Ac'cent
Juice and gratd rind if 1 lemon

Mix rice, parsley, cheese, onion, green pepper, garlic in greased 2 quart casserole.  Blend rest of ingredients.  Mix into rice.  Sprinkle with paprika.  Bake 350 degrees about 45 minutes, or until like a soft custard.

Let me know if you receive this.  rpdurst@verizon.net

I did not know they are out of business. - Peggy
   
@verizon:disqus 

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Posted by Peggy on June 24, 2011 at 3:30 PM

From page 43 of the Stephenson's cook book (1999 printing):

Fresh Apple Pie

1 qt sliced Apples
1 pie shell and top crust, unbaked
juice of 1 Orange
1 tsp grated Lemon Rind
2 tbsp Flour
1 cup Sugar
1 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Cinnamon
2 tbsp Butter

Place apples in unbaked shell.  Add orange juice and lemon rind.   Combine flour, sugar & spices - sprinkle over apples.  Dot butter in center of pe.  Cover with top crust.  Bake @ 450 degrees for 20 mins, reduce heat to 400 and bake 15 more minutes, then lower to 350 and bake 10 minutes longer.  Brush top crust with mixture of 1 tbspn surgar and 1/4 cup milk.

Is this the one you were looking for?   When did Stephenson's close?

@b5615f6307f69269a08089166b55039b:disqus 

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Posted by Kennytucky74 on June 7, 2011 at 4:38 PM

Stephenson's Restaurants and Stephenson's Orchards have always been 2 entirely separate businesses. Stephenson's Orchards owned the Fruit Market, orchards and cider business. The restaurant made the apple butter, published the cookbook and made the spices. The cookbook is out of publication and is not available. The brisket and green rice seasonings can be ordered from the following web site: www.stephensonskc.com (this is the web site for Stephenson's Sante Fe Inn).

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Posted by Nstep on April 26, 2011 at 7:44 PM

I too enjoyed Stephenson's for many years. The only steak tartar I ever liked came from there. I think it was really a ground brisket.I was told they no longer made it quite a while before they ever closed it though. If any of you with their cookbooks has the recipe in it, I would appreciate it if you could post it here.

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Posted by Dreamcatcher0900 on April 21, 2011 at 4:32 PM

does anyone have the Stephenson's Apple Pie Recipe? What are the spices used?
Not the apple crumb kind. Thanks

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Posted by Ernscarjo on January 7, 2011 at 9:37 AM

The new phone number for the orchard is 816-373-5138, but they are closed until spring.

If you go to http://www.stephensonskc.com/S... they still sell the green rice and brisket seasonings. They are both $3.30 each, plus $4.85 shipping.

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Posted by Sturn000 on January 4, 2011 at 10:12 AM

I have the little spiral bound recipe notebook that I bought when we drove through the midwest meany years ago and stopped there to eat. We are driving through again after a decade and wanted to stop again - so sorry to hear it is closed.

There is no zucchini casserole recipe in it. Many others though....

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Posted by Angela Schwartza on November 20, 2010 at 9:18 AM

I am looking for the recipe for Stephenson's Apple farm resturant Zuchini Casserole.

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Posted by Karen on October 25, 2010 at 12:31 PM

Corn Relish Recipe from the Stephenson's Cookbook my grandmother gave me. I really miss going there with her...the apple fritters were the best though!

two 1 lb. cans whole kernel corn (drained)
two 1 lb. cans tomatoes (drained)
1 cup chopped unpeeled cucumber (1/2 large)
1 1/2 cups chopped onion (1 large)
1 cup chopped green pepper (1 large)
3/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup cider vinegar
1 teaspoon each mustard seed,celery seed,salt

Mix all ingredients in large kettle. Bring to a hard boil. Remove from heat. Ladle at once into hot steralized jars. Seal. (makes about 5 pints)

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Posted by Leo on October 24, 2010 at 2:42 PM

I just want the recipe book of all those delicious recipes. Loved, Loved the resturant, so sorry it closed.

