So, trying to narrow down my favorite foods to five is a lot like trying to pick your favorite child. Which you should never, ever, ever do. While I've never really done that, there have been multiple times when I've had "you're not my favorite child at this moment" experiences. And I'd say it's been equally divided between all three children.
Those of you who know I only have two children can figure it out. (Love you, honey!)
But...on to the goodies, in no particular order, but I'm going to number them so I don't lose track.
Number One...Strawberry Creme Soup
I've probably talked about this before, but I'm hoping that you, like me, can't really remember if I have or not.
This particular concoction makes an appearance on our breakfast table exactly one time per year. Or maybe two, if we're having fancy company for breakfast. On Christmas Eve I whip it up and on Christmas morning we each enjoy a small bowlful of this decadent creaminess. Each of us except my kids, who haven't yet developed the sophisticated palate necessary to appreciate its lusciousness.
(This would be an example of both Kate and Tyler not being my favorite child, because, despite years and years and years of trying to cultivate a cultural diversity of taste, I have been unsuccessful. And that's their problem, not mine.)
Back to the glory...There are so many components of this once-a-year favorite that it's hard to put a finger on what makes it unique. Maybe it's the sour cream. Maybe it's the whipping cream. Maybe it's the exact combination of powdered sugar, regular sugar, lemon juice, vanilla and grenadine. Maybe it's the cinnamon sprinkle and mint garnish.
Maybe it's knowing that this could very well be the last meal you eat due to all the saturated fat involved.
Whatever it is, it is other worldly and makes me groan with every mouthful.
Number Two...Macarons from Paresi's Cafe
These delightful little morsels are a new favorite. Kate first told me about them (so maybe her palate is more sophisticated than I give her credit for), and they are AMAZING.
Sandwiched between the crisp and chewy top and bottom cookie is a velvety smooth creamy center that melts in your mouth. They come in all sorts of flavors...my favorites are raspberry, chocolate mint and salted caramel. And they're just as pretty as a picture, with a stunning array of beautiful pastels.
Now I've had some macarons that are a bit too chewy and the filling too grainy, so when I found these gems I was in heaven.
I am so enamored with these that when I saw a post on Face Book from Martha with a recipe I thought "I could save myself a bunch of money if I could learn to make these."
I got to the part where it said to bake them one sheet at a time, and once they were done to heat up the oven to 375 for five minutes and then lower it back down to 325 when I figured my time is too valuable to waste. It's worth the occasional trip south to get my fix. (Also a winner on Paresi's menu is the goat cheese and fig croissant...they warm it up for you and my, oh my. YUM!)
Number Three: Gnocchi with Alfredo Sauce
I haven't had this is a few years and that's probably a good thing. It's so sinful it's divine. Paulo & Bill's has gnocchi on their menu, but it's with red sauce. I always used to ask for Alfredo and, being the consummate hosts that they are, they would accommodate me. The gnocchi are boiled and then gently sauteed until they're a nice nutty brown with a little bit of crispiness on the outside, soft as butter on the inside. Alfredo sauce is then ladled on until the whole pile is swimming in a spectacular puddle of unctuousness. (I learned that last word on "Chopped.")
And I'm just remembering why we haven't been there in a few years. Last time we were there, our dinner was complete and we were just sitting there, too full to move. About that time, a long-legged brunette sashayed past our table, causing Ron to slowly turn his head, not unlike Reagan in "The Exorcist," but in slow motion.
Just then our waitress arrived to inquire whether we'd like dessert. I said, probably not very nicely, "I think he just had his. Check please."
Number Two: Cinnamon Toast
There is nothing quite as comforting as a slice of piping hot cinnamon toast. Brings me right back to my childhood, when my dad would make us this spicy, buttery treat. Slathering the white bread (of course) with a nice even layer of margarine (not too much, though), he'd sprinkle the top liberally with a cinnamon/sugar mixture. Then he'd pop it under the broiler until the top was brown and bubbly. A crunchy top and super soft underside...I'm gonna go make me some right now. But with butter.
Number One: Biscuits and Gravy at the Ritz
It's now called the Interncontinental Hotel here in Kansas City and it's been probably twenty years since I had this delicious plate of standard comfort food, but it was seriously the best thing I think I've ever tasted. The gravy was ultra smooth, with just the right amount of sausage bits. The biscuits were light and fluffy and really just exquisitely perfect. And I think I had fresh squeezed orange juice, too.
Ah, those were the days. I don't eat food like that much anymore...which is fine. These days a nice sauteed tilapia with caramelized onions and peppers, drizzled with a bit of citrus gastrique is what fires up my taste buds.
Which is just as well...if I ate those foods on a regular basis, I doubt I'd be sitting here dreaming up ways to make your mouth water.
Bon Apetit!
Next time: Why America Needs A Time Out
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