Hello from the kitchen!

I see many of you are already counting down the days until spring. As I get older, I try not to wish for the days to go faster. I remember my Dad telling me once to stop wishing my life away because it’ll go faster than you think. So I’m enjoying life one day at a time.

Yesterday was the anniversary of my Mother’s passing, so I thought I’d highlight a few of her favorite dishes she made for us. Potpie was often made. Whether ham, chicken or beef, it was always good. Along with apple butter and cottage cheese on bread, it made for an excellent meal. Another good meal was bbq sandwiches with baked mac and cheese. My favorite meal has always been roast chicken, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy. Food tasted so much better back then because we raised our own chickens, pigs, corn and potatoes. We knew what we were eating.

As for recipes, I can’t stress enough how important it is to pass them on or they will end with you when you pass. I spent several years perfecting my Mom’s caramel icing recipe because either she didn’t write anything down or there just wasn’t a recipe. I cook and bake that same way, but I’ve written everything down so others may enjoy them, too.

Just a note about my cookbook. I am working on it. It’s a very long process and you’ll be the first to know when it’s available. Eat well my friends and stay warm.

•••

Bev Kauffman, of Lewistown, operated a catering business in Juniata County for nearly 20 years. She has authored the cookbook, “Preserving the Past: In the Kitchen with Bev Kauffman” in 2013 and is currently working on a second cookbook.