Cooking in the West

Every year when we wrapped up our ranch vacation season and turned the "dude" horses out to pasture, I marveled at how they were the key to the success of our operation. These old ranch horses endure a lot of greenhorn mistakes, but they bring their riders safely back to the corral every single trip. Sure they get pretty smart about tricking their riders into letting them drop their heads for some bites of grass now and then or brush a little too close to some overhanging tree branches, but for the most part they are saints on hooves. Probably the most frequently requested column I have ever written was this tribute to one of those great "dude" horses that I wrote back in 2007.

The other day when we came out of the wilderness, one of the best and most faithful K Lazy Three Outfitters employees was lying dead in the corral at the trailhead. Yes, Max had gone on to greener pastures. Now, Max wasn't one of those horses that is bigger and better in death than in life. He was a horse that guests could faint on. He was literally bombproof.

Max was a "dude horse," which is something cowboys often discredit like day-old chew, but "dude horses" are the unsung heroes of the equine world. They work hard day in and day out for a living, and they epitomize the heart and soul of goodness. Max was good enough to deserve being loaded up and taken back home 200 miles for a proper burial. This poem is a tribute to Max and all the great dude horses out there carrying precious cargo up and down the trail every day.

Ode to Max:

"It was the best two hundred dollars I ever spent," Brett said

On the day we found out that at the trailhead Max lay dead.

This two hundred dollar horse had definitely earned his keep.

We all prayed to God that he passed on while in blissful sleep.

No purebred Quarter Horse, thoroughbred, nor paint was he.

He was of mixed blood with no fancy papers nor pedigree.

He had never dragged a calf to a branding fire nor run on a track,

But many precious loads he had hauled into the wild and back.

He was honest and kind and never even shied that I ever saw.

The greenest rider or the smallest child would be Max's draw.

He hauled guests for a living up and down the wilderness trail.

He never moved a muscle when a client fainted over his tail.

He endured being bridled and cinched by well-intentioned rookies

Who offered him a reward of carrots, apples, and Oreo cookies.

Hauling overweight off balanced clients could drive a horse insane,

But even if Max could have spoken, he would never complain.

He hauled dudes and dudettes of every shape and size,

And they all fell in love with his thick mane and brown eyes.

He crossed many hills, mountains, and streams;

Helped fulfill lots of hunters' elk shooting dreams.

It's hard to find a horse as honest as Max,

All the rider did was sit up there and relax.

So here's to Max and the great dude horses who have gone before.

The trusty steeds who went to pasture but live in our hearts evermore.

My featured cook this week is Jeannie Smith of Wibaux, Montana. Thanks, Jeannie!

Strawberry Bread:

3 C. flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

1 T. cinnamon

2 C. sugar

4 eggs, beaten

1 1/4 C. vegetable oil

2 C. sliced strawberries, thawed

1 1/4 C. nuts

Grease and flour 2 loaf pans. Mix strawberries, eggs, and oil. Combine all other ingredients in a large bowl. Add wet ingredients to dry. Stir well and pour into pans. Bake one hour at 350 degrees or until a toothpick comes clean.

Peas and Mushroom Royal:

4 slices bacon, diced

6 oz. can sliced mushrooms

1 C. light cream

2 C. fresh or frozen peas, cooked

2 T. onion, chopped

2 T. flour

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. Pepper

Fry bacon in a skillet. Remove and add onions and mushrooms. Cook until the onion is golden brown. Stir in flour and seasonings and blend well. Gradually add cream. Cook until thick and smooth, stirring constantly. Add peas and bacon.

Potato Casserole:

2 lbs. hash browns, thawed

1/2 C. melted margarine

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/3 C. onions, chopped

1 pt. sour cream

2 C. shredded cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Mix ingredients together and put in a greased 9 X 13 pan. Melt 1/4 C. margarine and mix with 2 C. crushed Corn Flakes. Sprinkle on top and bake for one hour at 350 degrees.