The 4th of July always makes me think of summer backyard picnics at Grandma Caldwell’s Meadville, Pennsylvania home. Whether braving a scratch to find a ripe raspberry, riding the mower over the immense lawn, avoiding bees in the attic to seek hidden treasures, hunting fireflies or fishing on Tamarac Lake, we always seemed to be having fun with Grandma and Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles and the cousins. And there was always food!
Recently I was given a copy of the 4th of July menu that Grandma Caldwell fixed every year and I wonder now how long it took her to prepare the smorgasbord? Just reading it makes me want to start baking. Here’s her menu...
Turkey Breast
Cottage Cheese
Potato Salad
Relish – Olives
Macaroni Salad
Rolls
Cole Slaw
Jello
Baked Beans
Deviled Eggs
Salad Plate
Cranberry Sauce
Pickles
Soda Pop
Cheese
Blueberry Muffins
Watermelon
Strawberries
Cantaloupe
Peach Pie
Lemon Pie
Strawberry Pie
Banana Cream Pie
Cake
I hope you enjoy these two recipes straight from her recipe box and my memories ~ Enjoy, and Happy Independence Day!
Grandma Violet Caldwell’s Potato Salad Serves 6
4 cups cubed boiled potatoes
½ cup chopped onions
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup sweet pickles
1 cup salad dressing / Mayo
1 t mustard
½ t celery seed
½ t salt
1/8 t pepper
Mix all together and chill
Grandma Violet Caldwell’s Peach Pie
Store bought crust
Prebake
6 peaches
Pitted skinned and sliced
1 3oz pkg. peach or orange jello
½ cup cornstarch
1 cup sugar
4 cups hot water
Boil until thick
Allow to cool
Add fruit
Mix and put in crust.
Allow to set in refrigerator. Delicious!
