Southern Mama-isms

A Southern Mother is something very special. They have the job of raising a good Southern girl. My Mother had several pieces of advise, or sayings, if you will, that are good for anyone. I call them Mama-isms.

• You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.
• If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.
• Sit up straight.
• Put on your red badge of courage (meaning lipstick).
• Set the table (something done every night with placemat, knife, fork, spoon, plate and glass – each in it’s proper place.)
• Walk like a lady.
• Never wake a sleeping child.
• How’s your attitude? (Getting a good parking place anywhere, depends on your attitude!).
• Pretty is, is pretty does.
• All you can do is all you can do.
• Consider the source and go on. (or as her mother – my grandmother put it: Pass and re-pass).
• Smile and make people wonder what you’ve been up to (when you were frowning).
• If your lip gets any lower you’ll step on it (when you were pouting)
• If you don’t  watch out your face will freeze that way (when your face was anything but pleasant).
• If you don’t stop crying, I’ll give you something to cry about!

There were many more. What did your Mama tell you?

Today’s Lagniappe: Recipe for Spicy Shrimp and Rice

2 lbs. unpeeled medium sized fresh shrimp
3 cups cooked long grain and wild rice mix (1 box Uncle Ben’s original   recipe with 23 herbs & seasonings)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 (10-3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
few dashes of Tobasco (to taste)
Cajun seasoning – around 1 teaspoon or more if you want more spice)

Melt butter over medium-high heat and add green onions; cook, stirring constantly, until tender

Combine all ingredients and spoon into a lightly greased 2 quart baking dish.

Bake at 375 degrees F. for 55 minutes.

Serve with crusty french bread, green salad and crisp white wine.

P. S. : Mama emailed me one that I left out that is important – Remember who you are and Whose you are.