Recently Jim Zabel, local sports legend, spoke at our Noon meeting and updated us on all the things that have happened in the area of sports in Iowa over the last year. 
Jim and I were talking about a variety of things, both past and present. His “Fabulous Pink Apron Cook Book” came up. Let me refresh your memory, or for the younger readers, I’ll introduce you to the cook book, a compilation of recipes sent to Jim. Jim hosted a radio show titled “Call Jim Zabel” on the 50,000 watt clear channel voice of WHO-AM radio transmitting from Des Moines, Iowa. At that time WHO radio had a slogan, “From Coast-to-Coast and Then Some” so he was heard the world over. To make a long story short, in 1969 he published the first of what turned out to be three cook books in the “Pink Apron Series.” Two other books followed in 1970 and 1972. Each book had between 400 and 500 recipes that were sent with love to him over the years. 
As we continued to chat Jim mentioned he still receives requests for them today. I asked if he had more cook books and, if so, would he donate them to be sold at a giant garage sale Ruby Van Meter School in Des Moines. He said he would check and get back to me. He called and said his wife Jill rummaged around and found all three in the series and if I wanted to pick them up I could. When I picked them up he told me the first (blue) 
in the series was the hardest to come by and he hoped that the books would help Ruby Van Meter raise a little money. As I was driving to our next Sertoma luncheon after picking the cook books up and thumbing through them, I had a crazy thought. Would anyone at Sertoma be interested in purchasing the “Pink Apron Cook Books” if I auctioned them at the meeting? So I told everyone what I had in mind and they were receptive. So, sight unseen, the auction started and when all the bids were in Kevin Krause was the proud owner of all three cook books and he paid $130 for them. I was jubilant when the bidding was over, so much so, as soon as the meeting was adjourned I called Jim in Arizona and told him how much money we got for the cook books. He was overwhelmed and happy that his donation sold for as much money as they did and that it went to such a good cause. He told me he was so pleased that he was going so celebrate by taking his wife Jill to dinner after all she was the one who rounded up the books! Kevin wrote out a check for $130 to Ruby Van Meter School. (http://www.dmps.k12.ia.us/schools/3VanMeter/index.htm) When I gave the Booster Club the check, they knew just where and how they were going to spend the money. The students of Ruby Van Meter School were the winners. Thank you Jim, for your donation and thank you, Kevin, for your interest and generosity.
As a side bar, this is the third consecutive year that Jim has been to our meetings to update the sports scene in Iowa, to talk about great moments and games at the University of Iowa, and to tell us about his celebrated career. I think we Sertomans are endearing ourselves to Jim as evidenced by the fact that he brought his CD and offered it as a prize and his donation of the “Pink Apron Cook Book” series to raise some money for Ruby Van Meter School. If Jim isn’t careful, we will get him to become a Sertoma member soon!
Before I end Jim, reminded me I would be remiss if I didn’t leave you with his most requested recipe over the years, so here it is:
BLUE PUNCH
1 gal. water ............ 11 (6 oz.) cans frozen lemonade
1/2 c. sugar
Mix together, then add food coloring together and add slowly – just 1 scant tablespoon blue coloring, 1/4 tablespoon green coloring, just a few drops at a time to shade desired.
Then add:
11 (12 oz.) bottles 7-Up ............ 1/2 gal. Pineapple sherbet
This recipe serves 50 – 75, depending on size of cups. Could be cut down if necessary.
Well, there you have it a winner in Ruby Van Meter School and the “Fabulous Pink Apron Cook Book” recipe for Blue Punch. What more could you ask for? Thank you again, Jim Zabel and Kevin Krause.
Craig Randall
2006 - 2007 Club President