About Momma

 

Momma had a special knack for adding her own culinary magic to every gathering. She delighted in preparing her signature dishes for her coworkers and at church potlucks, but her true masterpieces shone during family holidays and reunions. I still remember the Thanksgiving when she turned her small kitchen into a bustling hub, cooking up a feast for over 40 family members.

As her daughter, I can’t recall a single barbecue where Dad didn’t use her homemade barbecue sauce. It was the only “seasoning” that complemented his perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy steaks. Barbecuing was a cherished tradition in our family, just as it likely is in yours.

Mom and Dad would make regular trips to Margie's Supermarket in West Tawakoni, Texas, where they handpicked meats sourced from Margie's own farm-raised cattle, hogs, and chickens. Barbecuing truly was a family affair. They’d come back with the finest cuts: steaks for Mom, Dad , and my brother, while I got my favorite chicken thighs and legs. I loved how messy eating chicken legs could be, with sauce smeared all over my face and fingers, a sure sign of a delicious meal. They also picked up ingredients for Momma’s sauce, salad fixings, and a gigantic potato for each of us, fully loaded with toppings!

I have fond memories of playing outside, the smell of her sauce wafting through our small three-bedroom mobile home with its roll-up windows. The aroma was a telltale sign that a scrumptious dinner was on the horizon. Looking back, I realize now that we were financially struggling; Momma was the primary breadwinner since Dad was disabled. So, meals like these were truly special.

As time went on, Momma taught us how to make her barbecue sauce, and eventually, we passed down those family recipes to our children. After losing Dad to a blood clot and Momma to lung cancer, I took on the role of the family chef. I began experimenting with her recipe, seeking out new and exciting flavors. My sons became my taste testers during our weekend barbecues, giving me their thumbs up or down. Over the past two decades, I’ve developed the southern barbecue sauces that you enjoy today.

Thank you, Momma, for the legacy of flavors that allow us to celebrate your memory.