Memorial Day…the mere mention conjures up all kinds of images.  First, and foremost, it was created as a day to honor and pay respect to the U.S. troops who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  It also means a long weekend, the opening swimming pools, the end of school, and the beginning of a long, hot summer—or at least it will be here in the Bluegrass.  Memorial Day also means picnics and potlucks. 

 

In the South, potlucks are an important part of just about any holiday or occasion.  They may differ slightly depending on the gathering or the theme. But there are some potluck “must haves.”  There is always be a couple of traditional salads, like macaroni or potato salad, a few congealed salads, deviled eggs, a cobbler and a few other desserts, and plenty of casseroles. And oh how my Mom loved a good casserole!

 

So many of my Mother’s favorite recipes, the ones she compiled in a spiral-bound notebook just for me, are the collaborative work of a lifetime of potlucks and family gatherings.    For Mom, potlucks were a regular occasion at work.  It was a time for her co-workers to visit and relax—at least for an hour. Through the years, Mom had a variety of state government jobs, and even worked for a time in the Governor’s Office.  Workweeks, especially during a legislative session could be extremely hectic.  However, holiday weeks were different. The week before or after a holiday like Memorial Day, meant things slowed down a bit.  There were fewer phone calls and visitors, and an opportunity for her and her work girlfriends to have a potluck.  Mom put a lot of thought into the dishes she would bring and sometimes there would even be a theme. Those were her favorite ones. She would tell me that each of her co-workers had that one specialty dish that everyone hoped they would bring to the event. We loved potluck day at home, too, because that always meant leftovers.

 

I love turning the pages of Mom’s recipe notebook and reading the recipes, and I find a certain comfort in them.  Each one beautifully written in her familiar cursive handwriting.  Each page containing a delicious recipe and, on more recipes than not, there is a little story about where this recipe was originated or why this recipe was included in her collection.  All in all, there are about 35 recipes.  Most are from her favorite potlucks; all are delicious. I have included one of Mom’s favorite potluck favorites that quickly became part of our family summertime celebrations. They call for simple ingredients and remind me of simpler times. So easy to make, and, of course, they travel well. Enjoy!