Mock Hostess Ho-Ho Sheet Cakes at 2013 Teibel's Valentine's Day Charity Luncheon

A line of Mock Hostess Ho-Ho Cakes, baked by Times Columnist Philip Potempa's mother Peggy, line tables at Teibel's Restaurant in Schererville last month for a 2013 Valentine's Day charity luncheon.

Times Columnist Philip Potempa with Parents Peggy and Chester and Actress Mitzi Gaynor in March 2010

Times Columnist Philip Potempa (left) is joined by his parents Peggy and Chester Potempa and singer/actress Mitzi Gaynor backstage at Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville in this March 2010 file photo.

Ruth Schumacher (left) with San Pierre Ladies Bowling Team in May 1989

Ruth Schumacher (left) at the May 1989 San Pierre Ladies Bowling Team Banquet, with bowling friends (seated left to right) Bernita Amm, Ruth's daughter Andrea Schumacher, Carol Yost, and standing behind, Lee Spurgeon and Peggy Potempa (in stripe blazer), mother of Times Columnist Philip Potempa.

Anne Eckert's Zucchini Bread

Fresh and moist zucchini bread, created by Times Columnist Philip Potempa's mother Peggy, is easy to make, using a simple family recipe by retired farm town teacher Anne Eckert.

FROM the FARM: Mushrooms not just a Halloween recipe ingredient

Happy Halloween!

Andy Williams with Times Columnist Philip Potempa and his Parents Chester and Peggy in 2005

Singer Andy Williams with Times Columnist Philip Potempa, right, and Phil's parents Chester and Peggy backstage following Williams' December 2005 Christmas concert.

FROM the FARM: Time for 7th Annual Hammond Pie Contest

Reader Marty Wheeler, of Crown Point, called me last week for advice about an event her group is hosting later this fall.

FROM the FARM: Robertsdale reader likes easy 'table cucumber recipe'

Thank you to the many readers who participated in a parade of friendly canines for last Saturday's charity pet event in Robertsdale near Whiting and Hammond.

Bill Hughes, Peggy Potempa and Irene Hughes celebrate Bill's 93rd Birthday in January 2011

Peggy Potempa, (center) mother of Times Columnist Philip Potempa, chats with psychic Irene Hughes, 90, (right) and her husband Bill, 93, in Crete, Ill. in January 2011.

Ed and Lorraine "Blondie" Wappel and Peggy and Chester Potempa September 2003

Ed and Lorraine "Blondie" Wappel and Peggy and Chester Potempa are shown at a September 2003 anniversary party at Drury Lane Martinique Dinner Theatre in Evergreen Park, Ill., which closed after one last New Year's Eve Bash later that year.

Times Columnist Philip Potempa and his mother Peggy

TURKEY TIP - - Is your family fond of only white meat for the main entree or are you entertaining a limited number of guests? Times Columnist Philip Potempa sometimes follows his mom Peggy's preference for only purchasing the "on the bone" turkey breast option, sold by Butterball and perfect…

Peggy Potempa and Milton Berle

Times Columnist Philip Potempa's mother Peggy is shown with comedian Milton Berle in this 1994 photo at Mackinac Island, Mich.

FROM the FARM: Run pushes Jackie Kennedy tea date back one week

Phil Potempa's weekly farm column recipe.

Bill Hughes, Peggy Potempa and Irene Hughes

Peggy Potempa, (center) mother of Times Columnist Philip Potempa, chats with psychic Irene Hughes, 90, (right) and her husband Bill, 93, at their new home at a retirement community in Crete, Ill.

A Family Moment

Times Columnist Philip Potempa (right), is shown with his parents Chester and Peggy in front of their farm display of custom birdhouses crafted by Chester and Peggy's homemade jams and pickles, at the Touch of Elegance charity luncheon hosted by St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, held at Ava…

OFFBEAT: Enter contest to join me, along with Mom, for dinner and GSU's fun holiday play

FOOD AND FAITH - - Times Columnist Philip Potempa (left) is shown with his mother Peggy and parish priest Rev. William Spranger in April 2008 with Easter food at the annual church gathering.

FROM the FARM: Reader looking for mom's old-fashioned apple slices recipe

Philip Potempa's weekly farm recipe column.

Family Faces

FAMILY FACES - - Times Columnist Philip Potempa is shown in this July 2009 photo with his parents Chester and Peggy and nephew Quentin in Downtown Whiting, Ind. following juding of an Homemade Ice Cream Contest and book signing for Phil's second cookbook, which features his mom's stuffed gre…

Red and Green

RED AND GREEN - - A bounty of tiny Roma tomatoes along with a few nestled green bell peppers from Philip Potempa's family farm are shown displayed at a recent event, along with a selection of the Times columnist's father Chester's homemade birdhouses. Roma and Plum tomato varieties are used …