Sophia Martinez
Each family has some stories that surround the table. The smell of the kitchen was frequently before the dinner bell was rung. Grandmothers did not use measuring cups when cooking, but used memory and instinct. Their dinners were solid. Certain food was served only on Sundays. Those were there at the time they were all most in need of comfort. These recipes were then turned into customs. They were invited on reunions and recollect on a quiet evening. The dishes were straightforward, but the tastes were timeless. These are eleven meals that made so-called ordinary moments something that were remembered in the family circle.
Slow-Simmered Pot Roast
Pot roast made by grandma rippled with a fork after being cooked over a long period of time. The gravy was soaked in carrots and potatoes. The kitchen windows fogged. Sunday conversing was invariably more protracted about that platter.
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Her chicken noodle soup was warm in every single spoon. Her broth and thick noodles made of eggs were homemade. When one was out of humor, here bowl came out of the quiet. It soothed more than hunger.
Homemade Meatloaf
The meatloaf was served with a shiny tomato glaze in the top. It cut like a knife, but was soft within. Sandwiches were made up of leftovers the following day. Meatloaf night came back, and no one grumbled about it.
Buttermilk Biscuits
She used her hands to roll the dough and never in a hurry to put it in the oven. The cookies came to a rise in high and golden. A land of butter that melted away. With that kind of a basket on the table the morning light seemed soft.
Apple Pie from Scratch
Her apple-pie was drying at the windowsill. The crust was thin and not that sweet. The whole house smelled of cinnamon. That pie was cut and served and that made every holiday complete.
Creamy Baked Macaroni
It is a baked plate of macaroni with slices of cheese and a sharp top. The borders became somewhat golden. It presented itself at get-togethers and disappeared first. Children and adults had to reach seconds without hesitations.
Hearty Beef Stew
Slowly simmered beef, flakes and herbs. The stew became over as it boiled. The following day it was even more enjoyable. The chill nights were warmer with this bowl in sight.
Sunday Fried Chicken
When she put her fried chicken on the platter it crunch. The stuffing remained crunchy, the meat remained juicy. She tasted both pieces very thoroughly. It took everyone to the table without messages being sent.
Garden Tomato Sauce
Every summer she canned tomatoes. The sauce was boiled with basil and garlic. Dinners of winter pasta were tinged with sunshine. All jars were a little present, a present given by the warmer days.
Rice Pudding with Cinnamon
The rice pudding was allowed to cool in plain glass bowls. It was lightly sweet and creamy and just required a sprinkle of cinnamon. It was used frequently following lengthy afternoons of narratives.
Chocolate Layer Cake
Her cocoa cake was high with smooth frosting in between. The slice of the first slice showed perfect lines. Birthdays were even happier as that cake came into the room. It left milestones without a commotion.
