The Royal Chef At Home: Easy Seasonal Entertaining

M y daughter Kelly called the other night to let us know she was heading out to get her laundry done before her flight home for spring break. “Just checking in to see what you are planning on cooking while I’m home,” she chirped. “I definitely want Thai food but if not, can we go to that Indian place? I’m open to either. Also for breakfast, your eggs benedict would be fantastic. Are you going to make me a banana cake? Please say yes. Hey let’s do Sunday dinner. It’s ages since I’ve had Yorkshire Puddings.” By the time I hung up the phone I felt like I’d taken a catering order from one of my clients. I shouldn’t complain, especially since I did the exact same thing to my Mum when I was younger. I was always asking for my favorite dishes like “Liver a la Francaise” a dish she learned in a culinary course. Layers of beef liver in a casserole dish topped with a breadcrumb mix of bacon, onions and herbs and braised in chicken broth… it is so good that I still ask for it today. Another favorite was her beef stew and dumplings; tender chunks of beef and vegetables in gravy with fluffy dumplings floating like clouds on top. Come to think of it, that might have been my Grandmother’s recipe because she used to make the same dish, though between Mum and my Nan, it was best to steer clear of who “owned” what recipe. There was also smoked haddock with creamy mashed potatoes and peas, ultimate comfort food that I could never get enough of. I think Mum must have been sick of making those dishes for me, but that lovely woman never complained. She was just happy to have her children back home. With everyone under the same roof, it is time to cook all their favorites. For us it will be English flapjacks in the morning, and comfort food like meatloaf and potatoes for dinner. Of course there will be caramel banana cake. It is Kelly’s favorite… and mine too. SPRING BREAK WITH THE KIDS ALL HOME

23 SPRING · SPRING BREAK WITH THE KIDS ALL HOME