I Don't Do Taverns

When I first came to Iowa, I was introduced to these sandwiches called Taverns. Sometimes Maid Rites. Maybe they are not the same thing. I don't even know. I've lived here for 15 years and I'm not sure. 

Because I don't do those "other" ground meat sandwiches. 

I do BBQs. Sometimes referred to as Sloppy Joe's, but that's not what I grew up calling them. Maybe it's a Wisconsin thing. Maybe it's just a Star Prairie, Wisconsin thing. I'm not sure about that either. 

Nonetheless, a ground meat sandwich, simmered with onions and "red stuff", including BBQ sauce, was the sandwich I grew up with. Orange. 

To the best of my knowledge, taverns do not have "red stuff" although there are bastardized versions of ground meat sandwiches that appear to be the offspring of a traditional Iowa tavern and a sloppy Joe, that some still refer to as a "tavern." When I looked up the recipe, most included mustard and/or vinegar. 

Nope. That's not what I make. 

"Barbeques" always made an appearance at potlucks of all kinds. You'd see them on the menus at ball parks and town festivals and county fairs. Sometimes as "Barbeque" or "Barbeque sandwich" or just "BBQ." If you ordered one, you'd get an orange ground meat sandwich on a bun, especially tasty with pickles in my opinion, but Andy isn't a fan of the pickle. He prefers his with a slice of sharp cheddar. 

I've changed my grandmother's recipe over the years. I've added more vegetables and more seasoning as you can see! I bet you can't name everything in there!

Even with the modified recipe, it's still a favorite childhood comfort food in all of it's orange glory! 

You'll find this tasty meat concoction featured in the Li'l Kitchen!

But it's not a Tavern. 

More at hiddencottageatlinncroft.com

Hidden Cottage & One Li'l Kitchen | Pierson IA | Facebook

The Longest Year

Well, it will be one year tomorrow since we lost you. It has been the longest year. Lee stopped by today for a visit and he agrees. It feels like five. Oh, how you have been missed these past twelve months. 

Through the sorrow, the sun has managed to shine, however. (If you know, you know.)

We had not one, but three beautiful memorials for you. The tears and the love poured from everyone. Still, the tears come, but with a few more smiles these days, remembering you. 

I went on a girl's weekend with Amy and Pam, and we drank to you and remembered the trip we took to St. Paul with you over your birthday that year. 

We traveled to Italy and Lee came with us. We all commented on how much you would have loved the food and the wine and the architecture and the history. Elizabeth, Laurent and Mathilda flew from Switzerland to spend a few days with us. It was lovely. 

We spent time around New Year's at Geoff and Darcy's house and hanging out with Lee and Will and Janie. Geoff and Darcy made fondue. It was wonderful. We opened presents. Your name came up often.

I ask you all the time what you think of what I'm working on, and most of the time, I can hear your answer. It always makes me smile. 

We're driving Lee on RAGBRAI again this year, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ride.

In celebration of you, my friend. 

It's been such a long, anguished year. So many "firsts" for the kids and grandchildren without you. So many medical procedures for Lee. So many tears. So much heartbreak. 

Yet...

The sunshine finds its way through the cracks, and life rolls on, and there is hope. 

And there is laughter. 

And there is love. 

No one told me that you'd be such an unwavering friend to me, even after you were gone. No one told me you'd still be rooting for me, teaching me, encouraging me and comforting me.

You do it all the time in my dreams. In my memories. In the beats of my heart. You are forever a part of my life experience, lady.

Thank you for that. 

More at hiddencottageatlinncroft.com

Hidden Cottage & One Li'l Kitchen | Pierson IA | Facebook