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Simply Authentic...Your Soul Voice is Calling. An Easter Reminiscence

Writer's picture: Kimberly GenlyKimberly Genly

An Easter Reminiscence – With Free Food! (Okay, a free recipe.) With Easter Sunday coming up next weekend, I’m riding a trip down memory lane. I have fond memories of Easter services at my childhood Presbyterian church in Raymond, South Dakota, with dinner afterwards at Aunt Barb’s. Yet that’s not the memory trip to which I refer here. Two years ago on Easter Sunday, 2014, George and I had an open house party to celebrate moving into our first home together. I remember the menu like I was planning it yesterday: A Honey Baked ham, potatoes deluxe, crock pot beans, and fruit salad. Appetizers, beverages, and guests brought other contributions, like spinach salad and desserts. It was a really big deal. Not the menu…the fact I had combined lives with another human being – my true, deep love – under one roof. Some of you reading this may not know my history. I was married for just over 12 years (so was George), and while I will never say a bad word about my ex-husband, I will say the day I moved into my own place (with dogs and a cat, but no humans) again is right at the top of my “Best Day Ever” list. When I woke up in my own bed, with a dog on either side of me and a cat happily sleeping on a shelf in the bedroom closet, I was so happy I cried. The tears quickly turned to laughter. I don’t remember morning sunshine ever being more beautiful or meaningful. I was so grateful for quiet, I didn’t even turn on the stereo for over six months. I lived with animals only for over eight years, and loved every single second of it. I loved cooking for myself, inviting girlfriends over for dinner, eventually dating a bit here and there, snuggling – after the dogs had passed – with my cat in bed at night. Then I met George, who had lived alone for 13 years. Moving in together was a very, very big deal. For us both. Now, here we are, having lived together for over two years with cat Lady Jane. We’re still deeply in love, the person we each trust the most, and we’re a family – me, George and Lady. Just this afternoon we watched a movie together, then went for a walk (Lady didn’t go on the walk) and fed the peacocks in our neighborhood. In honor of this Easter Reminiscence, here’s a recipe from my cookbook: COMFORT FOOD FROM THE HEARTLAND: Recipes from a South Dakota Farmer’s Daughter. It’s a great gift, many positive comments, and each sale benefits Salem Friends of Felines, where I adopted Lady Jane – woo-hoo! Famous LaBay Potato Salad I thought this manuscript was done when I received a text – with photo – saying, “My first attempt at Laura’s famous potato salad. Love you, Ginger.” She had gotten the recipe from her friend, Tina, who asked me for it years ago, when we all lived in Oregon. Now Ginger and Tina are both in Phoenix, AZ. I’m a Handke on Dad’s side of the family and LaBay on Mom’s. She and Aunt Anne are both known for their potato salad, and I certainly can’t leave out a “famous” potato salad recipe. Use same amount of medium size potatoes and eggs. -Boil 9 medium size whole potatoes with skins approximately 45 minutes until cooked through. Let cool, peel and dice. -9 hard boiled eggs, peeled and diced. Mix in large bowl: -Approximately 3/4 quart jar mayo -Approximately 1 C sour cream -Generous TBSP mustard -Generous C diced onion -Approximately 1 1/2 TBSP sugar -Salt & pepper to taste I love to add diced celery and so does Mom. Auntie Anne prefers a dressing like Miracle Whip over mayo. She used to add dill pickle juice to the dressing and now she prefers a bit of sweet pickle relish. Other than that, her recipe is the same is Mom’s. Both are fantastic. Add ingredients to desired creaminess and taste  – you may prefer more or less dressing depending on how creamy you like your potato salad – and stir well. Add potatoes and eggs and combine. Transfer to serving bowl, cover, and chill. Authentically Yours, Laura

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