Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday, Dear Becky...

Gosh, I sure do miss you, Girlfriend...just as so many of your loving family, friends and online friends will continue to miss you...yet, we have the beautiful memories that you left us and know that we are blessed having had you pass this way.

There are so many that can only imagine the opportunity of having you as their mother...I know wholeheartedly that Abbey & Tori cherish the love and guidance that you gave to them.

Abbey & Tori, I know you always know...

Your Mother's Love...
From the moment I learned of the life I carried within me...I already knew I'd love you,
Even before I knew if a little boy or little girl is coming into my life.
Before I even met you, my heart was stirred; you had your Mother's love...
Knowing I had been blessed to carry and give birth to a little one.
From the moment you were born, you stole my heart, you'd always know your Mother's love.
There may have been some long nights, as you were unsure about this place!
Yet, there were many moments...a smile, a coo...even that sparkle in your eyes...
And I knew, even in those earlier days, you'd always know your Mother's love.
Childhood, adolesence, young adult, even becoming a wife...I knew there would be
Trying times, times of training and discipline; yet all were given with your Mother's love.
I'm sure as the years have passed, and, now that you're a young adult, these things are seen more clearly.
Wherever life made lead you...although sometimes, not easy, nothing will change!
And should the path we're given take one of us from this earthly walk...
You'll Always Have My Love, from the moment you were conceived, You've had Your Mother's Love!
Paula
August 2011

I first met Becky online through the Food Network Boards...then onto various Food Boards that formed at their closing. I think it was 2003, when I met Becky in person. She, Bev (gatorbites) and I met in Huntsville for lunch and shopping. We wheeled around Huntsville in Sebring Convertible. We planned to make a stop at Garden Cove (Seventh Day Adventist store)...Becky said they had a farm near them in Coldwater and began describing their farm. As she spoke of a Pioneer Days they held for one of the girl's classes, I knew that I had been there! Small world! My DH at the time, had participated in the Pioneer Days with another friend. Doug and Al set up with a covered wagon and demonstrated flintnapping. I told Becky that he had driven me by the farm and shown it to me.

There were several other times that Becky and I met for lunch in Huntsville. As many have said, she was always the same...so vibrant, so full of life and love for her family!

Earlier, I posted the recipe that Becky and I deciphered at Romano's Macaroni Grill for their Mushroom Ravioli. Such a fun day at lunch!

I think everyone that knew Becky looked forward to her culinary expertise and advice! Whether it was a special  dinner, a party, decorating or just time with her family...maybe just her & the "guy"!

Although I got in late today, I do have plans for dinner! I am having Marcella's Amazing Tomato Sauce with Linguine...also, like Becky, I will make a bit of a change. As Becky said, she sauteed the onions in the butter and didn't remove them...I also plan to add a bit of garlic and then garnish with fresh basil and Parmagiana Reggiano. This will be a side dish for me!

Marcella Hazan's Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butterfrom Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking

2 cups canned Italian plum tomatoes, cut up with their juice
5 Tbsp butter
1 medium onion, peeled and cut in half
Salt

Put canned tomatoes in saucepan, add butter, onion and salt and cook uncovered at a slow and steady simmer for 45 minutes or until fat floats from tomato. Stir from time to time, mashing any large piece of tomato in pan with a wooden spoon. Taste and correct for salt. Discard onion and serve sauce with pasta.

Serves 6
I plan on serving this with a Crabcake stuffed Tilapia and Spinach Salad with Artichoke Hearts & Grape Tomatoes drizzled with Balsamic Vinegar & EVOO. Maybe some Reggiano Curls! :)

Another new recipe that I plan to try is an Old Bay Mayo to serve with the Tilapia.

3/4 cup Mayo
zest & juice of one lemon
1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
1 minced scallion and a few drops of hot sauce
salt & pepper to taste

I started to edit this picture, but decided to leave it, as is! I'm sure, Becky, the photographer would find it amusing that I can't even edit a picture!!!

Again, Happy Birthday, Becky! Thank you for being a part of my life and our paths having crossed. God's Speed, decolady! You will always have a special place in my heart! Love & Hugs!!! mecookin

Continued thoughts & prayers to Mike, Abbey, Tori, Donnie, your Mom, Sally and your many family and friends! You left them a wealth of love and happiness in your lifetime here on earth!

Had to come back and add the finished product...thanks, Becky, fantastic! :)