Recipe for Mother's Day

“I don't know what it is about food your mother makes for you, especially when it's something that anyone can make - pancakes, meat loaf, tuna salad - but it carries a certain taste of memory.”
― Mitch Albom



I love this picture of my mom!

I love this quote because of the truth that lies in it. My mom was a great cook. She had signature dishes that no matter how closely I follow the recipe, I just can't replicate. But just the thought of them brings back memories of our family seated around the table. I grew up in the sixties and seventies and so casseroles were a staple. Gold and Green Casserole was probably the only way I enjoyed green vegetables. Whenever I see a box of Kellogg's Corn Flakes I am reminded of the crunchy topping on her Connecticut Supper. And my birthday was never complete without my mom's signature Pineapple Upside Down Cake. There are so many other recipes whose names make my mouth water . . . Pepper Steak, Liver in Mushroom Wine Sauce, Porcupines (meatballs with rice).

It scares me a little to think what kind of memories my cooking brings forth for my children. I did not inherit either of my parents' cooking talents. Maybe they will have fond recollections when they see a box of Hamburger Helper or a tender moment will cross their minds when they pass a can of Spaghetti Os. I knew I was in serious trouble when my youngest told me the other day to make sure I use my "secret recipe" for hot dogs (Secret recipe = boiled in water).

Rereading the quote, however, I realize that it's not the food itself that is the substance of the memory... it's that special, not so secret, ingredient that is the thing that memories are made of. That something-something is love. It's what makes "mom's home cooking" Mom's.

And so, my Hamburger Helper should be able to stand the test of time ... 'cuz there's a whole lotta love in every pan.

Mom's Recipe for Porcupines

1-1/2 lbs. ground beef                                                        2/3 cups rice, uncooked
2 cups water                                                                       salt & pepper to taste
1 (10 oz.) can tomato sauce                                               1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 deg. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, rice, salt and pepper, green pepper, onion and 1/2 cup water.
Form 1-1/2" balls and place in an ungreased rectangular baking dish.  Mix 1-1/2 cups water and soup in another bowl and pour over meatballs.
Cover dish and bake at 350 deg. for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15-20 minutes.
Serves 6.