I may have grown up in the South, but my first real introduction to Southern Gospel music came from my late husband, who was born and raised in Indiana. Bob especially loved quartet-style songs; he sang in a few four-part groups at various times through the years.
The father of one of Bob’s aunts-by-marriage used to set up a Gospel sing each year in Bloomington, Indiana. I remember my first time to attend one of the concerts. There was a group in the line-up that Bob had not heard of before; we wondered if they were any good. They were known as the Cathedral Quartet. Anyone who knows anything about Southern Gospel will recognize that name as having been one of the top groups in the industry before their retirement in 1999. However, this concert was before they had made such a name for themselves. By the time the evening was over, I had decided that I liked them much better than Bob’s beloved Blackwood Brothers.
After my exposure to this music, I grew to love it myself. Many people equate it with country or bluegrass, which it does include, but there is much more variety than just those two styles. Like Bob, I enjoy the four-part quartet harmonies. Some groups have a more modern sound, and some sing acapella. Some groups have bands and some sing with a piano. I love listening to music that gives praise to God and speaks to my heart, calling me to a closer relationship with my Maker.
I have often wished that there was a local radio station that features Southern Gospel Music. Bob and I subscribed to satellite radio for a while, but after he passed away, I didn’t feel like I could justify the cost to listen to one radio station and only when I was at home. Imagine my delight last week when I found out there is a Southern Gospel station in the Shelbyville/Morristown area! The LifeFM is located at 91.3 on the radio dial, and my home radios, as well as the one in my vehicle, now include that setting. I told a friend of mine that I was now a happy camper. I have heard songs from newer groups, older groups, and my all-time favorites – the Cathedrals.
I sang along with the radio in my kitchen as I prepared Flounder Packets. I might have hummed a little as I enjoyed the finished product. When I made Crunchy Pan-fried Chicken a couple of weeks ago, I wished at the time that there was a local Southern Gospel station. Sometimes our wishes become a reality!
Flounder Packets
2 flounder fillets (6 ounces each)
Dash salt
Dash pepper
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped peeled cucumber
1 green onion, sliced (or 2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives)
2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Place each fillet on double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 12 inches square). Sprinkle with salt and pepper; top with red pepper, cucumber, and onion. Combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger; drizzle over vegetables. Fold foil around mixture and seal tightly.
Place packets on a baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Open foil carefully to allow steam to escape. Yield: 2 servings.
Crunchy Pan-Fried Chicken
1/2 cup self-rising cornmeal mix
1/2 cup seasoned fine, dry breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup canola oil
Combine first 3 ingredients in a shallow dish. Dip chicken in egg; dredge in cornmeal mixture.
Cook chicken in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 3 to 5 minutes per side or until done. Makes 4 servings.