EVERYONE
who knows my mother, Sarah R. of Lynnwood, Washington, would agree
that she has a passion for cooking.
As a teenager, Mom enjoyed cooking so much that she took 3 years
of home economics. As a wife and mother, she has always cooked from
scratch. And for the past 15 years, she has been decorating cakes
and catering events for friends and family.
A native Alaskan, Mom grew up near the gold-rush town of Nome.
Fresh fish, especially salmon, was plentiful. So it’s no surprise
that her best meal features Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce, along with Fried Rice with Bacon, Bean Sprout Spinach Salad and Rhubarb Strawberry Cobbler.
Hooked on Her Salmon
It’s always a treat to be invited to my parents’ home
for dinner after Mom and my dad, Gerald, come back from a successful
fishing trip. Her Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is tender perfection.
We hang around in the kitchen eagerly awaiting the first taste,
and our patience is always rewarded.
Sauteed leeks add flavor to Mom’s tasty Fried Rice with Bacon.
Her Bean Sprout Spinach Salad, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette,
gets its delightful crunch from crumbled cooked bacon and sunflower
kernels.
When everyone feels they can’t eat another bite, Mom marches
to the table with Rhubarb Strawberry Cobbler. No one can resist
this sweet-tart dessert, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
When my brothers, Eric and Ted, and I were growing up, Mom made
sure we sat around the dinner table together. We still gather for
holidays and special occasions, but now there are more of us. Eric
is married with two children. My husband, John, and I have three
kids.
My mom’s holiday meals are so special, from elegant Thanksgiving
dinners with fine china and crystal…to backyard Fourth of
July parties featuring baked salmon, fried chicken and all the fixin’s.
A Tasteful Wedding
When Mom caters (with help from family and friends), it’s
an occasion to remember. For my wedding, she fixed a buffet for
300 people with Swedish meatballs, salads, open-faced sandwiches,
fruit and meat trays…even heart-shaped homemade breads. The
multitiered cake featured cherubs on a stairway with a lighted water
fountain beneath!
Mom is just as comfortable cooking over a camp stove as she is
in her kitchen. When I was growing up, my dad’s construction
work sometimes took us to Alaska. We’d take our truck and
camper up the Alaska Highway. Mom would whip up yummy breakfasts
of pancakes, sausage and hot cereal, as well as hearty lunches with
sandwiches, soup and hot dogs.
Although my brothers and I are on our own now, Mom still cooks
for Dad every evening. When I call her, she’s often baking
pies or planning meals.
Over the years, I’ve phoned her numerous times with cooking
questions. She’s always eager to share her helpful tips and
new recipes. Some of Mom’s recipes are among my family’s
favorites. I hope you’ll find her recipes among your family’s
favorites, too.