It's hard for me to believe that it has been 20 years since my Grandma passed away.  There are so many treasured memories and gifts of thought she gave and shared along the way I'll always be grateful for. 

My Grandma, Helen, lived with us for almost 10 years when I was growing up.  With both my parents working, I guess one could say she was my nanny.  Most importantly, she was there for me during those tough adolescent and teen years.

Everyday, she was always upbeat and positive, no matter what.  She loved 3 things distinctively (beyond the men in her life and gambling in Las Vegas) that are so me til this day:  vitamins/supplements, shopping and healthy cooking!

One of my favorite lines she would tell me as she prepared my lunch each day was "You should only have one sandwich, one day you'll be big as a house and you'll regret it."  She was so right, but I still took the 2 sandwiches and usually do the same given the choice today!  I'm not as big as a house, more like a luxury condo!

Some of my fondest memories (beyond the shopping-she was always dressed in the latest styles and had a major shoe fetish-just like now my Mom has!) were in the kitchen.  She was an AMAZING cook and an even more an extraordinary baker, which I've found in later years is really a rare gift.  Either, someone is a great cook or baker, but rarely both.  She taught me how to cook, with often very little to work with, but through seasoning and being creative in your thinking, you could put a dish together that was delicious.



One of my favorite secrets she shared and I still use today and think of her every time is in cooking liver.  Ugh-for most.......We used to have calves/beef/chicken liver(s) about once a week and to this day I LOVE IT!  I know its not so PC anymore and they say organ meat isn't good for you now.......but I still love it, I was raised on it. 

Anywho, the secret is to boil/microwave water first and pour over the raw liver to sear in the juices, then flour and saute as usual.  The liver always is succulent and delicious in doing so.

I miss my Grandma alot.  I wish she would have had the chance to meet my husband Michael.  I know they would have loved one another so much.  It's hard when you're young and you don't appreciate the wisdom Grandparent's have to share and its years later when you realize the truths so valuable they tried to impart.  Treasured Memories and What I Learned From My Grandma...