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Local woman at home in the kitchen
Published Monday, December 24, 2007
Natchez — Most Christmas memories involve food, and Effie Mae Freeman is keeping that memory alive.
Freeman, 83, has been cooking since she got married at the age of 17.
“I got married so young I learned how to cook on my own,” Freeman said. “We didn’t know anything when we got married.”
After perfecting her skill, Freeman became a housewife with a habit. She now creates desserts, which include peanut chocolate drops, chocolate dipped fig newtons, chocolate pecan clusters, divinity, Oreo cream cheese balls and various cakes. Freeman uses her creativity in order to think of new spins on her dishes.
“Divinity is my favorite, but I love to make cakes too; they all come from scratch,” Freeman said.
Every Christmas her kitchen and freezer are transformed into a whirlwind of blenders, cookbooks and food. She begins two weeks before Christmas and does not stop until her seven children, 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren have eaten her meals and desserts.
“They would rather me sit down and watch them cook, but this is my kitchen,” she said.
Her children and grandchildren share her talent for cooking, Freeman said. She also teaches them new techniques and allows them to perfect their skills.
“Everyone has the ability to cook,” Freeman said. “It’s all in doing it.”
Freeman also cans vegetables and preserves. All the produce she uses comes out of her own garden. But many of the things Freeman makes, she cannot enjoy herself.
“I am a diabetic so I do this for everyone else,” Freeman said.
And she doesn’t plan on stopping.
“I’ll cook as long as I am able to put one foot in front of the other,” she said.
Comments
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on December 24, 2007 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I want some divinity. Does she sell anything?
Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on December 24, 2007 at 3:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope I live to her age and can still do what she does!
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on December 24, 2007 at 4:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You go girl,,,MERRY CHRISTMAS MRS EFFIE
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on December 24, 2007 at 4:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As I read this story, I am reminded that my aunt by marriage would prepare a large box of various sweet treats for Christmas. I tried to make sure that I got my share, huh!
Of course, that was back in the day when I would try to eat just enough of the Christmas dinner to get permission to feast upon the desserts.
In the later years, my father and mother-in-law would make various candy treats for Christmas. You know, peanut brittle, peanut butter balls with chocolate icing, millionaires, fudge with pecans, corn toads, etc.
Now they are gone and the wife is trying to up hold the tradition. In fact, she spent most of yesterday preparing sweet treats for the rugrats and the grand rugrats.
Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on December 24, 2007 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That is sweet Gemcull...I wish you and your family a Wonderful, memory filled Christmas!
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on December 24, 2007 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
((Gemcull)) i think i have the bigest crush on you!! hope the wife doesn't get to upset.. lol.. your one AWESOME MAN!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on December 24, 2007 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, I tried making peanut brittle, the jury is still out on the quality. One thing for sure, it has peanuts. I am all ready thinking about how I would make it differently the next time.
If you give me a recipe, I immediately start thinking about how it could be better. Sometimes, I am successful with modifications and sometimes I am not. It frustrates the wife, but ..............
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on December 24, 2007 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
((buttercup26)) you are showing your lack of respect for yourself & your children by telling ((gemcell)) how AWESOME he is. I just hope this is a joke. I know I didn't pull the string to make you say that. One lesson is never let a married man think you are interested!
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on December 24, 2007 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dixiemama, do not worry your little heart about kind comments from Buttercup.
She can continue to say kind words and NOTHING to going to happen from this end.
I am almost old enough to be her grandfather. And besides, I have about got the wife of forty years "trained" and do not want to start over trying to train another. huh!
Another to way to say it, I am happy with my wife of forty years! Hope that the wife is just as happy!
BTW, folks, the peanut brittle came out okay but a little on the thick side. I think I have enough peanuts to make a half batch.
Everyone on the comment section to the Democrat, Have a Very Merry Christmas!
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on December 24, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dixiemama, of course buttercup was kidding. But I personally know she has great respect for gemccul, just as I do. What's your problem.? It's Christmas, get your mind out of the gutter!!!!!!!!! gemccul you know I love ya, don't you?
