Today is my Mom's birthday! Happy Birthday, Mom! Yay! So, obviously, this post is in honor of her. There are so many things I love about my Mom, but one of them is her skill in the kitchen. I'm sure I'm not alone; so many of us grow up learning to cook from and with our parents. I, too, hope W will someday have lovely memories of her time with me in the kitchen.
{Sesame-Spiced Lamb Meatballs and Smashed Chickpea Salad, The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook}
Growing up, we always had a homecooked meal on the table at dinnertime. Family dinner happened almost every night, and my sister and I were responsible for setting and clearing the table. Some people remember specific dishes their parents made when they were kids, and return home as adults to again enjoy those meals. This isn't really the case for me. I cherish moments with my Mom in the kitchen; just being in the kitchen with her. Helping her prep. Talking. Getting out ingredients or dishes. Setting the table. And, of course, trying different creations.
{Harissa Ravioli, adapted from Heidi Swason's Super Natural Every Day}
My mom's cooking has evolved a lot over the years. She's much more adventurous than she once was. (She used to claim she hated curry. We've brought her around!) She now makes so many different dishes. She follows recipes. She improvises meals from the fridge. She now orders specialty ingredients off the internet, and knows the pros and cons of every single one of our small town grocery stores. She does it all, really.
{Sesame Seared Tuna with a Soy Dipping Sauce}
W and I made a trip east at the end of May, and spent a week at my parents' house. Every night but one, we were in the kitchen, drinking a delicious libation; making a new dish. Mom is great about picking out and putting aside recipes she wants to try with me. She picks things she'll know I'll like, and dishes she wants me to help her make. She saves special bottles of wine for us, or makes special cocktails. My dad puts aside good beers for us to share. We always eat and drink well, and this trip was no exception.
{dessert wine from eleven winery on Bainbridge Island // Lug-Tread from Beau's All Natural Brewing Company}
So much deliciousness. So much wonderful time spent with family. It was a great week. Thanks, Mom (and Dad)! I love you.