Mary Clayton’s First Cookbook
“O taste and see that the Lord is good.”
Psalm 34:8 (NASB)
It’s no secret that I love cookbooks. In fact, I read cookbooks like others read novels or biographies. My favorite cookbooks contain recipes that are tried, true, and have stood the test of time. My Mama’s cookbooks and two beloved church cookbooks certainly fit that category. All three provide the “best of the best” recipes for Southern cooking and hospitality.
The cover is torn off my 1974 Sweets and Treats, Volume 2 Forestdale Presbyterian cookbook, but my favorite family recipe remains. In the old church cookbook, the recipe is simply known as "Icy Punch." I never, however, knew it by that name. To me and countless others the delicious concoction was simply "Mee-Maw" punch. Bruce's grandmother Mee-Maw and most of the Forestdale church ladies served the red icy punch at countless church teas, weddings, bridal showers, and holiday celebrations.
There is nothing fancy about this slushy, refreshing punch’s ingredients, but making it does require some time and preparation. The hardest part is chipping or shaving the punch's ice. It is a labor of love that is now my husband’s job! "Mee-maw Punch" is simply:
2 packages of strawberry Kool-Aid (you can also substitute raspberry or cherry)
2 cups of sugar
1 large can frozen lemonade concentrate
Add enough water to make a gallon of punch base.
Freeze the Kool-Aid mixture; chip or shave it; and store in zip lock bags until needed. When ready to serve, combine the shaved ice with 1 large can of unsweetened pineapple juice, and 1 two-liter ginger ale.
After Mee Maw died and the next generation of Evans grandchildren came along, Icy Punch had another name change. Mee-Maw punch became “Mimi” punch and continues being served as such at Evans’ holiday gatherings. Each time we serve it, the big punch bowl comes out as do favorite Evans’ stories and memories from past generations.
Food triggers memories and creates important muscle memory. It helps us to remember who we are. Webster's definition of tradition is “the transmission of custom or beliefs from generation to generation.”
Two weeks ago, I asked my daughter Meredith, a good cook in her own right, “What does Mary Clayton want for her birthday?”
“The only thing she’s asked for is a cookbook. You could give her that,” Meredith responded. “Aren’t a lot of your favorite recipes digitalized now?”
“Yes, they are, but I won’t be able to get them commercially printed in time for her birthday party,” I replied.
“Mom, just put them in a binder. Mary Clayton will love it.”
With only five days to prepare, I began printing some of my favorite recipes. I purchased a white three ring binder, colorful tabs to help with organization, and printed some photos of beloved favorites. Recipes were divided into breads & salads; main dishes; cakes; cookies & pies; and party foods.
Family favorites like Mimi Punch, Granny’s Pound Cake, and Aunt Margaret’s Pumpkin Apple Walnut Muffins were all included. But other family recipes like Sandra’s Piquant Meatballs, Football Casserole, and Mama’s Cheese Ball made their appearance as well. I prayed for Mary Clayton while I printed, sorted, organized recipes.
A dear friend created a feminine, whimsical cover sheet that read “Mary Clayton’s First Cookbook” with a smaller subtitle that read “Recipes by Mia.”
Mary Clayton’s big day quickly arrived, and we celebrated October and November birthdays from both the Evans and Hamblen families. Her cookbook was one of the last presents Mary Clayton opened. One look at her face and sweet smile made the entire effort so worth it. I spent less than $25 on her homemade cookbook, but our memory together is priceless.
Scripture is quite clear. Each generation is responsible for transferring truth to the next generation. Deuteronomy 6, Psalm 78, and 2 Timothy 1 are just a few of the passages where God instructs us to teach the next generation Who God is and What He has done in our lives.
Mary Clayton’s First Cookbook was a labor of love from her Mia who wants her to know how loved she is, not just by us, but also by the God who created her. My prayer for Mary Clayton is that she will not just one day be a good cook who creates tasty dishes, but she will always taste and see how good our God is.
Happy Birthday, Mary Clayton! May you always taste and see the goodness of God!