Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Green Bean Casserole

My family will gather this year, as it has for the past several, for its annual Thanksgiving Fiesta. Seriously. My brother-in-law's wife, whose family includes some 22 aunts and uncles and assorted cousins, is a first generation Mexican-American. It is fiesta grande to the nth degree. And each year, I am responsible for the making/taking of the super-sized version of the green bean casserole. And I always feel a little plain by comparison. I mean, here I am-green bean casserole surrounded by such exotic fare as homemade tamales, hot spicy chicken dishes, or things with names like arroz or flan. I just can't compete.

But the thought of cumin-infused green beans doesn't seem right either. Then it occurred to me. God hasn't called me to be something different to everyone; but, instead, to be everything to the someones He's given me.

And it seems I've been called not to a hot, spicy, exotic role; but, rather, to that of comfort-giver, provider of warmth, familiarity, and sensibility-a life that just screams GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE.

So, this Thanksgiving, watch out! My kitchen will overflow with french-style green beans and cans of cream of mushroom soup. The scents of crispy fried onions and black pepper will linger in the air. Me and my green bean casserole. Bring it on.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

You have proven yet again that nothing at all is too common or mundane or "typical" that it cannot be elevated to the level of profundity by the meaning we attach to it.

Viva la Green Bean Casserole!

And have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Warmly,
Eileen

Anonymous said...

Jane,
I am making the your famous green bean casserole for the 1st time this year-any tips from the master????
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Love,
CC
PS-Tell the boy to watch the mail for a (burnt offering) package...

Jane (a.k.a. patjrsmom) said...

My only advice...let it sit before serving. It needs time to "come together" so it's not so runny.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jane

Michelle said...

Jane, have you ever seen the movie "My Best Friend's Wedding" where the dialogue goes something like this, "You're Creme Brulee and he wants jello." "I can be jello!" "No, you can't. Jello can NEVER be Creme Brulee." LOL!

Your quote about being everything to someone reminds me of Chesterton. :) Now there's good company!

Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving!

Jane (a.k.a. patjrsmom) said...

Thank you, Michelle. Once again, I'm humbled.

God Bless You and yours this Thanksgiving!

Jane

Jamie Carin and Claudio Romano said...

Mmm green bean casserole is a favorite of mine too! We didn't have it this year though.

Whenever we have it I always wonder why I dont make it all year long to have with dinners.

Happy Thanksgiving!!
Jamie

Jane (a.k.a. patjrsmom) said...

Thanks, Jamie and thanks for visiting my blog. I think there are links to Dr. Ray's site in the post about him...but if not you should be able to find him here. Let me know if you can't find his info. He is really great!

Jane

Jamie Carin and Claudio Romano said...

Thanks! I have bookmarked his website...I am going to try to catch his show online.

Have you read his family letters? Pretty funny guy! I am a sucker for sarcasm!

Thanks
Jamie

PS and thanks for visiting my blog too!