Pickles and Preserves
Chili sauce reigned royally as king of the Pickle crown,
Produced from rosy ripe tomatoes attained rightful renown.
As a school boy I readily recall savouring the scent of the concoction,
Of the cooking contents as they slowly simmered to perfection.
From the garden grown were beets known as the Red Detroit,
Zestfully to ingest and eagerly to exploit.
Mustard beans excelled at tickling the tongue,
While Corn Relish was included with the Pickles among.
Choice Chutney Sauce flaunted a fanciful flavour,
The various vitals to freshly and fully favour.
Cucumbers grew gay Gherkins and the dashing Dill,
In jouncing jars, the sagging sills to fully fill.
An event etched on my memory in 1949, the 4th of December;
Grandpa Mutrie’s auction sale, I readily remember.
Sale clerk, J.M. Duff, a hearty helping did kindly serve,
In my dessert dish a portion of pleasing Plum preserve
Pink cheeked Peaches were an attractive fruit,
With princely Pears and gracious Grapes in close pursuit.
A Crab Apple tree, joyous jam neatly nourished,
Nearby a clump of St. Mary, faithfully flourished.
Red Cherries proved to be a passionate preserve,
While another creation was Pumpkin conserve.
Black currants toasted a tartful teaser,
While summer drinks were a thirsty throat appeaser.
Thorpeville was the location of the portly patch of Leeds Strawberries,
And the family homestead harboured a haven for a range of red Raspberries.
The bee shanty of Charles Ogg stood Swan Creek aside,
Where he sold Clover Honey, the wafting waters beside.
Apple Sauce and Apple Butter were orchard staples,
While Maple Syrup was a treasured treat from the Sugar Maples.
Composed by David M. Beattie – age 95
September 1, 2010
Pillars Of Pie Baking
I reverently recall the avid aroma of Mother’s Apple Pie
Emanating from the oven as it cooked a Northern Spy
At other times it might be a Red Astrakhan or a Yellow harvest
Stalwart symbols of Pie Baking at its blissful best
Black Currant Pie was delectable and a delightful dream
When augmented by the addition of a sample of sour cream
In the springtime, Rhubarb Pie was exotic and exhilarating
A tonic to tune the system and keep the heart healthy and pulsating.
Prune and Fig Pies in company with a rapturous Raisin
Produced a product worthy of an opulent occasion
Gage Plums, Yellow and Green, Damson and Burbank
Attained a pinnacle of the highest rank
A Red Cherry Pie, tasty and tangy taunting the tongue
While a pleasant Peach Pie reigned soothing and unsung
A Lemon Pie sharp and shrill challenged a Butterscotch so sweet
Red currant Pie was trendy and teasing, and truly a treat.
Berry Pies were a dainty dessert, from the elders back of the shed
Raspberries ranged beside the woodlot, rambling and red
The grand Gooseberry could state a strong story
Romancing with the sugar bowl in grandeur and glory
Blueberry and Strawberry Pies were dominant in their domain
Mindful memories of merit, modestly to maintain
The perfect Pie Pastry was faultless and flaked
With a crispy crust, so beautifully baked.
Milk and eggs were the base of a crop of culinary concoctions
Chocolate, Custard, Caramel and Coconut were creamy confections
While a Banana Cream Pie was saintly supreme
And a delicious Date Pie was superbly supreme
Thanksgiving was the time for Pumpkin Pie to appear
Toasting the blessings bestowed throughout the year
Appropriate to insure that yuletide was maxi and merry
Was the dessert of Mince Meat Pie and Crimson Cranberry
Composed by David M. Beattie – age 95
Jan. 22, 2010
