Do you ever wonder about attributes that run in a family? We know those which can easily be seen, hair color, eye color, body type, etc.
Intelligence is often passed down, as is personality. It has me wondering: Is there a “cooking” gene.
The reason I ask? I come from a family of cooks. We pride ourselves on our food.
And this gift has been passed down through most of our family and we consider ourselves blessed. As for me, I’m not only interested in cooking, but in all things food related.
I have a passion for knowing how people lived in earlier years, what foods were available, what cooking methods were used, and the kinds of utensils they had. As a result, I read cookbooks the way some people read novels.
I have some that go back to the 1800’s and there are ingredients and utensils specified that are unknown today. And I love that I get glimpses of how people lived by the notes and commentary used throughout the books. It seems their lives were harder but also more simple and very genteel.
Speaking of genteel, another of my passions is “Tea” and all things related. I love the planning – designing all aspects of the table, i.e., china, tablecloths and napkins, finding the favors, planning the menu and preparing the delicious savories and sweets for everyone to enjoy.
I also love that everyone always looks their best and the most fascinating conversations can be heard.
I’m planning a Tea for later in the summer and have already started determining which foods will be served. I love little one or two bite savories and I’ll use one of my favorites for the Tea. I also love it for canapés at a dinner party.
Spinach Tarts: Heat 2 tbs. each butter and oil in large skillet. Add 1 large onion and 6 mushrooms, finely chopped. Saute until lightly browned. Remove from pan and cool.
Place in large bowl and mix with 1 lb. package chopped, frozen spinach, cooked and well drained. Add ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup parmesan cheese, 1 beaten egg and ½ cup heavy cream. Fill Athens frozen phyllo tart shells. Bake 12 minutes at 350 degrees.
