Mother's Day and Memorial Day give me many opportunities to think back fondly on time I spent with my mother. Just a couple of years ago I asked her what dish she would like me to make for her birthday brunch that was being held at our local church, the First Presbyterian Church of Golden.
She replied that she wanted me to prepare grape salad. Envisioning a green salad with grapes instead of tomatoes, I was enthused but wondering where I would find grapes in the middle of winter. I stopped at the store on the way home from her apartment and, whew, I found grapes imported from Mexico.
At home, I dug amongst my cookbooks and found hers, from the Calvary Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City. Each recipe listed its contributor, and there were quite a few from Phyllis. Making the salad entailed more trips to the store, because it wasn't exactly what I envisioned! But, in the end, all turned out well, and the grape salad was such a hit that my friend Karon asked her for the recipe.
Fast forward to today. Mom flew away to heaven on September 23, 2017, but I got a text from Karon with the recipe that Mom mailed to her after that party. Here is the cover note:
How beautiful and strong her handwriting was! How considerate! I'm very impressed at my mother's manners! And, here is the recipe.
As you can see, the recipe is not for a salad, and it does not include grapes! It is a characteristic Midwestern Depression-era recipe, with a little of the church hot dish tradition thrown in. Oh, and Jello! Because, Jello! It was 1940s guacamole.
I am so grateful to my friend Karon for sharing this with me! And now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go cry a few grape-colored tears.
She replied that she wanted me to prepare grape salad. Envisioning a green salad with grapes instead of tomatoes, I was enthused but wondering where I would find grapes in the middle of winter. I stopped at the store on the way home from her apartment and, whew, I found grapes imported from Mexico.
At home, I dug amongst my cookbooks and found hers, from the Calvary Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City. Each recipe listed its contributor, and there were quite a few from Phyllis. Making the salad entailed more trips to the store, because it wasn't exactly what I envisioned! But, in the end, all turned out well, and the grape salad was such a hit that my friend Karon asked her for the recipe.
Fast forward to today. Mom flew away to heaven on September 23, 2017, but I got a text from Karon with the recipe that Mom mailed to her after that party. Here is the cover note:
How beautiful and strong her handwriting was! How considerate! I'm very impressed at my mother's manners! And, here is the recipe.
As you can see, the recipe is not for a salad, and it does not include grapes! It is a characteristic Midwestern Depression-era recipe, with a little of the church hot dish tradition thrown in. Oh, and Jello! Because, Jello! It was 1940s guacamole.
I am so grateful to my friend Karon for sharing this with me! And now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go cry a few grape-colored tears.
Dear Lee,
ReplyDeleteYour sentiments moved me to tears. Your tributes to your mother are so loving and your words are beautifully composed. How fortunate are your children and grandchildren to have this legacy passed to them as I am quite sure your research will be read by generations to come! You are an awesome lady, full of love and life. Just think, your Mother is reunited with these ancestors right now! I can see her face lit up with her beautiful smile and hear her infectious laughter as I write.
I will see you again Mz Phyllis and maybe you can introduce me to the Stephenson's that are so much a part of our country's history. Wow! Just imagine...
Love you Lee,
Karon