MEMORIES OF CULINARY MEMORABILIA

One of my nieces has established an online shop of antiques and memorabilia.

She posts almost daily about her new finds. So many of these bring back memories of items of my childhood and the ensuing years.

She asks for input about the items and it’s enjoyable to reminisce.

Saltshakers, mixing bowls, eggbeaters, refrigerator dishes, rolling pins, spice tins, and juicers may seem rather ordinary kitchen items.

However, it’s usually not a monetary value that’s important (although this could be there), but the memories they evoke of family occasions…. diningcooking, gift giving…. that can be humorous, nostalgic, or bittersweet.

Green Jadite

When I found a green Jadite saltshaker my mom had saved, I recalled this set from my childhood. These were round, about five inches high with a metal screw top. Raised ridges decorated the lower half of each shaker. The glass was an opaque milky green.

We used them every day and didn’t value them as we did the gold colored glass ones my grandparents received as a 50th Wedding Anniversary gift.

Those were kept for “company.”

However, the Jadite shaker brought back memories of meals around the farmhouse kitchen table. I wondered where to find a matching peppershaker and discovered one in an antique shop. Then I became curious to learn more about these items and found the Jeannette Glass Company probably made them.

Shower Gift Bowls

I received a set of Fire-King green ribbed mixing bowls as a wedding shower gift 64 years ago. Although actually rather plain to look at, they served in our kitchen for years. One by one, they got broken and now we’re using more modern ware.

However, when I see these bowls in shops or books of collectibles, I recall that wedding shower of kitchen gifts my aunt and future mother-in-law planned. They took me completely by surprise.

Memories Among the Recipes

CHICKEN DIVAN is a dish my family enjoys. My daughter mentioned not long ago that someone had asked her for the recipe.

Cook 2 small or one large package broccoli spears until just tender.

Either cook 4 whole chicken breasts or use the equivalent of leftover cooked chicken cut into pieces. Lay broccoli in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Lay chicken over broccoli.

Mix together 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup,

1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1/2-cup sour cream, 1 small can mushroom pieces. Pour over chicken and broccoli.

Bake at 350 degrees F. about 45 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.

(For lower calorie meal, use low fat soups, cheese, and sour cream.)

(Mary Emma Allen researches and writes from her woodland NH home.)

Author