Eggs-citing Waldorf meal

When a hungry person plans on going to a church social, their eyes are primed on the prized 'food of the day'. Thus, attending an ice cream social in the tiny town of Waldorf, one would suspect the cold delight would top off the tastebuds.

First Lutheran Church in Waldorf held it's annual community event June 30, but for me it wasn't the ice cream and ginormous selection of homemade pies that made me salivate, but the egg salad sandwich. So far, in all the church socials my mouth has experienced, no one has served such a sandwich.
On such a beautiful day, which we thankfully accept with open arms after the dreadful spring, church volunteers conjured up 12 different pies, potato salad, chips, coffee/juice, sloppy joes, fruit, baked beans, angel food cake and of course, ice cream.

Although the barbeque sloppy joes were good - I snagged a bite of my husband's - eating the egg salad sandwich brought back a lot of childhood memories of making them with my mom and making them for our 4-H ice cream socials. You just don't see egg salad sandwiches on menus anywhere anymore. There's not much to making them, but it must be the thoughts of yesteryear that made me grab one, that, and the fact that going against the norm is not alien in my life! 

Pastor Michael Mathews greets visitors

Two other things were special on the day: Pastor Michael Mathews meeting and greeting the guests as well as handing them a beautifully flowered tray and a smile to boot, somethings he's done for several years; and just the freshness of summer fruit in pies. The raspberry pie was superb and was too hard to pass up. It was hard to pass up the strawberries, but I had plenty of them waiting for me at home from my garden - the raspberries are a few weeks away!



So I didn't pass up the raspberry pie. Mmmm!

The social used to be held in the church basement but the lack of air conditioning and handicapped accessibility prompted a move to the community center on main street. The air conditioning was a nice rush to the open doors to the front of the building and the back of the building shared many proud community moments captured through school photos, local veteran awards and antiques collected and displayed with the the local ties in three huge display cases. Crocks, calendars, bank books, thermometers, and much more proudly showed the heritage of the town's businesses since the town was founded in 1908.

The Plum Valley Creamery opened first in 1898 near Waldorf, but it wasn't until businesses like Waldorf Hardware, Geo. Habeck Electric, The Corner Cafe, Waldorf Produce, Waldorf Gamble Store, Mark's Standard, that made the town open up for settlers. It still has a few businesses, but with Mankato  and Albert Lea nearby, it continues to be difficult to keep local businesses open.


It didn't take long to feed 100 people and when I left, it looked like they were going to break the 170 number or so they expected. In fact, later I found out 250 people lined up to eat, easily breaking previous high numbers!

Stan and Margie Sternyske of Good Thunder have made the trip to the ice cream social for many years and try out new desserts every year. That's a good idea - if you can remember the year before! Stan lamented about the little towns as well and as a construction business owner, he knows it's tough to keep the doors open. He and Margie make several area socials and enjoy each of them with their unique foods and community pride.

Thelma Schweer served drinks to thirsty patrons

Patty Flemming saved the day and researched the ice cream social, which began back in the 1940s. Delores Rosenau, Marilyn Gerdts, Margaret Ewert, Marie Tesch, Darlene Tesch, Thelma Schweer, Jeanette Bluhm and Grace Miller have bragging rights on working the most socials. Three ladies co-chaired the event this year and that changes each year. Volunteers sign up for the pies and cake and for eggs and potatoes for the potato salad and egg salad. Work groups are established to make the salads on Saturday morning at the church. Sunday morning they meet at the community center to make the sloppy joes and cut up the fruit. Food line and dishwashers have two splits each - it works flawlessly!


First Lutheran has just 207 members but about 50-75 volunteers generally do preparations for the social - which is great participation from a congregation. Proceeds earned go towards church improvement projects or a charity picked ahead of time.

In the past, it's rare, but pie has run out, "but no one goes away hungry," added Patty. "Leftovers are sold at the end of the evening. The menu hasn't changed much over the years except that fruit was added in recent years." 

Delores Rosenau is the oldest member and still is involved. Darlene Tesch shared a memory of a past ice cream social when it was held on the west side of the church. The dinner included use of the church glass plates and in a regular assembly line fashion, dirty dishes went through the window to be washed and brought back outside. The dish towels were hung on the clothesline to dry and reused when they were dry.

