The beauty of comfort food and holiday flair are combined to palatable perfection in recipe duo
Column and photos by Dana Rady, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association
I love to cook, bake, and simply be in the kitchen. Honestly, I would rather clean up the kitchen rather than fold the laundry. The tradition of cooking and my love of being in that space in my house go back a few generations.
Hello! My name is Dana Rady. You may know me as the promotions director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA). I also serve as the director of the United Potato Growers Cooperative of Wisconsin.
What you might not know, however, is that I grew up in Tomah and was a most pleasant surprise for my parents, back in 1982, when they learned they were expecting a fourth child behind three older daughters, aged 11, 12 and 13. Consequently, I earned the nickname “caboose” from my grandfather.
A very German lineage from both my parents’ families, I follow a long line of strong personalities—men who lead and stand firm and women who are just as stubborn and determined to persevere.
Although a bit opposite in character and personality, I was blessed to know my two amazing grandmothers who were each phenomenal in the kitchen.
My feisty paternal grandmother had a heart of gold, but you wouldn’t want to cross her. She also made one of the most amazing coleslaws ever! Like any truly good dish, it was only a “recipe” in her head that she made with love, and it never tasted right when we tried to make it ourselves.
My mom’s mother was very quiet, always positive and incredible at sewing and anything that involved cooking or baking. I particularly cherish memories of her casseroles, breads, cookies and desserts.
