Audrey de Vere hunt works her way through her Grandmothers recipes along with stories of the lives of her family.

Shrimp Jambalaya (4-6) Trib (1968)

Shrimp Jambalaya (4-6) Trib (1968)

My Grandma mentioned a couple times that she dated the brother of Al Capone. Al Capone had owned an island on Lake Okauchee to which there was a tunnel from an old bar named “Ray Woods.” On the island there was a den of ill repute where he would take comfort and refuge when needing to flee Chicago. For people who know the lake now, the island is currently owned by Hans Weisgerber. He holds weddings on it as well as the fourth of July fireworks.

Though Al Capone was the oldest of nine children, it’s still very unlikely that any of his brothers dated Grandma. They would have all been of her mothers generation. It’s a good story though!

In the process of trying to learn about the maybe Nona/Al Capone connection, I called my mom. She conferenced my Uncle Phil on the call and from then on I just listened. He agreed the Al Capone connection was probably legend. The conversation which ensued superseded any story I could want to tell tonight. My family talked about their Nona. This was the purpose of my adventures on Mondays- to remember Nona Mae Schubert.

My heart is filled with joy, and love, and gratitude for my family and how much we all love my Grandma.

Dinner wasn’t so bad either! I think it was more of a ratatouille than a jambalaya and could have used a little more spice. Derek added some Crystal and it was perfect for him. I’m not crazy about spicey dishes so it was just perfect for me too. We were also able to use the beef stock we made a few weeks ago. VG!

Shrimp Jambalaya (4-6) Trib (1968)

1 large onion chopped fine

1 cup uncooked rice

2 tbsp butter

3 cups beef bullion

1 can (1 lb. 4 oz) tomatoes

2 tbsp chopped parsley

1 small clove garlic minced

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp thyme

1/8 tsp pepper

1/8 tsp cayenne

1/8 tsp chili powder

½ bay leaf crunched

1 lb cooked shrimp

½ lb cooked ham cut into ½” chunks

Saute onion for 5 minutes in a large skillet. Add rice, bullion, tomatoes, and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce head, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add shrimp and ham. Simmer 10 minutes longer or till heated through and liquid is absorbed.  

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Mondays with Nona postponed until tomorrow, here's why!

Mondays with Nona postponed until tomorrow, here's why!

Chicken Marsala VG 3/71; Potatoes French Graton Savoyard (6) Sunset Mag 7/71

Chicken Marsala VG 3/71; Potatoes French Graton Savoyard (6) Sunset Mag 7/71