Grits and Grace- Susan Poe

Susan Poe, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, has spent most of her life cooking. It all started when she worked in the cafeteria at Courts Junior High in Las Cruces, New Mexico. "We cooked home cooked meals and everything was made from scratch. Being in New Mexico, we mostly made Mexican food, but we made others as well. We even made our own bread, rolls, and cakes," Poe explains. Holidays are Poe's favorite times of the year. "I love to cook ham, sweet potatoes, coleslaw, and baked beans. To me, these are comfort foods. Holidays are not just about the meals, but the smells of the house that baking brings. Also, cooking for a group is always easier than cooking for one or two people," Poe states. "I am almost seventy-four years old and most of the recipes I use are the ones that I have been using since high school," Poe claims while making a cup of hot tea. Having five kids, Poe learned quickly how to cook for a group of people. "My kids weren't picky. They liked soups, chilies, roast beef, you name it. They liked it all, which made them easy to cook for," Poe says. For quite some time, Poe has been a very active member in her church, no matter where she has lived. "Church potlucks are always a good time, no matter if it is lunch or dinner. I normally take my fruit salad, but I also like to take ribs, beans, cakes, etc.," Poe exclaims. Poe also noted that she almost always attends these church functions. "You need to have a well-stocked pantry to be able to cook a full balanced diet for your family," Poe adds. Twenty-seven years ago, Poe became cancer free after battling a rough battle with throat cancer. "Having my entire throat reconstructed was not an easy ride. They had to take muscle out of my arm and put it in my throat. Since everything is so complicated, I can't eat certain foods. I'm not really supposed to eat beef or pork, but I do a little. White bread and donuts had to be cut out of my diet, as well as lettuce. They stick in my throat," Poe says. Poe has had to rearrange her diet the past twenty-seven years, even cutting out some of her favorite things. Poe's husband also battled cancer, but was not able to make it through. "When Bob was sick, all he would eat was waffles, bacon, eggs, and chocolate chip peanut butter chip cookies. He would eat a few other things, but not much. He couldn't eat anything strong or spicy because of the chemotherapy," Poe adds. Having these two different cancers in her life has made her change her eating habits as well as the meals she prepares. "Thanksgiving has to be my favorite holiday. It reminds us what we have to be thankful for and it also sets us up for Christmas," Poe states while washing dishes. Poe has been making her famous pumpkin bread for forty years. "I have passed on recipes and my love for big meals to my children. We just love to cook in our family. And a big kitchen with lots of counter space is absolutely necessary. Also, scratch cooking is way better for you than processed meals. I'm just throwing that out there," Poe laughs.