The glass bowls come out of the cupboard. A fridge door swings open and a carton of eggs and gallon of milk is carried to the granite countertops. The measuring cups, spoons, whisks and other utensils exit their designated drawers and unite by the recipe book. It can only mean one thing. It’s cooking time.
For Mary Elzy, pulling together a recipe isn’t just about making a meal to feed the family. It’s a way of life. It brings people together. It teaches life lessons. Sure, the food tastes good – but there’s a lot more to be said about the process itself.
“Everyone should learn the basics of cooking, I believe,” explains Mary, a former elementary school teacher and resident of Lake Oconee. “It’s a natural process and a motivational learning experience as well.”
Mary might know a thing or two about learning. As a career K-3 schoolteacher, she not only loved the art of cooking but incorporated it into her annual curriculum. “When I taught second grade,” explains Mary. “I would have a big chart and the children would copy a recipe. Through that, they were using fractions, they werepracticing their writing and they don't even know it. Then we made the recipe and ate our creation.”
But for her, the basic measurements aren’t the only thing. There are also the combinations of flavor and the different types of food to discover as well. “It's a fun way to learn,” she explains. “Being aware of all the different flavors that exist and understanding the fun, interesting things about food. I think if you look around, you’ll find there are very few children whowouldn’t enjoy cooking.”
Hands down, her absolute favorite students come two generations below her with her six beloved grandchildren, all ranging from age two up to sixteen. And though they vary in age and personality (it’s hard to keep a teenager in one spot for too long), there is definitely a commonality between them all and that’s the fact that they know their way around “Gram’s” kitchen. And it’s a kitchen designed for that very purpose in mind – a place to gather around to share laughs and to look, listen and learn.
Mary has always loved cooking, and when they set out to build the home over a decade ago – they knew the kitchen had to be built just right. There are multiple stools pushed around a large island, making it easy for kids to climb up and get involved in cracking eggs, stirring ingredients and of course, lots of tasting.
And besides its “cooking friendly” design, the kitchen also contains a simple, yet important element fastened securely to the closet wall. A metal hook contains a tight bundle of aprons, varying in shape, color and style - but all with a unique story to go with it. “We have lots of aprons,” laughs Mary as she thumbs through the hanging fabrics. “My sister made one, one came with our green egg cooker and one is covered in black cats, because we had a black cat at the time.” There’s even one from a cooking competition in Delaware –in which Mary ended up in the finals. “They all have a story to tell,” she says with a nostalgic smile, confirming there’s most likely more to each apron than just the tale of where they came from.
Another one of those aprons? It’s always reserved for Gene “Papa” Elzy, who, has his specialties as well that include homemade chili and his special pizza the kids often request. Gene is also known to make a mean batch of waffles once the holidays roll around. It’s a Thanksgiving morning custom, but only the prelude to what he calls the “classic major feast” in the afternoon. That designated duty falls on Grams, who is always willing to accept the challenge. There’s the traditional turkey, coupled with a few other favorites that include Mary’s famous sausage cornbread stuffing (see sidebar for recipe) and everyone’s favorite, fresh cranberry sauce (which 16 year old Haley can now make unassisted by Grams). And once in a while, if the waistline will allow, Mary and her daughter will make their favorite “loaded chocolate chip cookies” for the kids to enjoy.
“Our grandchildren don’t know a Thanksgiving that has not been at the lake,” Mary Elzy said.
Besides all the action in the kitchen, the Elzys have always gotten out into the local community for the various holiday events taking place. “We are fortunate to live in a tight knit neighborhood,” explains Mary. “Seventeen families are all within our section of the community. We sometimes have parades on Thanksgiving day, with garden tractors decorated and cars caravanning in the street. It’s always a fun time.”
For years, they took the kids to the nearby Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee to see their grandchildren’s faces light up just as brightly as the resort itself. Now, there are often a number of activities surrounding Lake Oconee to help the Elzys get into the holiday spirit – but, by far, their favorite always comes on Friday after Thanksgiving, when the kids make their annual visit to see Santa Claus at The Lake Club at Reynolds Lake Oconee.
On Sunday, the Elzy family attends services at the Lake Oconee Community Church, followed by their traditional brunch at The Plantation Clubhouse.
“It’s nice to be the place to congregate when the holidays come around,” says Gene Elzy with a grin on his face. “We have lots of room and there are so many things to do. And if there isn’t a planned event, we’ll take a bike ride, or hop in the boat. It’s a great celebration.”
As the holidays come to a close the kids and grandkids will head home, carrying with them newly formed memories to share for the months ahead. And when next year comes back around, you’ll discover that all the ingredients come together for another Elzy holiday. It’ll be one part family and another part tradition mixed with a few special surprises, each different than ones used in year’s prior. But one thing’s for certain with the Elzy clan, come holiday season – their recipe is always one that’s worthy of sharing.
