When I was really young–maybe 8.  We stayed with a family–the Harwood’s.  My Mom was off with her new husband, my brother and I left behind–and it worked out for the best really.  Mrs. Harwood taught me how to sew–I made a wrap skirt, to knit (again–but I didn’t stick with it), to do every kind of needle work imaginative.  Mary Harwood had lots of plants and a little room just off the dining area where she “worked” at being a mom.  She was so happy being home and serving her family (and ours).  She was an amazingly creative women–gentle and kind.  She was the opposite of my mother.

(Ok–before everyone starts getting mad for thinking I’m bashing my Mom–I’m not–I’m just evolved enough now to know, what I needed and what she could give, did NOT match up.  That is all I’m saying).

Mrs. Harwood cooked simple meals.  Mrs. Harwood was always cooking, baking or kneading something . . . the kitchen was warm from the old stove and smelled awesome.  (no wonder I’m big–food is my comfort happy place.)

These are two of her recipes–crustless Quiche and impossible coconut pie AND what my family is having for dinner!

the filling

then add the cheese

the eggs, milk and Bisquick with a little seasoning

love the crunchy topping

served with a salad

[recipe]

Crustless Quiche

4 eggs

1 cup of cheese

1/2 cup Bisquick

1 1/2 cups of milk

1-3 cups of veggies and or meat.  Tonight I have peppers, onions, ham, broccoli and I forgot the mushrooms!

I saute the meat and veggies . . . meanwhile . ..

I mix the milk and bisquick.  I layer cheese over the  fixin’s in the pan and add the milk mixture.

Oven 350 for an hour or so . . . depends on how much stuff I add.

This recipe works well reheated so often I’ll make it in the afternoon and serve later in the night or when I did the Atkins diet I made it and reheated in the morning.

[/recipe]

[recipe]

Coconut Impossible Pie

Bake 350 for 1 hour

1 cup coconut (I used sweetened–because that is what I had)

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup Bisquick

1/2 stick of butter (I melted mine–by accident–but it should work)

2 cups of milk

4 eggs

Grease your pie plate, mix it all up and put it in the oven.  If you want to add cinnamon to it that might be nice or add some chocolate chips to the top 1/2 way through the cooking.  (If you add them in the beginning they will sink and burn on the bottom–yuck.)

[/recipe]

before baking

it smells so good!

plated and ready to go!

I lost track of Mrs. Harwood through the years–I have a letter she wrote me on my wedding and that was the last time I think I heard from her.  What I’m learning is that sometimes we are meant to be flow through others lives and leave and impression.  Leave our goodwill.  Leave a joyful memory.  Leave a smile.  How can I be a Mrs. Harwood to those I meet?

As I work with kids I wonder what my impact will be?  I wonder how many other girls Mrs. Harwood touch their lives?  or was it just me?  I wonder if Mrs. Harwood knew at the time how special she was to me?  As an adult I wrote her a long letter telling her how much she meant to me–I’m glad that I did.

This is what I read the first thing in the morning and the last thing at night . . .

I suppose I could find her crafty daughters on Pinterest!  Maybe I’ll look them up?

Be Blessed.  I pray that we can all be a positive influence in someone’s life.

a craft party, a pinch of joy, tempt my tummy, thought provoking thursdays