Weekday Rambler

My sister-in-law, Donna, brought to us a huge bag of lemons from the tree in her backyard.  In Louisiana, this is the time for the lemons to produce.  This was the perfect gift since my hubby loves lemon in his iced tea.  He got industrious and squeezed the entire bag and saved the juice for later use.  This morning he requested that I help him "use up" some of the juice by baking a Lemon Meringue Pie like my Momma used to do. My first thought was: "Oh boy,  what a request!"  I remember my mother working for several hours at a time to produce this delight, but my Dad loved it and she persevered.   I dug out the cookbook that she had used and got to work.  The recipe stated that it takes about an hour to make the pie, so I wasn't too discouraged.   It's been about two months since we laid my Mom to rest in the cemetery next to my Dad, so I thought about her as I prepared my pie.  I remembered some tips she gave to me as I watched her bake when I was a kid.

It was a beautiful day in September.  In Louisiana, that means it was not 100 degrees F outside!  Via Facebook, about 400 Istrouma High School Indian alums had reconnected after 40 some odd years.  About 100 of those including spouses, that we graciously allowed into the "Teepee", gathered for a "Pow Wow" at the beautiful country home of Frank and Kathy Parker for a Cochon de Lait! Cochon de lait, translated strictly, means "sucking pig," but in Cajun land it means roasting a whole pig and partying!  Cochon de lait  is one of Acadiana's most famous and most delectable dishes -- marinated, pit-roasted young suckling pig, sliced thin and served with gravy, on a plate or on a po-boy.   The Master Chef, Frank, was in charge and did not disappoint.  The roasted pork was the best I have ever tasted.  Each of the "IHS Indians" brought a side dish to share.  What a feast!  Pictured is the huge pit where Frank and his helpers cooked the pork.