When the Sous Chef Becomes the Master

[angiej]

This year, for the first time since the early 1950s, my grandmother is not throwing a holiday party. Two strokes this summer meant that she had to give up her home and move to a senior citizen complex with her sister. It also has meant that my grandma's famous cooking has changed because she cannot remember the when and how. (I still can't

Comments

[jonnorthwood]

Thank you for this. It's a reminder to cherish that in our pasts which gives us the gifts to carry into the future.

I learned a lot about how not to cook from my family, but I also learned the joy of a well-baked loaf of bread, a carefully-canned jar of jam or jelly, and a kitchen filled with the scent of contentment.

Blessings to you and yours this holiday season, and thank you for the gift of your friendship.

[avidbeader]

Hee. Sounds like when my dad let me in on the mace he adds to his light rolls. And we still haven't pried my aunt's recipe for her sausage balls out of her.

Thanks for sharing that beautiful tribute to your elder generation.

[tinymich]

Salt isn't a mystery sabotage ingredient, Eb - it makes EVERYTHING taste better. Even - especially - sweets. Flavor enhancer and all. Don't ever forget the pinch of salt!

Thanks for sharing this post. (Qn: what's dump cake?)

[elfundeb]

Thanks for posting the testament to your Grandma. So much of it would be applicable to my mother as well, especially the losses of friends and memory that come with age. My mom was a wonderful cook, too, and she now keeps forgetting things, so now we cook and ask her advice. But such is part of the rhythm of life, and though it is bittersweet at times, I wouldn't have it any other way.

[laidar]

Wow! Thank you for this lovely post. There is alot that resonates with me. All year I have been listening and watching my classmates and going was I that young? did I act like that? and feeling a slight old. I'm not worried about turning 30 but I do not think I measure up to being 30.

Thank you.