Marriage has a way of changing a girl. See, I have this amazing heritage of women who can create something out of nothing and it was always mouth watering good. Far be it for me to break that trend. So began the process of seeing what I could do. Over the years my husband has been kind enough to eat everything I put in front of him and I guess I haven't done all that bad as he is still alive. When I had my kids I had a great revelation, after babies are done with formula alone you actually have to feed them. And, it's generally not wise to make them live on mac & cheese alone. I had to COOK. For the record, there was no mention of this in the manual when I got these kids.
At first, I was one of "those" cooks who lived by what it said in the recipe. There was no veering off course at all. Every time I did the result was not pleasant. But, somewhere along the way the strangest thing happened. I, Sandy Cantesano, actually learned how to cook. Not only did I learn how but I actually enjoy it, most of the time. And surprisingly enough, I have made some dinners that would be worthy of Grandma's pallet...if I was lucky enough to still have her around to taste it.
So, today is Saturday. One of those rare Saturdays where we don't have any plans, no place I have to go, no trucking kids somewhere they need to be. Just a little good music on, kids quietly cleaning their rooms (yeah, right!), and me in my kitchen whipping up some dinner and treats. As I was in my kitchen preparing my beef roast for the oven while whipping up some banana bread in my Kitchen Aid Standing Mixer (my own recipe mind you) it occurred to me how odd this is. I still think of myself as the cook that suffers by comparison. But, I can actually cook. I never thought the day would come where I would make something that my children would salivate at the oven door waiting for it to come out so they could dive right into it. But, here we are and this is that day.
I think, on days like today, of my dear Grandma Heidema and Grandma Diem. They would be so proud...and amazed. Probably good they are not here as I'd probably give them both a heart attack! Have you ever read the book 'Like Water for Chocolate'? Excellent read and a must have. In that story she cooks and whatever emotion she has at the time of her cooking is poured into the dishes she makes. I sort of feel the same way but different. When I lost my Grandmas I was even more inspired to pass their legacy of a good meal on to my children. I truly believe that the day they left this earth they became my cooking angels. And, maybe that is also why I have grown to love cooking. When I am in my kitchen kneading dough for bread, making spatzle, putting a roast in the oven - in Grandma's roasting pot, I feel them with me. I feel this overwhelming sense of belonging and comfort, like I have finally become a part of this great legacy of women. And, kind of like in the book, they are poured into every dish I make. The essence of these amazing women and their legacy is right there with me as a part of the process and in each delectable morsel.
I'm not sure if that saying is really true or not, "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach". What I do know is that the way to mine is to achieve the pinnacle of success and my ultimate goal in cooking. I can even picture it in my mind. As the fork raises to their mouth, they shut their eyes and are taken back in time and say, "Sandy, this tastes just like your Grandmas".
Back to the kitchen I go. Lets see if I come any closer today because something's definitely cooking in my kitchen.
Wonderful post Sandy! I hope you continue to write more.
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