Mary Primmer Mead's Corn Relish

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                            FOOD FUNNY
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You can see this one coming from a mile away, but it's fun
anyway. Thanks to Alan Withee for sending it to us.

Mary Poppins was traveling home, but due to worsening
weather, she decided to stop at a hotel for the night. She
approached the receptionist and asked for a room for the night.

"Certainly madam," he replied courteously.

"Is the restaurant open still?" inquired Mary.

"Sorry, no," came the reply, "but room service is available
all night. Would you care to select something from this menu?"

Mary smiled and took the menu and perused it. "Hmm, I
would like cauliflower cheese please," said Mary.

"Certainly, madam," he replied.

"And can I have breakfast in bed?" asked Mary politely.

The receptionist nodded and smiled.

"In that case, I would love a couple of poached eggs, please," Mary mused.

After confirming the order, Mary signed in and went up to
her room for the night. The night passed uneventfully and the
next morning Mary came down early to check out. The same
guy was still on the desk.

"Morning madam...sleep well?"

"Yes, thank you," Mary replied.

"Food to your liking?"

"Well, I have to say the cauliflower cheese was exceptional,
I don't think I have had better. Shame about the eggs, though...
they really weren't that nice at all," replied Mary truthfully.

"Oh...well, perhaps you could contribute these thoughts to
our Guest Comments Book. We are always looking to improve
our service and would value your opinion," said the receptionist.

"OK, I will...thanks!" replied Mary....who checked out, then
scribbled a comment into the book. Waving, she left to continue
her journey. Curious, the receptionist picked up the book to
see the comment Mary had written.

"Supercauliflowercheesebuteggswerequiteatrocious!"

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                            TODAY'S RECIPE
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This recipe comes from my great-great-grandmother, via my
mother and her mother. Mary Primmer Mead was born around
1850 and literally crossed the plains in a covered wagon. She
was the mother of nine sons, four of whom survived to adulthood,
and this giant of a woman was a mere 4 1/2 feet (135 cm) in
stature. As with many recipes from yesteryear, this makes a
big batch since the intent was to preserve as much of the fresh
summer corn as possible. You can divide this recipe down to
a more manageable size, or you can make the entire recipe
since it keeps almost indefinitely.

Mary Primmer Mead's Corn Relish

10 cups (2.5 L) fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 small cabbage, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
4 medium onions, chopped
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
4 cups (1 L) vinegar
2 cups (500 ml) brown sugar
1/4 cup (60 ml) salt
3 Tbs (45 ml) dry mustard

Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil over
high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer covered for 25 minutes.
Will keep for several weeks, covered and refrigerated.
Makes about 5 quarts (5 L).
Received on Wed Nov 24 06:36:22 2010