“You Load 16 Tons and What Do You Get?” 

 

If you ask this group, the answer would be pita piatas. Last week they gathered at the Progress Women’s Association kitchen in Clarksburg to make these Christmas delicacies.  The group used over 40 pounds of flour, 15 pounds of nuts, 12 pounds of raisins, 10 pounds of brown sugar, gallons of wine and honey and all the other seasonings that the recipe calls for. The end result was approximately 100 pita piatas. 

 

A partnership with Fiesta provides 100 plates, which the treats are placed on and then wrapped with seasonal bows. Preorders assure that all of these goodies will be sold.

 

The recipe the group uses is a family recipe that the Queens have used for over 60 years. The godmother, Lena Garrett of Rosemont, provided the recipe and taught me at the young age of 12 to make them. 

 

The recipe has never been altered.  I would go to Rosemont for the weekend and the task of making this delicacy would start.  Usually, it would take two weekends. My mother, Florence Burnett, never made the pitas, so the process stayed with me, and I have made them every year since.  The question asked to me most frequently is “What makes yours so delicious?” I answer using a sweet red wine and soaking them in honey as soon as they come out of the oven.

 

This is one of the major fundraisers for the PWA. All of the ingredients are donated. And the price for each remains $10 and includes the Fiesta plate.

 

The PWA maintains a food pantry for individuals and for pets. Recently they entered into a partnership with cancer patients, providing food for individual patients while they are being treated or for their families. Donations of food are always welcome from the public.  For more information call Director Elinda Carson. She can be reached at 304-624-6881.

 

I encourage you to continue any family customs that you may have with the world situation. Now is the time to focus on family. 

 

We are all feeling the economic crunch, so do not let this spoil your Christmas spirit and remember to include a church visit and take advantage of some of the holiday music concerts.  A sure way to get into the spirit? Plan a cookie party, go to church, and make this the best Christmas ever. Do not forget to include a visit to your parents or shut ins. This will brighten their day and also yours.

 

Stay healthy and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”

 

Editor’s Note:Pictured, from left, Theresa Gaines, Betty Waddy, Rosalyn Queen, Randal Lynch, and Ruby Oldaker.