Second in a Christmas series of 4 articles
Sometimes, when Thanksgiving or Christmas comes around, Carolyn Bowman is busy with family. Other years not so much. Carolyn is a retired school teacher; husband Denny is the retired Wright County Economic Development Director.
“Quite often we spend Thanksgiving at our son Tom’s, because his wife is in retail at the Quad Cities,” said Carolyn. “But probably not this year.”
Some years she and Denny enjoy having their three sons and families in Clarion. “Don and family live in Fort Worth, Texas, and Mike and his wife are here in Clarion,” said Carolyn, “so that doesn’t happen very often.
She anticipates this year Christmas Day will be celebrated with Mike and Roseann, sister-in-law Carol Townsend, and Denny’s stepmom Dolores Bowman. “We really don’t have that many traditions,” Carolyn said, “as we need to be flexible to fit as many people’s schedules as possible.”
Normally, son Tom, his wife and their two children come to Clarion between Christmas and New Year’s Day. “Both of Tom’s kids have December birthdays, so we celebrate them and Christmas at the same time. Often their family is here for New Year’s.”
Carolyn shares her “Meat Ball” recipe. “This is our granddaughter’s favorite meal.” Carolyn said. “She requests it on her birthday every year. Her birthday is December 30, so we celebrate our Christmas during the week after Christmas. I have given the recipe to my daughter-in-law so that she can have her favorite even if we are only together on Zoom! This freezes well. I sometimes double the batch and freeze half unbaked to use later.”
Meat Balls
1 1/2 lbs. Ground Beef (I use 85%)
3/4 C. Oatmeal
1 C. Milk
2 T. Chopped Onion
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
Mix together and form into balls. Makes about 25
Sauce
4 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 C. Ketchup
1 C. Water
4 Tbsp. Cider Vinegar
1 Med. Onion, chopped
Stir all together in a microwave safe container. Heat until mixture comes to a boil and pour over Meat Balls.
Bake at 350 for 45- 60 minutes
