LET'S EAT

6 western tidewater living Cooking is love made delicious

Lynn Ramsey's cookbook already in second printing

STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEPHEN H. COWLES

Lynn Ramsey of Drewryville doesn't just tolerate the heat of the kitchen — she thrives in it.

In July, there was pickling to be done, and already she had three batches going. For some, she was planning to do something a little fancy. Ramsey was going to make cinnamon pickles, describing them as “red and pretty for Christmas.”

Whether it's pickling, canning, baking or cooking in general, you name it, she can probably do it — but she sees no reason to go to extremes.

“I just love to cook, but I don't do a lot of extravagant dishes, just Southern country cooking, and a lot I have included in my cookbook,” said Ramsey.

Her collection of personal recipes was bound and published under the appropriate titled, “Lynn's Favorite Country Recipes.”

But the Sussex County native is not alone in the kitchen. There's her husband, Travis, for one.

“We cook together a lot,” she said. “He has helped me with the cookbook a lot. He's helped sell them and was instrumental in getting recipes and making those recipes. He's been a great deal of help.”

The idea for the personal project has eral Federation of Women's Clubs, and is “They were very helpful, very easy to been simmering in her head and heart also treasurer of the Drewryville Ruritan work with. Just a pleasure,” she said. for quite a while. Club. The pages featuring 100 recipes were “It's something I have wanted to do The origin of her passion for cooking sent in May, and the following month for years, one of my dreams,” Ramsey goes back to middle school, if not earlier. Ramsey took delivery of 500 copies of recalled. “Last year I had back surgery “I've been collecting recipes since sev“Lynn's Favorite Country Recipes.” and couldn't do a whole lot. There was enth grade in home economics,” she conAll of them were sold, and another 500 no deadline so I just sat down, did it and tinued. “I found a little tin box and index were ordered for second printing. No enjoyed it. It's something I've wanted to cards for cooking projects. I later put it changes were made. share.” away and only came across it a few weeks “Don't be surprised if there's another Because she could work at leisure, ago.” cookbook,” she hinted. “There's always a the collecting, sorting and writing took There are rarely if ever over-the-top possibility.” about four months — whenever she recipes. Ramsey also shares the love of cookSeniors can stay at home when a Nursing Home is not an option - wanted. “I wanted my heart to be in the cook“When I'm baking I might try a different flavoring such as cinnamon or vaniling with her grandchildren, Andrew and Natalie Hinson of Newsoms, 12 and 8 book and not be a job or work. I wanted la, or I'll add bouillon cubes — they make respectively. Seniors can stay at home when a Nursing Home is not an option - Seniors can stay at home when a Nursing Home is not an option - Seniors can stay at home when a Nursing Home is not an option - Seniors can stay at home when a Nursing Home is not an option - to enjoy it,” added Ramsey. In addition to orchestrating simple but flavorful foods, she's particularly active in her community of 46 years. Ramsey serves as president of the Drewryville a big difference,” Ramsey said. “Coconut flavoring to pies. Sweet potatoes will get spices just to make it a little different and a little more flavor.” Morris Printing based in Nebraska did “Both are comfortable in the kitchen,” she said. “Natalie loves to get in there and help and work the mixer and put in the eggs.” To order your copy ($10; $13 if shipWE PROVIDE Seniors can stay at home when a Nursing Home is not an option - WE PROVIDE Seniors can stay at home when a Nursing Home is not an option - WE PROVIDE SENIORS CAN STAY AT HOME Woman's Club, a member of the Genthe printing. ping), call Ramsey at 434-658-4378.

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Blueberry Croissant Puff

Lynn Ramsey shares this recipe for Blueberry Croissant Puff, which is from her cookbook, “Lynn's Favorite Country Recipes.”

Blueberry Croissant Puff 5 to 5-½ croissants, cut up into cubes 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 1 softened cream cheese (8 oz.) 2/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 eggs 1 cup milk confectioners sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Put cut-up croissants in a greased 9 X 13 baking dish. Sprinkle blueberries over croissants. Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and eggs together in a mixing bowl. Gradually add milk until well blended. Pour mixture over blueberries and croissants. Let stand for 20 minutes or overnight. Bake for 35 minutes. Dust with confectioners sugar and serve warm.