Fair Food

This year we made our pilgrimage to the Mississippi State Fair to help celebrate our daughter's 7th birthday.  We explored the agricultural exhibits, the car show, and sought out the blue ribbon prizes for jams, jellies, and quilts.  We went through the fun house and the Catarpillar ride, and got sneezed on by something called a zebu at the petting zoo.  But really y'all, we came for the food.  Arthur had a freshly battered and fried Pronto Pup (that's a corn dog in the vernacular) and the rest of us had freshly roasted corn that is grilled and then shucked and dipped in butter.  It was fabulous.  Of course we also went by the biscuit booth for a free biscuit filled with cane syrup (which they made in the booth next door).  And we had to go watch them make Malone's Taffy and try a warm piece (and buy a bag).  The rest of the day was spent listening to the sounds of the fair ("... half beautiful woman, half ugly snake, come see the Snake Lady, no arms, no legs, not a bone in her body...") and seeing who could find the weirdest food.  I think I won, as evidenced by the photo.
Fair days to you all,

Rachel

A Desparate Plea for Help!

Dear Friends and Family,
Tonight I experienced a moment of triumph at the dinner table.  I sat in stunned silence as my son (formed from McNuggets and pizza) devoured a plateful of Roasted Cod and Mushroom Ragout and then asked for seconds.  (recipe found in your mom's Good Housekeeping, October issue)  Yes, I know  I reside in Mississippi, folks, but it is possible to get my family to consume non-fried fish.
But now the pressure is on.  Is it possible to serve other healthy dinners that are simple to prepare?  I fear I am in a rut and so now I cry out to you, (not you, Mom) is there anyone out there who would mind  sharing their family recipe that meets the criteria of relative health and simple prep?  Anyone?

P.S. The chicken ladies are fine; I mucked out the coop today so I don't want to talk about them right now. Not the best part of keeping chickens, but worth it.  So far.  The picture above is of my pretty mama, Betty, who is one of the finest grandmas around (though I have nightmares about a dish called "American Chopped Suey").