Editorial
Front Page - Friday, December 3, 2010
Kay's Cooking Corner
Christmas Family Celebrations Timeless Traditions
Kay Bona
This is an article I wrote several years back, but it is one of my favorites. If you have read it before, I hope it is one of yours also. If you haven’t I hope you enjoy it.
I remember growing up in Black Forest, Colorado with my parents, brother and sisters, and my grandparents on my dad’s side. It was quite a houseful, but it really didn’t matter. We were all happy and we all have fond memories that we share with each other quite often.
One of my fondest memories is watching Granny cook. I do not think I ever saw her open a recipe book. Her recipe book was in her head. She was a country-raised woman who cooked hearty, old-fashioned meals without all the new fangled appliances and food preparation techniques, and yet, the food was beautiful when placed on the plate. I would ask her for some of her wonderful recipes to share with you, (her Apple Dumplings and Biscuits were always perfect), but her “recipe book” is in now in heaven.
I also have fond memories of my Mom’s Chicken-a-la-King, and Potato Soup. The last time I remember eating her Potato Soup was also in Colorado. Grand Junction, Colorado and we all had our own families by then.
This particular day, my Dad and brother took everyone to Powderhorn Ski Resort, packed up with thermos hot chocolate and lots of firewood. We found a cutout spot along the highway, and sledded down the steep mountainside until dark. Once you made the trek up the mountain, then sledded down, a fire and the hot chocolate was there waiting for you. It was an invigorating day.
Once back home, Mom fixed a large pot of potato soup and some ham sandwiches with leftover ham from Thanksgiving. A wonderful, hearty way to end our cold, exciting day!
I can’t return to Black Forest to that warm, little kitchen and stand at my Granny’s side, watching as she cooks. At the same time, I cannot go back up to Powderhorn and sled with all of my family - some of them no longer share this earth with me, and most of the rest of us live down South now. However, I will always have those cherished memories that I can visit, anytime I want.
My husband says that there is nothing more important than “Faith and Family.” He’s right you know. Your faith and family will always be there when nothing or nobody else is. Children need to know this.
Everyone has memories and traditions to cherish…Thanksgiving doesn’t seem right without cranberry sauce, whether you eat it or not, and Christmas does not seem right without those special “hand-made” ornaments, even if you hide them on the tree. Just as well, cold, snowy nights need a hot, hearty dinner like Potato Soup and Ham Sandwiches, because that is what makes memories!
If your family is young, start some traditions. It doesn’t have to be anything big, just something that they will always remember doing on a special night or at a special time. And remember … it is never too late.
In the meantime, enjoy this Chicken-a-la-King (which can also be made from left-over Turkey), straight from my Mom’s kitchen, and serve up a warm memory for your family! The weather is perfect for a hot, hearty meal such as this one.
Chicken-a-la-King
4 boneless, skinless Chicken
breasts
2 16 oz cans chicken broth
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, peeled and
chopped
4 carrots, cleaned and
chopped
1 can sweet green peas,
undrained
salt and pepper to taste
2 Bay leaves
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
Hot, cooked rice
In large pan, cook chicken breasts about 20 minutes or until just about done. Remove from pan and chop. Add chicken, and all vegetables (except peas), bay leaves and salt and pepper to broth. Simmer until tender. Add peas. Remove bay leaves. In small cup, mix cornstarch and water to form a smooth paste. Add to broth mixture and continue cooking until thickened. Remove from heat. Serve over hot rice.
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