Remembering my Grandfathers

Pawpaw

Biddie, my parent's pet chicken, died last week. She was the friendliest of the chickens, and when my Pawpaw was still around she would climb up his leg and sit on his lap, and even his shoulder when she was smaller. My dad found her in her cage last week and said it was a sad day at the Akers' household.

Biddie's passing and Fathers day got me thinking about my Pawpaw. Above is a collection of vintage fishing lures that were Pawpaw's. You should have seen his collection of fishing rods and tackle boxes!
Mom made this art quilt in honor of Pawpaw recently. I really love it. Check out the image transfer from a picture of mom and Pawpaw when she was a little girl.

For father's day dinner we cooked up Papa squash with a big bag of homegrown yellow squash that a friend had given us. Papa was my dad's dad, and unfortunately I don't have any digital pictures of him. I need to scan some old photos soon. He was a wonderful cook, and this is one of our family favorite recipes. Here is the recipe.

Slice yellow squash and onions and cook on stove with very small amount of water until tender. Drain excess liquid and salt & pepper to taste. (If you have an abundance of squash you can cook up a quanity to this stage and freeze in serving size portions to continue this recipe or others later).

Use approximately 1 cup of squash per serving and place in oven proof casserole. To each 2-3 cups of squash add a scant 1/4 cup milk, one egg, 6-8 crumbled crackers, and 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or for original recipe, about this amount of cubed Velveta). Top with chesse and bake approximately 15 minutes at 350 or until cheese is melted on top.