Inspired by my Flavour Thesaurus, I created a new dish for tea tonight:
Smoked kippers with spinach and cherries on toast. Smoked fish and cherries were the combo listed in the book, I added toast as the vehicle for the flavours and spinach for extra nutritional value and colour. First I wilted some spinach in a heavy pan and put the bread in the toaster. After turning the heat off, I put in a tin of kippers and a good big spoonful of tinned dark cherries.
The cherries added a freshness to heavy flavours of the fish and the whole thing was a very acceptable 5 minute meal. I've ben trying to imagine how to use the same ideas in a more "main course" kind of way. It might be possible to base a pasta dish around smoked fish and cherries or for something a bit fancy, maybe some kind of tart? Not that I have ever made a tart in my life but i like the idea of a fancy, buttery little morsel.
Cousin Dave wandered over for a chat today when I was on my way to the shops. He had a lot to say in his disjointed never-finish-a-sentence dementia way and eventually I told him I needed to get going to the shops "Can I come?" he said.
I explained that I had a lot to do and it wouldn't be a quick trip but he was still keen "If I'm out, it's a good day." He went in to tell his house mate where he was going and eased gingerly into the car as he explained that he's on the wait list for a lady surgeon to fix his hernia.
He told me where I should park and why my choice was not as smart as his and then we went into the small local shopping centre. Inside, I went about my business and when I got to the checkout he showed up, waggling his sunnies lasciviously and telling all the checkout operators I was his mum. (He's 10 years older than i am and a lot more sun damaged so nobody could be persuaded to believe him)
We had a coffee and came home. He may have dementia but he was excellent to take shopping, he made sure to check in without being obviously bored or impatient. He even drank his coffee with perfect timing to make sure I didn't wait for him.
After putting away groceries, I spent some time making plans toward a weekend away at the end of September. Something to look forward to.
That sounds like an excellent day. Being a good person to take shopping is no mean skill either. It requires consideration and awareness of other people's needs/wants. Enjoy your September weekend away.
ReplyDeleteI'd never thought about it before but he was noticeably low maintenance and so then I thought about it :)
DeleteSounds like a very good day was had by both of you. It's always great to have something to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Every time I'm going away I can't wait!
DeleteThe little meal almost gagged me thinking about it. But, you probably would not like my sandwich of peanut butter, Miracle Whip, and bananas.
ReplyDeleteI am shocked that shopping was not eventful. Was he serious in his dementia mind that you were his mother? Did he really think that? That is funny in a way. It is good he was not in the way.
Plan a lovely trip.
I eat peanut butter and banana! I guess miracle whip just makes it a bit creamier?
DeleteDave was not serious about me being his mum, he told me he says it to make people really see him and get a laugh.
I’m not sure how I would have coped if you’d put that dainty morsel in front of me but glad you enjoyed it. I do like sardines on toast though….
ReplyDeletePolitely pushed it about your plate? Lol
DeleteI like sardines on toast infrequently:)
I like my chicken soup lunches.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, sounds like your day turned out better than you thought it would, and you made someone happy, so win-win all round!!
Sx
Chicken soup is always a winner. Like my day 😊😊
DeletePutting kippers and cherries in your toaster is not a good idea in my humble opinion.
ReplyDeleteLol, yes Mr Teacher. I wondered why they burnt!
ReplyDeleteSounds like cousin Dave enjoyed his little outing. Hilarious that he kept telling people you were his mum!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was pretty funny!
DeleteIt was kind of you to take Dave out. My mom pines for company and so much of the time I just don't have it in me to take her out and she refuses help from anyone else. It is like Groundhog Day - the same thing over and over and over, and I feel drained by it, with nothing to fill my cup back up. Goodness, I am whiny. But back to Dave - bless you for giving him an outing.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lot harder with family. We have a lifetime of triggers to work with and a dollop of anticipatory grief.
DeleteIt was nice to take Dave out but I wouldn't want to do it every week