About Lily Mae

I'm sure you are wondering, who is this "Lily Mae?" Well, I grew up in the Baby Boomer era in central Minnesota, the fourth of six children (which gives you an idea about my age).
Even as a youngster, I was interested in cooking. This interest has grown into a passion, which makes the kitchen my favorite room in any house. Like many of you, I have not attended any formal culinary schools; I'm self taught and have a natural talent for creativity.

Sharing the kitchen, cooking and food was important to our family. Both of my parents were good cooks and all of my siblings share those same interests.

One of my earliest memories of cooking was of my dad, Vernon. I watched him as he rendered his own lard. Every Sunday he made a beef roast with carrots, mashed potatoes, gravy plus a home made chocolate cake.

My mom, Lorraine, now a young 83 years old, always used the leftovers from that dinner to create a Sheppard's Pie. Sadly, my dad went to heaven when I was only 13 and Mom, left almost penniless, raised us alone for 15 years. She is famous for her raw potato dumplings. Her recipe and technique were handed down by my Polish grandmother, Marie, who was not only respected for her cooking skills, but also her wine-making.

While my parents provided me with a foundation for cooking, it was my husband Bob who expanded my culinary skills. We married in 1978 and we called each other “honey” every chance we got. He taught me, not only about southern cooking, but how to use herbs and spices. He would say "a recipe is only an idea waiting for you to make it your own."

We spent many days together cooking for family and friends. We both loved unusual and exotic foods. As a nephew said, "You never know what you will have to eat when you go to their house." That may have been one of my birthday dinners when rattle snake was served.

In April of 2008, my "honey" went to heaven.  It is in his memory that I go on with my dream, "The Kitchen of Lily Mae." Join me around the table to talk about your kitchen, cooking, food, family, life and everything else.

Please visit often,
Lily Mae