My dad used to say that a pot of brown beans on the stove should be part of every marriage certificate. He used to eat his with cream. I’ve never seen anyone else eat beans that way. I can’t imagine brown beans eaten this way without thinking of my dad. He also hoped to be rich enough someday to have a wedge of iceberg lettuce with a dollop of mayonnaise on it whenever he wanted it. We never had sheep or liver. Everything was built around dad’s palate. He was born with a birth defect that necessitated him eating huge amounts of iron rich food everyday. He swore he would never eat liver again the rest of his life and I don’t think he ever did.
Now my mom’s food choices were totally different. She loved sliced tomatoes sprinkled with sugar. We always had bowls of sliced cucumbers in vinegar at dinner. Who knew that pickled veggies on the table would become so trendy. She loved experimenting. I don’t think she ever met a casserole she didn’t want to try. I think Minnesota is the casserole king of the country. They always had salmon and peas on the 4th of July. She called it Good and Plenty, like the candy. She told us the stories of the 4th every year. I think it started my love of Independence Day.
So keep track of who’s eating what and start your own food memories. I never met a soup I didn’t like. My bro is the oyster king. G loves hot dogs. Keep your eyes peeled and you will spot everyone’s favorites and then whenever you eat it you will think of them. You will live forever that way.
*****From the Recipe Box:
Food memories are the legacy you leave of yourself to your family.
and remember: Keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing and there is so much to smile about. Big kiss, Lynn
From the Recipe Box 