If you were ever fortunate enough to put your feet under Alice Mercer's table, then you know what a truly excellent cook she was.  I first found that out back in the ‘70s when I was in college and spent almost as much time at Rhea House as I did at my own house.  It seemed that Mrs. Mercer was always busy planning some event with the perfect menu to suit the occasion.

During my college years, I had many a Christmas dinner there.  Her Arroz con Pollo was a specialty of hers which she often served for her Christmas meal. She perfected the recipe based on her experiences growing up in Cuba as a Methodist missionary's daughter. She usually accompanied it with a green vegetable casserole, buttered carrots and fresh hot rolls.


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