Memorial Day and Family Milestones: Honoring Traditions and Celebrations

Last weekend’s Memorial Day held special significance for our family. We deeply felt the absence of Dad, who passed away last December at the age of 96. Previously, we spent the days leading up to the holiday with him, filling urns at our family cemetery with vibrant geraniums and lush asparagus ferns. His passing marked the first Memorial Day where Dad joined his parents, siblings, and other family members interred at the Catholic cemetery in our small town.

This year’s holiday weekend, however, also included a joyful family celebration. My mom, with her Green Family roots, joined us in Wheatfield, a neighboring town, to mark a milestone. Despite turning 95 later this summer, she was at the Rensselaer American Legion to celebrate her youngest brother, Uncle Sonny’s 90th birthday. The gathering included my Aunt Ruby, who is 96, and our extended family.

Uncle Sonny, whose real name is Arthur, has been married to Aunt Toots for 67 years. The charming story of Aunt Toots’ nickname, inspired by a newspaper comic character, is documented in my cookbook from 2007. The birthday party featured a feast of fried chicken, homemade salads, and custom-decorated cupcakes.

Interestingly, Uncle Sonny shares his nickname with my friend Sanjin Bosnjak. Sanjin, originally from Bosnia, found that his name was difficult for people to pronounce when he moved to the United States. Friends and coworkers soon dubbed him “Sonny,” reflecting his cheerful nature. Although I left Uncle Sonny’s party without any recipes, Sanjin “Sonny” Bosnjak has shared his easy homemade fried rice recipe.

Sonny’s Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

A flavorful blend of precooked rice, diced chicken, minced eggs, and seasoned vegetables.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 ounces chicken breast, cooked
  • Vegetable oil
  • Low-sodium spices and seasonings
  • Seasoning salt
  • Dry-blend herb seasoning
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 12 ounces frozen stir-fry mixed vegetables
  • Soy sauce as desired
• Directions:
  • Cut chicken, season, and toss with oil. Refrigerate overnight.
  • Boil rice, season, and chill overnight.
  • Whisk eggs, quick fry without overcooking, and mince.
  • Cook chicken with butter until golden.
  • Steam vegetables as per package instructions.
  • Combine chicken, eggs, veggies, and rice. Fry in pan, adding soy sauce.

Sanjin values his fried rice recipe for its high protein content, making it perfect for a quick lunch. He enjoys serving it with potstickers and egg rolls. Interestingly, Martha Stewart is known to use day-old rice for her fried rice, while Hugh Jackman appreciates the dish’s protein benefits.

Columnist Philip Potempa shares culinary insights in his published cookbooks and during his weekly radio show on WJOB 1230 AM. He welcomes questions at [email protected] or by mail: From the Farm, PO Box 68, San Pierre, Indiana 46374.