These things can not exist without each other. I, do not exist without them. When we eat together, I mean really eat, when you take that first bite, look at each other and smile, when we share, we are family.
We all have a lot to blame our families for, we are all emotionally scarred, were forgotten at soccer practice, fed tofu and told it was chicken, dropped on our heads at a young age (sorry little brother) and almost all of it we take pride in blaming, more specifically, on our parents. At any given moment, it is always easier to blame them than take responsibility for our own situations. The one thing I can happily blame on my parents - I know how to share food. My life is more complete, more full, has more meaning, because they taught me to 'eat'.
We were the kids in the chinese restaurant eating with chopsticks while the kids one table over were eating McDonald's.
We were the kids at McDonald's who shared a large coke and fries while the kids one table over all had their own happy meal each.
We were the kids that got excited when we were heading out to try the new polish place while our friends were happier at home with a pizza.
We are the brothers and sisters that will take a bite of food, and when overwhelmed by its deliciousness, pass the remaining half bite onto the next sibling and smile.
Some people say don't talk with your mouth full - I say, if you are eating food that you can wait to talk about it, you're eating the wrong food. And you are definitely eating with the wrong people.
You make a friend for life when you share food. I know the direction a friendship will take the first time we eat together or have a drink. It's the little things, like pulling a bag of baby carrots out of your bag and sharing them with the 6 people around the table, most of whom you've never met. It's holding up your meatball sandwich while your friend takes a bite. It's ripping the last french fry in half so you both get the last bite. It's letting someone take 12 bites of your cheesy chicken pasta, that you know you will never get to eat again, but you are happy they tasted what you tasted and you will forever be able to talk about it. Food people share more than just food, we share our passion, we create things to bring joy to each others taste buds and lives. Always remember to Prost!
I had the honor of making dinner for my "chosen" family last night. Not the one I was born into, but the one I was born to be a part of; my girls who love to share food and wine.
It wasn't just about the food, it was the time we shared while I cooked, meal we ate together and the conversations lingering over one glass of wine too many as the night stretched into the wee hours of the morning.
I was never given the impression that there were rules for food. That there was some right or wrong way to put ingredients together. Nor was I ever discouraged from making any concoction I pleased and subsequently eating it. Thus, the peanut butter and mustard sandwich was created - much to the delight of my childhood partner in crime (now a chef) and this mad food scientist. You may never see what we saw in that sandwich, I believe a great variation on it was to add ham. However, it was the very first and important step on a path that has lead to the meal I created for my family last night:
"Apple Crackers" with Butter Lettuce, Aged Cheddar, Grilled Prosciutto and Cracked Black Pepper. I got the idea for this while wandering around a gourmet food pantry and falling in love with a bushel of apples. So red, so shiny, so sweet and juicy. I proceeded to find the sharpest cheese I could find to counter the sweetness, and really, when is cheese not a good idea? And the prosciutto? Everything tasted better with bacon, everything.
Grilled Zucchini. Never underestimate the joys of a beautifully grilled zucchini slice, marinated simply in olive oil, garlic, salt and lots of pepper. Simple. Delicious. The perfect side dish, especially if you are barbecuing, just do it.
Black Bean Salad with Lime-Paprika Dressing. Don't fear the beans. I will put beans in everything, given the chance. Their al dente texture and creamy flavour improve everything, especially salad.
And the show stopper……..
Pork Cutlets stuffed with mushroom in red wine reduction and wrapped in Prosciutto, drizzled (or drowned) in smoked gouda, cumin and chipotle cheese sauce. I finally did it! I gave in to my desires, pushed aside my fears that maybe pig on pig was too much pig. I love pigs, everything about them - Pork wrapped in bacon, I was not disappointed. Once you've wrapped pork in bacon, it's really not that big a stretch to convince yourself that covering it in creamy, creamy, smokey cheese sauce is the best idea you have every had. I pride myself on my cheese sauce (Käse Sauce - lecker) it is my first memory of proper cooking, on a stove, making a roux and adding cheese until it was near impossible to stir. It's not just a cheesy sauce, its thick, velvety, creamy goodness with a glossy sheen and an aroma that consumes you're senses. To be clear, mac and cheese at my house is a gourmet meal.
Now that you are all lost in a daydream of pigs and cheese, forgetting my earlier lament of the indivisible nature of food and family… you're not listening to me anymore are you?
You can never truly "eat" alone. True love is shared a plate, a glass, laughter and a lifetime. So the next time you bite into an apple and smile, remember to pass it to someone special and smile together.
(thank you mom and dad)
