That is what I’m hoping someone says to me tonight after dinner. Sir Walter stopped by to share his centuries-old recipe for Cassoulet with me today, and all I can say is, this recipe is from the day of the full-time, live-in cook.
(Not to mention, the full-time, live-in scullery maid. Wish I had me one about now.)
So, yes, I made cassoulet and it has my entire house smelling like YUM, and I even baked a loaf of Will’s Sourdough Bread to go alongside, cuz, you know, I hadn’t dirtied enough dishes yet. *smiles*
I got to thinking, though, as I prepared the six layers for this cassoulet, about the connections between love and food. My own grandmother, Dorothy Rose, used to cook for days and days before we’d arrive for a visit. I never asked why, but my sister did once. Dorothy told her that she did all the cooking ahead because that way she wouldn’t have to be stuck in the kitchen when we came to visit.
I’m sure that was why. But it got me to thinking of another thing. That whole “cooking for days and days” thing? Why’d she do that in the first place? And as I braised onions and boiled beans and defrosted beef bone broth and dried bread for breadcrumbs, I realized that she did it for one simple reason. Because she loved us. (You are welcome to place bets as to the dedication of the Official Ripple Trilogy Cookbook.)
I’m hoping most of you have someone in your life who cooks as an act of love for you. Please feel free to give ’em some recognition in the comments section!
Cheers,
Cidney-buried-in-dishes
I know this has nothing to do with the post (well, not much), but I read Rippler this morning. I really enjoyed it (well, other than that the ending left me hanging), but there are two things driving me crazy that I had to ask. 🙂
1) What happened to Mickie's scrunchie that she gave Sam? Did she give it back later? Did she give it to Will to give back that night? Or did she keep it?
2) How does Sam keep ending up with Will's jackets (at least twice)? Is he just really forgetful? Or does she collect clothing (like the scrunchie?)
And now I really want to read the next two, but they're out of budget for this soon-to-be-college girl… 🙁
Kathleen, first off, congrats on the soon-to-be college girl part! Yay, you! And now for answers:
1)Sam kept the scrunchie. It's the kind of thing Mick would never miss, as she misplaces them all the time. And Sam was a bit afraid of Mick for a bit there, and rather preoccupied by worrying Will was leaving town.
2) Regarding the jackets: yes, it is twice that he loans her a jacket. Once in the Jeep, where we see it happen. Another time, we don't see it happen, and she just recollects how he'd had change in his pocket the day he'd loaned it. Sam doesn't think ahead about being cold, and Will is a caring kind of guy.
One last thing: I have a standing offer or a review copy of the next in series for anyone who posts a review on Rippler. If you have the time or inclination, just email me at cidneyswanson at gmail dot com to send me a link to your blog or an amazon review, etc. (And there's no obligation to review the second in series. I totally get that life gets in the way!) Cheers!
Should have read, "I have a standing offer FOR a review copy," etc. This is why copy editors can make a living off me!
Ooh, yay! Thank you!!!! 🙂 I just posted a review on amazon.co.uk, but they say it can take up to 48 hours for it to show. I'll email you once it's up.
Thank you for explaining those! Yes, I tend to way over-analyze little details like that – a couple weeks ago one of my brothers and I were discussing how illogical the time issue is in the Narnia books. Lewis kind of had to handle it that way for the purpose of the books, though. Oh well, they're still fun to read. 🙂
Kathleen,
And a UK review, even? Yay!! Rippler definitely appreciates UK love!
Cidney