Lisa Traynor, Diane Bluhm, Jan Bluhm, Brenda Gerdts had the early
kitchen shift at the ice cream social.

The community center and it's huge area has allowed for more people to hang around and visit - which is what church socials are for. No need to hurry this day, as there was plenty of food, conversation, friends and full tummies that satisfied all that came.

Small town America does not disappoint if you give it a chance. Thanks for Waldorf's First Lutheran for a grand meal and experience!

Bonnie Truebenbach's Scrumptious Raspberry Pie

3/4 cup sugar
2 TBSP corn starch
3/4 cup water

Cook to thick and add a package of raspberry Jello. Stir and then add raspberries. Pour into a precooked pie shell and refrigerate until it is set.

More Summer Eat Events!

Thursday, July 11 - Rapidan Calvary Lutheran Church ice cream social, 6-8

Sunday, July 14 - Dale Lutheran Church, rural Kenyon, ice cream social, 5-7
     -St. John's UCC ice cream social, rural Faribault, 4-7

Wednesday, July 17 - Truman St. Paul's Lutheran Church Salad Luncheon, 11-1

Thursday, July 18 - St. Charles St. Matthew's Lutheran Church ice cream social, 5-8
     -St. Augustine's Church, Austin, Salad Luncheon, 11:30-1

Sunday, July 21 - St. Paul's Lutheran Church salad luncheon, Green Isle, 10:30-1

Sunday, July 28 - Wabasha United Church of Christ Summer Sensation Salad Luncheon, 11-1

Sacred luncheon

Donna and Dorothy Harguth get to relax at the luncheon nowadays.

The Harguth cousins by marriage - Donna and Dorothy - remember the days when 60 or so salads were made scratch from various members' homes for the Sacred Heart Catholic Church annual luncheon. They likened it to organized chaos trying to make sure salads stayed cold in the limited refrigeration space, finding a temporary resting spot for all the food plus keeping track whose bowls and spoons belonged to who.

Nowadays, they get to sit and enjoy eating portions of 13 salads if they want, as Deb Perrault and Pat Foley utilize Marya Eustice culinary schooling to feed the throngs of a hungry lunch crowd on Friday, June 8. Due to the state food safety law and the Catholic School's use of the church basement kitchen the Waseca Catholic Daughters group had to get schooled and get the appropriate permit to continue holding their yearly meal. The law, dubbed the "Church Lady Bill", was passed in 2011 and exempts faith-based groups from routine state health inspections at events where food is served to large groups. But it requires at least one volunteer who prepares food at that event to attend training and share what is learned with other church cooks.

An annual fall videoconference is held each year, courtesy of the University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Department of Health. It covers foodborne illness, personal hygience and hand-washing, storing and preparing foods safely and other health issues that may come up.

Although all church events must do so, the Waseca bunch took it a step further: they now purchase all the groceries to make 13 salads each year, and then prepare them in the basement kitchen the day before. Most churches still have volunteers bring a dish from home.

Waseca Sacred Heart Church ladies and leader:

 Melissa Gerdtz, Arlys Fell, Jenifer  Dvorak, Geri Kassel, Deb Wobschall, 

Bea O'Brien, Kris Butterfield, Carole Schumacher, Deb Perreult, 

Kit Haag, Caroline Condon, SueHarguth, Father Marty Schaefer.

"Honestly, I think it works better this way," said Deb. "Not that the old way was bad, but we just find it more organized and easier to handle less salads, and just make more of each." Each year they pick new recipes, gathered from their own church cookbook (published a few years ago), guaranteeing great food each year. Like the past, the food never runs out - just enough left over to take home.

This year, they had more people attend than ever, close to 200. The event has been held over 35 years - there's just something about church history ledgers that never keep track of their fundraisers, but each year they run without a hitch and raise valuable money for the congregation projects or charities!

Eileen Muler pays Pat Foley at the door.

When you first see Sacred Heart, it's spectacular block and brick edifice looks intimidating, but it's beauty brings you peace and contentment. It's first church building was built close to today's, back in 1874 facing south - the current one faces east. The parish was officially established in 1869 and in 1886 the Sisters of the Holy Child of Jesus of Philadelphia built a school across the street. Today's current building went up in 1899 for a cost of $20,000.

