Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a huge people person, or much of an extrovert. If I had my druthers, I’d be all alone on a deserted island with a huge library of books to read, and a great kitchen to experiment in.
It is that last part that, although cooking and baking is fun, you really need at least one more person to share it with in the end. This is my version of sharing is caring. It fills my bucket to bake for those close to me be it family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. I get a good feeling when someone enjoys what I’ve made with love in my heart.
Which is why I enjoy entertaining at our home. It is usually a small gathering so as not to be too overwhelming. I can try something new and something old. And it is the conversation and nurturing of friendships that make it all worthwhile.
Tomorrow will be our first real gathering of friends since the pandemic began. We’ve, of course, had Thanksgiving and Christmas with family, which are quite enjoyable. But no real dinner party or friend get togethers in over two years at our home. It will be nice to sit and break bread with the people who helped me get settled in my new town, showed me the band parent ropes, and made me laugh when I needed it the most.
It is also the people who will tell me if my food is crap, but in a very loving way.
The home style menu is one that gives me joy as it makes me think of the Italian side of my family. We’ll be enjoying pasta and sausage, homemade sauce, meatballs, and bread, ending with a new strawberry cake recipe I’ve been wanting to try.
To help with timing, the table is all set. The New Years hat is our centerpiece to mark the beginning of another year of friendship. Now it is just a little bit of the waiting game until Friday evening.
As I always say when I cook something or try a new recipe, if it doesn’t taste good, we can always order pizza.
Either way, we will have a good time together because we always do.
Can’t wait!
Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man 