Every couple years or so, we have a big cook out. Makin chowder is the main agenda for that day. We start early in the mornin with the huge task. Lots of family is there to help. Usually the day before chickens and beef are cooked, de-skinned and de-boned. The big day starts with a large wood fire under our old "family" iron kettle. Dump in about 20 gallons of water to start--in the 40 gallon kettle. Meat is dumped in next and started cookin to make it more tender. A big stirrin stick made like the letter "L" with a long handle attatched-starts it's days work. The wooden stirrin paddle is made of white oak and has holes drilled in it to let the liquid flow through. Tomaters, taters, green beans, corn, celery, cabbage, carrots and peas are all dumped in the kettle. The soup is boiled all day while being stirred constanty to keep it from stickin or burnin. Whilst this conglomeration is cookin other family members are busy preparing the pies, cakes and other goodies the we all don't really need! Not too many skinny Gibsons around these parts unless they're a "throwback" to our Indian ancestors. After everybody has eaten all they can hold, and still move, the fire is allowed to die down and the remaining chowder is dipped up and divided into containers for us to take home. The only thing that makes this better is a BIG crock of brewed iced T or coffee! We usually make this soup in October when the weather has cooled off enough to keep from havin a heat stroke and not have to fight flys or skeeters. Another October is gettin closer and it would sure be nice to have it again. Mom is 87 yrs old and not in the best of health. It would be good to have one more before she's called home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ--an pappy. Folks readin this might want to consider doin something like this and start your own legacy! Enjoy! Matt. 24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), July 31, 2000

Answers

Hoot, it sounds like a hoot! Great idea, thanks! When I think chowder, though...of course I think of clams (coastal living does that to you). We used to get together for big crab feeds (and clams....cook them in big 55 gal. barrels, right on the beach..lots of garlic and oil, and greens, too).

I think it sounds like a fine tradition to start! Your mom must be proud of you.

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), August 01, 2000.

I forgot the MOST imortant ingredent! ONIONS!!!!! One can also put in white beans, red beans or any other kind of bean they want. Mater juice is also good. I did have the receipe for a town chowder that started with 11 cows!! I've lost it and don't remember what else was used. Squirrel was used in the olden days but not anymore. Soooo Sorry for forgittin tha ONIONS!! Matt. 24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), August 01, 2000.

When I was on a business trip to Japan maybe 20 years ago we did some sightseeing. One stop was at a temple where there was what is called a flea market today beside it. Several small stalls were selling what they called 100 year soup. As it was dished out, new ingredients were added so the pot was never empty, nor was it always the same. During winter my neighbor, Mrs. Bruce, in her 70's, keeps a pot simmering on the stove. She never knows how many family, friends, etc. will be for lunch or dinner. If you stop to visit, she doesn't feel right unless she can feed you something.

-- Ken S. (scharabo@aol.com), August 01, 2000.

Hi Hoot,That sounds like such a great time! I sure hope you all are able to do it again this October with your Mom there to enjoy it too. Bless you sir,you're in my prayers, Tracy Jo

-- Tracy Jo Neff (tntneff@ifriendly.com), August 05, 2000.

We do a stew cook and "chitlin chomp". Like the stew , but didn't want to get plastered enough to force down any chitterlings. I leave that to the "old timers".

-- Jay Blair (jayblair678@yahoo.com), August 06, 2000.

Late brakin news! The Noble chowder and homcomin will be next sat. If y'all wanna know whats in chowder then come and have a "looksee". Brang yourn kittles fer ta take sum home wiffya. Prably bout 10 bucks a gallon this yar. Havin a photo contest this yar, whut thay ar. Lil dumplin is out takin pikturs now of everythang whut moves an sum whut don't. Calvin tha cat is prime fer a pikture. She orta kno by now- her'n piktur is all plastered on lil dumplins puter screensaver longs wiff granboy an grangirl. Jake is up an around. Saw'm yisterdey. He'rn waar in his'n barn a chompin sweetcorn husks and clover and slobberin. He waarn't hollerin nun, tho. Peered ta be rite hap. Old engine show at the "Only Oblong" in the world--next sat. Sunday- Lincoln Log Cabin State Park south of Mattoon, IL--free bluegrass jam with pikin under the big maples. Surely, something here will interest you enough to drive from Australia [Don] or Seattle, DC. Texas, England er anywhars else. Oh, BTW-don't think i'll go tothe chowder. I dont' eat there stuff. Too many flies that tried flyin over the kittles and didn't make it. Matt. 24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), August 06, 2000.