Although the school once held K-12, today it has preschool through fourth grade. A $1.2 million renovation took a year but was finished in 1999.

This year the luncheon fell on Sacred Heart of Jesus mass, a sacrament of anounting was held. Many left the 11 a.m. service and quickly got in line for lunch right afterwards.

"This was the first year doing this licensed," said Deb. "Pat, Geri (Kassel) and I spent about $300 in groceries, shopping carefully for the best deals to save as much as we can. Yesterday (Thursday) was had 10 women making salads and about 12 today (Friday) helping serve."

Pat has worked with the luncheon the past five years. Adorned with a hilarious t-shirt that says " You don't scare me I work at the School Cafeteria", she works the front table and greets people. "This group of ladies are a lot of fun to work with. I really enjoy working with them." Deb, on the other hand, has worked the luncheon 25 years.

Gloria Pommerenke has attended many a luncheon at Sacred. She and several friends find it a way to meet up, enjoy a meal and help out local causes. "They do a really good job," she said. "It's hard to pick which salad you want!"

Catholic Daughters at Sacred Heart have 176 members, and it's a group you must ask to join. The congregation has about 1,000 families, so only a select few decide that journey is very important in their lives. According to their website, the group is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. They donate to charities, administer scholarship programs and strive "to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow or sickness. The motto is 'unity and charity'. It was formed over 100 years ago and numbers 75,000 members in 45 states.

Aside from this luncheon the local group is toying with the idea of bringing back the fall hotdish luncheon. For now they hand out gummi bears at church to raise money for Habitat for Humanity, have a soup luncheon and bake sale in December. Funds raised to to a variety of charities, local and nationwide.

The Harguth cousins remember telling the women of their group to bring a salad that would feed 10-12 people. "Well, some would bring different size bowls, and would we have enough room, it got to be quite a ordeal," said Donna. "It looks like they made it a lot easier now with the training." I'm sure they are modest in how well they ran the event in yesteryear!

The food still is as good as it's always been!

Yummy Recipes:

Taco Salad
1 head of lettuce, cut up
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 lb. hamburger, browned and cooled
8 oz of cheddar cheese
1 bag of taco chips, crushed
1 bottle of Catalina dressing, mix with 1 cup salsa

A bag of taco seasoning is used in meat. Mix dressing just before eating. Add dressing and taco chips just before eating.

Popcorn Salad
2 cups mayonnaise
1 cup sugar
1 can water chestnuts
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 lb. bacon, fried crisp
Popped popcorn, 2 bags microwave popcorn

Mix all ingredients together except popcorn. Add popcorn just before serving.

Broccoli Salad
5 cups broccoli
10 strips bacon (cooked until crisp)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 cup mayonnaise
2 TBSP sugar
2 TBSP vinegar

Combine in large bowl. Chill 2 hours.

Upcoming Events:

-Tuesday, June 11 - Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, Blooming Prairie, Strawberry 
   Festival, 4-7
     -Delano United Methodist Church, Delano, Salad Luncheon, 11-1

-Wednesday, June 12  - Faith Lutheran Church, Dodge Center, Salad Luncheon, 11-1
     -Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Salad Luncheon, Fergus Falls, 11-1

-Thursday, June 13 - Farmington Lutheran Church, Farmington, Salad Luncheon, 11-1

-Wednesday, June 19, Salem Lutheran Church, Montevideo, Ice Cream Social

-Thursday, June 20 -  Luverne ARC, Salad Luncheon, 11-1
     -Appleton Methodist Church, Appleton, Ice Cream Social, 3-7

-Friday, June 21, Vista Lutheran Church, rural New Richland, Ice Cream Social, 4:30-
   6:30

-Sunday, July 20 - St. Paul Lutheran Church Salad Luncheon, Green Isle, 10:30-1

Finally the sun - St. Henry's style

A leisurely drive in south central Minnesota on one of the first 'nice' days of 2013 was a treat as St. Henry's Catholic Church held its annual Salad Luncheon amongst the tweeting birds, calm countryside and warming sunshine.

