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Annually, the first part of
November finds me wandering down memory lane as I fumble through my untidy
batch of recipes. You see, my recipes are not neatly filed away on my
computer, nor are they alphabetized in a cute recipe box; they are an
embarrassing hodgepodge of cards, scraps of paper, and even a few
envelopes. Yet, finding my favorites for the holiday season is never
difficult.
Some dishes are recognized by the
handwriting of the person that jotted it down at my request. Others were
scribbled on any notepad that was handy at the time; and I search by the
color of the paper. As I rummage through my jumbled collection of recipes,
it causes me to recall people, places, and events from the past—and I like
it that way. For me, my filing system is perfect!
Still, one recipe card stands out
amongst all other. The handwriting has faded, the yellowed edges are bent,
and it has amassed an array of smudges over the years. Oh, but it is far
from being just another dog-eared recipe card; it’s a special keepsake from
my Mother, who is now deceased. This year I realized just how faint her
handwriting had become on the aging card and it was promptly placed in a
plastic bag for protection.
I’d not been gone from home long
before asking Mother for her Pumpkin Bread recipe. It had been part of
every holiday I could remember, not to mention being decadent and habit
forming. The recipe originated with my Grandmother, who died before my
birth, and was handed down to my Mother.
That ragged, old card has
traveled with me from state to state, kitchen to kitchen, and has generated
more loaves of pumpkin bread than I would dare to count. Many were devoured
at family dinners, and countless others have been given as gifts after being
embellished with holiday ribbons and bows.
I often feel my compilation of
favorite recipes is akin to a roadmap of my life, beginning with the Pumpkin
Bread recipe from my mother. Others were gathered along the way in
different states, different cities; some were shared by old friends, some by
new friends, and some by relatives. I find myself being thankful for each
person that came into my life and shared a special dish, several of which
are now part of my traditional holiday fare.
Most times the roadmap has
directed me down scenic boulevards, although I’ve had my share of detours
along the way. However, in summary, I’m more than thankful for the
journey…and all those who touched my life along the way…
~~~~WISHING YOU AND YOURS A LOVELY
THANKSGIVING~~~~
©2006Kathleene S.
Baker
Lnstrlady@aol.com
www.txyellowrose.com
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