We all remember the days when our children were babies and we’d feel invisible when arriving at social gatherings with our little bundles.
“Oh, he’s so cute. And look how he’s grown. Come here, sweetie. Let’s hear you say, ‘Gram-ma.’”
Um. Hello? I’m here. Anybody care? Good to see you all, too.
My children are no longer babies, and people care again (I think) when they see me.
But every so often I’m made to feel this way when I show up with my ever-popular cheese potato hot dish.
I used to think I was the cool aunt when my nephews went out of their way to ask if Aunt Lori was going to be at an event.
Turns out, they just like my cheese potatoes.
In fact, once, when I declined an invitation due to a conflict, they hopefully suggested that I simply drop off the hot dish with them on my way to the other event.
Apparently I’m not the only one whose food is more popular than the human deliverer.
Rick Peterson mentioned his popular baked bean dish that he’s expected to bring to social gatherings.
“I don’t know if they’re excited to see me or my baked beans,” he remarked on his way out of the Star Herald office Friday afternoon.
Oh well. It’s nice to be popular, even if it’s for reasons other than our charm and good looks.
If you, too, would like to be as popular as Rick Peterson and Lori Sorenson in your social circles, we have generously agreed to share the recipes for our popular foods.
Don’t be surprised if you, too, start feeling invisible at parties when your meal contributions steal the show.
Rick’s Popular
Baked Beans
2 large cans Bush’s Baked Beans, undrained
4 regular cans of beans of your choice (red kidney beans, black beans, Bush’s mesquite smoked beans, etc.), undrained
1 pound ground pork sausage
1 onion diced
2 to 3 tablespoons liquid smoke
1 pound brown sugar
½ cup molasses
½ cup maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Brown sausage and onion. Do not drain. Add all other ingredients and mix. Bake uncovered at 250 degrees for four to five hours, stirring occasionally.
Lori’s Popular
Cheese Potatoes
1 bag of southern style hash brown potatoes
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 stick butter
1 tub sour cream (8 ounces)
2 cups grated American cheese
1 small onion
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
In a large bowl mix soft ingredients first, then stir in potatoes. Bake at 350 for an hour. (Or microwave on high for 25 minutes, stirring every eight minutes.)