Last year as I attended a salad luncheon in LeCenter a woman asked me if I had been to St. Henry's luncheon and when she found out I hadn't she highly recommended it. Well, that was almost a year ago and the country church already held theirs, so a full 11 months would have to go by to taste their delectable treasures.

An almost record number of people filled the small community room across from the church proper - because of the food and the fact the sun came out to warm up a disappointing spring season. Joan Traxler, chairman of the event, was happy with the turnout, "It went wonderful, such a great crowd. We were very, very pleased - about 150 attended." In case that doesn't sound like a huge number, this rural church on a Wednesday in April usually draws 35 families to Sunday church. "I think the weather did us a huge favor - no snow and sun!"

The little church on the hill celebrated a 150 years of worship in 2009. It's layout includes the church and cemetery on one side of the paved road and the playground, ball field and community room on the other side. Joan chaired this year's event but each new luncheon rotates the vice chair to the top notch next year, so Laurie Schotz will be continuing a tradition held for over 40 years.

As volunteer numbers dwindle, the men have helped pick up the slack, plus dedicated younger members are now stepping forward. Good thing, because great food, atmosphere and friendly smiles should be part of everyone's schedule as often as they can get it!

Back row: Laurie Schotz, Sandy Gernsheid, Cindy Widmer, Gay Surano,
Joan Traxler; front row: Sharon Riebel, Lucy Helfter, Dolores Wieland,
Megan Holychy

"I think we were one of the first parishes in this neck of the woods that started up a luncheon," Joan recalled. "Then others joined in." About 15 volunteers share the work, including Sharon Riebel, who when she spoke to me, caused us both to speculate where we had met before. She was performing her hostess duties and making sure everyone had what they needed when she asked me - we realized three years ago I bought a golden retriever from her Island Golden Farms nearby. My dog Millie would have loved to come, more to meet everyone than the food, but it constantly impresses me how small the world is when you get out and experience it!

Theresa Widmer and Sharon Traxler welcome Elaine
Willette to the luncheon.

The church's altar society has a bake sale and raffle in the fall and the men just hosted their annual Irish Stew in March. Joan shares feelings all church volunteers (and any in general) about planning a yearly event, "the anticipation is the most stressful, when you get going it runs smoothly." That simplifies what takes years of experience in the top spot to coordinate, but nary a church event has disappointed me yet in performance.

St. Henry is a entity located just off Hwy. 112 between LeSueur and LeCenter. One would suppose it was a bigger town in bygone years, but for now the church property functions as top dog. In protocol established years ago, tables flanked by the wall are broken up by a long row of tables combined for the 'regulars'. The community room is a quaint little facility with memories nailed on the wall. A particular one caught my eye and after investigation, found out this posting was the list of families and what they would bring to the annual picnic many years ago.

Yesteryear's festival signup sheet 

It was humorous to see the family listed by the male head, but the women brought the food and performed the manual labor! Items such as 12 quarts of potatoes, one gallon of carrots, 1/2 bushel of tomatoes, two pounds of butter, a pound of coffee, jelly, pickles, six pies were amongst the sign up items to bring for preparation - then a list of duties that needed to be filled. And besides that, most families chipped in $5- $15 each to pull off this shindig.

At the 11 a.m. start almost 45 people were lined up ready to fill their plates full of an assortment of pastas, salads, casseroles, deviled eggs, desserts, lemonade or coffee. It never ceases to amaze me how when I go through the line how difficult it is to pick what to eat (I usually take a little everything) and when I tour the luncheon area for pictures and interviews, the food has quickly changed to more time-tested recipes! Not fair! I want to go through twice -which would mean I would have to double the size of my stomach. I'm thinking that five minutes after everyone sits down a whistle blows and everyone  rotates their plate to the right to try your neighbor's choice of food. If there's any left!

Pickled carrots were a treat as were the chocolate candy kisses sprinkled amongst a vegetable tray. The daisies and mums that decorated the tables teased us into thinking spring was coming soon. Even a box elder bug managed to join the crowd, but I quickly plucked him off a woman in front of me and deposited him into the wide blue yonder. All the food disappeared as it has every year - that's because of Joan's leadership and great volunteer corp.

