A Southern Fish Fry

When the heat and humidity are equal, all you can do is have a fish fry. Six of us couples did, and it was scrumptous.

Start at the bottom of the picture: my green and purple cabbage slaw; five pounds of french fries; two pans of spicy baked beans; and a large pan of deep fried fresh crappie and catfish. Beyond the bottles of tartar and cocktail sauce is a pan of hushpuppies with added Ro-tel and chopped green pepper. What isn't pictured is a huge glass bowl of homemade banana pudding and a pound cake.

While we feasted, the men relived their hunting adventures, and we women discussed food, kids and men. I wish you could hear the laughter and see the smiles as old and new friends shared a pleasant afternoon Southern style.

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

My First Flight

was to South Carolina to see my sister with my eleven-month old baby, Corrie. I was embarrassed to handle her with a body harness, but the travel agent insisted it was a good idea. People looked at me as if she was my puppy. Seated in bulkhead, she squirmed to the floor. I got ahold of her harness and gently lifted her up. Thank God for a short leash.

Omaha to Chicago was smooth. The Captain informed us flying east the weather would be turbulent. A business man cross the aisle repeatedly offered to hold Corrie. I thought he was a bit pushy. He insisted, "I make this trip every week, and it is going to be rough. Trust me." I did, and it was. We were tossed around like ice in a shaker. I questioned leaving home for this, but I wanted to see my sister.

The man was a blessing. I was scared to death, and she would have felt it. I wished I had a shoulder to lean on. Over and over he patted her back and sang "Possum up a tree stump, rabbit in a hole..." She laughed, felt safe and fell asleep on his shoulder. When we landed in South Carolina, he carried her off the plane and handed her to me.

I didn't know then that I would go on to log tens of thousands of air miles and each time remember what I learned from him: adapt, be of service, let others help me, and don't panic.

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

double trouble

MSN photo

No matter how much music and how many lights we put in the sweetcorn, they knew exactly when it was ready and we weren't around.

They remind me of the children's storybook "Curious George." George, a pet racoon, washed everything and was disappointed when a sugar cube dissolved.

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

Past Pastor 'n Pat's Pearl Party

Is that a mouthful, or what?

Ryker came in and announced, "Chefy Ryker here, and I want an apron." We substituted my jacket. He pushed a stool to the stove and proceeded to saute fresh veggies for the Vegetarian Split-Pea Soup, our first course. Gently stirring he commented, "The flavors have to marry. What kind of kids will they have?" .

Aja popped in and insisted, "I'll help." Every cook needs a pot scrubber.

Justin prepared the salmon in parchment per Suzane Somers with lemon slices and sprigs of fresh thyme. He had never eaten it but was willing to try. "Can I come back and cook some more?" Sure.

Pastor and Pat arrived all smiles and game to wear the pearl table decorations. Schatzie came running and jumped in his lap. That's a first for anyone. Pastor generously petted and scratched him until dinner was ready.

We steamed Whole Foods baby red potatoes and green peas, added a splash of butter and sprigs of garden baby dill making a colorful presentation.

Over the years I've watched Pastor minister to our community. He overflows with love and compassion for all. It is safe to say he walks the talk of Jesus Christ.

Pat was excited, "We are going to Denmark. Andy will meet us there. He is making all of the arrangements." Awesome! They trained him right.

Pastor added, "My parents and I sailed to Denmark when I was twelve. One stormy night, I didn't think we'd make it."

Our palette cleanser was apple/pear gelato. Refreshing.

"Have you had your pudd today?" I asked. It was a quesion often heard in old England.I found the recipe in Betty Crocker. Kim was pouring it into the baking dish and lost her grip. Might as well laugh; she had egg on more than her face.

The Pudd baked in a hot water bath. The top became a sponge cake and the bottom settled into lemon pudding. Outstanding! No wonder it appears in so many recipe books.

I forgot to serve the wine and take pictures of food, but a good time was had by all. They filled my house with laughter and warm memories of good friends,good food and eager to learn to cook children.

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

Spinach Balls

My daughter-in-law, Carol, first made Spinach Balls for us. They were so good, JB asked for the recipe. I like to keep them on hand. They're healthy, quick and easy to make.

It is important to buy a good brand of finely chopped spinach. In a hurry, I bought a cheap one and found it stringy with too many stems. We couldn't use it.

Two 10 ounce packages of chopped frozen spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry.
Add 2 cups of Pepperidge Farm herb seasoned dry stuffing crumbs
a dash of dry mustard
6 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup soft butter
1 cup parmesan cheese.

Mix. Roll into small balls.(I got 42 out of my last batch.)Refrigerate or freeze until firm.
Bake on lightly greased cookie sheet 350 degrees 15"

Spicy Hot Mustard Sauce
1/4 cup dry mustard
1/2 cup white vinegar
Mix and set aside 2-24 hours

Add 1/2 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
Simmer until thick

Can you believe spinach tastes so good?

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

To my Chinese comenters

Dear Friends,

Translations do not always come through. I want you to know
I appreciate your interest and support.

Sincerely,
Maeann Jasa

Looking good from any angle

Best friends relaxing. Aja holds Madchen, with a long a. Madchen has her own ministry radiating love to all. Aja's ministry is helping wherever she can.

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

Summer's Best

A feast for the eyes I found at our local city center market. The peaches taste like peaches. We've already eaten the long, slim quarter-sized eggplant sauteed with a summer squash and one shapely red peper. Yum. Today I'm cooking purple-hulled peas with okra.

I'm learning tricks about cooking in castiron skillets on top of the stove. It's so hot here, we don't need more heat in the kitchen. I did not know I could make cornbread on top, if I cover the skillet and turn the burner on low. I'll let you know how it is. I might have had a decent peach cobbler this way, too. Instead, it was crispy on the sides and the dough was undone. We're just eating the peaches as is. They're quite fine naked.

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

Mooshing Bernie

Bernie was between trips to Chicago for treatment. We had to have a Pearl Girls party. Kim was at work and Sandi was otherwise occupied, but they were there in spirit. Di and I held up our end. Chris called from NYC with well wishes.

Bernie said she'd eat anything healthy. No problem. I fixed a fresh sweet potato and green bean soup, tomato slices with capers, and limeade from fresh squeezed limes.

Earlier in the day Kim left a wrapped present for her: a pin/pendant "Tree of Life" representing the huge oak trees on her farm. We could almost hear the wind in it. Hugging a tree is good medicine.

Bernie explained the mix of medicine and holistic treatment in Chicago. They treat the whole person on all levels. God bless them. There's more to cancer treatment than chemo and radiation.

She admired an oblong print on my wall: pots of colorful impatients lined up on steps. It was natural to offer it to her. She protested. I insisted claiming Indian thinking: if someone admires something I have, I should give it to them. Except for my man. She giggled and accepted my picture.

We didn't need to give her presents, but there is the urge to give her something to smile about, even though she stays upbeat. We're in this with her, and would move heaven and earth to free her of it. That's what friends do.

For dessert I fanned slices of Braeburn apples. Under the fresh mint leaf is chopped Braeburn apple with chopped almonds, cinnamon and a splash of almond milk. Yum.

Until next time, Pearl Girls, Bon Appetite!

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series