Linda Fulkerson – Recipe for Romance – Cornbread Dressing

Shannon here: Nonfiction author, Linda Fulkerson, shares her Aunt Gay’s Cornbread Dressing Recipe. I’m borrowing this recipe for Maye’s dressing in White Doves. Linda is giving away a copy of her book, The Prodigal Daughter. Comment for a chance to win a copy on any post dated Nov22 – 25. Deadline Nov 27, midnight Central time. Here’s Linda:

Aunt Gay’s Cornbread recipe:

1 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. yellow cornmeal
1 tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking powder
1/4 c. sugar
1 c. milk
1 egg, beaten
3 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise

Mix dry ingredients. Add milk and egg. Blend well, then mix in mayonnaise. Pour batter into greased pan and bake in a 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes or until top is golden brown and edges are pulling away from the pan.

Note: Yes, I know 3 teaspoons equals one tablespoon, but Aunt Gay says you have to use 3 teaspoons. I know y’all haven’t met Aunt Gay, but trust me, you wouldn’t want to argue with her.

When we fix dressing for the holidays, I always start with Aunt Gay’s cornbread. Let it cool, then crumble it into a big bowl. I boil the turkey liver, heart, and gizzard, then chop it up and add to the crumbled cornbread. In butter, I saute a chopped onion and a few stalks of celery, chopped. Add that to the cornbread mixture, and then put in about 2 tablespoons crushed, dried (or fresh) sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Add about 1/4 tsp. of black pepper and a couple of cans of chicken broth. The dressing should be mushy, but not soupy. Bake it for about 35-45 minutes at 350 degrees until golden brown with crunchy edges.

About Linda: Since making the leap across the desk to the writer’s chair, Linda Fulkerson has had numerous articles published in area newspapers, including a guest editorial. She contributes frequently to a number of magazines and newspapers, including Arkansas Health & Living, ¡Hola! Arkansas, Afictionado, Christian Woman, and is a staff writer for Central Arkansas Woman. Linda has also taken on the role of sportswriter, covering local games for the Petit Jean Country Headlight. She is the editor of a weekly newsletter, Our Reminder, which is published by the church where she works.

Linda’s first book, The Prodigal Daughter: Hope for Runaway Christians and Those Who Await Their Return, was published in 2002 by Petit Jean Press. Linda has spent several years studying the craft of fiction writing and is working on a mystery novel and an historical romance. She is also a published songwriter. Linda is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, Chick Lit Writers of the World, and has served as the Arkansas Area Coordinator for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

Linda and her husband Don raise Pygmy goats, heritage breed turkeys, African geese, and Muscovy ducks, and are members of the National Pygmy Goat Association. Linda enjoys spending time with her family and animals, hiking, reading, writing, and singing. She performs as a solo act at many local and regional festivals. The Fulkersons live on a 32-acre plot down a quiet road just north of Morrilton. She and Don have three daughters, one son, two sons-in-laws, and five grandchildren. Learn more: www.lindafulkerson.com.

About the book: Ruled by despair, remorse, and anger, author Linda Fulkerson’s life had become a classic rendition of the cliche “What’s a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?” Desperate. Overwhelmed. Isolated. Trapped. She hit bottom. On the elevator of life, those descending will all exit on different levels — some much lower than other. You don’t have to go all the way to the basement! Stop now and push the “UP” button. This book will show you how. The Prodigal Daughter offers practical suggestions to:

• Renew hope
• Realize God’s Love
• Regain peace
• Reconcile relationships
• Return home

Come back Nov 25 for the recipe for my Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s so simple, you can read it in the morning and make it that afternoon. Also, a chance to win a copy of White Doves.