Cooking By The Book


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NANNY’S CREAMED POTATOES  
Setting the Scene:  
From THE MAGIC OF PATCHWORK, we learn about quiltmaking of days ago  
and that social event, the quilting bee, when women got together, sewed, chatted, and  
enjoyed one another’s food. Even today, quiltmakers gather to sew, learn from one  
another, and enjoy each other’s company over tea and goodies. I remember quilting with  
my grandmother when I was eight years old, making a quilt for my bed, which I still have  
today, even though it’s well worn. Then instead of quilting the quilt, Nanny, my aunt and  
a neighbor lady tied the quilt. I was so pleased they allowed me to participate. My  
granddaughter, at age ten, has been learning to make a quilt this summer.  
Excerpt from The Magic of Patchwork:  
The magic of patchwork has captivated women for decades making it one of our  
American crafts achieving status as an art form. . .  
The Quilting Bee - One of the enjoyable aspects of quiltmaking in days ago was  
the quilting bee. The ladies met to put a quilt together after the top had been pieced or  
appliquéd. This was one of the social activities in pioneer times. They arrived at the  
hostess’ home in the morning, bringing their needles and thread. They spent the day  
chatting and quilting. Often they exchanged quilt patterns and displayed samples of a  
quilt they were working on. Sometimes the ladies brought pies or cakes and the hostess  
prepared a meal. Frequently in the evening, the men folk joined them at the hostess’  
home. There would be a supper, perhaps some games and dancing. This was a way new  
people in the area got acquainted and long-time residents socialized.  
Nanny’s Creamed Potatoes  
This very simple dish may have been served for supper at a quilting bee. It made use of  
leftover boiled potatoes and was one my grandmother and mother often made. My mother  
served it once when my in-laws visited, and my mother-in-law raved about it long  
afterward.  
Ingredients:  
Boiled potatoes, diced  
Butter  
1
T flour  
Whole milk or cream to cover potatoes  
Salt  
Pepper  
Onion, diced (optional)  
Fresh parsley, chopped, or paprika  
3
0


Page
29 30 31 32 33

Quick Jump
1 28 56 83 111