I want to introduce you to my cousin Retha!

Issue#006 July 22, 2009

Hello Friend,

Cousin Retha's Free Recipes

This is to introduce you to someone, who has become very close to me in recent years. She will be sharing some free recipes with us. My cousin, Retha was the same age as one of my older sisters. The two of them were very much like sisters. Retha was my mom’s brother’s daughter. My mother loved her dearly as did the rest of the family. She was always a close part of our large family, but lately I have been privilege to develop my own personal relationship with her.

I have always been impressed with hearing about my cousin’s adventuresome spirit. My feeling I got was that she was always ready for a new adventure, whether it was business school at a young age or heading into some unknown territory. I have now learned to appreciate her business knowledge, and her way with computers at her age. I have learned first hand what a beautiful woman she is.

Many years ago, I believe it was 1955; I rode with my mom and dad to see my cousin leave Ohio and head out to California. Retha and her husband, Bash, were a young couple with a little baby, which they named Craig. I stood next to Mom and watched as they pulled their small mobile home from the hillside and proceeded onto the road.

As I stood there in amazement, I could feel the overwhelming sadness from my Aunt Allie, Uncle Bert, Mom and Dad. It felt like they feared that they would never see this young couple again. Back then it was not common for a young couple to leave family and friends like they were choosing to do. For me, it was a time of excitement. I thought how wonderful to be so adventuresome! Back then, I don’t think I ever heard the word “California” before this point of my life.

Eventually, after arriving in California, Retha and Bash started the Bashford’s Hot Mineral Spa www.Bashfords.com . As I would expect, they were very successful in their business operation. Now for much of the time the spa is run by Craig and his wife Tammy. Retha has a granddaughter, Chelsea and a grandson, Alan.

I am sure it would not be surprising to know that Alan is also a chef. I am telling you that food runs in the family! He attended one of the top culinary schools in San Francisco, and now works at one of Marriott Resorts in Palm Desert. I hope to make a trip out to California sometime next year to visit the family. I am sure I will pick up some great free recipes and new ideas from Alan.

Retha was telling me about how the women at the spa love to cook. They are putting together a “Bashford Hot Mineral Spa Cookbook” for the coming winter season. I bet we will get some good recipes from it also! Retha is sharing a couple of the spa’s favorite free recipes with us.

CABBAGE GO-ROUND

• 1 Head coarsely chopped cabbage
• 1 to 2 Pounds hamburger
• 1 Chopped onion
• 1 Can tomato soup
• ½ Can water
• 1 to 2 Cups grated cheddar cheese
• Salt/pepper/garlic or seasonings to taste.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Fry the hamburger and onion.

Add any seasonings to taste.

Layer part of the cabbage, layer of meat mixture, layer of cheese, 2 to 3 times in a 9x12 inch pan.

Put last of cheese on top, and pour tomato soup with water over all.

Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until cabbage is done.

EASY KEY LIME PIE

• ½ Cup lime juice
• 8 Ounce tub Cool Whip
• 1 Can Eagle Brand milk
• 1 Graham cracker pie crust

Mix together by hand in a bowl the lime juice, Cool Whip and the milk. You can also add a couple drops of green food color to make it green. After blended, spoon into the graham cracker crust. Refrigerate for about 3 hours before serving.

Over the last few years, I have come to realize that my cousin and I have a lot in common. We have reminisced about our large family get-to-gathers, and all the food. We talk often about my late sister, Gloria. She is the one who was so close to Retha and was very eccentric. When she was around, there was never a dull moment! And what a cook! She would offer everyone free recipes. My cousin was telling me about the time Gloria made all these cabbage rolls and insisted that Retha take a huge Tupperware bowl home on the airplane with her. You didn’t say NO to Gloria, so Retha found a better container and carried them back to California.

On the subject of family, we just had our family reunion. I am sorry that Retha couldn’t make it home for it, but I took her recent picture and she was there in spirit. The food was “massive” both in quantity and quality. I am gathering in the recipes and will pass them along to you.

Until later, have a happy cooking experience!

Your friend, Frances

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