Homemaking 101: Cooking with Kathy

I need a new picture.  Scary to say this one is 5 years old! :)

My sweet mother is a Godly woman who is gifted in many areas but cooking is not one of them!  The running joke in our family is that when we have a get together, she brings the veggie tray.  So, while she has taught me a lot, my quest to be a better homemaker in matters of the kitchen and hospitality has been greatly influenced by my Aunt Kathy.  One of my first memories of being in her home was when my entire youth group from Arkansas was headed to Wyoming for a mission trip.  When our van broke down in Kansas and we weren’t able to stay where we had originally planned,  she and my uncle welcomed us into their Denver home well past midnight with smiles on their faces.  The next morning there was a yummy breakfast waiting on us!  I will always remember how willing she was to open her home and serve others.  This left a lasting impression with me about how to use your home as a ministry tool. 

As I have gotten older, the lessons have continued.  After I had D, she came and cooked for almost three solid days, filling my freezer with all kinds of goodies.  She has shared recipes and tips along the way and I have been known to call her in the middle of cooking dinner and ask for her help or opinion.  

Two of my favorite recipes she has shared are her Chicken Salad and Meatballs.  I usually make a double batch of the meatballs and freeze them.  Then we can just pull out what we need for that meal and reheat them in the oven.   

I thought I would share a little of my aunt with you today.  I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as we do!

Who has taught you the most in the kitchen?  What lessons have you learned about using your home for ministry?

Chicken Salad

5 Chicken breasts cooked and shredded

6 pineapple rings cut into pieces

3 celery stalks chopped

1 cup graves quartered

1 apple chopped

1/2 cup chopped pecans

2-3 Tbsp pineapple juice

Mayonnaise (enough to make smooth consistency/start with 1/2 cup and add more as needed)

Mix all ingredients and.  Chill before serving

Meatballs

3lbs. ground beef

2 cups oatmeal

1 small can evaporated milk

2 eggs- beaten

2 tsp. chili powder

1 cup chopped onion

1tsp garlic

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Mix all meatball ingredients and make into balls.  This recipe will fill three 9X13 pans. 

Sauce: 

4 cups ketchup

2 1/2 cups brown sugar

3 tbsp liquid smoke

1 cup chopped onnion

1 tsp garlic powder

Heat all until sugar dissolves

Pour sauce over meatballs and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  When freezing, omit the sauce, cook, and freeze them after they cool.