Country Kitchen:
Season of Spring Rains
By Mary Emma Allen
As I sit listening to the rain against the windows, I'm reminded of the
little rhyme we sing-songed in my childhood:
"Rain, rain go away. Come
again another day. Little Mary (or Johnnie, Debbie, Bobby, etc.) wants to
play."
I'm reminded, too, as I try to find indoor projects for two
grandchildren, two grand nieces, and two of their friends. Playing
outside with umbrellas can only last so long before it's time to come
inside and dry off.
So today, they made collages, created alphabet books, and walked in the
rain looking for salamanders. They played board games and read stories.
Mud & Rain
This time of year, between the melting of the snow and the spring
showers, our yards and driveways become squishy with mud. It sticks to
shoes and boots and is dragged indoors endlessly. Then the rain drenches
us when we step out the door.
Rain though, when it isn't being destructive, can be pleasant and
refreshing. Who hasn't enjoyed the invigorating freshness of a sudden
spring or summer shower? Who doesn't enjoy being lulled to sleep with the
patter of rain on a roof or windowpane?
Splashing Through Puddles
What children don't love to splash through the mud puddles made by the
falling rain?
I watched my daughter, when young, walk up the driveway from the school
bus. She sloshed through every mud puddle on the way.
"Why did you have to step in every puddle?" I asked.
"Because it's fun, Mom," she replied.
I watch my grandson now and see him study mud puddles and splash through
all he can find. As we take walks, he gathers stones to toss into puddles
and a small stream along our route.
I recall spring walks with my granddaughter when she was three years old.
A rivulet of water ran beside our dirt road and she followed it until it
disappeared into the woods. Water fascinates youngsters, whether it's
playing in a sink, a tub, or puddles in the driveway.
When we're on the verge of reprimanding them because of soaked shoes and
jeans, we remember our youth and splashing through puddles on a bike or
soggy sneakers.
Hungry Youngsters
Youngsters come in from the rain, hungry for a snack. "What is there to
eat?" they ask as they drip over the floor.
Try some INSTANT RICE PUDDING - Boil together slightly 1/4 - 1/2 cup
raisins, 3/4 cup instant type rice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup sugar, 2
cups milk, nutmeg and cinnamon to taste. Add a dash of sweetened lemonade
mix if you like a slight lemon flavor, like my mother-in-law used to do.
Then add a little of the boiled pudding to 2 beaten eggs and stir. Pour
into the rest of the ingredients in the pan. If you haven't used lemon
flavoring, you can add one teaspoon vanilla at this point.
Cover the pan and let set. Stir the pudding a couple of times as it
cools. This dessert can be served warm or cool, with whipped cream, or
whipped topping, if you desire.
(C) 2003 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. She’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
