Fourth of July
I realized that I’ve been putting up recipe after recipe, and since this is a food blog that’s probably a good thing. But the backstory about this blog, beckons me to offer the occasional pearl of wisdom. I thought that it was especially appropriate to do this before a major food holiday like the fourth of July.
Now that I’m writing this, I’ve come up with a couple of words of advice.
Fourth of July parties, or any holiday involving food, no doubt conjures up fond food memories from childhood. You know, things like Grandma’s Ambrosia salad, Uncle Joe’s world famous hamburgers, or Aunt Sally’s Jell-O salad. Just remember, if you have specific food memories…so does your guy. Do not ever try to re-create one of his favorite foods from his childhood. Not ever! (Okay, the exception to this is if, and only if, said relative is dead.) This will only lead to disappointment by both of you. He won’t think it tastes the same (even if you have the actual recipe from his relative) and you’ll beat yourself up over why it’s not the same or you’ll start screaming at him and tell him he’s an idiot and doesn’t know what he’s talking about. (Please trust me on this one…I learned it the hard way. I’ve got a cookie recipe from Craig’s mom that I don’t dare make.)
If you are going to a family picnic (his family), no matter how much you dislike one of his female relatives (or maybe all of his relatives)…do not try to outdo her by bringing the same dish to the picnic, only a better tasting version. This too will lead to heartbreak and disaster. (For the record, it’s also bad form to give his entire family food poisoning…so don’t even think about going that route.) I’ve found the best way to get ahead in this situation is to bring something that you know you make really well and people can’t stop raving about it. Of course, if it’s something complicated…and you stick around with this guy long enough to get invited to another family get together, be prepared to bring it until the end of time.
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June 19, 2009 • 0 comments