Heavenly Recipes
Mary Truxillo Kees
Mary makes a:
PARTY SALAD Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier
Mary Truxillo Kees, a native of Metairie and resident of Thibodaux, is sharing her recipe for a party cabbage salad. Mary concedes that she doesn’t cook very much but she can surely throw together a tasty salad. Mary has been working for the diocese since 2013. She is an administrative support specialist for Computer Operations and Technology. Mary graduated from Mercy Academy in New Orleans and from there received a degree from Loyola University in computer information processing. “I worked at Nicholls State University for 15 years at the University’s Computer Services department.” Mary has been married to Stephen Kees for the past 14 years. Mary has one child, a daughter Rosalyn, who she is very proud of. “Rosalyn graduated with a master’s from Florida State University in English Literature. She received her undergraduate degree from Nicholls. She is getting ready to move to Boulder, CO, to work for the National Center for Atmospheric Research where she will be a digital engagement specialist.” The Kees are parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish in Thibodaux. “St. Thomas is home for us. It is where we were married. I have also served on the pastoral council there in previous years.” Mary’s devotion to her Catholic faith is evident after a few minutes of conversation with her. “My mother had a strong Catholic faith. I had contemplated being a nun at an early age. My third grade school teacher was a major influence on my faith. I knew that I wanted to be a wife and a mother, also.” Mary has been on a number of pilgrimages to the Holy Land and to Europe. “In the year 2000, I went on my first pilgrimage; it was to the Holy Land and Rome. After my first 22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2021
Cabbage Salad INGREDIENTS: 1 bag of cole slaw cut cabbage 1 pack of chicken flavored Ramen noodles 1 small container of sesame seeds 1 pack of sliced almonds Dressing 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 tbsp. sugar (Thibodaux raw brown cane sugar) 1 tsp. salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 packet of chicken flavoring from Ramen noodles
DIRECTIONS: Crush noodles while still in the pack. Toast noodles, seeds and almonds in oven at 250 for 7 minutes. Mix dressing well. In a large bowl mix cabbage, toasted noodles/seeds/nuts and dressing. If going to a party, keep the baked items and the dressing separate and assemble before eating.
pilgrimage, my life changed. I feel that all of life is a pilgrimage. Everything I do I want to do it to be closer to the Lord. In 2003, I went on a Marian pilgrimage to Portugal, Spain and France; in 2012 to Rome on a pilgrimage when Bishop Sam Jacobs had his ad limina visit; and in 2015, to Israel and the Holy Land on a pilgrimage with Bishop Fabre.” Mary says she feels that she has found where God wants her to be, working at the Pastoral Center. “I feel honored to be allowed to work here. When you feel you are at the right place where God wants you, you will know it. That is how I feel here. I love the church. I love the people here.” In her spare time Mary enjoys gardening, interior decorating and collecting antiques. One of her favorites is her vast collection of vintage fiestaware. BC
