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Paul Chiddicks's avatar

What a beautiful story about a wonderful mum! I love the story of how she met your dad, a real life hero. She would be so proud of you and everything you’ve achieved Lori

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Lisa Maguire's avatar

You describe a tradition of cooking that was closer to my grandmother's style than my mother's. In the 1960s, my mom 1) went on a holiday to France and 2) discovered Julia Child. For someone who grew up eating meatloaf, casserole, and other traditional 'American' foods, it was mind blowing. She apprenticed herself to Julia, The Galloping Gourmet, and Perla Meyer (her favorite!). I must say I did not appreciate this cooking as a child (I often preferred the cooking of other family and friends, which was heartier and plainer) but now I understand how much I absorbed about good food and cooking from what she learned. I think in the end, we all come to understand the love that goes into wanting to feed people, and feed them well.

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Lori Olson White's avatar

What a great story, @Lisa! Thanks for sharing those memories.

And I ❤️ that last truism!

“I think in the end, we all come to understand the love that goes into wanting the feed people, and feed them well.”

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Lisa Maguire's avatar

"wanting to feed people" I meant

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Jane Chapman's avatar

This a lovely tribute to your mother. I love that she was a 'cook from a can' type of person ... I tend to lean that way myself.

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Bill Moore's avatar

What a wonderful tribute to your mom. I’ve been introduced to a few Minnesota specialties (tater tot casserole), but Glorified Rice was a new one for me. I think my blood sugar spiked from reading about it.

Have a very happy Mother’s Day.

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Lori Olson White's avatar

Well if you’re familiar with Tater tot hotdish then you’re well on your way to becoming an honorary Minnesota! Thanks!

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Jennifer Ann Blair's avatar

I love your mom's elegant dress in the first photo you posted. Your stories are always inviting and funny. My dad and your mom would have had a blast at Marie Callender's, enjoying the pies, sweet and savory alike. I also grew up with pot pies, watching Jacques Cousteau or Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. Happy Mother's Day to you!

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Amie McGraham's avatar

Lori, this gave me all the feels—humor, sweetness, love, and yes, slimy Chinese buffets! Best to you on Mother’s Day..

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My Vintage Cookbooks's avatar

That’s quite a story about the way your parents met - like something out of a movie! What a glamorous photo of your mother. I know just what you mean about the wish to send her a chicken pot pie. ♥️

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Jennifer Jones's avatar

Lori this is a beautiful story about your much loved Mum. I'm not sure about the glorified rice, but only because it sounds different to anything I've ever eaten. I love how your Mum stuck with what she liked. I laughed to read that she also knew what to do to bring on your labour. Who says Mums don't know everything! My mum is almost 91 and still living alone at home, though she is starting to get a little frail lately. When I think of Mum and food I think of the amazing Ginger Fluff she could be relied to bring to every family occasion.

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Cynthia Boatright Raleigh's avatar

I must try the Glorified Rice. In my corner of southern Indiana, we grew up with a similar dish. Only differences are that ours is minus the rice and plus a can of mandarin orange slices. It's still around and is called Ambrosia. I think I will like the rice in the salad.

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Edna L. Foster's avatar

Thank you so, so much for sharing your beautiful story about your mom. You really got me thinking about my mom, the things she did, and how she met my dad. Thanks again. You have motivated me to take time and get my story together about my mom. 🙏🏽❤️

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Lori Olson White's avatar

Oh, Edna, thank YOU for your comment! My goal for Culinary History is Family History has always been to spark others to reminisce and encourage them to write down those stories 🥰

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Edna L. Foster's avatar

You are welcome❤️

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