HAND ME DOWNS

By Vernalee

There has always been a tradition in our family of passing down possessions. It is funny how the little things in life mean so much! Allow me to share a cooking story that occurred a few years ago. Lemon juice can be used to jazz up many dishes. Its tartness enhances the flavor. Squeezing those tiny lemons can be a chore. Not anymore! I inherited the perfect kitchen utensil that makes the job spontaneously effortless. Using my Mother’s recipe, I made a delectable cherry cheese cake utilizing an old fashioned lemon squeezer (pictured above). The squeezer belonged to my Grandmother Eleonora. It worked perfectly! I never knew my Granny. She died when I was only two years old. I have always heard family recant stories about how she had me “spoiled rotten” by holding me continuously, picking me up when I fell, and gingerly wiping every tear away from my crying eyes! Go Granny! I love it! Emotionally and ironically, my Granny and I cooked together yesterday when I used her vintage appliance. It was as if she was standing in my kitchen looking over my shoulders! Imaginatively, I could hear her say, “Dash a pinch of vanilla flavor to liven up the taste. Grating a tad bit of the lemon peel won’t hurt!” Those Southern cooks knew how to put a meal on the table from scanty ingredients are something else! Aren’t they? Perhaps, you could say that my Grandma’s hands guided mine. Alright, the judgment was still out. The proof is in the pudding! Let’s see if I passed the taste test. I cut a slice for my Mother, Miss Phoebe! Understand this! Miss Phoebe, a master chef, can detect a 1/2 teaspoon of salt missing from a three layer German Chocolate cake. If she liked it, you were “home free.” Drum roll, please! Momma loved it and said, “Job well done!” Of course, I couldn’t “leave well enough alone.” I kept going! So, I made lemonade. Upon taking a swallow, Momma said, “Girl, this lemonade is entirely too sweet. Cut back on your sugar! In fact, put a little warm water in first to crystallize the sugar and then add the remaining lemon juice, rinds, and sugar from there!” I did and it salivated off my tongue as I drank it!

I give a shout out of thanks to my late Momma and Granny! Though neither walk this earth now, their guidance and presence will never leave! Some folks say “too many cooks in the kitchen” will never work. Well I beg to differ. With this aged cooking experience, I had it just right - the memories and the ingredients! Photo credit: www.gritsandmagnolias.com

BRINGING HOME THE BACON

By Vernalee

To bring home the bacon means to earn money, particularly for one’s family; to be successful, especially financially successful; to supply means of subsistence; earn a living; attain success or reach a desired goal. For years, the man held the distinction of being the primary wage earner and the person who made the most money. That trend is changing. Women nowadays not only take care of the household but also bring home the bacon. According to the NY Times, the median household income for married women who earn more than their husbands — more often white, slightly older and college educated — is $80,000. When the wife is the primary breadwinner, the total family income is generally higher. Check out this statistic: One fourth of women earn more than their husbands. What happens to the family when the woman rises to the top and assumes this role? Here is where the debate and varying opinions occur. Some say that it is a recipe for disaster. Others say that the family is better off. A selected group contends that it’s not just about the dollars. Some men find not being the breadwinner a little unsettling. They feel that their role is being threatened. Some women breadwinners allege unfairness in that they still bear the brunt of child rearing and the abundant housework. Let’s not forget the traditional theory that children turn out better when the Mother stays home. Before a gasket is blown, there is as much agreement as there is disagreement. Where is the balance? It is a tug of war. Is there a universal answer or does it depend upon the individual family? It remains to be seen. Here's what we do know.

When women “bring home the bacon and is the top breadwinner,” it’s too much for some traditionalists. What do you think? A penny – and a slice of bacon on toasted bread with yummy grape jelly – for your thoughts! Photo credit: www.slate.com

FOR THE LOVE OF FAMILY

By Vernalee

Family! Remember them? Related through blood line, they are the people that we feel close to, grew up with, talk to, share time with as we show love - most of the time. They can also be the people that we engage in verbal warfare with, get upset with, refuse to talk to out of anger. You know the list as I do. We can for sure hold on too long to things that we should let go. The interesting thing is that there are times that we can't live with them and times that we cannot live without them! At the end of the day, there is something that we share that supersedes the frustration that we can sometimes feel. It's called family; it's called togetherness; it's called love! It’s that permanent bond that glues us together no matter how weak our individual pieces may be! Photo Credit: About Us