Practicing kindness and courtesy...
in the kitchen

Does anyone remember? Last month our sister newspaper featured an article about an anonymous business man with an enthusiastic idea for the High Country to try practicing kindness and courtesy. For a few days after that article appeared, I actually saw drivers stop to let others exit parking lots in front of them while I was doing the very same for those in front of me. I even saw a couple of bumper stickers urging us to “Practice Kindness and Courtesy.” What a neat concept, I thought. Too bad it wasn’t my idea but I really hoped it would catch on. And maybe it is . . . but maybe we just need a little more time.

I was reminded of this on Saturday at the ASU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne wipe-out. We were on the “other side” four rows back from the 50-yard line. Perfect seats. (Thanks Teresa!) As the stadium began to fill up, I was not surprised to see the huge crowd gathering in – all ages, all walks of life cramming in for a record-breaking attendance. Two rows below us, and just one row back from the first, was a sweet group of senior citizens, three of which perhaps had brought the family matriarch-most likely nearing or over the age of 80 would be my guess – but definitely young at heart.

The clock counts down, the kick-off begins. Excitement is in the air! As most of us eventually settled in, I noticed the front row still standing . . . and still standing, completely blocking the view of the elderly people behind them. I saw the only male of the senior group begin to tap shoulders, politely asking those in front of him to sit down. I was impressed to see “true gentlemen’ (ASU basketball staff) quickly respond to his request. However, I was stunned when others shrugged and laughed off the request for much of the first quarter. I sent “telepathic” messages to them the whole time, “That could be someone’s grandmother who came to see him play ball!” “That could be YOUR grandmother someday. How would you like it if she couldn’t see?” I am happy to say, they eventually sat down until it was time for all of us to stand up and cheer - hopefully the new “Practice Kindness and Courtesy” message kept flashing on in their minds.

When I think of those in my life who practice these traits as a part of their everyday lives, many come to mind and many of those have shared recipes with me in the past. I hope you enjoy the following selections from two of those special people as you join me in making an effort this week to be extra kind. Let’s start at home and go from there. Are you on my team this week??
We’ll all be winners!

Coconut Delight
(Shared by Teresa Stout, Roan Mountain)

First layer: ¼ cup plain flour, 1 ¼ stick butter, ½ cup chopped pecans. Mix together 7 press in a 9x13" pan. Bake for 15 min at 350 degrees, then cool.

Second layer: 1 small carton Cool Whip, 1 (8 oz. ) pkg. cream cheese softened, 1 cup powdered sugar. Mix and pour over first layer.

Third layer: 3 cups milk, 2 small boxes of instant coconut pudding mix, mix together and pour over second layer.

Fourth layer: 1 large carton of Cool Whip; cover third with Cool Whip. Chill and serve.

Also great made with Butterscotch , chocolate or what ever your favorite pudding is. For low cal use diet butter, lite cool whip and sugar free pudding etc. You’ll love them all!

(Teresa tells me this recipe was shared by her friend, Donna Huckaba. She says her familyloves it and she hopes we will, too!)

 

Moist Pound Cake
(Pat Greene, Crossnore)

2 sticks margarine
2 sticks butter
3 cups sugar
8 eggs
3 ½ cups plain flour (after sifting)
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Blend butter, margarine and sugar real well; add 2 eggs at a time. Add Eagle Brand milk and flour, alternating, add vanilla. Bake in 10-inch tube pan at 300 degrees for 2 hours.