Friday, April 8, 2011

A Ranch Recipe and Thoughts of Home

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Bing Crosby, 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.

***

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Broccoli Cheese Dip

1 package chopped frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
1 small onion, chopped finely
1 tbsp of butter
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 small jar sliced mushrooms
1 roll Kraft Garlic Cheese (hard to find)

Saute the onion in the butter and add the thawed broccoli.
Mix gently until warm.

Add the rest of the ingredients and pour into an
oven-safe serving dish.

Heat in the oven until bubbly.
Serve with Fritos.
 
***

Thoughts of Home are often poignant yet memorable at the same time.

Won't you share yours next Thursday? 



21 comments:

D.B. said...

Oh my. I can't tell you how much I love this post. Oh how I would love to hear my dad call me sugarplum or Dana girl just one more time.

trash talk said...

I can't type through tears.
Anthony
P.S. Your mother was and is beautiful.

Blondie's Journal said...

I love the pictures, Laura. They make me miss my parents. I don't know about the fried dove, but the rest of the menu sounds delicious. Thanks for the recipes. BTW, For The Good Times was one of my mother's favorite songs!

XO,
Jane

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Oh My - Did that song bring back some memories - "For the Good Times".
Have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

Oh I love this post..it speaks a lot...bliss, love and a happy relationship.

Kelly said...

Such beautiful writing!!!

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

What a nice post. The ranch recipes are always hits!!

Tricia said...

Great old photos! I love the story that went with them too :)

Lisa said...

Laura,
You look so much like your Mom! She was very beautiful and oh so chic in her vest with rifle accessory. LOL! The recipe sounds delish...I hope I can find the garlic cheese.

donna baker said...

So sweet Laura.

Pondside said...

Lovely memories - how they all intertwine.

Jojo said...

Thank you for sharing this wonderful memory.

Anonymous said...

I know I say this alot but...this is my favorite teary eyed post. I am blessed to still have my parents with me. How I pray I always hold each memory close to my heart. Beautiful writing, thanks for sharing the memory.

NanaDiana said...

Laura Ellen- (that is how I will always think of you now!)This is just a beautiful post! I actually felt like I was there with you running to get something for your Dad...with your Mom turning with a smle on her face at seeing her special girl beside her in the kitchen! Love this!!! xxoo Diana

Stacey said...

Laura, I love this post. Did your parents actually live in Mexico or are you just that close? How fun!

You are such an eloquent writer.

CHERI said...

We love fried doves here too, but most of the time we eat them with cheese grits and homemade biscuits. Yum!!! Sounds like both your parents were wonderful people.

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

Your parents look so happy in that photo with Bing. Ah, the memories...I have lots of memories around special dishes my own mother prepared for me when she was still on this earth. Thanks for sharing your memories!

Sarah said...

Laura, I think this is my favorite one yet. This brought tears to my eyes and a pang in my heart. Wonderful photo and cherished memories for you. ~ Sarah

Marguerite said...

Wow, your parents were friends with Bing Crosby? And your Mom was wearing a leopard vest in the 60's! That is so cool! And I love that broccoli/cheese dip! Thanks for sharing!

Renée Finberg said...

i love this movie star stuff!!!

the name of your blog is fabulous

Rustydiva said...

Yum!

 

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