Mama's Eggs

I work at this neat little hole in the wall luncheonette/coffee shop every Sunday. The place seats a total of 22 people, including 10 counter seats, and the grill is right out in the open. From the looks of it, you'd expect nothing more than your typical greasy spoon, slinging eggs and hash. On the contrary, the cook/owner is a certified chef and former culinary instructor, with a four star resume. He puts up breakfast specials that are absolutely gourmet. This place is a gem, and I love working there in part because the money is great for 1 day's work, but also because I am a foodie and I learn and taste something new every time I walk through the door.
For the past few weeks we've had a special on the board, "Mama's Eggs". It is two eggs poached in marinara sauce, served with half a loaf of Italian bread and a slab of butter. It is amazing! The marinara sauce is incredible, and the addition of the eggs is brilliant. One of our regular customers is the chef's brother. He came in, looked at the specials board and asked "What's Mama's Eggs?" Chef looked at him (with a knife in his hand) and said "What are you kidding me? They're eggs the way Mom used to make them!" Of course he has been in practically every day ordering them. One day he even brought in two friends and his own loaf of bread!
This has got me thinking about the sentimental connections we have to food. Food is so much more than sustenance. Food connects us to the people we love whether they are here to share in the meal with us or not. For myself and my brothers and sisters food presents a strong connection to our late father. Sauerbraten, halvah, eggplant parmesan, Sabretts, Cheez Waffies, pea soup, Necco Wafers, Cheez Whiz and Ritz Crackers, Chef Boy-ar-dee, corned beef hash, Campbell's Tomato Soup, cream cheese & jelly, and black jelly beans. I can't eat, buy or even see any of these and not be instantly transported to some memory involving my Dad, they were his favorites right along with Schmidt's Beer and the occasional Cutty Sark. These foods are worth so much more to me than what their Nutritional Information label reveals. For me, a meal or a snack made up of these foods is like stealing time, an extra moment with Dad. Honestly, popping open a jar of Cheez Whiz may not be the best thing for my waistline, but it is a whole lot easier on my wallet than ten minutes with a psychic medium!

A big day in the kitchen

Hubby is home! Yea! A day early too, but now he's all snotty and sick. Poor guy. He's really not your typical sick and whiney guy either, so if he's complaining it is because he really doesn't feel good. I will go buy him some sudafed.

Today is the day! I am going to tie on the apron strings and do my best to be a good Italian wife. Of course, I am not the least bit Italian but I have great appreciation for all things Italian. Especially food! Jack's Mom gave me her recipe for sauce - some would call it gravy. She makes a very yummy meat sauce and she has entrusted me with the family secret! I have purchased all of the ingredients and am set today to make history in my kitchen. In just a little while I will be making the meatballs and stirring the sauce! (Hubby will have to keep checking for that damn helicopter that's been following me around all day)

Also today is Holy Saturday - the day before Easter so there will be lots of Easter preparation going on as well. Egg coloring for one. I love decorating eggs. First son is beside himself at the moment. He can't wait to start "painting" eggs. I hope he doesn't really think we'll be getting out paintbrushes. We'll be plopping those babies into little cups of vinegary food dye. I do have one of those wax crayons though, and some stickers. I will also be attempting to make a giant egg shaped cookie and decorating it with M&M's and mini Twix to look like an Easter egg. I will post a picture later. If everyone is lucky those cute bunny cupcakes may make another appearance as well. A busy day in the kitchen. I love it! I love just being home with the family and not having to run all over the place. Well, I do have to make a trip to the store to get a few things not the least of which are carrots for the large bunny who is expected to arrive later this evening.