I’ve been so upset with political and job woes and have to get back to food. Jim called me to join a gathering this evening that was enjoyable. An eclectic collection of folks and while Jim found someone to talk to about software the others talked about a variety of things.
At some point, my blog was pulled up and scrutinized. I got a thumbs-up. We brought some chips, salsa and beer and fresh cherries. The cherries got the most scrutiny from a cherry expert.
I wanted to tell you about our beloved Steve. He’s Jim’s uncle, a bit slow mentally, but he has his issues and makes them known. He’s really into trains. Taking a train is the best, but having three different gauge tracks running around the room and ceiling is fantastic. We helped do that the first year I met Jim, a couple of months before we married.
As we may move, I’m working our way through our ersatz pantry and I always keep a can of Beanie Weenies around. Elsewhere in the country you don’t know what I’m talking about but it’s basically franks and beans.
If I make something Stevie doesn’t like or won’t eat I go to the can of Beanie Weenies. A couple of years ago we took Nanny and Steve to a local restaurant that does the Asian grill and fire and all because Jim thought Steve would like it. Steve loved the fire and acrobatics but only ate a couple of pieces of teriyaki chicken because that’s what he likes. And that’s why I keep that can around, always hoping that he and Nanny will visit.
Going through the pantry, I find a life that I might have to leave behind. Beans used for pie weights. Sicilian babas in limoncello, hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, et al.
Some, like partial containers of pasta, have no meaning for me but the babas do. They’re from Rocco who’s restaurant was next door to our flat in Scotland.
You might be interested in knowing that the most popular hit on this site is “How to Eat a Concord Grape.” More people want to know about Concord grapes than about the writer of this blog!
Food is that important, tastes and smells from childhood will be with me forever. I hope you’ll stick with me for a while, too. Cheers, Dee
Cooking with Dee 