Growing up my favorite breakfast was Quaker Oats’ maple and brown sugar oatmeal. While I would tire of this cereal or that, I never got bored with maple and brown sugar oatmeal. To this day, it is still my favorite way to eat oatmeal though I usually go with nuts and raisins instead. The days of sugary breakfasts are gone with my youth.
There was a bust of Elvis in our basement. It was there for as long as I can remember and I honestly had no idea why. It was about 8 inches high and was painted gold. I mean what other color could “The King” be painted. Pink? I don’t think so. Apparently it was a reject from my grandfather’s craft store and we gave it a home. So everyday for years, whenever we’d go downstairs to watch TV, Elvis would flash his signature sneer at us from the bookshelf.
Holiday time is all about family. For some this is very enjoyable, for others it is a time filled with stress. Over the past few years, I have realized how rare it is to be in the first category and how truly lucky I am. No, I am not bragging just merely appreciating my good fortune.
I only remember two things from Jewish holiday dinners at my grandparent’s house. After all it was about 35 years ago since I was last there and let’s face it, we don’t remember all that much from when we were small. The memories are vivid, yes, but not plentiful. So all that stands out is every holiday my grandfather saying “Try a little wine.” And my grandmother yelling at him, “Harry, she doesn’t want any wine.”
Ever since high school I have been in love with Greek food. My grandparents befriended their new neighbors who happened to be Greek and a whole new world opened up for me. To this day, the wife made the best pastitsio I have ever tasted, either here or in Greece! With that first bite, I heard the angels sing and a lifetime obsession was born.
