November 3rd is my mother’s birthday, and each and every year, my first thought upon awakening, is “Happy Birthday, Mother!”
And then throughout the day, that thought keeps coming back into my mind.
Sometimes, I bake a cake–her favorite kind was spice cake. A few weeks ago I had the chance to buy some cinnamon-pumpkin flour which I can use for her cake. She would have loved the combination of cinnamon and pumpkin together.
Remembering the date encourages me to remember her and her life. And my connection to that life still today. What she taught me directly with verbal instructions, sometimes written directions. Now, I perform those same tasks by rote.
When I read a recipe, my mind writes in the modifications to that recipe that she made and taught me to make. For example, I read a series of zucchini recipes this morning–including a casserole with tomatoes, zucchini, and onions. Her variant was stewed tomatoes from her own bottles, sliced zucchini, chopped onion, crushed Ritz crackers, and shredded cheddar cheese. The salt on the crackers was enough for the casserole to taste just right. The whole was baked in a moderate oven for 35-45 minutes. The cheese was mixed in with other ingredients, not just sprinkled on top. Try it–it is my favorite.
And be sure to share your favorites with your family members and where and how you got the recipe. Your favorite genealogist, Arlene Eakle http://arleneeakle.com
PS Remember. simple ingredients, simple preparation, wonderful family history memories to share!