I am curious as to your socio-economic level Frank. I also find it ironic that you ask this as the economy is in such a depressed state. And, since I asked you, I will answer the question also.I am a single mother with very little. I wouldn't personally serve things like the meatballs in grape-chili sauce or smokies in applebutter, but then again, I'm from the south. More often than not, we tend to be grateful for the good company at a gathering and less critical of the food served.

Chicken and dumplings! Even on a hot day, there is absolutely nothing better when I need to de-stress...or even when I don't!

My opinion would be overbeating, especially after the egg and sour cream addition. I had almost the same thing happen with a cheesecake. When it happened, I was distracted and over beat the egg and then sour cream when adding it to the creamed butter and sugar mix. The texture of that cheesecake was terrible, something like what you described. It also had alot of holes in it that shouldn't have been there and was darkened.

This is something I created last summer on a whim and got several requests for the recipe soon after. I add a diced onion to just-strained potatos and mash while hot. Then I cover them and let sit for a few minutes. This helps the onion to soften a little. Make the dressing by mixing mayo, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and chopped fresh basil, dill, and parsley. A dash of honey really perks up the dressing but can be left out if you would like. Let this sit for a minute for the best flavor. Then add a chopped orange bell pepper, a lot of chopped bacon, a chopped boiled egg (if you want, sometimes I leave it out) and mix into the potato and onion mix along with the dressing. This salad is meant to be creamy and bright, so I always make sure to use alot of fresh herbs and mayonaise. Enjoy! :)