There are a lot of memories in my kitchen. My kitchen, you see, was my grandmother's kitchen. Her house, is currently my house. Many times I've stood at her stove, and thought of all of the meals that my various family members have prepared there. I can't even imagine a number, but it's a lot. She left us last April, at the young age of 96, and I think of her often. It's impossible not to, when we're living in the place where she and my grandfather made a home.
I miss them both a great deal.
That being said, though, there are so many things that remind me of her, and others, when it comes down to making a meal. Certain recipes remind me of certain people, and probably always will. I can't smoke a brisket without thinking of my brother. A very specific chocolate chip cookie recipe reminds me of my Aunt P. ... chopped onions in anything and everything, remind me of my dad.
Food is pretty emotional.
Last week, we were gifted a few pieces of leftover dessert that my mom had made for a mid-week Lenten supper at church. Surprisingly, in that Tupperware container were a few pieces of the lemon dessert that my grandmother made. I always loved that dessert, but I never have made it on my own. Jay is not a big fan of lemon, so I suppose that's a reason I have never made it. I have no business consuming a 9x13 pan of dessert by myself!
I have posted the recipe here, just in case anyone wants to make it. Trust me, it's decadent.
What recipes remind you of loved ones?
--SH