Rock Around The Clock

(Published on iSurf News on September 15, 2011)

I was born and raised in Muhlenberg County, only leaving long enough to go to college and then rush back home. Seems like I ran back just as fast as I ran away, something about growing up and hitting the pavement makes you realize that things were not nearly as bad as they had seemed.

There are so many things about this area that I am I proud of. I love to tell people that I am from the same place as the Everly Brothers. I love telling about how this area is so rich in coal, music history and wonderful people. Music has always had a special place in my heart, so when there is a concert or a music event in the area, I'm usually there.

Over the past few years, there has been more and more music events in The 'Berg. The City Of Greenville just finished up their third season of “Saturdays On The Square”, a nine week series of Saturday night concerts that features nationally known acts as well as allowing local groups a platform to show off their talents. The City of Central City just held their 10^th Annual Central City Rock 'N Roll Cruise In. The four day festival is a spin off of the famous Everly Brother's Music Festival which was a yearly event held in Muhlenberg County, home of the Everly Brothers. In a few weeks, one of the area's favorite bands, “Endless Summer” will perform a free concert in downtown Central City.

I love most types of music but I adore the oldies and classic songs from the 50's and 60's, I have always thought I was born way too late. I should have been hanging out at the Tasty Freeze listening to “The Great Pretender” by The Platters playing on the juke box. I should have been riding in a '57 Chevy, going to the drive-in or the Sock Hop at the local high school. But those days are over. I can only live it through the memories of others or imagine what it would have been like while enjoying an oldies concert.

So ladies, put on your poodle skirt and guys, slick back that hair as we enjoy some vintage recipes from the 50's and 60's.

Tomato Bread Pudding

5 cups cubed bread

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted

1 (14 1/2-oz) can whole tomatoes in juice

2/3 cup water

2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 tablespoon tomato paste

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce such as Tabasco 
 

Toss bread cubes with butter in a 13- by 9-inch baking dish until coated. Purée tomatoes with juice in a blender 5 seconds, then transfer to a small saucepan along with water, brown sugar, tomato paste, salt, and hot sauce. Bring mixture just to a simmer, then pour over bread, stirring to combine. Bake at 400 degrees, uncovered, until edges are beginning to caramelize, 35 to 40 minutes.

Sparkling Fruit Salad

1 fresh pineapple, peeled & cut into chunks or 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained

1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained

1 cup halved fresh strawberries

1 cup halved green grapes

1 cup white wine or white grape juice

1/2 cup chilled club soda

In a large serving bowl, combine the pineapple, oranges, strawberries and grapes. Combine wine or grape juice and club soda; pour over fruit. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Root Beer Floats

Large Mugs or ice cream glass
4 scoop(s) vanilla ice cream
1 can(s) (12-ounce) root beer, chilled

In blender, combine 2 scoops ice cream and 3/4 cup root beer and blend until mixture is smooth. Pour into 2 tall glasses. Add a scoop of ice cream to each glass and fill with remaining root beer.

NEXT WEEK—Neither Snow Nor Rain

Remember......Life is short. Eat Dessert first!!