Romantic Recipes
Katherine Markel was met at the age of 88 in Franklin, Pennsylvania, where she resided in the mountains on Oak Hill. Katherine was known for her kindness and often cared for local children while one parent worked at a nearby mental hospital. She had a religious upbringing, being the daughter of a preacher, with a sister who was also married to a preacher. After the passing of her husband, she chose not to watch television, preferring to listen to gospel programs and stories on the radio.
Katherine had a distinctive tradition of keeping a Christmas tree in her living room throughout the year, decorating it according to various holidays. For Easter, she decorated it with bunnies and colorful eggs; for Halloween, she used candy and small pumpkins; and for Valentine’s Day, she adorned it with red hearts and ribbons.
From this inspiration, she proposed a method referred to as “Katherine’s Man Finder.” The steps are as follows:
1. Visit a men’s clothing store to choose a quality pair of pants.
2. Clear the mind, tidy the living space, particularly the fridge, and make the bed neatly.
3. Place the new pants at the foot of the bed and then kneel to pray for a suitable partner, focusing on genuine needs rather than specific desires. Katherine: “Ask the Lord to fill those pants with a good man”.
4. After praying, neatly hang or fold the pants and put them away, attempting to forget about them.
Later, if a serious relationship develops, trying on the pants is suggested, noting that they are intended to fit only one individual. The right one!
Spoonbread & Strawberry Wine
The text also discusses a cookbook titled “Spoonbread & Strawberry Wine,” authored by Carole Darden and Norma Jean. This book focuses on the culinary traditions of an African-American family, presenting recipes alongside personal stories. One notable recipe, called “Love Potion,” requires over eight weeks to prepare, involves a blend of various fruits and ingredients that must ferment in a dark space.
The cookbook compiles a century’s worth of family heritage, featuring photographs and memories. It is organized into chapters dedicated to different family members, each sharing favorite recipes, ranging from wines and confections to special occasions. The book contains 288 pages and emphasizes the connection between cooking and family history, concluding with an inscription that reads, “Happy Cooking!” from the Darden Sisters.