St. Henry's founding goes back to when Minnesota was a territory. In 1852 a little group of eight families came from Switzerland to the 'big woods' of south-central Minnesota. These people became the first Romancha settlement in America, actually speaking Roman. That group eventually held a meeting years later to build their church and during the remainder of the winter the ring of axes felling and hewing native oak could be hurt. A 18'x28' log chapel was built in 1859. Eventually a bigger church was built two more times. The church flourished with 85 families in its heyday. Thanks to Joan for getting me this information, described in the booklet as proud a parishioner could be. And lo and behold, the church festival attendances drew 700 people in the 1930s & 1940s.  At one time a banner stretched across CR 112 to announce the festival for all to attend.

Yesterday's restrooms

Who knows how long little country church's like St. Henry's will last, with dwindling numbers and rising exoduses to the larger cities. Right now the church shares Father Chris Shofner with St. Mary's in LeCenter, but someone like me who loves traveling through the countryside for that church gem in the valley or on the hill, let's hope dedicated congregations find a way to stay open.

St. Henry's Catholic Church - definitely a jewel amongst jewels!

St. Henry recipes - thanks Joan!

Jayne Gehrke's Calico Party Beans
Fry 1/2 lb. bacon, chopped
1-3 lbs. of ground beef
1 cup diced onions
1 cup celery (optional)
Drain: Add
2 TBSP mustard
1/2 - 1 cup brown sugar
1 TBSP vinegar
1/ cup ketchup
1 can tomato soup or tomato paste
1 can easy of your choice of beans, drain them (baked beans, northern beans, butter beans, kidney beans, chili beans, lima beans, green beans, or wax beans

Combine all in roaster and bake 350 degrees for about an hour. Or in crockpot (longer time).

Lucy Helfter's Chinese Casserole
1 1/2 pound ground beef
1 cup of chopped celery
1/2 cup onion
1/2 green pepper

Brown all the above and put into casserole. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup rice. Add one large can oriental vegetables - drained, one can cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups liquid beef broth, 2 TBSP soy sauce.

Mix altogether and our over meat and rice mixture. Bake two hours at 250 degrees. Just before done sprinkle with chow mein noodles.

Joan Traxler's Wild Rice Beef Salad
3-4 pounds beef roast - crock pot or oven roasted. Save broth. Shred or cube beef and set aside and add to the following:
1 1/2 cups uncooked wild rice. Cook 45-60 minutes and cool.

Add the following:
1 cup celery sliced thin
1 cup green peppers, diced
1 medium onion
2 TBSP sweet pickle relish
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salad dressing
salt and pepper to taste
Add 2-3 cups green grapes and some broth. Toss and blend together.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, May 4 
     *Brownsdale United Methodist Church, BBQ Riblet Luncheon, 9-1 with bake sale and rummage sale
     *St. John's Lutheran Salad Luncheon & Bake Sale, New Germany, 11-1

It's in the Gravy

When the gravy makers had personal emergencies to attend to, Dee Markson didn't know what to do. Who was going to make the gravy? No one else had experience doing it.

Anna Budensiak is a grateful server

"Lots of things have happened over the years, you learned to take it and work with it," she said. "Thank God one of them could call and give me the recipe over the phone." The gravy extraordinaire had to take her husband to the emergency room Wednesday night and wouldn't be available to come into the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church to prepare the traditional scrumptious blond gravy for the Annual Turkey Supper. Mary Schuth-Taylor, another diehard volunteer and co-chair, led the charge on cooking turkey and making gravy. Never fear, all the gravy preparers came to the rescue and the 200-plus people didn't know the difference.

It was a bright, sunny day when the meal started and the church dining hall filled quickly on Thursday, March 21. The usual Mazeppa diners made their way into the church, but many were from Zumbrota, Pine Island, Rochester, Oronoco, etc. Despite cabin fever amongst most people nowadays, the aroma of turkey gravy and potatoes, along with so many salads and desserts drew them out of the homes and once there, glad they made the trip.

Dee assists her daughter-in-law, Callie LIffrig Markson, in planning the annual dinner, which has gone on close to 50 years - maybe more. Once a generation hands it off, unless history is tallied, it's anyone's guess who's still alive to venture a guess at how long and event lingers.

