Summer on the farm and Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen

Oh how I wish I had experienced “Summer on the Farm!” My grandmother grew up on a 42-acre orchard farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with chickens, cows, and pigs. When they were children, my mother and aunt would spend a few weeks there during the summer in the care of my great-grandmother. This took place in the early 1940’s. With the antics of six guys, the girls kept squealing! The boys were great at joking and playing. Of course both girls loved every minute! The stories I’ve heard over the years make me want to go back in time. Taking a walk in the woods, picking berries in the fields, and sitting at my great-grandmother’s table are great images for me of “living life the old-fashioned way.” There was an abundance of farm fresh food served at each meal. What wouldn’t I do to try my great-grandmother’s peasant cooking with her roast chicken made on the old coal/wood stove or her homemade bread spread with her own whipped butter and fresh raspberry jam.

For my Memories of the summer fast forward to the late 1960s, when I was about ten years old. My grandmother, Elizabeth, invited us every Wednesday of the day. We’d get there in the morning for breakfast (usually we’d have “big pancakes” aka crepes), and then have a simple lunch in the afternoon. Being located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, her home was not a farm, but it defined itself with its warmth, the delicious aromas wafting from her kitchen, the antique dishes and items proudly displayed, and her beautifully lush gardens. The front porch was covered with a huge wisteria vine that originated from the farm. The “roots” of our family are present here. When you walked into her house, it almost felt like you were enveloped in her love and comfort. That is why I treasure every memory I have of those days.

There was a second-story porch just off the kitchen that was surrounded by a vine-covered wrought-iron fence. Between lunch and dinner I would go out and take a nap on the old white sofa with wicker cushions. It was a time for me to dream and just enjoy being a carefree kid. How heavenly and peaceful those naps were! As I fell asleep, I listened to my grandmother and my mother chatting in the kitchen while I made dinner. I would wake up to the wonderful aromas of comfort foods like roast beef or fried chicken baked in the oven and delicious side dishes cooked on the stove. And of course there was always dessert! How lucky I am to have been nurtured like this by my family! And how lucky to have tasted such delicious delicacies that came out of my grandmother’s kitchen!

Below are two of my grandmother’s easy summer recipes that bring back memories of those days. Give them a try and let me know what you think!

Green Beans Salad

Prepare a pound of fresh green beans by cutting off the ends and cutting them in half lengthwise. Cook in salted water (about 1/2 teaspoon salt) until done but not too soft. (About 8-10 minutes) Drain and put in a bowl. Add a tablespoon of sugar, a sprinkle of pepper, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 1/4 cup of vinegar. Finely chop a tablespoon of onion, a tablespoon of fresh parsley and a clove of garlic. Mix all ingredients together lightly until well blended. Serve hot or cold. This recipe is seasoned to taste.

Corn and Apple Fritters

Cut the kernels from three ears of fresh corn. You can use it frozen, but fresh is better. Sift 3/4 cup flour with 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of paprika. Add 1 egg yolk and 1/4 cup of milk. Mix well. Add the corn kernels. Beat the egg white until stiff. Add to the corn mixture. Carefully drop a tablespoon into hot oil over medium heat. They should look flat and round about the size of a silver dollar pancake. Fry on each side until golden. Drain on a paper towel. They are delicious drizzled with honey!

You can use this same recipe and use 1 cup of grated apples in place of the corn. Apple fritters are delicious and are best when dusted with powdered sugar!