Almost 40 years ago, my sister-in-law, Elaine, and I had a hand-painted clothing business we named Bonita Creations.
We sold hand-painted shirts, dresses and accessories out of my home and also at parties in the homes of our customers. We went all over the state, as well as Arkansas and Tennessee.
Twice a year, we would have a booth at the Canton Flea Market. We made a killing. People would start at about 4 in the morning and practically throw money at you. More than once, we would sell what we were wearing and just grab another shirt off the rack — and later, end up selling that as well.
I have never been as tired in my life as I was on those Canton Flea Market days. We would leave home at 3 in the morning and return at about 7 that night. We would take the rest of the weekend off to recuperate. Keep in mind, we were much younger then.
A few weeks ago, we headed back to the Canton Flea Market as shoppers and not sellers. It was the first time we had been back since our Bonita Creations days. As I remember, we said if we survived that last trip, we would never go back. Well time, and something for the grandchildren, will quickly change your mind. We arrived early in the morning and commented on how small the crowds were. We spoke too soon. Both of us were looking for some artwork for our homes. Elaine was also looking for some clothes and wooden furniture for her granddaughter.
We noticed that the crowds were beginning to swell. After purchasing some children’s clothes and artwork, we headed to the car. As we looked up, there were throngs of people just arriving and heading our way. We held our artwork in front of us as a shield and fought our way to the car. It was only 10:30, and we were headed for lunch and some “store shopping.”
It is a blessing to not only have great sisters-in-law but to also have them as your friends. This is yet another blessing that I don’t take for granted. We were glad to have a day together — but to only spend a few hours instead of 15.
I hope you will give today’s recipes a try. Thanks for reading.
HOT CHICKEN SALAD
1 rotisserie chicken, cut meat off the bones
6 green onions, sliced
1½ cup sliced celery
3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed plain potato chips
Combine all ingredients except cheese and chips, and place into a lightly greased casserole dish. Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. Turn oven down to 350 degrees, and put cheese and chips on top. Bake an additional 10 minutes.
You can also boil four chicken breasts and chop meat up. I came up with this recipe when I found myself with a rotisserie chicken in the fridge that needed to be eaten.
CRANBERRY STRAWBERRY SALAD
1 package frozen strawberries, thawed
1 small package strawberry Jell-O
1 package plain gelatin
¾ cup boiling water
1 can whole cranberry sauce
½ cup chopped pecans
Dissolve gelatins in boiling water. Add strawberries, cranberry sauce and pecans. Pour into dish and congeal.
HOT FETA ARTICHOKE DIP
1 (14-ounce) can artichokes, drained and quartered
1 (4-ounce) package Feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon white pepper
½ cup sliced green onion
½ cup chopped tomato
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix artichokes, cheeses, mayonnaise, lemon juice and pepper. Bake in a shallow dish for 30 minutes or until browned. Garnish with green onions and tomatoes. Serve with toasted pita triangles or baguette slices.
• Contact Lee Ann Flemming at lafkitchen@hughes.net.
