Have you ever experienced the joy of finding something you thought was lost forever? That’s exactly what happened to me this weekend when I embarked on a cleaning and organizing spree. As I rummaged through boxes that had been neglected since our move in 2003, I stumbled upon a treasure that brought back a flood of childhood memories – a recipe handwritten by my Mom on one of those trusty steno pads she always kept around the house.
This particular recipe was for a Chicken Casserole, a dish that graced our dinner table at least once a week during my childhood in the 1970s. Its simplicity and ease made it a family favorite, and I suspect it may have originated from one of those classic Home Economics Cookbooks we used to sell during our school’s fundraising events.
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As I held the piece of paper in my hands memories of my Mom standing in our kitchen came to mind. I remembered that harvest gold stove and the wallpaper with all those fruit baskets. I also remembered the harvest gold telephone on the wall with that stretchy extension cord that would stretch for days! Well, maybe not days, but it was long enough I could go into the carport and talk outside of the hearing range of others. Plus how else would one cook and do the dishes and talk on the phone at the same time if it wasn’t stretchy?
At that moment, I realized that this recipe was not just a list of ingredients and cooking instructions. It was a symbol of love, of family, and of the simple pleasures that make life worth living. It was a time capsule, transporting me back to a simpler era when families gathered around the dinner table, discussing school, homework, sharing stories, and it all was well even laughter.
As I looked at the recipe, I marveled at its simplicity. Just a few basic ingredients, combined in a harmonious symphony, created a dish that filled our stomachs and probably did not cost more than a few dollars. The recipe called for chicken, cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, butter, crushed Ritz Crackers, and a sprinkle of pepper. It was a testament to the fact that sometimes the most delightful things in life are found in the simplest of places.
Sometimes, the most meaningful things in life are not found in grand gestures or extravagant events. They are found in the simplest of moments, like discovering a long-lost recipe and using it to recreate precious memories. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, taking the time to organize our surroundings and embark on a journey of self-discovery can lead to unexpected joys.
So, the next time you find yourself surrounded by clutter and longing for a sense of organization, take a step back and embrace the process. Who knows, you may just uncover a cherished recipe or rediscover a part of yourself that had been hidden away. In the end, it’s these seemingly small and insignificant moments that weave the fabric of our lives, adding depth, meaning, and a touch of magic.
Everyday I miss my Mom. We lost her to cancer in 2005.
Mom’s Chicken Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping
Ingredients
Method
- Take a shallow baking dish (Pyrex if you have one) and take a little butter and grease the bottom and sides of the dish.
- Boil the chicken – debone it and cut it up into small pieces and place it in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Mix soups and sour cream together and pour over the chicken.
- Crumble up Ritz crackers and sprinkle heavily all over the top of the chicken and soup mixture.
- Melt 1 stick of butter and drizzle over the Ritz crumbs.
- Bake in a 350-degree oven uncovered for about 30 minutes
Notes
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What a sweet, sweet memory, and a wonderful recipe! So glad you shared.
Thank you so much. Guess what we will be having for dinner one night this week. 🙂