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Country Kitchen: Memories Around the Kitchen Table
By Mary Emma Allen
So many family happenings take place around the dining table,
leaving us with memories which shape our lives. My family wonders
why I collect these family tables and enjoy them as three generations gather around for meals, to do
homework, chat over a cup of tea, or work on crafts and projects.
Many of my "Country Columns" are written there as I set up my notebook
computer at the table while grandchildren and grand nieces play around
me.
Dining Tables in Your Life
Think of the kitchen or dining tables of your childhood, early married
years, and later days when more than one generation gathered there. These may be
tables you have in your possession now or simply ones you recall in memory.
I never thought tables would be something to collect, to use in my home
today.
But as my parents and my husbandÂ’s left their homes for smaller abodes or
residency in
assisted living homes, the large dining tables were among the possessions
they couldnÂ’t
take
with them.
Between my daughter and myself, we have three kitchen tables - one from
my
childhood and two from my husbandÂ’s. Once when asked to write a note to
her
grandparents about her favorite visits at their farm, my daughter
mentioned gathering in
the kitchen around the large table.
How enjoyable that she now has that table, which sheÂ’ll use in her home.
The
memories of her grandparentsÂ’ kitchen will be carried forth to her
children and rituals
from her childhood may be experienced throughout the years.
Our Current Table
The dining table we use in our multi-generational household was the
special one
my mother-in-law purchased when she finally could have a more formal
dining room
after children were grown. This trestle table was one she dreamed of
for years...one she
enjoyed as she entertained family and friends.
I recall her pleasure in obtaining different table cloths and placemats
for this
table, decorating it for various festive occasions, and entertaining as
she hadnÂ’t been able
when children were small.
Since we have a dining area large enough for it, and a family large
enough to use
it, the table became ours when Mom moved to a retirement home. Now her
great
grandchildren gather round for meals and activities.
We call it Grandma G-GÂ’s table and recall the fun times in her home,
highlighted
by a 90th surprise birthday party. Family and friends gathered at this
table and
others set up inside and out the house.
Memories of My Childhood
The table from my childhood is well worn and needs much refinishing.
"Why donÂ’t you throw it out?" IÂ’m asked.
"It holds too many memories," I answer. "WeÂ’ll find time to refinish it
and
someday I or grandchildren will use it."
Do you have table in your life which tells a story...whether from long
ago or more
recent years? Jot down or record these memories for future generations
and insure your
family heritage will survive.
Mary Emma's Recipe
AUNTIEÂ’S OMELET was a dish my aunt served at the kitchen table in their
farmhouse, usually for supper.
Separate 3 eggs; beat yolks and add 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon
salt, dash of
pepper, 1/2 cup milk, adding the milk alternately with the flour so
mixture isnÂ’t lumpy.
Beat whites until stiff and fold into yolk mixture.
Cook 7 minutes in greased skillet with cover. Add 1/4 cup grated cheese
about
one minute before removing omelet from stove.
(C) 2002 Mary Emma Allen
About the Author
Mary Emma Allen has been writing her "Cooking Column" for newspapers
and online publications for 30 years and
has compiled a family cookbook. SheÂ’s currently compiling a
cookbook/story book,
"Tales From a Country Kitchen." Visit her web site for more cooking
articles. Contact her at me.allen@juno.com
SeptemberLady "Born and have lived in Southern MD most of my life. My husband and I just finished building a new home on the family farm, where I hope to retire in the near future.
My interests: Doll collecting, cookbook collector (especially old ones), antiques, family/friend get-togethers, cooking/baking, flower and vegetable gardening, bird-watching."
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