Yesterday while I was jogging I had a little “duh,” realizing that Sam is less practical than I am in cooking for two.
This year we’ll be home for Christmas dinner, just the two of us. I was thinking of something easy that I could prepare ahead of time, like the crab bisque with fresh fruit that I have planned for Christmas Eve. Well, Sam wants to grill special-ordered grass-fed beef. He wants potatoes and sautéed asparagus, and a salad. And when I asked what he wanted for dessert, he said chocolate cake … with raspberry filling and chocolate ganache, like you made that one time.
It was while I was jogging, in that quieted-mind state, that I remembered last year. Sam wanted to cook for us while we were in the Bahamas for Christmas. He made stuffed lobster, veggies, and a salad … and presented them beautifully!
We both care about presentation and a peaceful atmosphere; and we both work for them. The difference: Sam is better at enjoying the “work!” I still prefer to do the “work” ahead of time, so I can relax.
Hmmm … maybe it’s tougher to enjoy what we do routinely. But I just got better at it! And I’m paying more attention to the differences! Always another layer to learn from.
Still, I made the cake and tucked it gently in the freezer yesterday. Hey, we’re out of town the two days before Christmas!
Photo: Last Christmas in the Bahamas!