"If it was green, she'd cream it!"

My grandma was one of those wonderful country farm cooks.  She made everything from scratch, and her kitchen always smelled of something warm and welcoming.  I spent many hours with her and my grandpa, and after he passed, I spent even more time with her.  She was always cooking or baking.  In fact, she used to cater weddings with my aunt Marjorie (her sister).  If you (yes, the English teacher is using "you" because I am talking to you all as friends) are from Shelby County or a nearby area, she may have made wedding cakes, birthday cakes, cookies, mints, and/or noodles for your relatives or acquaintances.  Her name was Maxine Adams. 

My mother Betty is also a great cook.  She bakes like an angel!  She, too, bakes her pies and cakes from scratch, and they are amazing.  We can always expect a birthday cake or pie on our special day.  Favorites are her amazing white cake, which was also the recipe that my grandma used for her wedding cakes, a German chocolate, a chocolate sheet cake and her peach or apple pie.  Those treats are truly special.

Now, back to the title of this page.  Grandma was a huge fan of game shows, which I will have to admit drove me a bit crazy at times.  However, I did enjoy Hollywood Squares, and my favorite star was Paul Lynde (for those of you who are old enough to remember his sense of humor). On one show the emcee commented to Paul that his (Paul's) mother was a great cook, and he rolled his eyes and said, "If it was green, she'd cream it."  Grandma and I looked at each other, and we both just about fell out of our chairs.  We cracked up!  Why?  That is exactly how my grandma cooked!!!  The creamier and richer, the better we liked it.  That says a lot for our ample girlish figures. 

I owe my mom and grandma so much of what I know today.  This blog is dedicated to both of them. 

My blog title "Scratch 'n Sniff" should make sense by now.   I also cook mainly from scratch.  I learned to cook by watching, listening, tasting, and sniffing.  My philosophy is that recipes are to be read as guidelines but not necessarily followed.  I just cook.  However, if I am sharing something with you, I will try my best to explain amounts.  I  am mainly about the technique and the process.  Anything can be adapted to accomodate different tastes. 

It is my sincere hope that you find this entertaining and informative.  Try some of the things that my family and friends enjoy.  They may become a favorite at your table. 

Watch for my next post that will include how to make a quick and easy deep dish pizza pot pie.

Until next time, friends!