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Posted by rose on October 3, 2010 at 11:13 AM

So glad to see all the comments, with the disclosure of recipes etc. I am still looking for the apple pie spices, Thanksgiving is coming! I talked to the lady at the orchard, she says she has mentioned to one son many times that we are all looking for the spices, he doesn't do anything about it! Perhaps we could all write him and get some action? I also called the bar & grill and left a message but not even a return message.
Linda

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Posted by Linda on September 29, 2010 at 12:39 PM

BJ - According to what I've read, you can still order the brisket and green rice seasonings here: http://www.stephensonskc.com/S... Hope this helps!

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Posted by Jennifer on September 4, 2010 at 8:10 AM

Anyone know how to make the brisket seasoning?? I am dieing for some, I only have 2 packets left.....

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Posted by BJ on September 2, 2010 at 9:05 AM

Okay did old Stephenson's Orchard in Independence -- 816-373-4990 -- which has an answering machine announcing it as "Stephenson's Fruit Market. has anyone found out if the orchard is selling any of the spices. I am heading home to visit and would love to find some of the brisket spices etc.
Thank you

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Posted by Debbie Ryan on July 25, 2010 at 11:04 AM

I loved their creamy Italian salad dressing. I have at least on of their cookbooks but that recipe is not in it. The packet of dressing was not at all the same as what was served in the restaraunt. Does anyone have that recipe?

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Posted by Deborah on July 17, 2010 at 10:00 AM

Does anyone have Stephenson's recipe for corn relish... it was absolutely wonderful!

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Posted by Jan on July 3, 2010 at 11:07 AM

This is for Phyllis
From the Stephensons Apple Farm 1967 cookbook

Grandma Murphy's Apple Butter

Peel 6 lbs. apples (Winesap or Jonathan), then quarter or slice. Cook in 1 quart Apple Cider until soft, stirring often. Press through sieve or food mill. Put pulp into a large kettle. Stir in 1 and 1/4 cups (1/2 lb.) Sugar, 2 teaspoons Cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. each Salt, Cloves, Nutmeg. Boil rapidly, stirring constantly, to prevent splattering. Continue cooking until thick enough to spread. (Pour a Tablespoon of hot butter onto a chilled plate -- if no rim of liquid forms around edge of butter, it's ready.) Pour at once into sterilized jars. Seal.

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Posted by Pam Witt on April 10, 2010 at 6:02 PM

In 1964 Better Homes and Gardens published �Famous Foods from Famous Places Specialty-of-the-house recipes from America�s leading restaurants

They include in their three page article a picture of a table in the dinning room and a brief introductory of Lloyd and Leslie Stephenson�s goal on their return from WWII.

The article included recipes for Baked Chicken �N� Butter and Cream, Apple Dumplings, Green Rice, and Apple Fritters.

Any one interested in obtaining the originals with recipes may contact me at BenishAgency @hotmail .com. I will send you either a Word file or fax copy which ever you prefer.

I have a library of 2000 plus cookbooks if I can help you find any other recipes don�t hesitate to ask.

Pat

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Posted by Pat on April 5, 2010 at 8:04 AM

No that is not really the correct baked chicken recipe it is completely covered with butter baked to a golden brown then you take it out to cool (bake on 350) after cool you cover with half 1/2 & 1/2 and the other half with milk, cover with foil and bake an additional 1-1:30 hours. The breading ingredients it flour,a small amount of baking powder,salt,white pepper,season salt and paprika. I do not have exact amounts any longer, I just eyeball it, I cooked it for one of there restaurant for 4years and have been making it at home now for 10 years. Good luck!

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Posted by Anonymous on March 6, 2010 at 2:12 PM

Betty Moon: Here you go.

