I come from a long line of amazing cooks. My mom, both of my grandmother's, all of my Aunt's...seriously amazing cooks...southern cooks. For most meals my grandmother's would never use a recipe, they didn't use things that said "serves 6". They cooked huge pots of vegetables, made biscuits, and fried all the chicken they had. There was always enough, even when company stopped by unexpectedly. They taught me southern hospitality, and how to cook like this...
My grandmother on biscuits..."mix it all together with your hands until it feels right..."
My other Grandmother on how to make dumplings for chicken and dumplings..."then you add a little Crisco" when I pleaded with her to be more specific, she finally said..."about the size of an egg"
The only time they followed directions was when baking. This is one of my prized possessions. My paternal Grandmother's recipe box... 
Almost everything has someone's name on it...Sully's Pralines, Ann's Pecan Pie, Lynn's Coconut Cake, Estele's Cake...all in my Grandmother's handwriting....priceless!
Well, I hardly ever use recipes either, and I'm not an amazing cook, I just cook. One recipe I do use is for my green bean casserole, my daughter's all time favorite. I'm cooking this for Easter dinner along with a brown sugar glazed ham and all the usual fare. It's always a hit every time I cook it for people, so I thought I'd share it with you, with a warning... *This is not low fat or health conscious, but it is delicious...if your concerned about calories, eat less, or take a walk after dinner :). I personally would skip dessert just to have seconds!
For my family, I use a 9x13 pan...and use...
6 cans green beans
1 large onion
1 pound bacon
10T sugar
10T vinegar
enough almonds to cover top
- I ALWAYS make it the day before, and let it marinate overnight...so much better that way.
- I cut my bacon before I cook it...Cut the whole pound into fourths, and cook it all at once. Don't cook the bacon too crisp, because it's going to cook some more in the oven .
- I scoop the bacon straight from the frying pan onto the green beans...no need to blot on paper towels...you'll be adding the drippings back into the dish at the end.
- serve with a slotted spoon (eliminates calories)!
- It is fabulous left over, that's why I make a bunch...to go with ham sandwiches the next day.
If you make it, let me know how you like it!
