When I was young and living in Indiana I was raised in a home of modest means but full of self-made adventures and many family gatherings. On Sunday mornings we would walk to church along with most of my cousins, who lived a "stones throw" away from one another. As services came to a close and the adults mingled, the promise of a glorious meal and a carefree Sunday afternoon would inevitably prompt my cousins and I to approach our grandparents, Nora and Camel Baker. With a silent and longing glance (You know the one!), we would affirm their permission to spend the afternoon at their house along with the rest of our families. With another Sunday potluck in the making, the grandkids would pile into Camel and Nora's car and we would all meet at their house on the hill.
I can vividly recall being greeted by the hearty aromas of homemade chicken and noodles, (my personal favorite), fresh corn and green beans from the garden and a variety of her special desserts. I think she knew she might be having company. With wide eyes and slack jaws, we'd gaze upon the epic spread of food, as Grandma Nora would return to her familiar post at the stove, appearing not the least bit rattled by the large crowd that had just descended upon her. I am serious when I say LARGE crowd! This task would put some into a tailspin but she was loving every minute. She was surrounded by her family. It probably helped knowing she would have a lot of hands to help with the dishes. And Grandpa, well, you would find him sitting in his favorite chair waiting for the dinner bell to ring.
As a Mother and Grandmother, I've come to understand her sense of gratification while gathering with my children and grandchildren around a family table. When they are able to be home for a holiday and they realize I have made Grandma Nora's noodles and other family favorites, the look on their face is all I need to make my day complete.
Here is Grandma Nora's Noodle Recipe
3 eggs 1/2 t. salt
3 C flour 1 t. vinegar
Beat eggs, salt and vinegar. Add flour and mix to form a ball. Divide into two balls and let rest for a few minutes. Roll out onto a heavily floured surface as thin as you can turning over and adding more flour so it doesn't stick to the surface. Cut into strips 2 inches wide. Let them dry until you can stack a few strips and cut into preferred width. Don't let them get brittle. After cutting, let them dry on your counter before dropping them by handfuls into boiling broth. Stir constantly to keep them from sticking together, then simmer for about 10-15 minutes until tender.
I like to add cooked chicken and serve as a main course but you could serve them as a side dish, as well. They will keep in your refrigerator for a few days and can also be frozen once they have dried completely.
I cut my noodles with a pizza cutter but have my eyes on the Kitchen Aide Pasta Attachment.
This is the perfect time to try some new ways to make pasta. I think it would be so fun and Mother's Day is just around the corner if any of my kids are reading this.
Do you have recipes that have become a tradition in your home? Hopefully, you will be able to gather together soon and share them with your loved ones.
Take care and stay safe,
LALA
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