Blue Ribbon Winners

In today's world where everyone wins and competition no longer seems important, one institution still believes in judging and awarding people ribbons and accolades.

Our county fairs hold to that old fashioned thought that pride and joy comes with hard work and accomplishment.

I love the fair!

For two days I covered my table with my favorite recipe books and three ring binders with recipe cards written by the hand of the owner. I won blues for my yeast rolls and sweet rolls.

My name may be on the rolls but the recipe belongs to my friend Thelma Whiteman who lived across the country lane from grandma's.

Her recipe never fails and she never failed me either. She tickled the ivories and we spent time singing praise to God sitting together on the piano bench in her living room. Married to Milt a minister, she took to a broken teenager and loved me. She taught me how to make her rolls. She's been in heaven for years and I treasure the saintly woman who gets credit for making me a winner.

Perhaps you have a Thelma in your life. If so, thank her.

If not, maybe we should be one!

Thelma must have been a common name years back. This recipe came from Thelma Jamison another dear friend. Originally it was created as a raisin cookie, but at sometime in my life I fell in love with dates and created a different filling. Regardless, the dough is amazing.

This recipe invokes laughter.

The Jamison's and my grandparents, the Cowan's, got together for many meals. One of the funniest stories they loved to tell happened around Thelma's dinner table. Bill Jamison retired from an oil company and they invited a couple from out of state along with my grandparents for a home cooked meal. Passing the dishes family style, Gram noticed this very distinguished executive taking only a piece of celery and scant helpings of mashed potatoes, vegetables, and roast.
Gram said, "Stu, you're not eating enough to keep a bird alive."
Sitting tall with his shoulders back he said, "How do you think I keep my thin physique?"
Gram followed suit and threw back her shoulders showing off her 44 inch bust and said, "And just how do you think I keep mine?" And just when she shot off that response, the middle button of her white blouse flew and hit Stu right in the middle of his forehead.
And they all cracked up! Later Thelma shared with Gram that in all the years they had known this couple, it was the first time they ever say him laugh! My blue ribbon cookies come with a smile worth sharing.

And then there is pie.

Gram gets credit for this ribbon. Every week or so she made me make pie crust. She was known for her pies. When I roll out my crusts, I can still hear Gram's voice.

"Donna, don't you dare let that pie dough intimidate you!"

What a memory maker!

I'll never forget after her funeral we went through her freezer and found a berry pie. When we baked it and sat around the table enjoying it, I knew that she gave me a precious gift to share with others in my life like she always did.
My pineapple-apple pie is my own concoction. You can find the recipe for this pie and Gram's crust under the Summer Sweets blog.
I'll add my fresh peach filling recipe which can be used for pie or cobbler. The crust is always the same!

Today people don't like the thought of being judged.

But there is joy in receiving any award. First premium and grand champion are sweet, but it takes courage to try. I share my blues in memory of those who mentored me. I also got lesser ribbons which I love just the same.

I am so grateful for the judges and the people who have the courage to be tested and judged. Yes, I have items that never placed. I look at those who received the better award and I am happy for their accomplishments and successes.

Take the time to enjoy your county fair.

Take your family and spend some quality time enjoying the machinery, quilts, projects, art, and food. Don't forget to walk through the animal barns, speak to the farmers, and love the critters.

Look at those baby blues!

Enjoy the fair and make memories.
Blessings,
Donna