Cream Tuna Delight

 

By all accounts, my Grandma's probably wouldn't make the list of great cooks given today's standards.  But, what I know is, that in the eyes of their families - especially their grandchildren - they just might have been the best cooks that ever lived.  You see, from that lens, there is an ingredient that transcends all other ingredients in every recipe - it's the grandma ingredient.  It's secret, it's sacred, it's special. It can't be bought in a store or online.  That ingredient comes from within. Perhaps, it's best described as "love".  Or maybe it's described as sharing, caring, giving or all of that combined. Maybe it's derived from the warmth of her hand when she stirred, whipped, beat or blended something.  I can't really be sure and if anyone could ever bottle it and sell it (like vanilla, or salt, or some spice)  that "anyone" would be rich!

So, how does all this match up with a Tuna Casserole?  Maybe it doesn't. Or, maybe, just maybe it does.  See, my friend had surgery yesterday.  My grandma knew this friend.  She taught this friend in the 1st grade.  She also knew this friends husband - his grandma, was one of my grandma's best friends - and they lived across the street from each other.  So, in good ole fashioned Nebraska style, when a friend is down - we come to the rescue. Ala...tuna casserole.

Now this casserole was far, far, far from great.  But...the recipe came from my Grandma's recipe box.  And while it's about as bland as you can get - it IS from her box.  So, make it I did.  The whole trip to their house, I kept telling myself - turn around, this thing is awful.  It's bland, it's boring - and the only thing I did to make it "better" was bring the potato chips to go on top - contrary to the recipe.

(Picture: before the potato chips - note: recipe calls for buttered crumbs - but the request was for potato chips!)

Sitting here, knowing I didn't turn around, I realize - my grandma's didn't get all hung up on whether their food was perfect.  What they focused on was "why" they were cooking what ever it was and for who.  That was all that mattered - simple.  It didn't need to be picture perfect or even taste perfect. What was most important was the thought. The reason. And they knew that "grandma's ingredient" was enough.

Cream Tuna Delight

1 can white tuna - crumbled

1 small pkg. noodles - thin - cook in salted water & drain.

1 can chicken soup.

1 can small peas.

Buttered crumbs on top. Bake 1/2 hour. 

Photo Credit: Casserole picture is thanks to that special friend after it was baked.

Bubba Credit: Bubba didn't get to taste this one but Bubba's temporary taster gave this one a "heart" and claims he is a casserole snob!