There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place
where colors are brighter,
the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.
~Elizabeth Lawrence
Last week my friend’s daughter Sarah posted on Facebook that she was making Nonnie’s meatloaf recipe for dinner. Immediately I longed to be 13 years old again, sitting in Nonnie’s home. Nonnie is my best friend’s mother (Sarah’s grandmother). Nonnie was an avid gardener who adored wildlife, especially the birds and squirrels. I think she would love Edgar and Stump!
A favorite childhood memory is the aroma of Nonnie’s kitchen after a hot summer day of cheerleader practice in the late '70s. Nonnie was the best southern-style cook I’ve ever met! Silly as it may seem, if I close my eyes and reflect on days gone by, I can feel myself in her comfy cozy presence. Nonnie always graciously opened up her home (and heart) to me and others. She took pleasure in preparing and serving her lip-smacking homemade southern meals. Goodness, that woman could cook, and always with a smile on her face! Have you ever had fresh green beans sautéed in bacon grease? Now there’s a flavor to savor that cannot be replicated with low-fat oils!
Naturally, I had to try my hand at Nonnie’s meatloaf and so I did. My husband and I ate (more like devoured) the whole thing! I shared my loving memories of Nonnie with him and we both shared comfort in her amazing meal. My husband is very nostalgic that way and always appreciates a story from the past.
So it is with great honor and pleasure to share with you Nonnie’s simple meatloaf recipe passed on by her incredibly amazing granddaughter.
1 lb. ground round
1 egg
½ cup of rolled oats
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt & pepper
½ cup ketchup, extra for top of meatloaf
Mix above in bowl and place in a loaf pan.
Heat oven to 350°. Cook for 1½ hours. Drain fat periodically. Ten minutes before taking out of oven, spread the ketchup on top.
Nonnie passed away many years ago but her memory lives on. Yes, she was the best southern-style cook, but more importantly she had the essence of a true southern belle. Nonnie truly cared for others more than she cared for herself.
How blessed are we to cherish special moments that will never leave our minds…or our hearts. ♥
 |
| Sarah & Kathy (my best friends) |
4 comments:
Thank you Jan for so eloquently describing my mom. She loved you and it was her pleasure when you came to dinner. It made her feel important. I am sure she is smiling down on us right now. I feel honored that you took a simple recipe and made it special. Much love to you my friend.
I loved your mom...she was a very special lady. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. She would be proud. ;)
I too have many wonderful memories of Nonnie. I always felt like I was home when I was there <3. Her Hamburger Pie is the recipe I would love to make. I think of her often :0)
what a wonderful memory...you can feel the love...had our Italian meatloaf tonight how funny....
Post a Comment