If You’ve Got It, Use It
I had a sad experience today when I discovered that an undetected leak had ruined everything on the top three shelves in a bathroom closet. The very sad part was many of the ruined items were set aside in that closet “because they were special”. Among the fatalities was a bag of little shaped soaps, a monogrammed bar of soap, grandmother’s dainty hand towels trimmed in lace, and a beautiful metal box now rusted shut. Everything was covered in mildew.
How does this relate to healthy cooking? Well, it caused me to re-examine the things I “save because they are special”. Not only things like Grandma’s china, beautiful serving bowls, and fine silver; but jars of pine nuts, capers, asparagus, exotic broths, tabouli, and the list from my pantry and freezer could go on and on.
So, I’m making a December resolution. If I’ve got it, I’m going to use it. That beautiful jar of artichoke hearts I’ve been saving is going on the menu next week. The fig balsamic vinegar with the wax sealed lid is getting opened and tried on a salad. That special mix of coffee beans is getting ground and enjoyed even if I just make one cup.
Maybe I’ll look each day for what special ingredient I could use and which special dish I can put it in. Maybe I’ll think of a fun memory I can tell the kids while using a dish from one of their grandmothers or great-grandmothers. I don’t want to carry the idea too far, but I think their grandmothers would be pleased if we decide that today is special enough to enjoy some good food on some old dishes while making some new memories.
