Delores Mount of Crenshaw County says she grew up helping her mother and sisters in the kitchen, so cooking has always been a part of her life.

“It was a different era then. We just did things together, so we girls were cleaning up and setting out things for mama all the time as she cooked, and gradually you helped more and more,” she says of her early kitchen memories. “We loved to make cookies and French fries especially,” she recalls.

“And now my husband helps me with the cooking some,” Delores says.

She and husband Oliver have been married 50 years, and she says she is grateful for the life they have together.

“I’m so thankful for my life with my wonderful family and friends. I thank God every day for every one of them,” she adds.

The current apple of her family’s eye is their great-grandson, Briar, who spends a few days a week with Delores and Oliver.

“He’s not quite two (years old) so he tires us out sometimes, but it is such a pleasure to keep our little Briar-bug,” she says.

When she isn’t in the kitchen, Delores can often be found quilting, either at home with Briar playing in the buttons nearby or with her quilting club, whose sewing projects are often sold to benefit local volunteer fire departments.

“We try to stay busy and not sit around too much,” she adds.

Even with her on-the-go schedule, Delores still says making the time to cook for her children and grandchildren is important. This month, Delores shares some of their favorite recipes, like her Chicken and Cornbread Dressing.

“I know a lot of folks only have dressing a few times a year, and that seems a shame to me. It is so good, and my family loves it, so I make it a lot. Mamas like to cook what their families like to eat,” she says.