Norma Frank's lived in Mazeppa since 1961 and remembers helping out in the time period. "I'll be married 61 years, and you can't beat this food. My husband doesn't like it they put the turkey and gravy together, so he's having a burger tonight downtown. But there's plenty of people here that wait at the door to get in." Can't blame Ralph if there are $1.25 burgers at Leo's down the block, but there was plenty of full plates chocked high with potatoes and turkey gravy that would rather fill their tummies that way then with traditional beef!

Dee and Callie hard at work.

Callie & Dee

Norma and Cheryl Baertlein are just two of the friendly volunteers that help seat people, fill coffee, help seat people, carry trays, refill milk and coffee cups, whisk new desserts plates onto the table and replace empty salad bowls. "It's almost like we have too many people to help out here," chuckled Cheryl, which if true, is a great problem to have as many church dinners see volunteer numbers dropping. "This is a very healthy church," she said. "We have lots of young people involved as well." Norma and Cheryl represented many happy helpers either on the floor or in the kitchen. It was a well-oiled machine the co-chairs had put together!

Three generations of family volunteerism: Kathi Arendt,
Mindi Arendt, Makayla Arendt, Nicole Irish

This year, the two of four women's groups that volunteer time and food supply the 29 salads and 20 desserts - next year the other two groups prepare the foods. Anyone who knows anyone in town just knows the St. Rose group are the dessert masters while St. Theresa group is renowned for their salads. St. Ann and St. Gertrude are the other two women's teams.  It sure seemed like a lot of different delicacies sitting on that table by the kitchen, swooped up by hungry goers before I could write down all the varieties. All the food on the night is prepared in Mazeppa - either by loving hands in local kitchens or food brought from Hub Grocery in Zumbrota and prepared in the church kitchen. "It's a one-stop shop for us," commented Dee. "We have such a great relationship with Hub with the many things that go on at our church, they are so great to work with."

Close to 40 takeouts were delivered this year, and as fast as Styrofoam containers went out the door and drove down the road, another live customer stood in line. "I know there was 16 that went out at one time," marveled Dee. Not me, the people obviously knew a good deal when they saw it - delivering great food to their door on a 23 degree day!

"We used to start at 4:30 p.m. but some people still work and had a hard time getting here that early, so we moved it to 5 p.m. The regulars can show up anytime, but it seems like it's helped." The numbers have stayed consistent over the years, but last year it was close - the turkey gravy was almost gone, as were the salads. A good problem to have!

On October 10, 1878, St. Peter and Paul's congregation was incorporated, the legal document bearing the signature of the late Archbishop Thomas L. Grace, pastor at Belvidere, attended to this place of worship. In the year 1880, under the administration of their pastor, Rev. John Meier, a fine church bell was purchased and the 14 stations of the Cross. Under the pastoral charge of Rev. Fr. Limberg a Sanctuary and Sacristy was built and a basement under the church made. Mazeppa, the city in the valley that borders close to Goodhue and Wabasha had its Catholic prayers answered.

Sherrie Ferber and Zonda Befort man the cashier's
table by the front entryway to the dinner.

They now share their priest with Pax Christi of Rochester, but the church located on the corner of Cedar Street and First Avenue appears vibrant and ready to serve its congregation and village.

It's evident this church congregation is proud of serving the people of the church and small hamlet of Mazeppa. Next year I will have to refrain from all meals on the day to have more room for the great food!

Recipes of the Day

Callie said "the Oriental salad is one of everyone's favorites.  I make this salad."

The recipe is:
2 bags of coleslaw mix
2 packages of ramen noodles ( any flavor, I don't use the seasoning)
1 small package of slivered almonds
1/2 c. sunflower seeds

Dressing:
3/4 cup of vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp of cider vinegar
1 tsp pepper
Mix everything together just before serving.
 

"Nicole Irish made a really good dessert that everyone raved about this year."
Butterfinger dessert
 
Its super easy! Make a yellow cake mix. while it is still hot poke holes or a fork in it. Mix together 1 jar Smuckers carmel topping and 1 jar Smuckers caramel topping and one jar sweet and condensed milk and pour that over. Let cool and top with cool whip and crushed butterfingers."

