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TV dinners!
In honor of Mother’s Day,I want to share a favorite recipe from my Mama,Betty Day Sykes.So here it is……………………………………!
Unfortunately, Swanson’s TV dinners doesn’t share their recipes! 
Seriously tho’ Mama was not a “Suzy Homemaker” type of mother. As a kid,you adapt to your situation,and Jamie and I had no problem adapting to eating at Crechale’s,Dennery’s, The Mayflower, The Elite,Primos, The Green Derby, The Mary Frances,Scotty’s, The Frosty Top, Redwood Inn and my favorite Morrison’s Cafeteria! Even today, I would rather eat out than than cook my own meal and I am a Caterer!HaHa
Fast food was almost non existent in the ’60’s, except for Krystal(my fav)! Jamie used to tell me I would die from eating so many Krystal burgers(2 at the most)!!! Geez! Brothers!!!There was McDonald’s but they used lots of Ketchup so yuck!!
I am doing my Mama an injustice because she did cook, but she didn’t like to cook! Besides the TV dinners(which I really liked),our meals were served on in Betty’s everyday china…Franciscan
“Starburst” dinnerware.
Devin now uses this funky,retro set of dishes!
Marie Elizabeth(Betty Day) Sykes is a retired teacher,with a dual major in Art and English.I still have students say how much they learned from her and loved her! Betty has won numerous awards for her artwork and loves sharing her knowledge with others.
My Mama has not only shared her life with her children,but with my”Daddy” Ken Sykes for 61 years!!! They share cooking duties now that they are in their ‘eighties! Local restaurants and grocery deli’s are a Godsend!
I really do have a “Betty” recipe to share! My friends remember and request this recipe for an “Oil Salad. Tollie Jones,Mother’s first cousin and a fabulous cook showed her how to prepare this marinated salad.
Mama and Tollie always started with a large wooden bowl that they rubbed down with a clove of fresh garlic.
Now add vegetable oil or canola oil but not Olive oil.Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the bowl(perhaps 1-1/2 inch oil)
***Secret Ingredient***’
McCormick’s Salad Supreme seasoning.
Generously sprinkle the oil with the seasoning(no ratio…just add more if needed)
*Add-ins(need to marinate in oil mix for at 1 hour)
*suggested add-ins*
Cheese,onions,olives,bacon
ham,onions,peppers, capers*
To serve: Toss your favorite lettuce choice with the ingredients and serve!
Enjoy and always cook from the heart!
Melinda Hart
Sassi Southern Catering
601-382-6079
