Some of the time, I am a Chef de Cuisine, preparing catering orders, practicing as a Private Chef and teaching others my craft. But all the time, I am a home-cook (with some added skills). I’m just saying, I usually cook for my family, just like you do. And I’m not always ‘inspired’…
Delicious, tender Chicken Fricassée. No! Wait! We’re having that on Sunday…
Friday, 13 January, 2017
6:45 a.m. – Just back from walking the dog. Here in the near sub-Acrtic, it is still pitch dark at this time. Looked up to see a full Moon. Friday 13 and a full Moon. Double whammy. Just know that nothing I try to cook today will turn out. Pooh!
8:11 a.m. – Ominous clouds are rolling in from the West…
10:20 a.m. – Just finished cleaning up the Kitchen. Left it in disgusting condition last night after preparing Breaded Filet of Sole over Spicy Orange Rice for supper. One glass of wine, business as usual. Two glasses, dishes sit until after watching Jeopardy with Mother and putting her to bed. Three glasses, to heck with the dishes. Looked in fridge and found no inspiration for supper tonight. Options: Chicken Fricassée, Scalloped Potato and Leftover Veg Casserole, ‘Last Resort’ Quiche. But from here, it looks like Toasted Cheese. It is now dull, windy and snowy outside.
1:23 p.m. – Mother has had her doctor-prescribed meal replacement beverage and her afternoon meds. Took one look out the window and went back to her bedroom to lie down. ‘Call me when it goes away’… Still no inspiration for Supper. Can’t risk anything too complicated. It is a double whammy day. Mother has reminded me that we already decided to have the Chicken on Sunday. Scratch one option.
2:55 p.m. – Supper is looming. I remember that the last of the New Year’s Ham is in the Freezer. Too much trouble to thaw it out, and not a lot of time. Using the Microwave will turn it into Jerky. Mother will think I’m trying to kill her.
3:36 p.m. – Panic would be setting in about now, except that I’m half way through my first glass of wine this day. Still no resolve on Supper.
4:09 p.m. – The Hummingbird of Inspiration has finally alit upon my shoulder!
4:29 p.m. – Get together some simple ingredients. Two home-made sesame rolls, Cheddar Cheese, Ham Slices (from the freezer!), Sliced Mushrooms. Pour another glass of wine.
4:47 p.m. – Warm up the Panini Press. Place slices of Cheddar on each Roll half. Add 1 slice of Ham to each lower Roll half. Place another slice of Cheddar on the Ham then the mushrooms. Add one more slice of Cheese on top of Mushrooms. Close up the Roll/sandwich. Repeat.
4:53 p.m. – Place Sandwiches on the Panini Press placing top plate gently on tops of Rolls. Let the weight of the plate and Press lid compress the rolls to just the right consistency. Toast for 3-4 minutes – or more, depending on how crispy you want your bread and how frozen your Ham is – until the Cheese is dripping and you’ve got good grill marks. I swear, good grill marks really do improve the flavour! You can also toast in a hot frying pan; just Butter the outside surfaces of the Roll first.
4:58 p.m. – Give Mother the head’s up for Supper. Pour her a glass of Wine. And another for me. Serve enhanced Toasted Cheese Sandwiches. Mother smiles. Contented silence reigns until she is finished every last crumb. Mother requests another glass of Wine. I pour it for her, and one for myself.
7:08 p.m. – Wheel of Fortune is spinning. Mother is still happy. Jeopardy to follow at 7:30. Why am I so tired? Kitchen is a mess. Will deal with it in the morning…
~ Maggie J.