Bena Mae’s Kitchen: Sixty one years – where did they go?

The 1950s is a decade that most of us look back on as a “golden era,” when times seemed ideal. Those brief 10 years gave us the birth of rock ‘n roll, movies, prize-winning novels and hundreds of invented products we now use in everyday life. The decade was not free of fear or violence, with the Cold War on one side and the Korean War on the other. After the depression and World War II however, Americans relished these relatively peaceful years.
It was during this era, October 8, 1950,  that I said my vows to love, honor (but not to obey)  before a group of family and friends. My marriage lasted for 47 years when it ended with the death of my husband.  Divorce was never an option.  As Paul Newman said of his wife, Joan Woodward,, “why settle for hamburger when you’ve got steak at home.”
Our first home was a one bedroom apartment in Louisville, sharing a bath down the hall with other residents. By today’s standards, we were below the poverty level. We lived from payday to payday, Friday night being the biggest night of the week when we had dinner at the Blue Boar—Turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and peas, 35 cents. Then we were off to a movie at the beautiful Loews Theater on Fourth Street, the movie being secondary to the grandeur of the theater. It was something to look forward to every week.
One of my best memories of living in Louisville was window shopping on Fourth Street, looking at the beautiful shoes on display at Byck’s Shoe Store. I literally ached to buy a pair but they were too expensive.  Maybe that’s why I now have closets full of shoes. Another pleasant memory was eating at the tea room of Stewart’s Department Store where I ate my first Benedictine sandwich.
It was pure luxury.
It took years for us to get enough money together to buy our own home. We slowly climbed up the ladder financially  but it was hard work. The day we paid off our mortgage was like Bastille Day in France.  Free at last!
Unlike today, when many newlyweds immediately move into a grand fully-furnished house (with granite counter tops in the kitchen, large patio and swimming pool)  we took the slow but sure route.  We achieved the American dream, although at times it was a struggle.     
When I look back on it now, I would do it all over again. Except the part about sharing a bath.

It’s time to think Fall and nothing spells Fall more than sweet potatoes.  I like the added flavor the topping gives this casserole dish.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

3 c cold mashed sweet potatoes (prepared without milk or butter)
1 c sugar
1/2 c milk (I use 1%)
1/4 c butter (softened)
3 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

For topping:
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1/2 c chopped pecans
1/4 c flour
2 tbsp cold butter
 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Beat sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, salt and vanilla until smooth.
Transfer to a greased 2 quart baking dish.
Combine brown sugar, pecans and flour; cut in butter until crumbly – sprinkle over potato mixture.
Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 40-50 minutes.
Makes 6-8 servings