My grandma Demorest loved to sing. Growing up, I remember weekends, summer breaks, and holiday breaks spent at her house – probably to give my parents a break from the “only child” syndrome I seemed to be afflicted with!

On any given morning you might hear a rooster crow or the dog barking at something, but one thing that was nearly constant was the sweet music coming from the kitchen where grandma was creating a love offering for her family. If I can sit still long enough, I can hear her voice… most often it is when I am frying bacon or washing dishes. But when I am feeling sad or frustrated and can “be still” long enough, hearing her voice in my head brings me comfort.

I did not, however, receive this gift. There are several relatives who did. My Dad, my uncle John, Aunt Mary; my uncle’s sons, son’s future offspring; my aunt’s daughter’s, brother’s, dog and my Aunt Betty. Basically, everyone but me. But that’s okay! I’m cool with it.

I don’t really recall any of these precious ones singing in the kitchen except for Aunt Betty and possibly my aunt’s daughter’s, brother’s dog.  But seriously, on my vacations with her, hearing her singing in the kitchen was nearly as common as grandma.

What else can I say about Aunt Betty? She is multi-talented. She can cook, can decorate a wedding cake like nobody’s business, can write (I like to think that I take after her in that gift…. well, maybe not… ) she is a hard worker; is awesome at raising plants, flowers, and anything green and not so green; is an amazing cook, can craft and just about do anything anyone needs her to do. She is one in a billion and will take NO guff from anyone. I admire all of this about her.

Last night I received a recipe from aunt Betty  that I promised I would try today. Who, by the way, created this recipe. Did I forget to mention that she is a good cook?

Betty’s Salad –  (link to recipe)

1.  One can of black beans ( rinsed)

2.  One can of whole corn    ( drained)

3.  One can of tomatoes , include juice(  oil and garlic works nicely)

4   One diced onion   ( small dice )

5.   Diced celery  ( three to four stalks)

6.   Shredded carrot  ( one large or three baby ) Optional

7.   Sprinkle either lemon juice, about a Tablespoon  or a little white vinegar. I like both.

8.    A dash of tabasco sauce

9.     Salt and pepper to taste

10    About a teaspoon of garlic powder

Mix  all together and chill  for about thirty minutes and serve on chilled lettuce leaves. Will keep very well.

Ta Da!