My husband and his siblings recently went through the home of their parents and divided the furniture and household belongings. It was a dreary rainy day outside, which I thought was fitting for the task they had before them.
Before they began, they started with prayer. Christian parents often instill things in their children for a lifetime. Little things that they learned from them are still prevalent. When you are doing something important, always ask God to help you make the right decisions.
There were memories, laughter and tears that dreary day. As I watched these precious family members, I couldn’t help but think that their parents were in heaven looking down and beaming with pride. They adored their children and were so proud of each of them. The care they took to make sure everyone was pleased with the selections each person took was both respectful and considerate. Everyone has a special memory. It may be a mixing bowl that their mom once made their birthday cakes in. Photos, paintings and figu-rines were often the most poignant of memories. I still have a wooden spoon in my kitchen that was my Mamaw’s. It is old and worn from her use, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I know how important the little things can be.
I read once that your siblings are the longest and most important family relationship that you will have. Our get-togethers are not as frequent as they once were because of our own families. When we do see one another, it is a very precious time.
The evening was ended with a family dinner at a favorite restaurant. It was chosen because it was one that we enjoyed many times with their parents. Once again, we reminisced through joy and laughter.
This summer, Steve and I will move into his parents’ home. Some things will change and some will stay the same. It will always be their home as well as ours. Family holidays and get-togethers will resume, and many happy memories will be made. Steve and I look forward to hosting our family for many, many years to come.
I hope you will give this week’s recipes a try. Thanks for reading.
LEMON SOUR CREAM POUND CAKE
3 cups flour
1 (3.4-ounce) pkg. instant lemon pudding
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1½ cups butter (3 sticks), room temperature
2¾ cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 large eggs
1 (8-ounce) package of sour cream
2 tablespoons lemon zest
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray with baking spray; set aside. Sift together the flour, pudding mix, salt, and baking soda; Set aside. Cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla; beat for 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with sour cream and mix until fully combined. Sit in the lemon zest by hand. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If cake begins to brown too quickly, place a piece of aluminum foil on top of the cake. Remove from oven and let cool in pan on a rack for 15 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake.
Glaze:
1½ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon melted butter
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth consistency.
FRUIT SKEWERS with EASY CHEESECAKE DIP
1 small cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small honeydew, peeled, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 small pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 quart fresh strawberries, halved
Fresh grapes
24 8-inch wooden skewers
1 (8-ounce) pkg. cream cheese
¼ cup milk
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Thread one piece each of the fruit onto the skewers. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and milk. Add sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth. Serve with fruit.
ROASTED GREEN BEANS, POTATOES and SMOKED SAUSAGE
(Lately I have been on a kick of a roasted meal cooked in one pan in the oven. Easy to prepare, great to eat, and less to clean up.)
1 (14-ounce) package smoked sausage, sliced into disks
12 small red potatoes, quartered and skin on
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
3 tablespoons olive oil
1-2 tablespoons Cajun/Creole seasoning
Preheat oven to 425 degrees; line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Add sausage, potatoes and green beans to a large bowl; drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with seasoning and toss. Spread onto prepared pan; bake for 40 minutes, stirring halfway through.
•Contact Lee Ann Flemming at lafkitchen@hughes.net.