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on December 24, 2007 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And you have a very bright Merry Christmas gemccul.
Posted by vidalia1 (anonymous) on December 24, 2007 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a pleasant story.....Makes me hungry just reading.Enjoy your Holidays and God bless.We now need a
cook book from you to keep all of this knowledge going.
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on December 24, 2007 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
((destiny)) I don't have my mind in the gutter! I have been married for 41 years and have never thought some other man is AWESOME! As for ((gemcull)) you seem to be eating the female attention up, I feel sorry for your wife of 40 years years. If you have her "trained" you sound another Drew Peterson.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on December 24, 2007 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Whoa, dixiemama!
You are entitled to your opinion about me. However, you are Wrong!
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on December 24, 2007 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW...how did this get started?
When did AWESOME become associated with foreplay?
There is nothing wrong with giving someone a compliment that involves the word AWESOME.
And in case, anyone was wondering? Chuck Norris is AWESOME!!!!
LOL.
Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on December 25, 2007 at 12:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
now, I want some peanut brittle, lol. I love candy. Oh, but I did get some Darby's fudge. Yummy!
Yall all awesome, lol.
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on December 25, 2007 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seems like there is no hope for peace, even here on the ND forum. lol But Merry Christmas, ya'll...especially all you AWESOME regulars!
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on December 25, 2007 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have seen alot of AWESOME men, but to say "I may have a crush on them" then call them awesome is a different catagory. IF I did think I had a crush on some AWESOME man the last thing I would do unless I planned on doing something about it was tell everyone.
((gumcell)) lets see if you have the same attitude if some man said he thinks he has a crush on your 'trained" wife and thinks she is awesome.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 25, 2007 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hmm. not bad. out of 9 posters only 1 person was a rude. that's somewhat of an improvement i think.
Merry Christmas All!!!!!
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on December 25, 2007 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry I caused such an uproar. I'm sorry but I still stand by my comments. I guess I am old fashioned and have different values that most viewers. Maybe it was the way my parents raised me.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on December 25, 2007 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dixiemama, I just take it as you are not familiar with gemc, buttercup, noneya, peacerulz, timn, and I. We are all pretty well on the same wave length and understand the word awesome is most of the time used in respect for one another. It is not a direct hit on trying to pick someone up. To me Jesus is awesome and boy, do I have a crush I have on Him.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 25, 2007 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go destiny!!!!!
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on December 25, 2007 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AMEN, destiny! Hope all of you had as happy and blessed day as I did.
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on December 25, 2007 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
((destiny))Maybe I am alittle behind the "younger generations" way of expressing myself but I still stand by my old fashioned values and think it's not respectful to say you have a "crush" on another womans husband. I do have to admit I think I have gotten myself involved with a group of people that I was taught to avoid!
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
oooooo..... "gotten yourself involved with a group of people that I was taught to avoid?????" Boy, have you opened a can of stinky worms now.......Glad you THINK you are so much better than everybody else..... Hope all you guys had an AWESOME Christmas!!! I also hope we all remember the reason for the season.... There is always one stirrer in every pot... congrats dixiemama... you win the prize... Got a big wooden spoon for ya....
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was kind of surprised at this myself, truth. I don't want to throw stones, but I am sure Buttercup was not serious. She admires gemccul, she didn't really mean that she had a crush on him. Gemccul is a nice guy and he means what he said about his wife. Let's not be so quick to make assumptions.
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It made me feel a touch of anger, cause the "group of people" she was referring to are good people........ (I love that song... lol) Did you have a good Christmas?
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes. Sent you an e-mail this morning. How about you? I'll try and find a spot and text you.
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dixiemama, your bubbly personality is what we can't
relate to. You really should avoid people like us.
Before you go, my husband of 52 years finds you to be
awesome and all that jazz. Gosh, he has a crush on YOU, the evil ole man----LOL
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe she will finally make good and avoid all of us from now on. She's not helping herself any by commenting again and again. Her loss, since we're all pretty fun ppl.
Posted by myopinion (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You guys are all the greatest.
