Dedicated to the memory of Carol M. Simons (12/25/1934-6/26/2024)

Regular readers of Kim’s Kitchen probably know that my dad, Jack I. Simons, taught me a great deal about flavor profiles and cooking. But what you may not know is how much of my creativity comes from my mom, Carol M. Simons.

Mom was a gifted artist in her own right. She could sew and embroider beautifully. She was also quite the sculptor. Among her prized possessions were a series of wooden buildings she created, depicting iconic places in Liberty, NY—including the Town and Country building, Goody’s restaurant and bar, and the Town of Liberty government building. She designed elegant clothing as well.

And though my dad loved to cook—he was often responsible for family meals—my mom was no slouch in the kitchen, either. She was particularly fond of making new things. But desserts were her real joy. There was this strawberry-pretzel-Jell-O concoction that she just loved to make, and even very late in life, she was pleased to serve her great-grandsons Jell-O topped with whipped cream.

After my dad died in 2006, Mom and I did a lot together. She helped me teach art classes to kids at her house, and helped me with sip-and-paint classes at various local and regional venues. She knew her stuff, and it was great to have her around. She was a problem-solver and offered encouragement to those in the class.

She also had a wicked sense of humor. Anybody who knew Carol Simons has a story to tell about a hilarious comment she made or a prank that she pulled. When I was pulling together pictures to be exhibited at her funeral, my husband Fleck was somewhat taken aback by the images.

“Was there no camera she couldn’t mug for?” he cracked with a smile.

Before she got too sick to go out in public, Fleck and I would take her grocery shopping at least once a week and out to dinner at least twice that—her favorite spot was Mr. G’s in Liberty, where she could sip bourbon sours and munch on chicken tenders while holding court at a corner table. Of course, there would always be someone from the old days who knew her and would stop by to share laughs about the past.

Mom was charitable for sure, spending countless hours at the VFW Post in Liberty—which she and my dad helped create—as well as at the Liberty firehouse. 

One of my favorite, more recent memories of her is at Fireman’s Park in Liberty during the summer of last year. Fleck and I had volunteered to help with the clam bake, so Mom was brought to the event by an understanding caregiver. Well, you would have thought the Queen of England had arrived! She was fawned over by a slew of old friends, and still had enough of her faculties to know it. She had an absolutely perfect day.

Mom loved hosting parties. She loved having people over, making food for them, and seeing them have a good time. During the week, she would still dress up at the house on the off-chance that someone might drop by.

Of course, given that she was born on December 25, she loved Christmas Day. (Interestingly, in spite of being Jewish, my dad did as well.) She would always make a big breakfast and the presents would be opened. Everyone knew that Christmas was Open House at the Simons’, and we’d finish up with a huge, delicious Christmas dinner. I don’t think the Cratchits did Christmas any better!

That’s why this month’s project is chocolate balloon cups. Mom made these all the time, filling them with chocolate mousse, berries, or chocolate pudding and whipped cream. She especially took delight in the times when the balloons would pop in the process of dipping them—something you’ll enjoy seeing in the tutorial video I’ve provided.

As always, make the project your own. Have a favorite candy? Fill your cups with that. Is there a cookie that makes your day? Crush ‘em up and put ‘em in your cup. This is a simple but delicious project that helps you to bring joy.

Carol Simons would have approved.

Miss you, Mom, and love you. But thanks for all you taught me.

Kim M. Simons is an artist, food artist and cake artist. A two-time Food Network champion, Kim is also a gifted teacher and is available for individual or group classes. Find Kim at www.cakesbykimsimons.com, or give her a call at 201/655-1158.