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The Secret Ingredient

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     I like to measure the ingredients and lay them all out before starting a new recipe. The other day when Lily was going to be in the kitchen making dinner for us, I began to wonder, as I looked at my spice shelf. What is the most important ingredient or spice that I have? What is used the most? What ingredient is the most important overall? Seems like salt is used in most recipes. But what type? Sea salt, Iodized, Kosher, or Seasoned Salt. What ingredient or spice will make Lily's version of Sweet Pepper Pasta with Sausage special? All was laid out ready for Lily to add in the order the recipe called for. She executed with perfection.
      As I watched her grate the Parmesan cheese that finishes the dish, it came to me. The secret ingredient. The one that for me makes every meal special. SHARING ! When finished, I realized that this really good meal, first introduced to me by my Son and Daughter-in-law, was indeed just as good as the time they served it. It is that secret ingredient. The peppers and hot Italian sausage are spicy warm. The pinch of cayenne certainly adds some warmth. But nothing warms me more than the SHARING . The kitchen time and meal with loved ones and friends is my spice of life. Yes the SHARING is the ingredient that makes every meal special for me.
     I am not sure flavor even matters. A case in point. About 35 years ago I made a recipe of Hoppin John from a cookbook written by a well known chef. It was not edible. My children and I tried but we couldn't eat it. To this day I don't know whether I made a mistake making it or was it just that bad? Even so that meal has been shared and shared . We still talk about it, laugh about it and remember the day that dad tried to make Hoppin John. Seems it was successful after all. 35 years and still going!
     Now the wonderful thing about the spice, SHARING, it is not just for the kitchen. You might sprinkle a little SHARING at the park, library, YMCA, hockey game, house boat, church or where ever you like to be. It works equally anywhere. This spice is generally free although sometimes it can get expensive. But I find that the return on my investment in SHARING is well worth the cost. Now I just recently have come across a new recipe for Hoppin John. Maybe its time I shared that again? Anybody game?

Comments

  1. hughesfamilyJanuary 25, 2018 at 1:48 PM

    So. I am a horrible cook, but I am an English teacher. I can’t relate to your cooking skills (I wish I could!), but I love, love your word choices and how you tell a story!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rex and Ty's Food BlogJanuary 26, 2018 at 6:25 AM

      Thank you for the kind words. I have started rather late in life to try to be a writer, but I am trying. Ty says if you get near the Bristol area, let us know. We will make dinner for you and you maybe could share some writing tips.

      Delete

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