Ila's Raisin and Cinnamon Biscuits

This is a family cookbook by the Hill Family. It all started with Charlie and Mary Hill. They had 7 children; Bruce, Francis, Howard, Charlie, Mignon, Joe and Sarah. Food and cooking was a big part of Charlie and Mary's lives and has been a big part of their childrens lives as well. Francis's Poem The Hill Clan even talks about it. The Hill Clan When we were growing up, there was plenty, Seven kids to feed, that was too many. Dad, I remember you always worked hard. And when it came to gambling, you were a card. Mom, you were always in the kitchen, Cooking, baking and making decisions. What to do with one pound of hamburger, to feed seven, And you always did, Oh thank heaven!!! Bruce and I were always elected to do the dishes, And we always did, with Dad's best wishes. Howard and Charlie were on the run, The rest of us prayed they would never get a gun. Mom, Mignon always hung in there by your knee, You couldn't even take time to pee. Then, there was Joe, we couldn't figure where he came from, The baker, the milkman, or some bum. Sarah Ann, we thought she was the best, She turned out to be the biggest mess. This little ditty was just for fun, For the rest of my life I will be on the run. <img src="http://www.recipezaar.com/members/home/165623/1grandmagrandpa88.jpg"> This picture was taken at Mary and Charlie's 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1988. Mary wrote this poem for that occasion and read it before the cake was cut. Fifty Year Anniversary Fifty years of marriage is something to behold, Especially if all your friends are one hundred percent all gold. And to come from a very large family that came many miles, To wish us both the best of luck, with a kiss, a hug, and a smile. We wonder how we can be so lucky to have all our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren here, We hold them all so very dear. It has been a wonderful anniversary, And I must confess that we love you all and thank you all, And close with just a heartfelt God Bless. <img src="http://www.recipezaar.com/members/home/165623/smallsibling.jpg"> These recipes are from not only from Mary and Charlie, but their 7 children, their spouses, their children and spouses. Thrown in are also recipes from Mary's sister and niece. The Hill clan produced lots of good cooks and even more good eaters. Mary also wrote this poem about her 50 years of marriage and boy was she right about more grandchildren and greatgrandchildren to come. 50 Years It has been 50 years since I was caught. Charlie chased me down and we tied the knot. With a family of seven, it took alot of living. But more then that, lots of forgiving. We had four boys and three girls, And I'm happy to say, they are still with us up to this day. Nineteen grandchildren and five great, I am sure there will be more, after this date. We done our part for posterity, I think that's the way it's supposed to be. There will always be room for more. We have hung a welcome sign on our door. <img src="http://www.recipezaar.com/members/home/165623/bigfamilyhalf.jpg"> This is not the whole family ... but alot of them.