Proud Of Those Pioneers!

As I joined hundreds on the AC Reynolds football field in Asheville Friday night, following Watauga High’s stunning victory over the big green machine, I was overcome with pride as I witnessed a team of incredible young men and coaches basking in their much-deserved limelight, surrounded by family, friends and other football fans who never doubted their team’s ability to win. I kept thinking, “How am I going to publicly congratulate these guys, since the sports column is out of my league?” The answer came easily enough! I can make a food connection with nearly anything, and I know those boys love to eat. I have fed most of them at one time or another, so there. I did it!

This column has been used to express a number of sentiments, so why not pass a “Lovin’ Spoonful” hearty congratulations to a fine group of athletes who are “eat-up” with determination and talent, not to mention a coach who has loved them to record-breaking victories and returned pride to the local football program? As I have watched Coach Adrian Snow take his boys under his wing since coming to Watauga, I have been impressed and reminded of the late Elmer Aldridge, the more-than-a- coach friend and mentor to many in my Avery County hometown. (He taught me to drive, but that’s for another column!) Even with physical (and vocal!) similarities, both Aldridge and Snow were determined to have the best football teams around; their expectations were great, and so was their sweet taste of success when all was said and done. But, most importantly, Aldridge was always willing to give credit where credit was due, and he loved his boys to victory many times over. Coach Snow is doing the very same thing – a rare trait in a big ole, tough football coach, but necessary for a positive outcome. We saw the hugs and the tears, we heard him tell his boys he loved them. Is it any wonder his team has worked so hard? Isn’t that what we need more of in this world? If we had more love for one another, more respect and determination to be our best, we would all be winners, on and off the football field. Pioneers, you have taught us well. You’ve made believers out of us, you’ve made believers out of yourselves and you’ve exemplified team spirit from the word “go.” You make us proud and we’ll be there on Friday night cheering you on to another victory. You’ve worked hard, you’ve never given up and you deserve every moment that the spotlight is upon you. Go out there and give it all you’ve got! And then, moms, maybe on Saturday morning, you can whip up a few of these breakfast treats for your heroes! (Now how’s that for putting a little football in the frying pan?)

Hash Brown Breakfast Bake

1 pkg. (32 oz.) frozen shredded hash browns
2 cans of potato soup
2 (8 oz.) sour cream
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup Parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients, stir well. Spoon into greased 9 x 13 baking dish; bake
at 350 for 40 minutes or until lightly browned.

Quick and Easy French Toast

1 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon
Bread

Mix together first four ingredients. Dip bread into mixture and brown on both
sides in hot buttered skillet. Top with butter and syrup.

Easy Sausage Quiche

1 deep dish pie shell
1 lb. bulk pork sausage
3 eggs
2/3 c. milk
1 tsp. salt
Dash pepper
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divide in half)

Bake pie shell at 350 degrees for 3 minutes. Remove from oven and prick with a fork. Bake 5 minutes longer. Set aside. Cook sausage until brown; then drain. Combine eggs, milk and seasonings in a mixing bowl; beat lightly. Stir in sausage. Sprinkle ¾ cup of cheese over pastry shell. Top with sausage mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 50 minutes or until set. (May have to cover edges of crust as it darkens.)

Orange Julius

1 (6 oz.) can frozen orange juice
1 cup cold milk
1 tray ice cubes
1 cup cold water
1/3 cup sugar

Mix ingredients in blender except ice cubes, then mix cubes1 at a time until thick and frosty. This makes a wonderful breakfast or special treat.
For low-fat recipe use for milk 1/3 cup nonfat dry milk and 1 cup water.

(In case you haven’t figured it out, these recipes will be great to keep around
for all the family during the holidays!)

 

 

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.