Look Who’s Cooking: Chonita Terry
Courtesy photo
Name: Chonita F. Terry
Age: 62
Occupation: Choir director at Belmont Christian Church, retired from Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Nominated by: Daughter Jennifer Smith, who wrote: “Every night growing up we had a home-cooked meal on the table. When my brothers and I got older and more involved in after-school activities, there was often a pot of soup or chili simmering on the stove so anybody could run by and grab a bite on the run. Our house was always the gathering place for friends – my mom was everyone’s mom and nobody was turned away.”
Why I love cooking: I’ve always said that so long as my kids want to come home and eat, the time and effort is worth it. Knowing that I’ve provided what my family needs and enjoys gives me a great deal of satisfaction. Few things make a mother happier than when her children ask for the same dishes every holiday because they love to eat them, and because it reminds them of special memories.
To continue reading about Chonita, click here.
Click the link to see her recipe for Peter Paul Mounds Cake.
January 1, 2012 - 10:48 AM
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I made this cake and it was out-of-this-world. Everybody who likes coconut went crazy for it. Next time I make it, I might poke a few holes in the cake before I pour on the coconut topping. Otherwise, it was super easy and decadent. Even after a week, when the cake had begun to get a little stale, we microwaved it for about 15 seconds and it became moist again (the gooey topping doesn’t hurt!)
Thank you so much for featuring my mom in your column! She’s just a wonderful person (and cook) who does so much for her family and it goes unrecognized much of the time. It’s not unnoticed, but she prefers to be in the background. I am thrilled to be able to share just a small part with everyone.
PS – we can’t believe your cake lasted a week! I don’t think we’ve ever had one last more than 24 hours.
Jennifer, the only reason it lasted that long is because there were 100 other types of cakes and cookies around for the holidays
I was thinking of making Ms. Terry’s cake for our next pot-luck! It sounds wonderful, and since Almond Joy is one of my favorite candies, I’d have to add some toasted almonds to the top.
Jennifer – thanks for sharing your mom with us!