Memories

I remember traveling with my family as a kid. We always had to dress up to be in the car, even at 4:00 in the morning. Finally I asked if we could wear shorts and T’s (matching, of course) during the trip and 11 hours later when we’re nearing our destination we can change in the car? OK. This was a milestone in my negotiating skills.

My introduction to fish was HoJo’s (that’s Howard Johnson’s to you) tendersweet fried clams. It was a clear departure from my usual menu at home and I loved them with lemon, not tartar sauce. We didn’t have a lot of money and stayed at HoJo’s or Holiday Inn (story to follow) when we had to stay at a hotel.

The folks started getting rental houses along the Virginia and Maryland beaches over spring break. That was great. OK I have to tell you this, Mom made us wear bathing caps in the ocean as if losing a strand of hair was going to stop up the drain. My sister and I had a pact. Wait for the first wave to come up, dive down to the sand and bury the cap. We couldn’t have hurt the environment much because we were only 20′ out to sea and they washed up. But this was ridiculous, and we weren’t at the age when we were remotely interested in how we looked to boys.

Maryland crab cakes. I remember making them with former roommate Liz, going to the market in D.C. Also eating them, whenever I can, whenever they’re fresh, pure and not filled with bread crumbs and mayonnaise.

I love my husband dearly but he cannot eat fish, at all. I miss it so much. Take a salmon steak (do you know how to break it down and make it boneless and skinless? I can show you) or filet. Sweat some leeks. Coat the top of the salmon with grainy mustard. Place the salmon on a piece of parchment cut into a heart, you remember from Kindergarten valentines, atop the leeks. Seal the package and cook it on a sheet pan in a 450 degree oven for 8-9 minutes until done. Open it and it smells fantastic. Yes, thin lemon slices atop might enhance the dish. If you do an entire side of salmon, change the timing.

Fish, I love fish. But Jim’s a meat and potatoes guy. If it’s not beef, it’s not dinner. I’ve stretched those limits and continue to do so with vegetarian lasagne and more. Mac and cheese with interesting cheeses and a salad. I’ve even re-introduced the “wedge” of iceberg with fat-free Thousand Island dressing. I don’t even make it because he says every vinaigrette I make is too acidic.

So, we’re headed to LA for a family reunion before our anniversary. Any ideas for what to do, where to eat? I’ve been perusing art museums. We won’t have much time with family at all, at best one day. Zoe has daycare and kennel. Dee