Leon County Cooks, or should I say Maricopa County Cooks

Berletha Bloodsaw and Keith Matney prepare some mouth watering foods for the graduation party. Sherry's Shots It isn't every day that a grandmother can brag that she had 4 grandchildren graduate within a two week period. My challenge is to brag in a nonannoying way and to work it into the Leon County Cooks column. First, Paul and I had two grandkids who graduated from college. Drew Matney graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University in Phoenix, with a degree in Aeronautical Space Engineering on May 15. On the same day his cousin Jenna Matney graduated with honors from Baylor University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. Common sense tells you we could not attend both so we decided to divide and conquer. Paul went to Waco and I flew to Phoenix.

Since we had two high school graduations in Scottsdale within the next two weeks, I decided to stay in Arizona until those events took place. Paul joined me before the first one occurred. On May 27 Bradley Matney graduated from Horizon High School and on May 29 his cousin Jeff Matney graduated from Scottsdale Christian Academy, both schools are in Scottsdale.

Now to work on the cooking part. None of this takes place in Leon County but our son Keith visits here frequently and loves to cook for groups so him and his friend for this week's cooks. Keith is a music minister at a church in Scottsdale and has a wonderful lady who sings in his choir and also loves to cook. She feels that this is God's gift to her to share with others. So together, they can create some amazing meals.

Keith Matney is the oldest son of three Matney boys. He is married and has three sons and probably would not consider cooking a hobby. But he cooks a lot and is very good at what he creates.

I like to think Keith got his love for cooking from me just like he got his love for golf from his dad, but we will never know for sure. His specialty is cooking meats and on the occasion of a graduation party for Drew, Keith cooked 3 pork butts, 12 racks of ribs and 2 briskets; all smoked to mouth watering perfection.

Keith's friend Berletha Bloodsaw grew up in a small town, Danielsville, Georgia, just outside Athens, and moved to Arizona in 1998. She loves life and is an absolute joy to be around. Berletha has two girls, Lavette and Wanda, and one son Tyrone. While she loves her children she adores her two year old grandson, Michael.

When the church needs food for their many activities Berletha is the first to volunteer her time and talents. She frequently fries chicken and catfish for large groups. But what members of my family loves most are her macaroni and cheese and green beans.

The graduation party had about 75 guests and very rib was eaten, the brisket was gone within minutes of beginning serving, and all the meat that remained at the end of the evening were a few pieces of pulled pork. Keith does not put the barbecue sauce on the meat while cooking but serves it with the meat. Keith's Rub for Ribs Chili powder Brown Sugar Chipotle pepper Seasoning salt He doesn't measure and says the amount of ingredients depends upon how much you are cooking. Mix together and rub on ribs. Keith's Barbecue Sauce 1 cup catsup ¼ cup finely chopped onion ¼ cup vinegar 2 tbsp vinegar 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Several dashes bottled hot pepper sauce Salt Combine all ingredients and bring to boil then reduce heat. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes.

Berletha's Green Beans

Drain one can of green beans and replace the liquid with canned chicken broth. Cut up one onion and cook until onions are done.

Berletha's Macaroni and Cheese

Cook macaroni, drain and while hot add butter, salt, milk, and cheese. Stir until completely melted. ( She doesn't measure so use your own judgment) For an extra kick, top with more cheese and pop into the oven before serving.