at table - a recipe for memories

Apples at the Lippitt Park Farmer's Market

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A Recipe for Memories

1. Take a wooden carton filled with fresh red apples. (seen at the local farmer's market on Saturday)
2. Add the just completed visit from my sister which included a 4 day road trip to see family.
3. Finish with the news of the sudden passing of a friend.
4. Once all the emotions have settled - finish with the promise of remembrance.

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Apple Soup

It was so naive and innocent yet it is truly my first actual memory of food. It  was fresh, delicious, and it was made with love just for me. I do not recall the first time I had it but I do know that I asked my sister to make it for me again and again. I would sit there at the table, patiently waiting, while she prepared this heavenly treat for me.  Finally she would place the bowl carefully in front of me and then sit down next to me. She never made it for herself but she would stay with me and wait while I ate it. 

I remember how delicious it was, the sweet and the tart flavors mixed in every spoonful, the variety of colors in each bowl, how cool and refreshing it was. 

I loved this time together - simple, unconditional, watchful, and caring. Was it the soup I really requested over and over and remember so well? 

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Midnight on a Summer Night

It was an afternoon BBQ with extended family at the start of our road trip. A beautiful summer day sitting around the pool enjoying family and seeing children all grown up. As always, the food was outstanding. Hot sausages and steak tips on the grill, salads, eggplant parmigiana - more food than was necessary but somehow, over the hours, we consumed it all. Table hopping with each course so that we were all sure to get time with everyone - to catch up and reminisce. As the day came to a close one by one everyone left to attend to families or other events but four of us remained sitting outside allowing the sun to set beyond us and the crystal clear night to envelop us.

My sister, our 83 year old aunt, our cousin, and myself sat under the stars till midnight sipping wine and beers. Voices in the dark sharing stories, sharing lives - none of it important yet all of it important. 

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Dinner in a Garden in the Country

The garden behind the little rented cottage was wild with flowers, bees, butterflies and the rich pastiche of summer sounds and scents. My husband and I had driven out to western MA for dinner with friends. We had not seen them in over a year so there was much to catch up on. The four of us sat in Adirondack chairs so comfortable in each other's company - the conversation bouncing between the present, the past, and plans for the future.  Dinner was simple - grilled salmon and vegetables. Well after dark the four of us gave up on the garden and went inside to eat berries for dessert. And then our goodbyes and a plan to get together next at our new house in September.

It is the conversation, the setting sun on his relaxed face, his crisp windowpane check shirt, his laughter and the comfort of our friendship that I will forever remember.

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At table...... Yes, it is the food that might beckon us there but it is something else that keeps us there long after the food is gone and the dishes are cleared. It is then when memories are made and friendships are cemented. 

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Apple Soup

1 - 2 ripe apples (variety dependent on the season)

Cold water

1. Wash apples. Core and dice into 1/2" cubes. 
2. Place in bowl. Add cold water - enough so that the apples are "swimming" and not over crowded. 
3. Sit back, take the time, converse and make a memory.

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