Thanks Callie and Dee for a terrific night!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

-Wednesday, April 3 - Faith United Methodist, Waseca, Spring Sandwich Luncheon, 11-1

-Sunday, April 7 - Jackson Lake Lutheran Church, Amboy- Spring Fest. Scandanavian 

             goodies! 10:30-1

   *East Chain Lutheran's "Church Basement Luncheon" will be held on Sunday, April 7 

             from 11AM to 1PM at the church.
    *Kimball Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ice Cream Sociel, Alpha, 11-1 

     *Gaylord's St. Paul's Lutheran Church Turkey Buffet Dinner, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

-Saturday, April 13, St. Charles United Church of Christ, 11-1, Soup/Salad Luncheon
     *St. John's Lutheran Church, Mazeppa, Spring Fling, 11-1:30, hot dishes, cold salads

-Sunday, April 14 - Ascension Luthern Church, Albert Lea, 26th annual aebelskiver supper, 4-6:30
     *Spring Fling Luncheon, Salem Lutheran Church, Madelia, 11-12:30

-Friday, April 19 - Grace Lutheran Salad Luncheon, Waseca, 11-1.
     *Community Presbyterian Church, Plainview, Salad Luncheon, 11-1

-Saturday, April 20 - UM Church, Brownsdale, Annual Swiss Steak Dinner, 4:30-7
    *St. Paul's Church, rural Eyota, Annual Spring Luncheon, 12-2

-Sunday, April 21 - Highland Prairie Lutheran Church, Rushford, Meatball Dinner, 11:30-
      1:30

-Wed. April 24 - First Lutheran Church, Pipestone, Spring Salad Luncheon, 11-1

-Sunday, April 21 - United Redeemer Church, Zumbrota - Salad Luncheon with Cookie
    Auction - 11-1

-Wednesday, April 24, Wykoff UM Church, Annual Chicken Pie Supper, 4:30-7

-Saturday, April 27 - Hegre Salad Luncheon, Kenyon, 11-1.

Byron's Kindred Chicken
The skies provided a cold March rain and the local boys basketball team contributed an exciting subsection victory, but Byron's United Methodist Church's chicken and biscuit dinner volunteers was undaunted by the challenges and forged forward.

On Saturday night, March 9, the warmth of the reception area, workers and especially the food welcomed visitors to not only a wonderful dinner, but a chance to catch up with old friends - or meet new people in my case. Either way, those who brought their umbrellas and hungry tummies were not disappointed.

Chairman Kathy Huntoon has only been in charge of the event for a few years, but knows enough that some factors are out of your control, so you serve the best you can. That's one inspiring aspect of covering church dinners, the people involved have plenty of patience, humor and perseverance - and that goes a long way in keeping these gatherings going.

Having the choice of several salads, my plate was loaded before I had to make the choice of one or two biscuits. By perusing the plates in front of me although it looked devilishly tempting, I opted for one biscuit, cut in half, but politely asked for a tad more chicken and gravy. On the way to sit, another difficult decision awaited on a seven-layer shelf - countless desserts to pick from. That was too much for one trip, so I just sat with a lovely couple from Rochester, Dick and Nancy Wheeler, who make this trek yearly - along with many other church social dinners. They were 'kindred' spirits of sorts for me, as we discussed the best of small-town church dinners around the area.

Angela Segner, Kathy Huntoon and Dee Dee Hart man
the front counter with busy bees behind them.

"We actually thought we missed this one, because it usually was held in February," said Nancy. "But then I caught in the calendar of events, so we were glad because this is one of our favorites." Dick had already picked out pecan pie as his dessert, kind of teasing me because I hadn't chosen mine yet. He made it mighty hard to wait out the opportunity!

Kathy is a quiet, hard-working soul who worked diligently for years at the bigger of the church's fundraisers, their Harvest Festival in the fall. When Betty Nelson wanted to retire from heading the event after many, many years of faithful service, Kathy took on the challenge. One thing about church dinners, if you are lucky and have loyal help, the dinner can almost run its self - but a strong leader pulls it all together.

