As Mother's Day approaches, I keep seeing all of these crazy commercials popping up on every site  I visit... touting jewelry, clothing and other items for the holiday. Just like every other celebrated occasion, it has become over-commercialized. I'm not saying that every mom doesn't deserve a great gift (and not just on Mother's Day), but am stopping to think about what really matters. For me, since I won't actually be with my sweet mom on the actual date, it's about reflection and appreciating what she's done for me and who she is as a person. I think she knows this already, but I still feel the need to write it down.

One of my favorite shots, of my mom and all of her girls

My mom isn't pretentious and has never been particularly career-minded or concerned with personal goals, but instead has been satisfied with a simple life for us that now involves her grandchildren. She's not what most would call driven, and that's what I like about her most; she's been a constant instead of trying to plan for the next big thing on her own behalf. Because of this, I can always count on her love, affection and support no matter what is happening in my life. As for lessons, those that she taught me as a little girl have served me well. Even in a small Tennessee town, I was required to have impeccable manners, perfect grammar and to speak to adults with respect: (I can also clean a house like nobody's business) Those basic skills have served me well. Without her discipline and guidance, I would have never had the opportunities I have today. Above all, she gave me love, and still does. She doesn't hold back in telling me, my sister or my nieces whenever we speak. We are all lucky to have that unconditional caring in our lives. 

With my mom and my sister celebrating my marriage Oct 2011

One of my favorite quotes is from Eleanor Roosevelt: "The giving of love is an education in itself."  I think it pretty much sums up my mother's life's work and who she is. Happy Mothers Day to her, and to all of you who give without question to your children. It truly is the sweetest thing.











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As I get older, I treasure certain memories from my youth more that I ever thought that I would. So many of those are from my Mimi's kitchen. Most of the time, my job was to wash dishes, but on occasion, I got to actually help with the process of making something fantastic. One of my favorites was her applesauce, which was always on our family table during the fall. I cannot think of a healthier snack, sweet treat or a more appropriate condiment for a pork or poultry dish.  This fall, with apples in abundance, I find myself going back to this recipe again and again... and making it in the same cast iron skillet that she used to make it in for me as a child.

I was taught to watch the apples closely so that they don't get too brown. But in
her skillet, they always seem to turn out perfectly.

APPLESAUCE

3 lbs. of Granny Smith or McIntosh apples (choose sweet or sour, or just mix them up)
The juice of one large, ripe lemon
1/2 stick unsalted sweet butter
finely ground salt
1/2 cup organic honey

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Core the apples and quarter. Peel slightly (but leave about 1/4 of the peels intact for added texture). As you chop the quarters, place into a bowl with lemon juice. Once all slices are in bowl, toss well. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. add the apples and 1/2 tsp. salt and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. Add the honey and another pinch of salt, stir well and move into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and mash with a fork. Serve warm or refrigerate for later.


**my Mimi always made extra and kept it in airtight containers in the freezer and would remove a bit before 'snack time' so that we would have a fun, slightly frozen surprise.

This easy dish can be made in bigger batches...and days in advance. It is actually a perfect side
 dish for almost any meal, and also serves as an ideal cake or ice cream topping

What is your favorite dish from your grandmother's kitchen? If you don't have the recipe, try to recreate it. There is a sense of comfort in cooking and tasting something that brings back wonderful childhood experiences. Follow me on the Southern Sophisticate and please share your family secrets here!

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