Southern Sunday Lunch


lunch-sign

I remember Sunday lunches when I was growing up fondly. When we got home from church we would set the table with the good china and all gather round the table. Often, we would have company and spend 2 or 3 hours at the table visiting.

I remember one occasion when my mother had put a roast in the oven before church. When we got home, she had a migraine headache so we were going to just have a low key lunch so she could rest. As it happened, there was a mix up in dates and one of the ministers from the church and his wife thought they were invited for lunch that Sunday and, of course, showed up ready to eat. My poor mother, got us to set the table and she went ahead and presented a lovely meal with a smile (even though she felt terrible).

I’m not sure how my mother managed. She often didn’t know how many would actually show up but there was always plenty of food for everyone served with grace and beautiful Southern hospitality. I always appreciated how everyone always felt welcome in our home. I hope people feel as welcome in my own home as my mother made them feel in hers.

Todays Lagniappe: Mama’s Sunday Roast

Place a 3 to 5 lb. roast in a roasting pan and season with salt and pepper.

Mix together cream of mushroom soup, 1 pkg. of Campbell’s beefy onion soup mix and a can of beef consumme.  Pour over roast.

Put roast in 325 degree F. oven and roast for 2 to 3 hours.

Place potatoes that have been quartered or cut into 8ths and carrot chunks into pan around the roast after the roast has cooked for 2 hours or so.

Raise oven temperature to 35o degrees F. and cook for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until vegetables are soft.

Remove roast and vegetables from pan and make a gravy with the pan drippings. Serve roast and vegetables with hot rolls, a green vegetable and a smile.

photo from mc-q via flickr

Comments

3 responses to “Southern Sunday Lunch”

  1. Burl Blea Avatar

    I appreciate the insights shared here.

  2. Christi Avatar

    Denise,

    You made me cry. I’m the one who is grateful to know you and count you as a dear friend. Not only did you sing at my wedding, you made sure there was music playing when I walked down the aisle!

    We have so many great memories together. You are very special. Love you and miss you too.

  3. Denise Avatar
    Denise

    Christi,

    I ALWAYS felt welcome in your home no matter where you lived.

    I have such fond memories of going to your house in Ada. Your mom was great. By the way, how is she? That house was a safe haven for me when I really didn’t know anyone in town.

    Going to your apartment in Dallas was such a treat. One thing I remember is trying to figure out what we were going to do and you mentioned there was a group called the Dixie Chicks playing somewhere. You said you had heard they were pretty good. Then a while later they hit the big time. I used to regret that we didn’t go see them. (They’re NOT my favorite any more!)

    Another memory is going to 2 movies back to back. It was the first time I had done that. We had such fun! One of the movies we saw was “Simply Ballroom”. (I can’t remember the other one) I will sit and watch that every time it comes on TV.

    Remember the time I came to Arkansas before you were married and I realized I hadn’t brought any bras or underwear? Every time I pack for a trip I think about that!

    Singing at your wedding was such an honor! Your wedding was one of the most beautiful ones I had ever seen and still is. A class act for sure.

    You also have the distinction of being the only person I have ever been to an opera with. You were also the one who gave me such great advice for my trip to New Orleans for a vacation with David. You told us which restaurants to go to and helped me find a hotel in the French Quarter. I really consider my friendship with you as an introduction to the cultured world. Thank you for everything you did for me in “the old days”!

    I will always be greatful that you came up to me in the University Singers and asked if I had a roommate for the trip to San Antonio. I made a friend for life!

    You are such a wonderfully giving person. You gave me my first baby shower when I was pregnant with Nick. You also hosted my reception after my Senior Recital. These memories and many more endear you to me. I miss you and love you.

    Denise

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