How often we sang the little ditty, She'll be coming 'round the Mountain . . ." with the promise of "We will have chicken and dumplings when she comes . . ." The blue-ribbon champion of chicken and dumplings in this region is my 92 year old aunt Rachel.
She has excelled with this 'delicacy' for years. When her son had a local restaurant, it was common knowledge that on the day that her c&d was the 'specialite de jour', late arrival would mean "all gone".
For the past few years, she, her 'children' and spouses have invited my brothers and our families to her house on the day after Thanksgiving for an evening of food, fun and fellowship. When we gathered this year, like a magnet I was drawn towards the kitchen stove to see this year's production. This is what I found:
While she maintains that this is not her favorite food, others of us tell her not to lose the recipe ; that is unlikely to happen. She could probably cook them in her sleep.
At 92, she continues to be a marvel and the family 'jewel'. Since 1996, she has travelled in all 50 states and in 12 foreign countries, continuing a tradition that she and her late husband Wade had enjoyed.
I cannot lie. The chicken and dumplings are delicious; but just being with her is a big adventure. Last night we demonstrated again our gratitude for her culinary skills.
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| You continue to cook them and we will eat them. Thanks ! |
Satchel
Are you sure that's not possum?
ReplyDeleteRon, It is so good to see Miss Rachel looking good and cooking strong as ever. What's in the pot makes my mouth water too. It's been a while since I had any of her C&D but I still remember how good they are. Please give her a hug from me the next time you see her. Corkey
ReplyDeleteApparently like your aunt, my mother was not a big fan of and rarely ate the baked beans she made for all family gatherings as everyone in both my mother's and dad's families coveted them.
ReplyDeleteBut many musicians have said that their favorite piece was not the one his or her fans asked for.
I know many fellow engineers who have had my experience of having a piece of work we thought was just OK, be the thing others think was our masterpiece.
Life is strange!
OMG This is awesome. Yes, she is a marvel. We are all awestruck by her many talents, stories and beauty inside and out. We love you Aunt Rachel!! Jimmy & Ida (I'd love some C&D, of hers)
ReplyDelete