Buttercup, I think you are SUPER AWESOME! Gemcull is probably one of the greastest people on him. Heck, maybe my husband won't mind if I develope a crush on him myself.
I hope everyone had a very MERRY CHRISTMAS! Mine was great for those of you who are interested.
Posted by myopinion (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry! I meant to say Gemcull is one of the greatest people on HERE! Not on him!
But that was good for a laugh!
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Glad your Christmas was great myo. I'm happy because i was told i did'nt get enough things for myself. Bet i can fix that, ya think? lol
Posted by myopinion (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Of corse you can fix that! What women doesn't like to shop? I wish it would stop raining! I am so sick of rain! All it does is put all of my bosses in the office at one time! UGHHH! I think I might pull my hair out!
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on December 26, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I printed the story and all the comments for the wife down to: Posted by dottie (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
She was OTFLHAF!
She and I were at an office potluck and a secretary told her that I could park my shoes under her bed, anytime.
The wife has never forgotten her response: "You can have him but you get his foul mouth, his temper, his two kids, his dirty clothes, etc. When you get tired of him, DO NOT try to bring him back!
I know that I have one AWESOME wife!!!
.
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lol..... you better hold on to that one gemccull...
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
myo- now you know I HATE to shop.... I will go spend my gift cards, on my lunch breaks.... but that will be it.... my daughter is out there with my sister today, she just texted me and asked what her limit was....OMG is it EVER enough for teenagers???
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on December 26, 2007 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
thetruthhurts, the wife and I were high school sweethearts. As for as I know, it will be until death do us part!!
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SO...... guess who is spending any and all Christmas cash that I got yesterday???? sigh..... my son is all wrapped up in his playstation 3 to care about the outside world....
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
that is truly sweet gemccull.... I don't know where I missed you were a man... I have always assumed you were a female.... see what assuming gets ya????
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
glad you had a good Christmas peacerulz.... I am going to try my best to spend the little bit of gift cards that I got on me some new clothes.... But.... the kids usually get it..... just the way it is.... lol
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Glad you did too truth. looks like gemcull is loving all of this. lol
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
what lovely weather we've got today.
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It started out a beautiful sun shining day here... It is storming now and dark.... I guess the Good Lord thought we needed some more.... lol.... I could take a nap.
Posted by myopinion (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can say that gemcull is great! I happened to have married my high school sweetheart. Now I haven't been married for 40 years only 12 but I can defently say he is the ONLY one for me!
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
aw.... I am tearing up..... I need some tissue.... Anybody with anymore "long lived marriages?"
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
how nice myo. too bad that's rare.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on December 26, 2007 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
thetruthhurts, you do not have to tear up!
It is not that difficult but it is not that easy either. As they say, when one gets out of sorts the other needs to mind their P and Qs! huh!
When I made reference to the wife being "trained", I did not mention that she thinks she has me "trained".
It is give and take and it is a matter of opinion who is giving and who is taking! Oh well, I am be hen-pecked but I love it!!!!!
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I truly don't mean to sound sarcastic..... although I can not claim the same experiences... lol.... I am truly glad some have "found their true partners". Sadly, we typically hear quite the opposite...
Posted by myopinion (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I will stop bragging on my husband! He is kinda upset with me at the momnet anyway! SORRY!
Has anyone heard from buttercup today?
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think she may of had her feelings hurt... you know, we have all been on that "being attacked mode"...... Hate we weren't around, but it seems that sense and sensibilty won out anyway and everybody that WAS here, set the record straight.....
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for stopping the bragging... lmao..It is refreshing to hear, but at the same time, I am like, yeah right..... I just can't help myself.... You know I love ya....
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Back on the subject.....I hope I am just like Mrs. Effie when I am her age.....
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on December 26, 2007 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Shoot....I wish I were like Ms. Effie at MY age!!!
Posted by showbiz (anonymous) on December 27, 2007 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go dixiemama that buttercup is just plain OBNOXIOUS maybe shes lonely and just needs some attention and this is her only outlet..poor buttercup
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