July 4th Memories

July 4th was one of my Mom’s favorite holidays. As an immigrant from the Philippines and naturalized citizen (my Dad joined the Navy in the Philippines), she really loved celebrating our county's birthday, having family & friends over, and fireworks. July 4th with her was always a day filled with delicious food and lots people for company to share her cooking. Dad would be at the barbecue and Mom would make the rest of the meal: entrees, sides and desserts.

One of our favorite sides that she made was macaroni salad. I’m not really sure where she got this recipe but I remember it from my childhood in Virginia. So it could be southern or she could of found the recipe from her time in Vallejo - possibly Hawaiian inspired. The mac salad is different in that it has shredded chicken breast, pineapple chunks, and small diced cheddar cheese. It also has the usual mayo, dill relish, and salt/pepper to taste. I remember helping her make this salad and having her show me the secrets of it. “Remember to taste it!”, Mom always said because there was no written recipe. Her cooking was always “to taste”.

Since 2009 after Mom passed away, I make this for July 4th for my family and friends. Also, it’s to remember my Mom and feel close to her as I make it and have my older sisters try it to make sure it tastes close to hers. Mom is always with me and my family especially when we cook her dishes. I’m crying as I write this because I still miss my Mom and it’s alright. We miss out love ones always but they are always with you too.

So have a Happy 4th y'all (and to Mom too)! She’s looking down and glad that we’re all still having fun at the holidays.