Fireworks, Family and Friends – The Perfect Combination

As I contemplated what to write on this early Tuesday morning following a very tiring but perfect Independence Day celebration, I knew I had to attempt to recapture and share the events of the previous twenty-four hours. For the first time in several years, my family decided on a different trek this year and headed back to my hometown of Crossnore for its annual celebration. We started out by driving our ’65 Mustang to the Hospice of Avery County’s annual car show in Banner Elk and several hours later continued toward our final destination with a First Place trophy, an exciting start to an eventful evening. In the meantime, we enjoyed a great lunch at the Banner Elk Café, where even though we were warned that patrons numbering a couple hundred had already filled up the decks and patios, we encountered only a short wait, and great service.

On to Crossnore we went, where for the first time in my life (that I remember!), I rode in the parade, rather than watching from the sidelines. We lined up our little car along with several other restored beauties, joining the throng of ATVs, motorcycles, horses, emergency vehicles, and local dignitaries. The motors revved, the sirens sounded, the lights flashed and away we went, inching our way up the familiar winding road that led us to the heart of town – and what a heart it was! It was exhilarating for this ole gal to return “home” to what had to be the largest crowd to ever gather in Crossnore!

Lining the street were smiling faces of hundreds – most familiar, still many that I did not recognize. What a thrill it was . . . and as we passed by, I tried to take mental notes of those I needed to rush back to for a hug. Friends and multi-generations of family members, most dressed in patriotic attire, came from miles around, and it was a bit overwhelming to see them all converged in the quaint village. Many enjoyed free watermelon, most devoured hamburgers and hot dogs, funnel cakes and cokes; the little ones claimed their prize frogs for the annual Frog Jumping Contest, while the older ones set up their chairs stage-front and enjoyed country, bluegrass, gospel music – the whole gamut provided by the Hit or Miss Band with Debbie Young and Bernie Burleson, along with several special guests. As always, it was a treat to see cousin “Happy Feet” Bob Aldridge, who even at the age of 75, can still cut an impressive rug! His family was well-represented with niece Marie joined by brothers Hansel, Jerome and Jessie, all “back home” for the first time in several years. It was also good to see Crossnore’s honorable Mayor Tudor Vance (yes, another of my “distinguished relatives!”) with his family and niece Madeline and husband from Charlotte; and another great man, my uncle Daymon Pritchard and wife Ruby, who always have a hug and a handshake for everyone they meet. Mr. Bartlett Farmer, at 93, a kind, gentle man whom I have long admired was there with family. Other community back-bones, and members of the Enhancement Association were out in force, as well as members of the Aldridge, Johnson, Dellinger, Vance, Clark and Henson families, all reminding us of what the “heart of Crossnore” is really all about, and how their continued pride in their heritage keeps the community alive.

It was good to see childhood friends, neighbors and others who have influenced my life through the years – my son’s “babysitter and more” for the first five years of his life, Margie Calhoun and her family, and many other encouragers along the way. If I named more names, I would be sure to forget someone special– and almost did. (Yes, Gail, Danny, Joe, Carrie, Renee and Roy – it’s always good to be with you and I love you a lot!!)

Even folks from Boone came to Crossnore – including Joe and Julia Ford. . . .Joe told everyone in hearing range that my cookbook wasn’t any good – He said, “Everything in there will make you fat!” (I take that as a compliment, Joe!)

Last but certainly not least, none of this would have been possible without the ongoing hard work and dedication of the Crossnore Volunteer Fire Department, our unsung heroes for sure, who have sponsored this event for decades. Also to Rev. Lander and Polly Heafner and members of First Baptist Church, who take an active role in the success of the event. Thanks to each of you for bringing us back home again, for making us feel so special, and for reminding us that there’s nothing to compare to a home-town Fourth of July celebration!

As the Norris family took our leave near dusk enroute to join other friends in Boone for fireworks, the crowd in Crossnore enjoyed what I later heard was an incredible pyrotechnical display that lit up the sky for miles around.

Now, it’s Tuesday morning, July 5th as I write to beat the deadline, and life has returned to a normal pace. But, for just a few hours, we were lost in our little world . . . in our little town . . . with people we cherish, and who have reminded us once again that pride in America is still alive. Until next year . . .

(Recipes will return next week . . . thanks for indulging me this one time!)

Also, if you haven’t found your copy of my cookbook – Lovin’ Spoonful . . .Cooking With Family and Friends” pick one up today at Boone Drug Store locations, (including Crossnore and Blowing Rock!), High Country Media Offices (Boone, Banner Elk, West Jefferson and The Avery Journal in Newland,) Black Bear Books, Trailway Laundry, Mast General Stores, Wilcox Emporium, third level booth #312-W; see or call Gail Polson in Crossnore (733-0373) or call me at (828) 264-6761.

Mail orders will be sent upon receipt of $15 for the book and $3 for shipping to Sherrie Norris, PO Box 3285 Boone NC 28607. Regardless of what Joe Ford says, not “everything” in there will make you fat – there are lots of great recipes for every nutritional need . . .and yes, plenty of yummy cakes, cookies and pies!

 

Patriotic Wraps
½ cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
24 flour or wheat tortillas (8-inch)
6 cups low-fat cottage cheese
12 cups strawberries, stemmed and quartered
Blueberries for garnish
Mix together sugar and cinnamon.
On griddle or in sauté pan, heat 1 tortilla at a time.

Place ¼ cup cottage in center of tortilla, top with ½ cup strawberries. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Fold up bottom third of tortilla, then fold in both sides, leaving top open. Sprinkle a few blueberries on top. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 24 wraps.

 

Pretzel Sparklers
Long rod pretzels
White chocolate, melted
Sprinkles (red, white and blue) or star cake decorations

Melt the white chocolate. Dip the pretzel rod halfway into the melted chocolate then sprinkle the sprinkles over the wet chocolate. Lay on waxed paper or place in a cup to dry.

 

Fourth of July Jell-o Salad
2 pkg. (3 oz.) raspberry Jell-o
3 c. hot water
1 envelope Knox gelatin
1 c. sugar
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
½ cup cold water
½ cup pecans, chopped
6 oz. can blueberries (& juice)

Directions:
1st Layer: Dissolve 1 package raspberry Jell-o in 2 cups hot water in 9 x 13 inch pan (or a large Jell-o mold). Refrigerate until set.

2nd Layer: Heat 1 cup of milk and 2 cups of sugar. Just heat it, don’t boil it. Soften plain gelatin in ½ cup cold water. Add to heated milk. Stir in vanilla, cream cheese and nuts. Let cool and pour over 1st layer. (If you don’t let 2nd layer cool completely, it will melt the first layer. Put in refrigerator until set.) 3rd Layer: Dissolve 1 package Jell-o in 1 cup hot water and add blueberries with juice. Let cool and pour on 2nd layer. If you don’t let it cool first, it will melt the 2nd layer. Put in refrigerator until set.

 

Simple Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad
1 pint of fresh blueberries
1 pound of fresh red seedless grapes, strawberries or raspberries
1 (8 oz.) container of fat free sour cream
Sugar or other sweetener to taste.

Wash fruit and pat dry. Mix together. Fold in sour cream and add sweetener to taste. Chill and serve

 

 

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.