Memorial Day

My mom and dad walking into the sunset

As we hosted family for a Memorial Day gathering,  for the first time in long time, I genuinely noticed the absence of my dad.  While everyone was in the back yard taking a shot at the new corn hole game, my thoughts turned to him.  "He would have liked this," I thought to myself.  Watching the increasing competition among siblings, grandchildren begging to modify rules to their benefit, tightly held beverages becoming airborne as lawn chairs collapse..., yes, he really would have liked this.

I am fortunate.  He was always there, always stable.  Though no saint, he was strongly rooted in family and his community.  He demonstrated integrity, generosity and an impeccable work ethic.

Although he wore a tough and weathered farmer's exterior, good food would break through and reach his soft spot.  If food were a love language, that would have been his.  Food was a direct route to his heart. A favorite dish of his was always included on the menu when the family gathered.

For Memorial Day, I thought I would remember him through his favorite family recipe. One that originated with his grandmother, but has been slightly modified by removing sugar and egg yolks to cut back calories and cholesterol. 

Yes, he really would have liked this!

Grandma Cummins' Apple Salad

Pantry list:
4-5 Jonathan apples (to make 2 generous cups, small dice)
2 generous cups seedless red grapes 
2 cups marshmallows
2 cups whipping cream
1 can pineapple tidbits, juice reserved
1 T cornstarch
1/2 + 1/3 cups Splenda
Pinch of salt

Cooking required:
Drain pineapple and place juice in small sauce pan.
To the pineapple juice, add 1 T cornstarch, 1/3 cup Splenda and a pinch of salt.  Whisk together and bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly.  Transfer to bowl, cover and cool completely in refrigerator.

Knife Skills:
Leaving the peel on, core and dice the apples.
Slice the grapes in half lengthwise.
Apply bandages as needed.

Mix it up:
In a large bowl (5 quart or larger), combine the diced apples, grapes, pineapple and marshmallows.
Add 1/2 cup Splenda to the cream.  Whip until stiff peaks have formed.
Carefully fold in the thickened and cooled pineapple juice. 
Fold the pineapple and whipped cream mixture into the fruit and marshmallows.  Do not stir!

Tips and tricks:

• Splenda is used in place of sugar to reduce calories.
• Sugar can be used in place of Splenda, but sugar draws juice out of the fruit, which is not desired for this recipe.  Splenda does not have that effect on fruit.
• Sam's club has whipping cream for about 1/2 the price of grocery stores.