Okay, so nobody has ever actually called me the Queen of Pasta Salad. But they have agreed with me over the dinner table, nodding with their mouths stuffed as I stare them down.
“I mean, I am like the Queen of Pasta Salad, right? … RIGHT?!”
Nod, nod, nod.
I am a good cook and I know this, it is one of my few talents and one that I actively work to improve. There aren’t a lot of things that I think I am good at, fewer that I will admit to, and compliments can sometimes be awkward and hard to accept. But being good at cooking doesn’t mean much unless you have people to enjoy it. So when it comes to cooking, I can’t get enough compliments. I would thoroughly enjoy if you would not shut up about how amazing it is. Maybe because food is so important to me and I know what a good meal does to my happy level. I would like to do nice things for your happy level as well. (This is where this whole thing starts sounding like one big, sweaty euphemism)
This might be a human thing, or a woman thing, or a Jenn thing…but there is nothing more satisfying (illegal and dirty activities excluded) than feeding someone something they love. It’s kind of a sick little kick, I can’t explain the feeling.
Last year, I made a dip for a holiday party and left it with a friend to bring over because I was going to be going straight from work later. When I arrived it was all gone, eaten up by the guests before I even arrived. Oh sure, everyone said they loved it, and thanks so much, and it was delicious, blah blah blah. I threw a fit. Not a kicking, screaming, crying fit; it was one of those fits that girls have that are all rage on the inside and smiles on the outside. The scariest kind of fit. First of all, thanks for saving me some dip, assholes. Do you know how many dollars worth of cheese is in that dip? Second of all, and most importantly, I totally missed that first bite, that unfocused look in your eyes when you focus on the texture as you’re chewing , the tastes swirling on your tongue, the satisfying swallow, and finally, finally the look of gratification, the slight smile, the grateful eyes, and the reach for more. Every chef’s orgasm.
Last year, I made a dip for a holiday party and left it with a friend to bring over because I was going to be going straight from work later. When I arrived it was all gone, eaten up by the guests before I even arrived. Oh sure, everyone said they loved it, and thanks so much, and it was delicious, blah blah blah. I threw a fit. Not a kicking, screaming, crying fit; it was one of those fits that girls have that are all rage on the inside and smiles on the outside. The scariest kind of fit. First of all, thanks for saving me some dip, assholes. Do you know how many dollars worth of cheese is in that dip? Second of all, and most importantly, I totally missed that first bite, that unfocused look in your eyes when you focus on the texture as you’re chewing , the tastes swirling on your tongue, the satisfying swallow, and finally, finally the look of gratification, the slight smile, the grateful eyes, and the reach for more. Every chef’s orgasm.
Feeding someone delicious food satisfies on so many levels. Food is a basic staple of survival, we need food. When you feed someone you are giving nutrients to their body, you are filling their stomachs and sustaining their energy. Their senses are heightened at the smells and the sight of the food arranged on the plate, the way the seasons are sprinkled just right and the colors complement to create the perfect culinary composition. Then there is the taste, the texture, the creamy smooth or the crunchy bite, the deep feeling of contentment when you bite into something amazing.
I think this might also be one of those weird grown up woman changes that are starting to happen. Like chin hairs and responsible shopping, cooking was never in my life before 25. I’m turning into a domestic goddess, my apron is my cape, the wooden spoon my sword.
One of Jenn's Many Incredible Pasta Salads
Penne
Shredded Chicken
Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh Basil
Green Onions
Black Beans
Fresh Garlic
Feta
Shaved Parmesan
Black pepper
Olive Oil
Red Wine Vinegar
I love making pasta salads because you do not need recipes. Just get creative, choose your favorite ingredients and start mixing. Choose your pasta (I prefer penne, farfalle, or chopped linguine), meat or not (chicken, pepperoni, bacon), veggies (corn, peas, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, peppers), beans (black, garbanzo, white), herbs (basil, dill, cilantro), cheeses (feta, parmesan), oil and vinegar to taste.
Some cooking adventures off of my 100 Things to Do List:
No comments:
Post a Comment