Although the weather in March can be terribly volatile, we have had some really pretty days as of late. The temperatures have been on the rise, and the sunshine has been abundant. Nice weather and warm days tend to make folks want to get outside and enjoy what spring is all about.
In the last week or so, it seems as if the woods have come alive with new growth on the trees and the blooms are popping out everywhere. In my eyes, beauty is abundant throughout the fields, the woods and the waterways in my area.
All of this pretty weather we’ve been having has prompted me to put new line on my fishing reels. It has also prompted me to take those reels out and try to catch some fish. Again, the weather in March can be up and down, so the fish don’t always bite.
Fortunately, we have caught a fair amount of fish lately. I have been fishing with one of my cousins, who also happens to be one of my very best friends. I always enjoy our time together. I am very thankful that we are able to spend time together, especially in God’s wondrous creation.
This pretty weather also makes me want to get outside and cook. We have been burning charcoal and putting store bought meat on those hot coals. The meals have been wonderful and have been enjoyed by all who were present.
This time of year, coupled with the pretty weather and long days, has prompted us to do other cooking as well. Frying fish to be exact. Having a fish fry in the Deep South is truly a time-honored tradition. Most folks in our area truly love to eat fresh fried fish and I am honored to oblige.
My cousin and I talked last week about having a little get together, a fish fry and inviting some of our old friends. This group of friends are older than us but have been such an integral part of our lives since I can remember. Did I mention how much they love to eat fish?
We formulated a plan and decided that we would cook on Sunday afternoon. Our friends were excited and they were truly looking forward to getting together. We had another friend from out of town that joined us as well.
Our “out of towner” has been coming to Midville for a number of years now and has always relished in the activities of life in the country. He grew up in another part of the South, but in a very similar fashion to us. A few years ago, he bought a house here so he could come more often.
We welcomed him here with open arms and he has truly become a part of this special place that we are so very blessed to live. In recent history our friend has had to deal with health issues and has not been able to come much. I’m not sure what bothered him the most, the health issues or not coming to Midville?
We spent a fair amount of time together this weekend just simply enjoying each other’s company. We also enjoyed all of the new life out in the country. He thoroughly enjoyed the fish fry and told me afterwards that he felt less like a visitor and more like a part-time native now. I agree.
Once my cousin and I had decided to cook on Sunday evening we sprang into action to get everything lined up and ready to go. I met him Saturday morning at the little place we were to cook at on Sunday evening. We swept the floor and wiped down the tables and got all of the pans and bowls that were needed ready to go.
We went outside and drained the old oil out of the cooker, then we washed it out with hot water and soap. Next, we sprayed it with a degreaser and scrubbed it down with a cleaning pad. Then we rinsed it out with hot water and left it to dry. It would be ready for the next afternoon.
I thawed the fish out and bought a few supplies from the store that would be needed. My cousin also went and picked up a few things as well. I went to the grocery store in a neighboring town, my cousin went to The Midville Mall better known as Dollar General.
Sunday afternoon came and I met my cousin at the little cook shed. I made the coleslaw and mixed up the hushpuppies. My cousin cut up the potatoes that were to be used for the french fries and also brought a cooler of ice for the tea.
We were all set, except for one thing, we had to pour that new grease in the cooker. Four and half gallons were used to bring the cooker up to the full mark. We then lit the cooker to let it start warming up to the correct temperature.
I have never liked using new grease, although it’s necessary, I’ve never liked it. New grease doesn’t brown up whatever you’re cooking very well. I want the fish browned up. I want the french fries browned up and I certainly want the hushpuppies to be a golden brown.
I had brought a pound of bacon to fry. It will add some color to the new grease as well as some flavor. The best part is eating that crunchy deep-fried bacon. I have learned in my time on earth that new grease might not be so bad after all. I have learned that it is in fact a good thing.
New grease is sort of like springtime, it’s new and fresh and it is needed in our lives. Our friends and the time spent together is a lot like deep frying that bacon, it seasons up our lives. I’ve learned to be thankful for new grease in the fryer because it represents so much more than just frying fish.
