She Never Deviates

Sitting here tonight in a sharp chill and dead silence except for that ocean sound in my ears (vertigo) I am fervently wishing to be way down south and run to my Sandy for a hug and big bowl of her delicious food.  What a great cook she is ...or was.  Her cooking days are all past now.

You know what the passage of time does for all of us.  If you don't know yet, you are one day in for a rude awakening!

 She tells me now her days in the kitchen are over.  She went elsewhere for the first time this Thanksgiving, whereas it used to be you could walk through her door and the wonderful aromas would greet you smack in the nostrils.  Simple food but scrumptious.  I would always leave her table full as little waddling happy puppy.  

One dish she used to make was her "Simple Seasonal Pasta Salad".  She wasn't like me for she always followed the book when cooking.  Me?  I could cook well too but I would deviate from a recipe until the taste suited me.  As I became old and worn out, so often from the day's work outside on my 'farm' it was often a one-pot concoction - a goulash.

I'll never forget one time my very small grandson, around age three, three and a half, was visiting me.  Everyone was sitting around the table, waiting in anticipation as I set the big bowl of goulash down beside the platter of steaming cornbread.  A slight frown showed on his face.  I spooned a helping on his plate; he hesitated until I said "Eat up, Michael".  He very timidly spooned a bite, then another, then another.  Then he spoke up and said: "Ganny Callin, this stuff looks awful  ...but you sure are a good cook".  We all burst out laughing  ...the best compliment I could have ever received, I'm telling you!

I cherish words out of the mouths of babes. They can be so opened-eyed honest.  Today Michael is grown, soon to become thirty-three years old.  Lord, how I miss seeing him; he was so precious when such an innocent child. Life goes on though and everyone travels their own road of destiny.

Sandra called Thanksgiving evening as she does quite often, every holiday and a few times a month.  She has been very faithful to do so since we lost my brother almost six years ago, the worst nightmare; a never ending heartbreak for the both of us and always in the mind.  She can't speak of her loss. We talked of the noon meal we'd each enjoyed, her news of her only grandchild being engaged,  to be married in two years after she finishes college, we both catching up since our last phone visit.

She was in Tampa, spending the week with her son and his girlfriend. Those two cooked the meal together, while Sandy did make a macaroni salad.  It may have been this one.  She sent me her recipe awhile back, so I want to share it with you.  I hope you too will enjoy - It's good.
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                                            "Simple Seasonal Pasta Salad"

3 cups (12 oz. elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup Italian salad dressing
2 cups broccoli florets
3/4 cup shredded carrot
3/4 cup sweet pepper slices, diced
1/2 cup sliced red onion
13 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook macaroni according to directions, drain.  rinse with cold water to cool quickly; drain well.  In large bowl, stir together cooled pasta and remaining ingredients.  Cover and refrigerate at least for one hour.  (Any leftovers are even more tasty the next day)

Makes 10 servings, 210 calories (if made with fat-free dressing)

Eat hearty!