“Miss Claty” Leaves A Legacy

Mrs. Claty Hartley, affectionately known as “Miss Claty,” slipped quietly from this world last Saturday morning, leaving behind a legacy to her family and countless friends, just a few days short of her 99th birthday. As the oldest member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, it was her “Preacher Bud,” (Russell) and Pastor Allan Blume who presided over her memorial service on Monday morning, “a celebration,” they called it, a “home-going for a great saint.” As the melodious voices of the Hayes Family sang “Come Home, It’s Supper Time,” and mention was made during the service of the banquet table that had been prepared for her in heaven, I knew that it would all tie in with this memorial column that I just had to write in her honor. While neither that song nor scriptural reference were ever meant to be included in a cooking column, I’m sure, (nor death in general, perhaps) there is no better place to talk about “Miss Claty,” than in church or in regards to food and cooking. She was one of the greatest cooks around and since I met her was a great encourager to me, whether talking about this column, my catering business or simply every day life. I learned a lot from “Miss Claty” in a short time, as most did – regardless of age. I learned that she was a wise woman, one, who as Pastor Blume pointed out, knew in no uncertain terms and had handwritten in her Bible, “The word of God is true,” and wanted everyone to believe the same. Life was good to her, but not always easy. She worked hard to raise her family, grieved hard when she lost her children and husband, but carried on with amazing faith, strength and perseverance until the end. We visited her briefly on Christmas Eve, never realizing when we said our good-byes that it would be our last. Even then, when she told us she had 28 days until her 99th birthday, she was “sharp as a tack” though feeling poorly, we could tell. We commented on her ageless appearance as we departed.

Continuing to live independently until near the end, “Miss Claty” was a storehouse of wisdom and knowledge, with a keen mind that easily recalled most significant events of her lifetime. She was amusing and never missed a beat. She loved to work in her flowers; quilting was also a favorite pastime in earlier times. A special event in her later yeas was her surprise 95th birthday and later being named an honorary “Honey Bee” of the Red Hat Society.

Mrs. Hartley was known far and wide for her Chicken Pie and could cook circles around us young’uns. I was fortunate enough to capture a few of her recipes a while back and probably have shared them before but I hope you enjoy these wonderful dishes with those you love as we honor the memory of this devout Christian lady. I am sure each time she prepared any of her food, a dash of love was thrown into the pot. Maybe that’s what we need to do - life sure would be a lot sweeter!

Miss Claty’s Chicken Pie

1 chicken, cooked and removed from bone
Bring the following to a boil and spoon over chicken:
2 cups broth
1 can cream of chicken soup

Mix together the following and spoon over the chicken/soup:

1 cup self -rising flour
1 stick margarine, melted
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1 cup buttermilk

Bake for 30-40 minutes at 375-degrees.

Mississippi Cornbread

1 cup self-rising cornmeal
¼ cup Wesson oil
½ cup cream style corn
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
2 Tbs. chopped onion

Mix well. Bake at 400-degrees for 25 minutes.

Strawberry Salad

1 can crushed pineapple
1 pkg. strawberry Jell-O

Bring to boil; cool.

Add:
1 carton of cool whip
1 cup cottage cheese.

Mix lightly and refrigerate.

 

Don’t forget your copy of “Lovin’ Spoonful . . . Cooking With Family and Friends,” a compilation of nearly 400 mouth-watering recipes by Sherrie Norris. It is available at all locations of High Country Media – Boone, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, and at The Avery Journal in Newland, all Boone Drugs, Black Bear Books, Trailway Laundry, Wilcox Emporium,( top level, booth 312-W,) and beginning June 15 at Mast Store locations.