Traditions On The Table & I'm Not Talking About Pasta!!!!

If you read my blog, you know I am a nostalgic person. Today, is my daughter's "family birthday party". She turns 15 this Friday, but we always celebrate birthdays on Sunday's, so all of the family can be together.

Now, back to my story.....when I was growing up, there was NEVER, AND I MEAN NEVER, a holiday, or family birthday, without a bottle of "Vess" soda pop. SERIOUSLY! Every picture I have of all my brothers' birthdays, mine included, have one of us blowing out the candles (except Dr. Jim, read the Dec. 23, 2006 blog, about the missing birthday cake)and sitting there, on the kitchen, or dining room table, was a bottle of "Vess" soda pop. Forget Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite, WE DRANK VESS!!

"Vess Soda" was made in St. Louis, Mo., by Vess Jones, and the factory is in the old "Soda Pop District" in St. Louis.

Can you imagine all of the traditions growing up and the memories I have of Nana rolling meatballs, the big table full of pasta and veal, my Papa, in the background in his smoking jacket, with his big smile. Nana posing for pictures, Mom & Dad cooking etc etc etc...the list goes on and on. But, the one thing that I truly remember about each and every festive occassion, I REMEMBER, "VESS" SODA POP!


Before the diet craze and other soda, I grew up on Vess Red Cream, Vess Grape, & Vess Strawberry, and my Dad's favorite, Vess Fruit Punch. Vess Black Cherry was not always available. There was a Vess Cola, but I only remember Dad putting that over the Easter Ham, SERIOUSLY.

Thanks to my brother Sal, for reminding me today about "Vess Soda", now I hope we can figure out how to put our old photos on this blog! As a matter of fact, I have the old boy out right now buying some "Vess" at Paul's Liquor Store on 55th and The Paseo. Hey, c'mon, I can't break the tradition. I bet your thirsty right now after reading this? As for me, it's back to my home kitchen. I have 20 people coming for dinner and a menu to die for!!


"Vess Soda Pop" Cookies

16 oz angel food cake mix
½ cup Vess Strawberry soda
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups shredded coconut
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
large bowl
cookie sheet
parchment paper

In large bowl, beat cake mix, soda, and extract on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 1 minute. Fold in, with a spatula, coconut and nuts. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Drop by teaspoonsful onto the prepared cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 8 ½ minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool. Scrape off of paper. Makes 2 ½ dozen large cookies