Brayden Caulfield, waiter extraordinaire, does his job
for Janet Roush of Byron.

Although 145 people were served (in the past they expect about 195) the extras don't go to waste. "We usually sell the leftovers after church the next day," said Kathy. "But this year we might keep some to serve at our Wednesday Lent soup supper." How yummy would that surprise be? Show up for soup and get a treat like chicken and biscuits!

Proceeds from the chicken/biscuit dinner go for Foods for Kids programs. In years gone by, the event was run by the women circles, but times change as do the length of volunteer time and numbers. Now with a dedicated crew ("everyone in the church is asked to volunteer somehow for the events, providing food or time," said Kathy) they gather the day of to mix and prepare the chicken and gravy, store-bought biscuits cut and prepared, salad and desserts collected and readied for serving. A laugh here and there, helpful hand over there or here and before you know it, it's 5 p.m. and time to open the doors.

Betty remembered the days that the chicken meat was cut up at homes and brought in, but that practice discontinued several years ago and moved to the church kitchen. Now the chicken is bought cut up, but the gravy is made that day with a variety of ingredients that develop into a creamy delight sliding down my and others' throats.

"I remember that one year we couldn't have the chicken dinner because of weather, we never did make up that date," recalled Betty. That is one trouble that spring, summer and fall dinners don't have to worry about - weather. A ill-timed blizzard can call off an event quicker than an slip on a slick sidewalk.

Inside Byron's United Methodist Church.

Fortunately, enjoying the surroundings allowed me to have a brief talk with the head table waiter: Brayden Caulfield. All of nine years old, this little fellow would swoop in to grab your dirty plate faster than Quick Draw McGraw.

The original church bell in its new home

"I really like helping out, " he said, in between grabs. "I help out in the fall and doing things like this for 4-H." Then he smiled a huge, shy smile as he turned to take his catch back to the kitchen - and then come back for more. You didn't have to ask this kid to do his duty, he was there before an adult could think of it! Great job Brayden!

After perusing angel food cake, chocolate cake, apple pie, carrot cake, cherry pie and other desserts, I picked out a carrot cake, which topped off the meal. I looked hard for pecan, but I think Dick got the only piece. Maybe the workers put a piece aside for later!

The original cornerstone box 
displayed in the church entry with all
the goodies inside.

Byron United Methodist church had its beginnings with the first families that settled this area. Following the "circuit riders" meeting in various schools and homes a class was formed at Byron when the town was platted out in 1866. A year later a group of trustees was formed to find suitable lots for a parsonage and a church building. A parsonage was built in 1868 and the first church was erected in 1873 on the present site. A bell was added to the belfry at Christmas time 1895. That bell still calls people to worship from the bell tower in front of the present building on First Avenue NW.


A new sanctuary, fellowship hall and kitchen was built in 1987 on the site of the original church. In 1997 a new parsonage was purchased and the old parsonage removed to make room for a much-needed parking lot.

As done at every church meal, the serving time goes fast. Another culinary treat in Minnesota - on to my next eating extravaganza!

Coleslaw to feed the throngs
-17 lbs. shredded cabbage
-3-4 lbs. shredded carrots (to your liking)
-3 green peppers diced
-1 bunch celery diced
Soak ingredients except celery in 8 cups water, bring to boil with 6 TBSP of picking salt for one hour covered. Drain and squeeze out liquid with your hands if you need to. Add celery.

Mix together in another container 8 cups of sugar, 6 cups white  vinegar, 2 cup of water, 2 tsp. celery seed, 2 TBSP mustard seed. Pour over vegetable mix and refrigerate.

Will keep for months (Kathy said) but usually doesn't last that long (a month is the recommended time to eat it within).

UPCOMING DINNERS
-Thursday, March 21 - St.Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Mazeppa - Annual Spring Turkey DInner, 5-7 p.m.
-Wednesday, April 3 - Faith United Methodist, Waseca, Spring Sandwich Luncheon, 11-1
-Sunday, April 7 - Jackson Lake Lutheran Church, Amboy- Spring Fest. Scandanavian goodies! 10:30-1
-Sunday, April 21 - United Redeemer Church, Zumbrota - Salad Luncheon with Cookie Auction - 11-1