Family and Football!

I have been all about family lately. I cherished my last days with Jeff before he left for training camp, hopped on a plane to Texas to visit my parents, and ended up in Louisiana for a family reunion. Not enough time (or wi-fi) to get a post done. All that aside, I’M BACK and so is football season! 

Couldn’t be more excited about seeing #71 on the field again! GO CHIEFS! 

I got to see a different side of my parents these past couple weeks. Undoubtedly and indefinitely supportive is the only way I can really describe them. They never missed a spelling bee, soccer game, or orchestra concert when I was growing up. Now that I am a college graduate and have demonstrated I can take care of myself, they are pursuing their dreams. They work relentlessly yet still have time for each other. I guess there is “Life after Marissa.”

I also got the chance to see all of my grandparents, cousins (old and new), and half of my aunts and uncles. You get busy and every holiday or reunion you miss equates to years you don’t see some of your family. 

My papa has so many stories to tell and my nana gave me one of her old cookbooks, and several recipes to try. She has an incredible collection that I can’t wait to eventually work through! She’s definitely played a big part in inspiring me to cook/ bake. 

Only problem is, all we do is EAT. My parents take me to all their favorites from when they were growing up and you just can’t say no. Best fried chicken ever… Southern Classic Chicken. Look it up…

We also stopped at Johnny’s Pizza, my ABSOLUTE favorite. Too bad, I ate it all and forgot to be a good blogger and take a picture. Sorry. 

In the next couple weeks I hope to duplicate a Natchitoches meat pie, another family favorite. It’s a spicy ground beef and sometimes sausage mixture inside a pie- like pastry shell. It can be compared to a mexican empanada:  It’s spicy, portable, and delicious! 

Most rewarding part of the trip was the family reunion. I met so many family members that embraced me and remembered when I was just a baby. There were dancers, singers, and a family history lesson. I had no idea we had such a rich heritage with the founding members of our family living well into their 80’s and 90’s. There was a sense of pride reverberating off the walls as my uncle introduced us to those that came before. 

I’m back in KC now staying busy. Up next is several new recipes (courtesy of my nana), my parent’s wedding anniversary, and the Chiefs Home Opener! Stay tuned for more! 

Marissa