Wow! I didn't realize how long it has been. Time does fly when life takes over! Tonight as I sit watching the weather, it's our second round of wintery stuff this week, I'm reminded of how fast the days pass. How fast we grow up. Some days we would like to go back to those days when we depended on our parents to keep us warm and safe.
The last couple of weeks have been long and difficult. My sister and I have been fortunate as adults to share birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and life with two parents. One week ago this morning Daddy left us, not suddenly but thankfully without suffering. His passing has reminded us how fleeting life is. To cherish and take advantage of every minute with those we love. In his absence we suddenly have a family that is compiled of not only those related by blood but by those we have been blessed to call friends, sisters, brothers.
My love of gardening came from him. My talents in the kitchen from my mother. The ability to love and give freely from both of them. He had an acre and a half that he has gardened for the last 30 years. He always 'sold' the extras. Those who new him knew you couldn't go by and get a few tomatoes or a couple of onions, you left with a grocery bag full. He wanted to make sure that everyone he knew had plenty. I'm sure that came from growing up during the depression. His garden will continue. Different hands, different tastes but still Mr. Charlie's garden.
Daddy cooked a little bit as well. He liked to make the things he loved to eat, one of those things was Hot Sauce, there was never 2 batches that were identical. Not long before his stroke, Daddy made a batch of Hot Sauce and as usual, he shared with whomever was around. I had a request this afternoon for Mr. Charlie's Hot Sauce recipe. My sister had to hunt it down for me. I can tell she has made it many times over the years. This is definitely more of a sauce than a salsa.
Girls, make Hot Sauce! Raise your chips high!
Here's to you Daddy!
Mr. Charlie's Hot Sauce
1 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 red bell pepper, chopped fine
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
Bring everything to a boil. Cool and enjoy!
Now for those of you who would prefer a fresher salsa...
Teresa's Salsa
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chopped jalapenos
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt & Pepper to taste.
Stir everything together and grab some chips!
Enjoy!!!
