Yummy Family History

Who knew family history could be so...delicious?

Some time ago I borrowed my mom's recipe box so that I could copy some favorites from my childhood. Tucked in the cards was a recipe I didn't recall ever having eaten. It was called "rice and curry," and since I like the taste of Indian food, I wrote it down. When I asked my parents about it, I found out that it was my great-grandmother Elsie (Genske) Meyer's recipe. Because she was a German, I was surprised to find curry attributed to her. It was then that my dad reminded me about Grandma Elsie's sister and brother-in-law, Maude and Floyd Heinly, who were missionaries to India. My dad conjectures that Elsie's recipe was either given or influenced by the Heinlys as a result of their ministry in India.

And why do I not remember eating this incredible skillet of deliciousness growing up? While my dad has fond memories of this meal, my mom is not a fan of curry. She says it too strong a flavor for her liking. Seth and I, being huge fans of heavily-spiced cuisine, LOVE our new discovery! I do believe it will become a staple at our house!

I truly enjoy delving into my family's history. The truth is, genealogy is so much more than birth and death dates. The "in-between" times, like dinner at the family table, are the real jewels.

Recipe for Grandma Elsie's Rice and Curry:

3 Tbsp. Crisco

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. curry powder

2 Tbsp. flour blended with 1/2 c. meat stock or rich milk

1 c. chopped onion

1 lb. ground meat

1 c. diced tomatoes

1 c. diced potatoes

1/2 c. beans, peas, corn (we think carrots would be nice, also)

Directions: Grease pan with Crisco. Add salt, sugar and curry powder. Heat. Add onions and fry until brown, stirring often. Remove onions. Put meat in pan and fry until brown. Add onions back in. Add tomatoes and potatoes and cook until tender. Add beans, peas or corn. Add stock/milk. Serve over rice. (We mixed the rice into the skillet and stirred it all together).

What is your favorite family recipe?

*Sorry about the picture...it looked better before Seth and I devoured it!