It’s spring in Florida and snowbirds are packing. Although Pat insists, “I planned better this year,” she shows up with three bags of groceries.
Last May, and although I seemed ungrateful, some items were mixed blessings. I regarded the half-bottles of unfamiliar salad dressings as a tasting experiment. A vegetable-parmesan cheese was confusing. Was it produce or dairy? A strong odor seeping from a torn corner knocked my head back – definitely cheese. Until I unscrewed it, the jar labeled peach-mango salsa appeared to be a real find. Cheerios anyone?
It was Pat’s one and one-half pounds of sunflower seeds that presented a cooking challenge. Had I missed a food column featuring this unusual ingredient? I hated to waste them – would squirrels nibble at salted seeds? I chucked them in the freezer and tossed them months later.
Last year I defrosted a roast, but was uncertain whether it was beef or pork.
Hubby suggested, “Just bake it until it looks done.”
Although, I “rolled-my-eyes,” I realized he might have something there and two hours in the oven would work for either. A tentative bite was enough for us to realize it was neither beef nor pork.
“Venison?” Hubby offered.
“Could it be squirrel? Nah!” I tossed the mystery meat into Sasha’s food bowl.
Pat continues tapping on my door. I’m going to suggest she donate this year’s largess to a food bank. Whoops! Is that a pint of Norman Love Gelato peeking out?
I snatch the bags from her arms and gush, “Thank you so much.”
Maybe next year….