I decided that for the sake of this blog, that I would start referring to my two grandmothers as Grandma (for my paternal grandmother) and Grandmother (for my maternal grandmother). Granted, we called them both “Grandma” but my mom’s mother would always sign letters and birthday cards as “Grandmother.”
She was a former school teacher and I shutter to think of any student who did not have perfect penmanship because she, for certain, did. I cherish the few recipe cards I have that are written in her flowing hand. (You know, come to think of it, Grandma had really nice handwriting, too—this must be a lost art.)
Anyway, here is one of Grandma’s recipes that I remember fondly and love. I wonder how I can make it healthier and not lose the tastiness. Replace the mayo? But, it tastes so good, why mess with it.
Grandma’s Pea Salad
1 1/4 c. fresh peas
1/2 c. chopped celery, sliced thin
1 1/2 c. light mayonnaise
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 head butter crunch lettuce, torn into bite size pieces
1/4 c. chopped red onion
2 T. sugar
6 slices bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
Steam peas. Place ingredients in a trifle bowl in the following order, lettuce, celery, onions, peas, mayo. Sprinkle sugar, cheese and bacon bits on top (in that order). Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours before serving.
My grandmother passed this along to more than one family member, especially to new brides that were starting their own recipe collections. I just have to say again, that I love this salad! It really brings back some special memories of Grandma in the kitchen, cooking a large family meal.
