Grandma’s Kitchen: The Heart of Small Town Living
By: Madeline Steffler
In every small town, nestled between rolling hills or sprawling fields, there’s always one person who stands out among the rest. They’re the heart and soul of the community, a familiar face that everyone knows and loves — especially for their cooking. In the small town of Columbus, Indiana, that was Katie Vandergriff.
Katie Vandergriff, also my grandmother, was known affectionately as “Mrs. Katie” to many, and was always known for her warmth, kindness, and legendary peanut butter blossom cookies. Whether grabbing groceries at the local grocery store or strolling through Columbus’ downtown park, it was common to run into Mrs. Katie.
The feeling that people just like “Mrs. Katie” and their cooking bring to small town residents is unmatched. At the heart of every small town, there’s always one person who embodies the “grandma” of the town.
You’ll find someone like Katie everywhere you go in small towns. She is the friendly face who you run into at the grocery store, the kind voice who answers the phone anytime you need her, and the warm smile that hands you freshly baked cookies. What embodies every town’s version of “grandma” is the kind person who always offers a word of advice, or shares a good old-fashioned recipe.
Vandergriff’s connections in Columbus began many years ago when she took up roles at the city’s high school and her church’s pre-school. As an employee, she was more than just a face behind a desk; she was a beacon of compassion, offering support and guidance to students and families alike. Her genuine care for others extended beyond the confines of her job, as she volunteered her time and efforts wherever they were needed.
Beyond making her impact on the town’s education system, Vandergriff was renowned for her culinary skills, with her peanut butter blossom cookies being a particular favorite among locals. Often, her home would play host to parties for various events and holidays, where attendees eagerly anticipated the chance to indulge in her incredible cooking.
People like Vandergriff are sometimes known for their cooking and baking skills. Whether it’s a batch of homemade cookies, a comforting casserole, or a mouthwatering pie, their kitchens are always filled with delicious smells and irresistible treats.
Before she passed away, it was in her own home that Vandergriff truly shone. Known for her hospitality, she opened her doors wide to friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. Her gatherings were legendary, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and, of course, the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting from her kitchen.
“Growing up, I always felt like one of her granddaughters. At least that’s how she treated me. I remember going to her house with my family all the time and getting so excited to see her,” said Lauren Opalka, a close family friend of the Vandergriff family.
Vandergriff’s culinary prowess was renowned throughout Columbus, with her peanut butter blossom cookies holding a special place in everyone’s hearts. Whether it was a birthday celebration, a holiday feast, or simply a casual get-together, Vandergriff’s cookies were always the star of the show.
Vandergriffs life was cut short when she suffered a heart attack in her home in August 2019. After 13 days in the hospital, Vandergriff lost her battle and passed away on August 13th, the day after her 62nd birthday. The tragic news prompted an outpouring of support and condolences from the community.
In the wake of her passing, many have sought solace in preserving Vandergriff’s legacy. Among the numerous requests flooding in from grieving community members are pleas for the sharing of her cherished recipes, particularly her famed peanut butter blossom cookies.
“It was so crazy to me how many people loved and wanted her recipes, but I can understand why. I remember how much you loved those cookies, and she made sure to have a huge plate sitting on the table every time we came to visit,” said Melodie Steffler, Vandergriffs step-daughter.
In response to the demand, Vandergriff’s family has expressed their intention to honor her wishes by making her recipes available to the public. They hope that by sharing these cherished recipes, they can keep her spirit alive and continue spreading the joy she brought to so many lives.
People like Katie Vandergriff are what make small-town living so special. These people are the heart and soul of small-towns alike. They become incredibly important people to so many, and people look to them as a source of wisdom, kindness and endless homemade treats.
Though Katie Vandergriff may no longer grace the streets of Columbus with her presence, her spirit remains woven into the fabric of the town. Her acts of kindness, her delicious cookies, and, most importantly, her unwavering love for her community serve as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others.
Nana’s Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Additional granulated sugar
- About 36 Hershey’s® Kisses® Brand milk chocolates, unwrapped
Preparation:
- Heat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup granulated sugar, the brown sugar, peanut butter, butter and egg with an electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with a spoon, until well blended. Stir in flour, baking soda and baking powder until dough forms.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in additional granulated sugar. On ungreased cookie sheets, place about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown. Immediately press 1 milk chocolate candy in the center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheets to the cooling rack.
