A Ranch Recipe and Thoughts of Home

Bing Crosby, My Father, and My Mother

***

In my mind’s eye and heart it is the early 60’s ,

and I am standing at the end of our long sidewalk by the grape arbor,

watching my parents and their friends

spill out of the ranch hunting truck

after a day of hunting.

My mother has on Jackie O sunglasses,

a smile on her face,

and an animal print vest she had just finished sewing

earlier

that morning

in her sewing room.

She is beautiful and full of life.

Waiting in the house is a favorite appetizer for their guests,

who of course will be staying for supper.

What will be served?

Broccoli Cheese Dip with Fritos

Fried Quail

Jalapeno Cheese Rice (Ranch Recipe #1)

Salad  with Wishbone Dressing

Hot Bread

and some sort of dessert, probably chocolate

While she gets everything ready inside,

my father is frying the quail out on the patio with his friends.

Ray Price is playing on the stereo,

and I thrill to my father’s words…

“Sister? Will you run go get me…”

Once in the house, my mother is smiling and laughing,

with a special smile just for me

as she asks,

“Laura Ellen? Will you run go get me…”

I wish I could hear that just one more time.

***

Broccoli Cheese Dip

1 package chopped frozen broccoli, thawed and drained

1 small onion, chopped finely

1 tbsp of butter

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 small jar sliced mushrooms

1 roll Kraft Garlic Cheese (hard to find)

Saute the onion in the butter and add the thawed broccoli.

Mix gently until warm.

Add the rest of the ingredients and pour into an

oven-safe serving dish.

Heat in the oven until bubbly.

Serve with Fritos.

 

***

Thoughts of Home are often poignant yet memorable at the same time.

Won't you share yours next Thursday?