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December 2012 |
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"My Grandma Kleinschrodt, who was my mother's mother, did a lot of pies and dumplings," she said. "Grandma was always in her kitchen and always at the stove, always cooking. My grandma on my dad's side always made sugar cookies. She was the baker more than the cook. We always got together on Sundays for fried chicken and pies -- apple pie, cherry pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie. We'd eat at 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then play cards until 7 or 8 o'clock at night. There was penny ante poker, euker, fifteen down, pinochle, gin rummy. My grandma played canasta and I learned that, too, but I probably can't play it today. And then after cards we'd eat again. There's none of that anymore. It's just sad! When our kids are here for the holidays, however, we do play games, lots of board games." In addition to fried chicken, some of the other basic meals that Karel enjoyed growing up included stew, roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy, ham, casseroles, and spaghetti, for example. Along that line of influence, Karel's Kitchen includes Mom's Spaghetti Salad on page 17 and Mom's Green Bean Casserole on page 30. Did Karel's dad help in the kitchen? "I was pretty much grown up when my dad started helping Mom in the kitchen," she replied. "He did the meat and he was also great at making pies." Karel graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 1970. "I loved English and Shakespeare and Writing," she said. "I also enjoyed arts, crafts, and cooking in Home Economics. We learned how to sew in Home Ec. I used to make all my kids' clothes when they were little. I still sew. I make my own tablecloths and other things for my house." When Karel was only 10 years old, she learned to knit and also carried that skill forward. "I learned how to knit from my Nana," said Karel, referring to her Grandma Miller. "I used to knit all my Barbie doll clothes. I make kids' sweaters and hats and still belong to the Excelsior Knitting Club. I'm working on a dress for myself, but I get sidetracked with projects for my grandkids." After a short time in college, Karel married someone she met in high school, a hometown boy who also served in Vietnam. By 1981 they had three children -- Brian, Stacey, and Tammy -- and a divorce. "That was a long time ago," she said. Did Karel work outside the home? "Not until I was divorced," she replied. "I went to work as a unit clerk at a hospital in Flint. I did paper work for them. Those were good times. We'd bring in food for potluck meals and share our recipes." Karel always managed first, however, to cook and bake for her kids. This is son Brian's favorite recipe called "Strawberry Jello Pie." It's on page 90 in Karel's Kitchen.
STRAWBERRY JELLO PIE 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups water 1/4 cup cornstarch 3 oz. pkg. strawberry jello 1 quart sliced fresh strawberries 1 baked cooled pie crust Whipping cream Cook the sugar, water, and cornstarch together until thick and clear. Add jello. Cool until partially set. Pour over one quart sliced fresh strawberries that are already in a cooled baked pie shell. Top with whipped cream and keep in the refrigerator.
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Karels children (l-r): Sam, Brian, Stacey, Tammy in back. |