The Secret Ingredient

Is it just me? 😉

Or, have you ever noticed that food made for you by a friend or family member often tastes better than if you made it yourself.

And it doesn’t have to be a complicated recipe either!

For many years, we used to drive 800 miles to the Midwest to visit hubby’s family. His Mom would prepare sandwiches for us to have on the long journey home. There was nothing out of the ordinary about them – as far as ingredients go – but I’m telling you they were always the BEST sandwiches we’d have all year.

Also . . . Have you ever tried to duplicate a favorite family recipe? It’s awfully hard to do, in my opinion.

I like to make . . .

My Mother’s Spice Cake

My Grandmother’s Irish Bread

My Mom-in-Law’s Cheese Potatoes

And they all come out fine . . . but they NEVER taste as good as when they were made for me.

Maybe you’re thinking – “Crystal, the fact that you don’t have to prepare the meal makes it taste better!”

That can’t be the reason, though. When I have a meal at a restaurant, I’m not cooking… and I don’t usually feel that the restaurant has made a particular dish better than I can make it at home.

I’ve decided the secret ingredient in food prepared by family and friends must be LOVE!

What do you think? 😀

Hugs,

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For Ida

Continuing on with my “summer series” . . .

Today I have another “oldie but goodie” post that I’m hoping many of you have not seen before. (Sorry Carol!)

Sir Beads’ darling mother was my inspiration while writing it.

She’s been gone a while now, but she added such richness to our world and lives on in our hearts. 🙂

Please click here to read the tale.

Hugs,

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Many Happy Returns

It’s his birthday…

But each year, I feel as if I’ve received the gift – having him in my life! 😀

My heart can’t help but cherish the day my soul mate arrived on earth.

This year is one of those “milestone” birthdays for Sir Beads.

How many candles? Well, let’s just say he’s close to retiring. Though to look at him, you might not believe it.

What’s a birthday without a favorite dinner?

The guy loves ribs so we went to a place that prepares them just right . . . and with plenty of napkins. 😉


Next, he chose something that is not traditionally a birthday dessert – strawberry shortcake! It was soooo good and the slivered almonds were a nice touch.

My birthday is just around the corner….

I may just have to go for the shortcake this time, too. 😀

Hugs,

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