Growing up, I had a Grammy. She was without a doubt the coolest Grammy ever. She sewed beautiful clothes, she cooked fabulous food, and after her husband died at the age of 38, she went back to work as a teacher while raising six children. She put them all through college, and lived in her own apartment til she passed in her sleep at the age of 95.
She had a wicked sense of humor, and in spite of a lot of tragedy in her life (in addition to her husband, she buried a total of 4 of 7 children) she maintained the strongest Christian faith I have ever known. She was an amazing Grammy.
I remember being in awe when she put a beautiful Baked Alaska on the table, pouring brandy on it, and lighting it up. It only burned a second or two, but the result was a lovely brown glow on the meringue. She made a wonderful fruit salad with a vanilla syrup on it, the finest beef ever roasted, and so many other wonderful things.
I have several boxes of my sister’s things packed by her roommate when she died. I haven’t been able to really go through them yet, but I hope to find my Grammy’s recipes one day.
The thing my Grammy was most famous for was her corn chowder. It was so delicious, and if she brought you a pot full when you were sick or in need, you knew you were special to her.
When I found out how easy it was to make, I was surprised. But that doesn’t make it any less special, delicious, and heartwarming.
Melt 1 stick butter in a large pot over medium heat. When it is foaming, add 1 finely diced large white onion. Cook and stir 3-4 minutes to soften, but not brown, the onions. Add 2 cans sliced (or diced) white potatoes. Cook and stir a minute or so, and add 4 cans creamed corn. Stir that around, and stir in 1/2 gallon of half and half. Add 1t kosher salt, 1t black pepper, and 1/4t cayenne pepper. The cayenne was not present in her original recipe. I add it not for heat but flavor. Stir it around, bring to a simmer. Do not boil. Let simmer 15 to 20 minutes so everything is heated through, and serve. It keeps in the refrigerator about 3 days. But once you taste it, it won’t last that long!
That’s it! From my Grammy to me, to all of you. Enjoy!
Love, Grammy
Grammy's Treats and Eats 
Claire used to make Gram’s corn chowder and it was hearty and delicious, just the right thing to warm you up on a cold New England day!
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It was and still is one of the greatest family recipes. Thank you Stan!
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