I remember almost every meal I make for good friends - it’s because I usually want to say something, to prove a point. Things like “great to see you again,” “I really like you, so I’m going to cook you my most complicated meal,” or “feel better. fat and calories melts all of your sorrows away.”
I made three dishes today and packed them in plastic containers. They will be delivered to an incredibly important friend to a destination 6 hours away.
Prime steak with caramelized onions and braised kale
Stuffed pork tenderloin over creamy parmesan pasta
Cumin crusted chicken breast over mashed sweet potato
Each of these meals is symbolic. Each represents something that was said to me over the past year.
But here’s what I want these dishes to say.
“Dear Little Brother in Far Away Ithaca, happy birthday. I wish I could eat these little boxes of food with you, but I can’t. I’m so happy someone is taking them to you for me, though. I’m really proud of you and what you’ve done in the past year, and I can’t wait to see what the next brings. Oh, and do take the time to read that blue-covered notebook. It’s filled with a new chapter.”
We will never be too far apart to share a good meal, Eric. I hope you have an incredible day, and I can’t wait to meet up with you over break.
