Adieu Phoebe Snow

Phoebe was my muse. I've adored this woman for most of my life. She had a talent like no other and she gave her whole career up to raise her severely disabled daughter at a time when children such as hers would have been placed in a home. She cared for Valerie Rose until Valerie died. Her husband left her when the baby was born with difficulties so Phoebe attended to her daughter's needs entirely on her own. Her most famous song was 'Poetry Man" but I loved all of her music. She was said to have had the most varied octave range of any singer. I will miss you Phoebe. I hope you and Valerie are together again!


I made lots of food for my daughter and her marine to take back with them after Easter. I showed these a while ago but they were so good I thought I would post them again in case you missed them. They are Dutch Gehaktballen.


To 2 pounds of ground pork and 2 pounds of ground beef, add a large, finely diced onion.


Add several eggs.


This is a combination of spices. If you can't find this seasoning, use a combination of salt, coriander pepper,mace, cardamon, chili and marjoram. You will need about 7 teaspoons of this mix.


Add 3 tablespoons of curry ketchup or asian sweet chili sauce.


Add 3 tablespoons of whole grain mustard.


Add 6 tablespoons of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh cracked black pepper and 1 tablespoon of salt.


Add 2 tablespoons of Maggi.


Mix this very, very well.


Form these into large balls. Press the balls tightly together when you form them to push out any air which would make them crack when frying.


Melt 8 tablespoons of butter in a heavy pot and add the meatballs.


Keep turning them until they are browned all over.


Remove the meatballs to a plate and set aside.


Bring the butter and drippings to a boil.


Add 5 cups of beef stock.


Return the meatballs to the pot.


Cover and simmer for 40 minutes.


Meanwhile, make some mashed potatoes. This is how I package the food I prepare for the kids. I place individual servings in each container.



I placed a meatball on top of each mashed potato serving, covered them with gravy and froze them. When the kids are hungry, they throw one of these in the microwave and have a good meal. Sort of like a fancy version of one of those grocery store frozen meals.

Comments

brokenteepee said…
Mmm, the spices sound heavenly but I must admit that the name calls to mind the sound the cats make when they are haucking up a hairball.

heh

Maggi makes me think of my mother. She used it all the time....
SharleneT said…
Duh! OMG! I can't believe I didn't think of this, myself! You clever, clever, woman. Love it. Will do it. You rule! And, what a yummy recipe... [oh, lordy, I need help... can't get up out of toe-kissing position...]
Anonymous said…
Looks just as delicious this time as it did the time before :-)
But I´m pretty sure these are much better to eat than those frozen meals one can buy in the store!

Have a great day!
Christer.
Chris said…
Thank-you for remembering Phoebe Snow today...yes, she was an incredible talent and an even more incredible soul who devoted the rest of her life to her daughter when many would of given that up to someone else!
Rest in Peace Phoebe, with your daughter!
yes...i know phoebe is now with valerie rose...they are together again....rip.

i LOVE meatballs and gravy. one of my favorite cozy night suppers...this looks wonderful

it's on my list for next week.
So sorry about the loss of your friend.

Your Dutch Meatballs look wonderful. What a great idea.

But the real deal today is the Whole Wheat English Muffins from yesterday. I made these this morning and I will never buy another English Muffin. They are easy to make and the flavor is outstanding. They are also perfect for sandwiches. Thank you.
What a lovely tribute. And what a lovely mama! You are always making so many goodies for your kids. You certainly know the trick to keep them coming back ;)
Anonymous said…
I too love Phoebe Snows music, my daughter introduced me to her music years ago and she was a remarkable woman.those frozen dinners are the best idea,, you're one smart cookie,,
Julie Ferguson said…
Yummy and a great idea!
I saw a documentary once on Phoebe Snow and her difficult life raising her disabled daughter as a single Mom. She was truly inspirational. RIP, Phoebe.
Candace said…
May she rest in peace. I always loved her music but didn't know about her daughter.
If I could grab one of those meatballs from the computer screen I would!
Cheers!
I was pleased to see your kind words for Phoebe Snow. The only thing bigger than her wonderful voice, was her heart full of love for Valerie Rose. Not many knew of her baby, who she loved for so many years. But I did. I had hoped that she was to share that voice for a few more years after her time with Valerie Rose was over, but here we are saying good-bye to Phoebe. Phoebe, you get a standing ovation in my home, each time I play your lovely music.
LisaDay said…
My condolences for your friend.

LisaDay
Anonymous said…
Phoebe Snow was a beautiful and strong woman. May she rest peacefully on the Other Side.
~ Jayne ~ said…
Excellent recipe! Have to look for that curry ketchup.