This is an article I wrote several years back. It’s one of my favorites. If you’ve read it before, I hope it’s one of yours also. If you haven’t, I hope you enjoy it.
I remember growing up in Black Forest, Colo., with my parents, brother and sisters, and my grandparents on my dad’s side. It was quite a houseful, but that really didn’t matter. We were all happy, and we all have fond memories that we share with each other quite often.
One of my fondest memories is watching granny cook. I do not think I ever saw her open a recipe book. Her recipe book was in her head. She was a country-raised woman who cooked hearty, old-fashioned meals without all the new fangled appliances and food preparation techniques, and yet, the food was beautiful when placed on the table.
I would ask her for some of her wonderful recipes to share with you, (her Apple Dumplings and Biscuits were always perfect), but her “recipe book” is in now in heaven.
I also have fond memories of my mom’s Chicken-a-la-King and Potato Soup. The last time I remember eating her Potato Soup was also in Colorado. Grand Junction, Colo., and we all had our own families by then.
On this particular day, my dad and brother took everyone to Powderhorn Ski Resort, packed up with a thermos of hot chocolate and lots firewood. We found a cutout spot along the highway, and sledded down the steep mountainside until dark. Once you made the trek up the mountain, and then sledded down, a fire and hot chocolate were waiting for you - compliments of my dad. It was an invigorating, wonderful, and fun family day.
Once back home, mom fixed a large pot of Potato Soup and some Ham Sandwiches with leftover ham from Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful, hearty way to end our cold, exciting day!
I can’t return to that warm, little kitchen in Black Forest and stand at my granny’s side, watching as she cooks. At the same time, I can’t go back to Powderhorn and sled with all of my family - some of them no longer share Earth with me, and most of the rest of us live down south now. However, I’ll always have those cherished memories that I can visit, anytime I desire.
My husband says there’s nothing more important than faith and family. He’s right, you know. Your faith and your family will always be there when nothing or nobody else is. In these days of our “disposable” world, our children need to know this truth.
Everyone has memories and traditions to cherish…Thanksgiving doesn’t seem right without cranberry sauce, whether you eat it or not, and Christmas doesn’t seem right without those special “hand-made” ornaments, even if you seemingly hide them on the tree.
Just as well, cold, snowy nights need a hot, hearty dinner like Potato Soup and Ham Sandwiches, because that’s what makes memories!
If your family is young, start some traditions. It doesn’t have to be anything big, just something everyone will remember doing on a special night or at a special time. And remember – it’s never too late.
In the meantime, enjoy this Chicken-a-la-King (which can also be made from left-over turkey), straight from my mom’s kitchen, and serve up a warm memory for your family! The weather is perfect for a hot, hearty meal such as this one.
Chicken-a-la-King
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 16 oz. cans of chicken broth
4 stalks of celery, chopped
1 onion, peeled and chopped
4 carrots, cleaned and chopped
1 can of sweet green peas, undrained
Salt and pepper to taste
2 bay leaves
1/3 cup of cornstarch
1/4 cup of cold water
Hot, cooked rice
In a large pan, cook the chicken breasts about 20 minutes or until they’re just about done. Remove the chicken from the pan and then chop it up. Add the chicken, all of the vegetables except the peas, the bay leaves, and the salt and pepper to the broth. Simmer until tender. Add the peas. Remove the bay leaves. In a small cup, mix the cornstarch and the water to form a smooth paste. Add the paste to the broth mixture and continue cooking until thickened. Remove from the heat. Serve over hot rice.