This is going to be longer and gushier than most of my posts, but frankly, it’s hard to encompass a legend of a woman with just a few choice words.
See, I come from a long line of strong Texas women; all of whom have left or are leaving a significant mark in their worlds.
My Mom: She listened to me gush about boys and stress about tests. And now she lets me vent about my kids and she encourages me in my marriage and my endeavors. She’s been a web designer at Texas A&M, an author, a decorator; and now she’s taking the real estate market by storm. She goes after what she wants with grace and imminent success. And always looks good doing it!
My Mimi: She’s owned dress and make-up shops for as far back as I can remember. And it always suited her perfectly, because what she does best is make other people feel good about themselves. She’s always been my biggest cheerleader and encourager.
My Great Granny Vera, and to whom I attribute this post and much of our strength: She was the Annie Oakley of Rockdale, Texas. I remember feeding catfish on her farm and helping her in the garden; bent over, one hand pulling weeds and the other holding her nightgown up far enough to not drag in the dirt. She had story after story of pulling her gun on salesman who wouldn’t leave, killing snakes on the back porch, starting business, dealing with unruly renters, even getting shot in the hind-end with a shotgun. She was fearless. She would sell you the shirt off her back if she’d make a dime. She sometimes cussed like a sailor. But was always respectful and well-respected in return. Rumor has it she was even the first woman in town to wear pants instead of a skirt.
In one of her many endeavors, and perhaps the one she’s still most known for, she opened Singer’s Grill in 1947. It was during its 28 years of operation that Apple Squares were born.
Apple squares; this beautiful concoction where apple pie meets cake. Two layers of flaky crust sandwiching apple pie filling, topped with a thin layer of creamy icing and pecans.
Singers Grill burned to the ground in 1975, and Granny went home to Jesus in 2005, but her Apple Squares live on. There’s not a holiday where one of us doesn’t bring them to dinner. And while my kids weren’t fortunate enough to know Granny Vera, it warms my heart that they love her recipe and carry the same strength and stubbornness she did.
I sincerely hope your family loves them as much as ours does. So from The Singer’s Grill and our table to yours…Granny’ Apple Squares.
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