This writer is most asked “how DO you get the people to write about?” The following email is just one example.

“John West of Hallieford has been ‘the chief cook and bottle washer’ at the Piankatank Ruritan Club for probably 20 years. He cooks breakfast for the Rotary Club twice a month, the monthly dinner meeting at the Pianktank Ruritan Club of which he is a member (delicious), the annual Ruritan Christmas parties (delicious) and he is the official “fish-fryer” at all of the Ruritans’ twice yearly fish fries (delicious). And not to forget he not only cooked the food he plans the menu, purchases the ingredients and cleans up after himself and the facility usually starting as early as 3 a.m. John has worn out so many blue Ruritan aprons it is hard to imagine. He is also found in the kitchen of Spring Hill Baptist Church at Dutton and cooks for family and friends. He always has a smile and a cool demeanor. John West is the best of the best culinary circles in Mathews.”

This message came from Martha Frame. Thank you, Martha. Your rendering of John’s good cooking is close to what this writer would have written.

John Earl West (“when some one calls me John Earl and they do, I know they are from Mathews or a native of Mathews.”) has lived here all of his life. He is the middle son among nine siblings. “I quit school at eleven but in 1972 while I was with the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Williamsburg, I got my GED. They wanted me to become a manager.” John retired in 2005 saying “they were a great company to be with and work for.”

John says he learned to cook by watching others. “I have been cooking ever since I can remember.” He loves it.

John and his wife Betty live in Hallie-ford where they share the kitchen. There is always the possibility of one of their three grandchildren or one of great-grandchildren dropping by. When asked if he had a hobby, John’s quick reply was that “I don’t have the time. I am always busy.”

LASAGNA

Cook enough noodles for 3 layers of your pan size. Use your favorite sauce.

First layer: Noodles with mozzarella cheese, cooked green pepper and sweet onions.

Second layer: Noodles, cooked hamburger drained of grease, and ricotta cheese.

Third layer: Noodles, cover with mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 350℉. until cheese on the top is browning.

BAR-B-Q PORK

Pork butt, approx. 6 lb.

Inject with apple juice

Sprinkle with salt and pepper

Put in oven pan and cover with ¼” water. Cook at 300℉. For 6-7 hours. Shred the meat and use your favorite sauce.

MACARONI AND CHEESE

1 lb. macaroni noodles
1 c. half-and-half
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Swiss cheese, shredded
Provolone cheese, shredded

Cook macaroni noodles. Add milk to cooking water, about 1 cup. Check noodles and stir often. When noodles are almost done remove from the heat and cover. When noodles are soft, begin layering the noodles with cheese. Mix the cheeses on each layer. Pour half-and-half to cover the noodle layers. Bake at 350℉. until the cheese begins to brown all over.

COLE SLAW

8 c. cabbage cut for slaw
1 c. shredded carrots
½ c. relish

Mix all together. Add ½ c. mayonnaise and 2 Tbs. sugar (to taste). Mix well and put in covered bowl. Refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.