The Story Behind
Fat Man's Favorites
The author Ron Poole is a retired award-winning floral designer
who resides in Saluda, NC - population 658 - (home of the steepest railroad grade east of the
Rockies). Having been taught cooking at an early age of 11 by his mother, he and his wife
Linda (of 34 years) have put together this fine collection of "Down Home & Delicious"
personal favorite recipes of family, friends, and enemies.
"Fat Man's Favorites" is a labor of love. A love of life, people, and a love
of food. I began this project when I realized my wife Linda was right when she said
"our recipe file is out of control". I looked down at the Longaberger Basket, and
she was right, the basket was filled to the brim and overflowing with recipes we had
collected for 34 years from family, friends and enemies. I realized that it was
important for us to accumulate our recipes, before many of our favorite dishes and
memories were lost or forgotten.
While sorting through the basket, I could not help
but think of memories of the past of when I became involved in cooking. All of a
sudden I could hear myself at the age of 11 years old, picking up the telephone in
Piedmont, SC and dialing (3301) my grandfather "Daddy Poole" and asking "what is
shortening" - I'll never forget his reply - "son, it's lard".... well I guess "lard" got
me started cooking since that day in 1956.
I was fortunate enough to have married a lady who also
enjoys cooking and entertaining as much as I do, without a supportive wife like
Linda this would have not been possible to publish and share with all of you. For
this I dedicate this book "Fat Man's Favorites" to her. Linda always knows the
right food to prepare, right garnishes to compliment a meal, and her table settings
are always superb, making a meal at our home whether it be for 2 or 50 people..
I owe a special thanks also to my mother, Mary B. Orr,
who taught me many lessons about cooking. Mother's love and good cooking have
nourished our family for many years.
As you will see when you enjoy the recipes, many
special friends (and enemies) have helped with the production of this book. My
thanks to all involved. These comments are not complete without a special thanks
to "Teddy" our 18 year old Persian cat, who constantly jumped in my lap and onto the
computer keyboard checking out recipes. Last a very special thanks and "pat on the
head" to our black cocker "Abby" who by just lying by my side on her bed, encouraged
me to continue on with this project by looking up at me with her big brown eyes saying, "go
for it papa".
Author -
|
