A month or so ago, I attended the Grace Episcopal Church Women’s Salad Luncheon. Everything was delicious - being a big fan of salads, there was quite a variety to select from, but then I tend to sample each and every one. And, desserts, wonderful sweets, too tempting not to indulge - I even got to take a few home to the guys and an extra cream puff or two for me.As a special treat, their speaker for the day was Joe Kreger, Tonkawa native. Rodeo cowboy, educator, cattleman and since 1997, Joe added another notch to his belt of achievements - as poet. Governor Keating appointed Joe Poet Laureate of Oklahoma in 1998, a post he held for several years.Author of two books of poetry, “Lookin’ At Life” and “Still Lookin’” and three recorded albums of poetry Small Pleasures, The Code, and Gatherin’ Strays, Joe now is a frequent speaker at various farm, ranch, civic and church functions. As Joe explains “... not fancy poetry, just observations and reflections of life - memories from the fog of a too busy life.”After reading the poem Joe wrote for his mom’s 80th birthday, I I decided what better than to showcase one of Gladys’ recipes, which I I did with special thanks to to Melinda Glasgow for sharing one with us of Gladys’ Southern Pecan Pie.Here is is just a snipet from Joe’s “A Birthday Prayer for Mom.”Father, how great Your grace abounds!You sent Your Son to save us.And, You blessed us, Lord, another waywith the mother that You gave us.Well, Lord, we thank You for Your time.You’re busier than we know. Just wanted to tell You “Thanks for Mom”from Ron and Ken and Joe. AmenSouthern Pecan Pie Gladys Kreger Simmons, Tonkawa, OK3 Eggs2/3 cup Granulated Sugardash of Salt1 cup Dark Corn Syrup1/3 cup melted Butter1 cup Pecan Halves9-inch Unbaked Pastry ShellIn a large bowl, beat eggs thoroughly with sugar, salt, corn syrup and butter. Stir in pecans. Mix together and pour into pastry shell.Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean. Cool and serve.
