Photo by Candice Black

Everyone has that one dish in mind that completes the holidays and without it, Christmas or Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same. This year, we’re asking people to share theirs when they submit recipes for the Parkersburg News and Sentinel and Marietta Times 69th Cookbook Contest.

For me, the answer is a no-brainer: Grandma Ruth’s gravy. When I’m walking up the stairs to her house and open the door to the smell of turkey gravy simmering on the stove, I know I’m going to have a great meal.

Everyone in my family is hooked on the gravy, which itself isn’t a complex or fancy recipe, but it became a tradition and a staple at holiday meals. One of the first times my husband Steve came to a family function, he was asked to stir the gravy. And I suppose that was Grandma’s way of inviting him in the family.

After she has cooked the turkey, Grandma takes the drippings from the pan and adds milk, cornstarch to thicken and seasoning. It’s simple, but absolutely delicious to pour over just about anything on your plate. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, turkey (dark meat fan over here), stuffing or another family favorite, squash casserole.

Now I’m just making myself hungry; is it November yet? Every year, I thank God for keeping the master gravy maker around and still able to cook a delicious meal that brings us all together. I don’t take that for granted. And I think that’s what’s so special about holiday meals; they create memories, traditions and that warm, fuzzy feeling that’s hard to come by. That’s one of the many reasons I love putting together the cookbook. The participants remind me of family members who create and share recipes that turn into favorites. Another thing I love is the opportunity to share someone’s next favorite or to help someone start a new tradition. But the only way I can do that is if everyone sends in their favorite recipes by Sept. 10.

Fifteen finalists will be selected to participate in the tasting party on Oct. 25 where they will prepare and present their dishes in the Starters Sips and Sides, Centerpiece (main dish) and Sweets categories. To sweeten the deal, the grand prize winner will receive a $500 Piggly Wiggly gift card.

Check out the rules for the contest at this link: https://www.mariettatimes.com/news/local-news/2023/08/cookbook-recipe-submisions-open-through-sept-10/

Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.

Photo by Candice Black