October 14, 2009 9:38:00 AM

Jan Swoope

For Linder Burt, preparing lunch and supper for a dozen adults every day isn’t a hardship; it’s a life-saving blessing.

As head cook at Recovery House, a substance abuse treatment facility for women, Linder brings very personal insight to the unique environment. Only 18 months ago, she herself arrived homeless and helpless at the Lowndes County agency, in dire need of treatment.

“I had nowhere to go, no clothes, nothing. When I walked in the door I felt love, I felt warm, I felt everything,” she shared.

For years, the Clarksdale native had been fighting an uphill battle, plagued by unhealthy relationships and addictions.

“I felt like I was running for my life,” she said, recalling fleeing to Chicago in the 1980s to escape an abusive boyfriend. At one low point, she was homeless, living on the streets of the Windy City, deep into a crack cocaine habit.

It would take her sister’s death to bring Linder back to Mississippi in 1988. Unfamiliar with the drug culture back home, crack was replaced with legal and more easily accessible alcohol. Over time, Linder would make steps forward — finding a place to stay, getting a job, raising her children — but spiraling alcohol abuse was bringing her to a crisis point.

After enduring a seizure from long-term alcohol use, the 47-year-old mother of two decided enough was enough. Linder underwent detoxification for 10 days in Batesville and transferred to Recovery House on April 2, 2008.

“When I came to Recovery House, I felt like I had found a mansion,” she said.

After three months in the recovery program and eight months in transition, a sober and settled Linder now lives in independent housing. To her delight, her 18-year-old daughter recently came to live with her.

New doors

Whatever doubts Linder may have had in March when first offered the position of head cook at the facility where she went through treatment have long since disappeared.

“Boy, now I feel like today this is my life. I am back at home, and I love it. There is just something about this place.”

Prior to treatment at the United Way agency, Linder had learned how to prepare meals for large groups by volunteering at Care Station, a facility for feeding the hungry and homeless in Clarksdale.

“I like helping others; I like to work with the public,” she said. “I can relate to the girls here; they can ask me questions, and I can help them keep a positive attitude while they go through this program.”

Working within a budget, Linder is responsible for planning menus, doing all shopping and preparing lunch and supper Monday through Friday each week. Different salads and soups are some of her favorites to make.

“I enjoy being around these people, people I consider like me, and cooking for the clients here,” she said. “It’s just the ideal job for me. I’ve worked on and off at fast food places before, but it’s nothing like cooking for people who enjoy my meals. I feel like I’m right here at home, where I learned to live a sober life.

“I hope they’ll let me retire from here.”

Linder shares three favorite Recovery House recipes below. All will serve at least 12 people.

(Editor’s note: The editor thanks Meagan Coughlin, project coordinator of the United Way Community Volunteer Center, for information included in this article.)

Mexican Cornbread

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Three eggs, beaten

One 15-ounce can of cream style corn

1 1/3 cups milk

1 tablespoon sugar

3 cups self-rising cornmeal

Three or four hot chilies, chopped

One onion, chopped

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• Heat oil in cast iron skillet at 375 degrees.

• Beat eggs, corn, milk and sugar in a bowl. Add the cornmeal and mix well.

• Stir in chilies, onion and cheese. Pour the hot oil into the batter and mix well. Pour the batter into the hot skillet and bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until golden brown.

Taco casserole

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

One onion, chopped

One garlic clove

Two small cans tomatoes

One can cream of mushroom soup

One package taco seasoning

1-1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

One 5-ounce package noodles, cooked

• Cook and drain noodles; cook meat, onions and garlic and then drain the grease.

• Add all other ingredients in a casserole dish, except cheese. Spread cheese on top and bake until hot and the cheese has melted.

Recovery House Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken (Five leg quarters)

One to two onions, chopped, to taste

One to two bell peppers, chopped, to taste

2 pounds Velveeta cheese

2 cans Rotel tomatoes

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

16 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked in chicken broth

• Boil chicken, seasoned with lemon pepper, garlic, salt and pepper, to taste. Debone chicken.

• Sauté onions and bell peppers in broth. Add Rotel, cheese and chicken. Mix all ingredients. Cover and bake at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes.