Saturday, February 28, 2009

A tribute to Barbara . . . I miss you already

Thursday was an extremely sad day. One of my best friends, Barbara, passed away from cancer. The only consolation is she did not suffer too long. We are all going to miss her immensely. Barbara was one of those people others just naturally gravitated to. She was one of the most generous, kind, warmhearted, welcoming and fun loving people I have ever met. When we moved to FL 10 years ago, we met her and her husband. They lived just a few houses up the street. When ever any one new moved in, Barbara had a neighborhood party to introduce them to the neighbors. She made every occasion special and a lot of fun. I am sure you all have neighborhood get togethers and everyone seems to have their own "specialty". Well, Barbara's was a cheesy potato dish that everyone loved so much, we dubbed it "Barbara's Party Potatoes". I know everytime I make this recipe, I will remember all of the fun and laughter we had together over this ten year span. I just wanted to share her recipe with you.

G
Barbara's Party Potatoes


1 pkg. of Ore-Ida frozen southern hash brown potatoes (thawed)
1 minced onion
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz. sour cream
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 c. melted butter
2 c. crushed corn flakes

Defrost hash browns. Put in greased 9 x 13 pan. Mix in onion. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese. Mix together soup, sour cream and 1/2 c. of the butter together and spoon over potatoes and cheese. Sprinkle the corn flakes on the top and then drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until heated through. If you have ever had the hashbrown casserole at Cracker Barrel restaurant, this is similar to that. Now, don't even think of adding up the calories - these are party potatoes, although sometimes I make up a pan of them and freeze them in 6 indivudual packages. To re -heat, I sprinkle a little milk on them, cover, and put in the microwave for a minute or just until hot. They are great to have on hand in the freezer.
So, my dear friend, Godspeed on your journey, we will always remember you with much love!

16 comments:

  1. Kaye, I am sorry for your loss. I lost my best friend of 36 years about 5 months ago and can relate. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
    K.H. (AKA Bingo)

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  2. Kaye, you have my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your dear friend. Thanks for sharing the recipe. It happens to be a family favorite at my house - especially my 25 yo son. ((hugs))

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  3. prayers and cyber hugs go out to you!

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  4. From what you've told me about Barbara I think she would love that you paid tribute to her on your blog. I am so very sorry for your loss. I know Barbara meant the world to you and she sounds like an amazing friend and neighbor. Thank you for sharing such fond memories and her recipe.

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  5. Oh Kaye, I am sorry for your loss. What a very nice tribute. (((HUG)))

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  6. Kaye, what a wonderful testament to your friendship with Barbara. It is a beautiful tribute. I am so sorry for your loss..treasure those memories!

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  7. Kaye, I'mfd so sorry for the loss of your dear friend, Barbara. Though you'll miss her, she is at home now and waiting to be with you again. I hope your memories will help ease your pain. (Big Hug) I LOVE Barbara's Party Potatoes! My Mom makes them for our family get togethers and they are always among the first dishes gone! Yum!

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  8. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. This, however, is a great way to pay tribute to her. May she rest in peace!

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  9. I am so sorry for your loss Kaye.

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  10. Thank you for your reply on my blog, Kaye. I SO know what you are going through losing my dear friend 5 months ago and just "hosting" my sister here in FL for 2 weeks, who suddenly lost her husband of 46 years in Oct and it hit all of us hard but she is REALLY having it rough. There aren't words to make you, or her, feel better unless knowing people are keeping you in their thoughts gives you some comfort. It takes time, but OH SO MUCH time...Hang in there! Let me know if I can do something...come see my new blog setup, that ought to make you laugh as I still have to try over and over to get things even a little bit right! Sigh...hope your Sunday is a peaceful one! KH, Bingo

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  11. Kaye: We have a real simple name for the potato recipe: Mom's Potatoes'! lol Simple, but everyone knows about them!! Thanks for your sweet comment. :)

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  12. My condolences on your loss, but what a lovely tribute to your friend.

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  13. Kaye, I'm sorry for your loss. I lost a best friend to cancer a few years ago and it's so hard to accept. Hugs to you and what a wonderful tribute. I've made a recipe somewhat like that except with cream of mushroom soup.

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  14. One of my very good friends died..of cancer also...not that long ago, so I understand your loss.

    I also happen to make a very similar potato recipe. It is intended to be rather like my beloved Hash Brown Casserole from CB and it is excellent.

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  15. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. ((HUGS))

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

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