Bena Mae’s Kitchen: Another Landmark Gone

When my brother told me Cottengim Drug Store was closing its doors, I felt a pang of sadness. Some things you want to stay the same forever. Our head tells us this isn’t possible but our heart finds it hard to accept.
During my growing up years in Corbin, a common phrase around our house was “run down to Cottongims and get…..”
My mother was on a first-name basis with the druggest and anything he suggested was the Holy Gospel to her. We also knew the Cottongims through our association at Central Baptist Church. My father served on several committees with the two of them and it was unusual for them to be absent in their regular pew on Sunday morning.
My rite of passage into becoming a part of    the grown-up world had its beginning at the old drug store. In those days, eating out was a rare occasion — nothing like today when it is so common. I was only 11 years old and it was my first foray into this new and exciting world. But as I sat in the drug store booth, I realized, I didn’t know how to order!    I    had never eaten out before!    And I was sweating out how to act as though this was not new to me.
Finally I got my composure and blurted out, “I’d like a grilled cheese and a glass of chocolate milk.” Whew! I had passed that hurdle and the moment has stuck in my memory from that day to this. I wonder if that soda clerk ever guessed what a momentous occasion that was for an 11-year-old.
The Cottongim Drug Store will always remain “freeze framed” in my memory. As I ride down Main Street in Corbin today, it will always be there.
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The Mouse that Came
in from the Cold
I am not a happy camper. There’s a mouse in my house and we’ve been playing “Tom and Jerry” games for three days now.    And so far he’s winning. I have traps set around the house, but so far he’s eluded them.
My mother was unflappable when it came to problems like this. With my father being away on a job much of the time, it was up to her to handle problems that came up and she wasn’t daunted by much of anything. If a tiger got loose in the house, don’t bet your money on the tiger.
There’s where she and I differ. If that loathesome little black creature isn’t caught soon, I’m going to sell my house.

Another idea for Superbowl watchers.

Jalapeno Poppers

4 fresh jalapenos, sliced in half lengthwise, seeds and stems removed
4 ounces cream cheese softened
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 – 2/3 cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed
oil for frying

Divide cream cheese evenly and press into jalapenos.
Set up an assembly line with flour in one bowl, beat the egg and milk together in another bowl. In a third bowl combine 1/2 cup bread crumbs, granulated garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Dredge the the cream cheese stuffed jalapenos in the flour, dip in the egg and then press into the bread crumbs until completely coated. Repeat with all jalapenos adding more bread crumbs if needed. Place on a plate, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow to set.
When you are ready to fry the jalapenos, heat 2 inches of oil in a pot over medium-high heat. When it reaches 350 degrees, or when bread crumbs sizzle if dropped into the hot oil, fry the jalapeno peppers until golden brown. About 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Allow to cool a couple minutes and serve.
Enjoy!