I TRULY BELIEVE that good food with good fellowship hold family and friends together. During our almost 50 years of marriage, my husband, Loyal, and I have enjoyed entertaining both large and small groups of relatives and friends.
A delicious menu that always pleases those around our table includes Beef Brisket with Gravy, green salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette, Golden Carrot Coins, Pillow-Soft Rolls and Lemon Tart.
Since most of the recipes can be made ahead, you can be at ease as you serve the meal and enjoy spending time with your friends and family.
The beef brisket is flavorful and becomes very tender as it bakes. It's my family's most-requested main dish.
Many years ago, our Sunday school class sponsored a progressive dinner, and we were asked to prepare brisket for 50. It was so good that I downsized the recipe. I usually fix the brisket and gravy 1 or 2 days ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave the day of the dinner.
Dressing Brightens Greens
A tried-and-true recipe, Blue Cheese Vinaigrette is very tasty and goes well with any type of greens. The recipe was shared by one of the "helping moms" at a cooperative preschool where I was a teacher and director.
Later, I worked as a home economics teacher. I still use many of the quick and easy recipes created especially for our 45-minute classes. Loyal was a teacher and administrator for 30 years. Upon retirement, we moved from Ohio to our current home in Tennessee on Watts Bar Lake.
Golden Carrot Coins are colorful and easy to prepare. Our oldest daughter, Kathy, said, "Mom, you've got to try this recipe from our church cookbook." It's such a simple method, but the carrots taste wonderful!
Often, I include this popular side dish in our everyday menus.
Our two daughters, one son and their spouses have given us 10 grandchildren. The families are scattered throughout the United States, but when we do get together—what fun!