Stephenson�s Baked Chicken N Butter and Cream
Makes 3 to 4 servings

1 cut-up frying chicken
� cup butter
1 & � cups hot water
� cup flower
1 & � teaspoons salt
� teaspoons paprika
� teaspoon pepper
� cup nonfat dry milk powder

Dip chicken into water. Coat with mixture of flour and seasonings. Put skin side up into 13x9x2 inch baking pan. Dot with butter. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes (or until golden brown). Remove from oven. Pour milk around chicken. Cover with aluminum foil. Return to oven and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

I have the Stephenson�s cookbook & the above is the recipe word for word. They don�t mention that you are supposed to mix the dry milk with the hot water. Our family has made it many many times and we tweak it a little to our liking. But here you go enjoy.

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Posted by Ted on January 23, 2010 at 10:52 AM

The Green Rice and Brisket seasonings are available at the new Stephensons Santa Fe Inn and on their website www.stephensonskc.com.

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Posted by John on January 11, 2010 at 6:44 PM

I would like very much to have the receipe
for the spring baked chicken. I've loved it so , I'm 80 years old and would like very much to enjoy it one more time.
greatly appreciated.
Lived in Kansas city all my life ,so had a lifetime of Stephenson's good food
thakk you

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Posted by betty moon on January 11, 2010 at 3:24 PM

I was a cook at Stephenson's in my years growing up. The kitchen staff consisted of teens, with an occasional adult. It's funny how so many people had never realized how extremely dirty and un-maintained the kitchen was. Yes, the food was excellent, however the cleanliness or kitchen skills of practically all of it's workers were sub-par. All of the meats were prepared by a guy who had worked there for along time named Charlie. The other things, such as the sauces, fruit salads, etc were made by a woman named Wilma who had also been there for years. Practically everything was used by cooking it in recycled smoke grease, not to mention all of the pans and equipment was so old, which is probably a reason why stuff tasted so good. This kitchen alone could have been the Enron for cars ran on recycled kitchen grease. None of the equipment was ever replaced, if anything ever broke, it was always just "band-aided". I had finally a year or so before it finally closed -- it was due to the power being shut off for non-payment and had caused electricity problems because the restaurant was so oddly wired. Any profit was practically milked by the owner(s) in Flordia -- if Rick (the owner's son who managed it) would have been able to put more money back into it, it could have probably made it.

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Posted by Stephenson's Cook on December 23, 2009 at 4:49 PM

I am looking for the french onion soup recipe but would also like to see the baked chicken recipe. Thanks.

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Posted by Jeff Wilson on December 18, 2009 at 2:17 PM

Does anyone have the Stephenson's baked chicken recipe (mary bell?). I owned the cookbook, but it seems to have disappeared (much sadness here), or I foolishly lent it out. Would much appreciate - thanks!

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Posted by Debra C. on December 11, 2009 at 7:57 AM

cat, i have the cider mill punch recipe from their cookbook. i don't know if it's bess trumans punch but it's in the stevenson's cookbook. 1/2 gal apple cider
2 c. orange juice, 1 c. lemon juice, 1/4 c. honey, 2&1/2 inch cinn. stick, 5 whole cloves, 1/4 t. allspice, 1&1/2 t. butter. bring to a boil. cover and simmer 1 hour hope this helps

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Posted by mary bell on November 22, 2009 at 5:26 PM

yes i have it and have made them and it's exactly the same. i have their cookbook. also im mad ab not having the green rice packets and brisket packets also cuz the homemaid recipe is close but not as good as their packets. Fresh apple fritters recipe. 1 c. milk
1 egg, beaten
4 T. margarine
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 t. salt
1 orange, rind and juice
1 cup apples, chopped fine (peeled)
3 cups flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. vanilla
Beat egg. In mixing bowl combine the milk, egg, and melted margarine. add the orange juice,rind,chopped apples and vanilla. Sift together the flour salt and baking powder. stir into the milk mixture with a spoon until blended. Do not overmix. Preheat oil in a skillet to 350 degrees. Drop off end of tablespoon into hot oil. Fry to a golden brown, turning so they brown evenly. allow to cool. roll in powdered sugar.

