CHILLICOTHE— During the holidays meals are an important time during any get together. Usually, these meals are during the afternoon, like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, but for Chillicothe mayor Luke Feeney and his family one of the stars of Christmas is his Aunt Joyce’s casserole that is prepared the night before and cooked on Christmas day while presents are being opened.
Feeney’s mother was one of four children growing up in Washington on a dairy farm it was her sister, Joyce, who originally started creating the breakfast casserole and while she had originally gotten it from a cookbook, on Feeney’s side of the family it has always been known as Aunt Joyce’s Casserole.
As far back as he can remember Feeney said he has been helping his mom prepare this recipe on Christmas eve. Whether it be cracking the eggs or tearing up the bread he said the recipe is easy for kids to help with as it is mostly adding everything into a dish.
“I have fond memories of helping my mom,” said Feeney.
Now Feeney and his two kids can be found on Christmas Eve in the kitchen making this same recipe. He said it has been fun to see how his parents might have felt on Christmas and Christmas Eve all those years ago when he was the one tearing up the bread to use. This time also gives him the chance to share his love of cooking with his children.
Even today the smell of the casserole brings a warm feeling to Feeney’s heart as he remembers all the great memories of celebrating past Christmases with his family. Even though his family has since moved and is spread across the country he said cooking and eating the casserole helps him still feel connected to everyone since he knows they will all be enjoying it on Christmas morning as well.
“I think it’s just awesome to know that we all have the same routine,” said Feeney. “Even though were not all in the same place we are doing the same things. We’re all having similar memories of growing up and being together.”
He happily continues this family tradition every year in hopes that he is creating fond memories for his children like his mom did for him and his sister that they will one day look back on with a smile.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
Collected by Cookingtom
Original Article
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