Frito Corn Salad

Last Saturday, Steve and I headed to Huntsville, TN (Dad's old stompin' grounds) to attend what is hopefully the First Annual Lawson Reunion. I can only remember visiting Scott County twice in the last 30 years. Sadly, both times were for funerals. One reason I love reunions is that you can visit with family under much happier circumstances. The main reason I loved this one in particular is that I met family members for the very first time! With great-grandparents who had more than a dozen kids, it was no surprise that we have cousins galore!

We are all descendants of William and Lucretia Lawson. You may recognize the picture below as I've written about them before on this blog.

William and Lucretia Lawson with 10 of their children. All weren't present!

The day included lots of laughter, tears, reminiscing, and of course . . . great food. On the first table, you could find fried chicken, biscuits, rolls, sour dough bread, cheese ball and crackers, deviled eggs, potato salad, and drinks.

More side dishes overflowed onto a second table: frito corn salad, dumplings, green beans, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, candied yams, and chips.

My Aunt Marilyn

Then, don't forget the desserts. They filled up yet another table! Cupcakes, poppy seed bread, orange cake, brownies, cookies, and banana pudding.

The food was delicious! Now, let's go back to the side dishes. From where I was sitting, the most requested recipe was my cousin Cindy's frito corn salad. So good! It reminded me of my niece Hayley's recipe for chili corn salad that is already in the family cookbook. However, Hayley often served her version as an appetizer dip using Fritos Scoops. Whether you make this as a side or as an appetizer, it is sure to please!

My cousin Cindy

Frito Corn Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of corn, drained
• 1 small bunch of green onions, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 bag of Fritos chili cheese flavored corn chips

Directions:
Mix first five ingredients together. Chill. Before serving, fold in the corn chips.

Just a few more snapshots from the day:

I was so grateful for Angie (Lawson Rush) organizing this reunion so I gifted her with a copy of our family cookbook.

I was especially touched to find my first grade photo in my great grandma's wallet! That's my Aunt Rose on the other side.

Joann is the only living sibling. Shown here with adorable Olivia.

Laura's descendants: My Aunt Marilyn and her crew (Cindy, Grant, McKinley, Tom, and Pierce) as well as Dad and some of his crew (KK and Steve, Mom, and Scott).

Neva's descendants. Front row: Emily Fults, Cleavous (Neva's husband), Kaylynn Stephens. Back row: Jimmy and Melissa Fults, Freddie Lowe (oldest son of Neva's), Sharon Lowe, Danielle Lowe Stephens, Logan Fults

Joann and her family (Tammy, Amanda, and Olivia)

Willie's descendants: Angie (Lawson) Rush and Greg Rush, Beckie (Lawson) Overbey and Stan Weaver

Ledford's descendants (Roger and Rita Lawson)

Frankie's descendants: Greg and Becky, Gary, Maggie, Tara and Hayley

All the veterans of the family: Greg and Angie (Lawson) Rush, Dad (Ralph Harness), Freddie Lowe, Roger Lawson, and Steve Moore

Freddie gave the most heartfelt blessing. Ever.