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Posted by mary bell on November 22, 2009 at 5:16 PM

Can anyone help me out with the Stephenson's recipe for Apple Fritters??? I've been looking at some on the internet, and they are simply fried apples - not at all what I remember them being like at Stephenson's. Any and all help is appreciated!


Thanks

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Posted by Kristen on October 20, 2009 at 10:44 AM

My family has always used the Stevenson's Brisket Seasoning even after we moved from Kansas City to Raleigh, NC. We have a small bit left but didnt know if there was a way to get someone to replicate it.

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Posted by Brent on October 18, 2009 at 10:24 AM

I am looking for the original Stephenson's Apple Farm apple butter recipe. Any help in finding it would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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Posted by Phyllis on October 17, 2009 at 9:44 PM

I was born & raised in KC still go there to see my mom. Stephenson's was always a great place to go for dinner when we were home. I didn't know all of the Stephenson's Restraurants had closed. Does that include the one down in Jane, MO? This summer when I came home I looked all over for Stephenson's BBQ Rib spice, BBQ Chicken spice, & Green Rice Mix. Never found it and I tried every HyVee & PriceChopper (both used to carry it)north of the river.I even tried Best of KC @ Crown Center where I had bought a 1/2 case of the BBQ Brisket spice back in 2002. Still have some of it left so I guess I will horde and try to replicate it as best as I can. I guess I am also lucky that I had bought one of their small cook books back in the 80's before we left KC for Indiana.(it had their apple fritter recipe which is still a favorite with my family!) Too bad we can not get a recipe for all of the spice combos somewhere. If anybody knows where it can be obtained I would be interested in finding out.

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Posted by Robbi Minden on September 13, 2009 at 11:09 AM

I used to enjoy the Bess Truman Punch, does anyone have the recipe from Stephenson's restaurant??

Thanks

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Posted by Cat on August 1, 2009 at 2:49 PM

Nancy,
From the 1967 receipe book:
Green Rice (makes 10 servings)

3 c. cooked rice
1 c. chopped parsldy
1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. chopped green pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
14 1/2oz. can evaporated milk
2 eggs, beated
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 Tbl. salt
1/2 tsp. EACH Seasoned salt, pepper
1/4 tsp. Ac'cent
juice and grated rind of 1 lemon
Mix first 5 ingred. in greased 2 Qrt. casserole. Blend rest and mix into rice. Sprinkle w/ paprika, bake @ 350 about 45 min. until like a soft custard.

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Posted by velma on May 25, 2009 at 7:42 AM

I grew up in Wichita, but travelled a lot to KC, and always loved to eat at Stephenson's. Last time I was there must have been right before they closed. I bought a package of green rice seasoning, but there was no recipe attached. I've been looking everywhere for it. Can anybody help?

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Posted by Nancy McKenzie on May 10, 2009 at 5:40 PM

LINDA, I AM FROM SHAWNEE KS. I HAVE BEEN TO STEVENSONS GROWING UP AND MISS IT AS WELL.I PURCHASED THE APPLE PIE SPICE AT HYVEE GROCERY STORE.I ALSO FOUND THE RECIPE FOR GREEN RICE ON INTERNET AND HAD TO BUY INGREDIENTS SEPERATLY TO MAKE IT. IT WHOULD BE NICE TO HAVE ALL OF THE SPICES IN ONE PACKAGE.YOU NEVER KNOW HYVEE MIGHT HAVE IT AS WELL.GOOD LUCK

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Posted by DARLENE SMITH on April 19, 2009 at 3:10 AM

The restaurant you refer to is not the "recently re-opened" Stephenson's Old Apple Farm Restaurant but a bar-and-grill owned by one of the sons of the original owners. It bears no resemblence to the legendary Stephenson's, although there are a few similar dishes from the more famous Stephenson's menu.

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Posted by Charles on April 7, 2009 at 9:29 PM

NOt sure about spices but here is a site with some information about the recently reopened resturant.

http://activerain.com/blogsvie...

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Posted by Anonymous on April 7, 2009 at 7:54 PM
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