Thursday, February 4, 2016

A Ranch Recipe and Thoughts of Home

Quail Hunting in South Texas
My Father and My Mother
***
In my mind’s eye and heart it is the early 60’s ,
and I am standing at the end of our long sidewalk by the grape arbor,
watching my parents and their friends
spill out of the ranch hunting truck
after a day of hunting.
My mother has on Jackie O sunglasses,
a smile on her face,
and an animal print vest she had just finished sewing
earlier
that morning
in her sewing room.
She is beautiful and full of life.
Waiting in the house is a favorite appetizer for their guests,
who of course will be staying for supper.
What will be served?
Broccoli Cheese Dip with Fritos
Fried Quail
Jalapeno Cheese Rice (Ranch Recipe #1)
Salad  with Wishbone Dressing
Hot Bread
and some sort of dessert, probably chocolate
While she gets everything ready inside,
my father is frying the quail out on the patio with his friends.
Ray Price is playing on the stereo,
and I thrill to my father’s words…
“Sister? Will you run go get me…”
Once in the house, my mother is smiling and laughing,
with a special smile just for me
as she asks,
“Laura Ellen? Will you run go get me…”
I wish I could hear that just one more time.
***
Thoughts of Home are often poignant yet memorable at the same time.

Those are the best kind.
Won't you share yours next Thursday?





yield: 8 servingsprint recipe

Broccoli Cheese Dip

prep time: 30 MINScook time: 15 MINStotal time: 45 mins

delicious dip as an appetizer for guests.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 box frozen chopped broccoli
  • 1 small onion, chopped finely
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 small jar sliced mushrooms, drained
  • 1 tube Kraft garlic cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Thaw and drain frozen broccoli. Pat dry. Saute a finely chopped onion in a tablespoon of butter. Add the thawed broccoli to the onion mixture.Add the rest of the ingredients and combine gently. Stir at medium heat until combined and smooth.Pour into an oven safe dish and heat thoroughly in the oven.Serve with Fritos.

16 comments:

Miss Merry said...

What wonderful pictures! And even more wonderful memories! So terrific that the photos bring back special memories of that very day. What a sweet time for your family! And your recipe sounds delicious. You must have had a very special childhood with these special people.

Connie said...

I really wish you would write a book about growing up on the ranch. You always bring your fun and loving parents alive with your blog stories. Thank you for sharing with all of us. :)

Simply LKJ said...

What beautiful photos and memories.

Decor To Adore said...

I am not sure what I love more~ your mothers amazing sense of style or the fact that your parents were in a casual snapshot with their friend Bing.

I have to share my own Bing story. I had a hard childhood. Most of it was spent in foster care. One of my foster fathers was a fantastic man named Norman. He loved Bing Crosby. Here's the rest of the story...
http://www.decortoadore.net/2009/12/its-not-christmas-until.html

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Great story and great photos!

Laurie said...

Such a wonderful memory! To have Bing in your home.....WOW! Did he sing for you guys? It's a little hard to see your mom's face behind her Jackie O glasses, but I think you favor her and you must have gotten your love of fashion from her, too. To sew her own vest to wear hunting later is just plain awesome!

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

I always, always enjoy seeing and hearing the tales of the past.
I can tell how precious your family is to you.
Bing in your home, that is a very big deal!
xo
Jemma

JB said...

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
JB

Marigene said...

Memories warm the heart...your mom was beautiful, Laura.
I remember those little rolls of cheese, but haven't seen them in years. I would really like to try the recipe, so will see if I can find a substitute.

Blondie's Journal said...

You have very poignant memories that bring to life so many of our lives in the 60's and 70's. And since I know so little of life in Texas, I really enjoyed this and would love to make your recipe.
Jane

Pondside said...

This is one of my favourite kinds of blog post - full of love and warm memory and so beautifully written. Your parents must have made a one-of-a-kind pair.

Elizabethd said...

What a lovely evocative post. Memories can never be taken from us.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Great pics you have! I would never be able to remember something someone said from childhood I don't think.
Brenda

Lisa said...

You are THE best story teller Laura! The recipe sounds divine. I'll have to try this. BTW Your mother is just too chic! So gorgeous and stylish!

Nancy said...

love this story! thanks for sharing :) have a great weekend!

DPFCOYOTE said...

Laura,
Thanks for maintaining this fabulous BLOG!! I really enjoy your stories of you and your family living on the RANCH...Every time I read a new post, I am reminded of South Texas and the friends we all made at Texas A&I in Kingsville.....Hello to John! Hope you all are well.....Looking forward to the next Ranch Recipe!

Warmest Regards,

Doug Farrell

 

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