Family Favourites. Ours is spaghetti and meatballs. For as long as I can remember the meal made for special occasions was, and still is, spaghetti and meatballs. A recipe that was found on the side of a Rosella soup tin many years ago. It was sticky taped into Mum's recipe journal and has two faded words across the top in her lovely swirly writing. Very Good. The sticky tape has long lost it's stick and yellowed the pages beneath it. The sentiment is the same.
The ricey meatballs so hot they have to be sliced open to cool unveiling the hidden treasure of a cube of cheese inside. The sauce; a blend of tomato soup, red wine and Masterfoods Italian Herbs. Sitting atop angel hair pasta and sprinkled with a snowfall of Parmesan this meal has connected my family time and time again.
A dear friend of ours waxes lyrical about his family favourite; cheerio casserole. His Mum dishing out helpings of this to her 4 boys no doubt in an effort to not only fill their cavernous pits of stomachs but also to lighten the budget's load. And it is in his honour that I write this post.
This remarkable father of three beautiful little girls is embarking on a journey of such self sacrifice and kindness pushing his endurance and strength to the highest level. Along with 49 other brilliant souls he is riding the 1600km from Brisbane to Townsville in only 8 days to raise money for cancer research. My eyes well at the amazing human spirit.
Please visit his blog and donate even a few dollars to the 2012 Bottlesmart Smiddy Challenge to help answer questions, ease pain and hopefully find a cure to such a devastating and cruel disease.
And for those who want to make all their children's Christmases come at once....the recipe for cheerio casserole. Hats off to you lovely Steve! A champion you most certainly are.
Cheerio Casserole
Butter or margarine
2 onions, chopped
4 tomatoes, skinned and chopped
salt and pepper
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup chopped capsicum, celery, peas or beans
2 cups beef stock
1/2 cup uncooked rice or noodles
1 dozen cheerios cut in half lengthwise
1/2 cup grated tasty cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Melt butter and fry onion. Add tomatoes , seasonings and capsicum (or peas, beans etc.) and cook gently until ingredients blend into a thick soft mixture. Add stock. When boiling add rice or noodles and simmer for 15 minutes stirring occasionally uncovered. Remove from heat and add cheerios. Turn into a greased oven proof dish, top with cheese and breadcrumbs mixed. Put in the oven for 30 minutes.
What's your family favourite? I'd love to hear.
4 comments:
Steph. you are such a gorgeous girl. I can't believe you cooked cheerio casserole! Thanks for raising awareness for such a worthy cause. To my amazing husband - what a challenge you are up for - god speed little man!
It definitly looks like an interesting dish. I can't say I am a fan of those red little boys though.
What an amazing man. From one cycling family to another (My Dad rode from Brisbane to Mackay and then Sydney to Mackay in 1994/1995 to raise funds for the Heart Foundation)
When is he going through Mackay Steph. I'm certain my Dad and Uncle would love to be there to cheer them on.
I'll set some $ aside next payday.
Steph darling, what an amazing post! What a worthy cause, and I send an amazing man my thoughts and prayers! That casserole sounds interesting!!!
What a lovely post, Steph :)
Family favourites have a way of conjuring up forgotten memories, don't they? My darling Grandmother used to make the most awesome eggy deliciousness for us when we stayed over - it had gently caramelised onions, lots of fresh tomatoes, a heap of cheese and very fresh eggs, all heaped (with lots of salt!) on hot buttered wholemeal toast. Each bite was divine - even as children, there'd be no talking, just enthusiastic eating, and happy full tummies.
I've tried making it as an adult, but it's never the same - she had such a way with making simple things shine.
x
Ps. So SO lovely to see you yesterday - fingers crossed that we'll be neighbours in October! x
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