Though its first meaning is defined as the cordial and gracious reception and entertainment of guests and strangers, its secondary meaning is defined as the ready receptivity to new ideas.

Mt. Lebanon resident Margaret Hooton, stellar cook, musician and Early Childhood Music teacher's engaging personality melds both definitions.

"Teaching children means extending hospitality to them," she said explaining her philosophy as Early Childhood Music Teacher at St Paul's Nursery School, Shady Lane, Carmalt Technical Academy and Teaching Artist in Residence at the Gateway to the Arts.

Hooton's interest in music complements her delight in preparing food and entertaining. Both spring from her South Dakota upbringing. The guitar playing music teacher is one of 10 children - musicians all. Her Mom and Dad still perform.

Hooton and her brother Bob Barnett's Friday after Thanksgiving sing along at the Mt. Lebanon Public Library has become a local holiday tradition. Barnett is a member of the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus. The sibling duo's music extends hospitality to the community.

Her interest in music complements her interest in preparing food and entertaining.. Hooton is a creative hostess who enjoys sharing meals with friends and neighbors. When her children were growing up the Hooton's Halloween open house added a special treat to the evening.

"Music and food go together. Doesn't food all have a story?" she asked

Her own story recalls memories of peeling potatoes and shucking corn in her mother's kitchen. With a family of 12, every night was a dinner party.

Hooton and her husband Michael have four children and requests for mom's special recipes are part of their visits home.

Hooton's cooking preference is fresh food simply prepared. She hustles to the farmer's markets as soon as they open and keeps a bushel of winter squashes in the garage.

The recipes she shares include a no-fail marinade for chicken or lamb and butter pecan crispy cookies. Her mother baked and served the cookies at a reception for the U.S. Army Field Band and Chorus after a performance in Sioux Falls.

Sounds like a refrain. Music, food and hospitality go together.

Butter Pecan

Crispy Cookies

Cream together: 1 cup sugar and 1 cup butter (softened.

Add: 11/2 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon soda

11/2 teaspoon cream of tarter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix together.

Fold in one half cup chopped pecans and 2 cups crushed (but not pulverized) corn flakes.

Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees until golden brown. You will have to watch them. While still warm, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Yield: about 26 cookies.

Marinade for

chicken or lamb

Combine and marinate about 2 hours in the refrigerator. Margaret suggests a Ziplock baggie, turning now and then to keep every part of the meat covered.

For the Marinade, combine three quarters cup olive oil, three quarters cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons dry mustard, 1 teaspoon salt,(Margaret suggests Lawrey's Garlic Salt), 1 tablespoon ground pepper, one fourth cup balsamic vinegar, one third cup fresh lemon juice, one fourth cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 garlic crushed garlic cloves.

Grill meat over charcoal fire until medium rare, basting occasionally with reserved marinade. Never reuse marinade, especially with poultry.