12/25/2006

Grandma's Kitchen

Wishing you the joy of the season

By EDNA SHAFFER

Special to the Record-Eagle

By Edna Shaffer
Local columnist

Merry Christmas Friends! I was so excited when our editor told me I could have a Christmas column. It's a real privilege to greet you on this special morning and wish you a wonderful day.

I hope it finds you with the people you love — or at least in touch with them — and enjoying warm hugs from your happy children.

I trust that somewhere amidst the gifts, lights, music and feasting you will sense the wonder and peace that feels like Christmas. It starts with a warm glow that spreads from the head, to the heart, to the toes. These are the moments you savor and try to hold on to. It wouldn't be Christmas without them. May all of the outward trappings be but a symbol of what you hold in your heart.

Touch hands...strong hands to weak...old hands to young, around the Christmas board....touch hands....

— Wm. Henry Harrison Murray

These are the words that fill my mind when I think of Christmas.

This wonderful season is a kaleidoscope of all things past, present and future. Events run together, people come into our lives bringing joy, others go, leaving an empty space forever.

Then Christmas comes and with the simple act of touching hands, our world becomes a more beautiful place. Christmas Magic? Yes! I wish this for you....

I look forward to all of the computer pictures of the grand and great-grand children on Christmas morning. It will probably look like last year's re-run, except they'll have more teeth, they'll be taller and their "toys” more expensive. I'm so glad I don't have to brave those plastic jungles anymore. I don't buy toys, just send small checks; I've gone from "toys are us” to "checks are us.” It's easier on the feet and nerves.

I just ran out to the mailbox and the wind about turned me wrongside-out. For a moment the thought of heading south for Christmas sounded good, then I had a flash back to the "Cat and the Aluminum Tree” Christmas at my southern sister's home. The dream died fast!

Her aluminum tree, resplendent with many plastic and glass ornaments, was not anchored to the hardwood floor — and neither was the cat (Minnie Pearl), who had been celebrating with some catnip. Equipped by nature and encouraged by the catnip, Minnie was determined to be the star on top of the tree. Time and again we'd hear the swish- swish, rattle-rattle of Minnie ascending the tree, then the bang-bang, splat of the ornaments and tree hitting the floor, then Minnie with her ears laid back, speeding past the archway like a pack of bloodhounds were in hot pursuit. Minnie was not one to give up, so by mid-afternoon it was old stuff and we were all needing a little catnip. I do wish I had that aluminum tree today, it would probably fetch a pretty penny on the "Antiques Road Show.”

I guess I should mention food since this is the Food page. After all the feasting and rich foods, I think a simple soup sounds good.

How does a pot of Baked Potato Soup sound to you? It is easy to make and doesn't take any exotic ingredients, and is a real comfort food. Potatoes can be baked ahead.

Baked Potato Soup

• 2/3 c. oleo
• 2/3 c. flour
• 7 c. milk
• 4 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2/3 c. sweet onion, chopped
• 1¼ c. shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 c. sour cream
• 1 t. salt
• ½ t. pepper
• 1 c. cubed leftover ham, optional

Scrub and bake potatoes; cool, peel and cube. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the margarine over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Add milk slowly, whisking constantly from the bottom until thickened. Stir in potatoes and onions. Bring to a low boil, stirring often. Reduce heat, simmer 10 minutes. Mix in cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper and ham, if using. Simmer until cheese is melted. Serves six.

My sincere wishes for a peaceful Christmas and many blessings in the New Year.

Edna Shaffer can be reached via the Record-Eagle at 120 W. Front, Traverse City, Mi 49685; or by sending email to: coachngrandma@charter.net