Chicken Livers?

Whenever I have the opportunity to order chicken livers, I do! You might be wondering why, but that would mean you’ve never had Nikki Turner’s chicken livers!

In fact, Donna’s mother had a bundle of talents, and she seemed to never run out of energy! I loved being around her.

She could cook most any Southern dish. I have so many memories of her standing over the sink peeling potatoes to go with her delicious barbecue chicken. Mom always tried to get me to taste sweet potatoes, but I just couldn’t stand the thought of them. However, one day helping Donna set the table, I got a whiff of the sweet aroma drifting from the turquoise wall oven. Wonder why I have always dreaded trying these? They look great. So, I did, and I’ve never passed up the dish since. This is similar to how my love for chicken livers began. I can just see me in my young years turning up my nose to the thought of putting liver to my lips, but once again…the scent sailed through the air, and I was captured. Since then, I have eaten many little livers, not beef—now that is still  gross, but only one comes close to hers. That would be Aunt Anna’s, and they probably had the same recipe.

Dream Deliverer

Her girly gifts went beyond the kitchen door and into her little sewing room. There she began mending and stitching to help make ends meet. But she had a bigger purpose for all these seams; she had a dream for an in-ground pool for her family. It didn’t take long for her goal to be achieved. In the 80’s I did not know any other family who had a pool in their backyard! We enjoyed many summer days with the to of us practicing our Olympic synchronized swimming routines!

Nikki wasn’t just an ordinary seamstress. She was a dream deliverer too. I had the privilege of viewing so many bright-eyed brides beam with excitement as they tried on their dress, and she made alterations. When it was time to create my wedding dress in 1989, there was no question about who would do it. Every step of the process was precious to me. First, we went shopping “to find my style” she explained. Then she led me to discover the exact lacey patches that would represent my femininity. She was patient with my indecisiveness and listened to my every idea. By the time she was finished, I felt like a princess!

Little five foot two Nikki Turner was a second mom, and giver of my best friend!