GRANDMA’S KITCHEN

Grandma’s

Kitchen

Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron.

Autumn is here and it is a beautiful time of year.

I love putting up the autumn decorations. There is something about the colors that make your home feel warm and cozy. There are deep reds, oranges and yellows. The reds range from scarlet to burgundy to almost purple. The oranges may be burnt orange or pumpkin or a bright orange. The yellows are a dark yellow to almost orange.

And, oh how we love the leaves when they change to those same colors. Millions travel every fall and spend billions of dollars across the Eastern United States just to see the trees dressed in all their splendor.

Millions more travel to football games, both college and pro games to cheer on their favorite team. There is a special camaraderie and unity among those who are pulling for the same team. There are no strangers, only fellow fans.

Just as many travel to fall festivals and fairs. You can find a festival or fair celebrating almost everything you can think up: hog calling, farmer’s produce, crafts, music, food. You name it, there’s a festival for it.

There is excitement in the air when autumn arrives. We just want to get out and do something. It could be the beauty all around us or the cooler air we breathe after the heat of summer. Whatever the reason, we are a people on the move when autumn arrives and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Those who love to cook are excited to bring out their favorite “comfort food” recipes. The Internet is full of them whether for slow cookers, casseroles or one pot meals.

Some people prepare fried chicken, potato salad and other picnic food so they can sit and look at the leaves as they eat. Others are excited to prepare food for tailgating. Some carry food already prepared at home while others cook on a grill when they arrive. However it’s done, it is a time of sharing and enjoying meals.

If you are looking for something quick and easy to add to the more hardy dishes of a picnic, tailgate or home meal, think about some old favorite recipes and serve them in a slightly different way.

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ItalIan SkewerS

Instead of sandwiches, use wooden skewers Place on skewer: folded slice of pastrami 1 green olive folded slice of salami small ball of mozzarella slice of pepperoni black olive Use a jar for any kind of Italian dressing Use a brush to coat food when ready to eat and slide food into paper bowl Eat with bread or crackers

2 (8oz.) cream cheese 1 jar dried beef (4.5 0z.) chopped fine ½ tb. Worcestershire 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded ½ tsp. Garlic powder 2 green onion tops, chopped fine

DrIeD Beef CheeSe Ball Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well. Place in plastic wrap and form into any shape you wish (football for instance)Chill until firm. Roll in chopped pecans and bacon bits

MIllIonaIre PIe

¾ cup sugar 1 (8 oz.) cream cheese 1 large can crushed pineapple, drained 1 cup chopped nuts (I like black walnuts) 1 container Cool Whip Mix sugar and cream cheese, whipping with a fork Add pineapple and stir Add Cool Whip and mix well Add Nuts Can be placed in 8 ounce paper cups and chilled. Serve by placing small graham crackers around edge of cup

Sylvia Hughes is a retired newspaper editor and columnist residing in Windsor. In addition to three sons, she has a gaggle of grandchildren, many of whom love cooking with her just as she did with her mother and grandmother.