DON’T ADD MILK!
Sunday night I got an ankling for Pork Chops (the way my mom used to make them). I do not eat a lot of pork, since I have made a full conversion to turkey bacon and turkey sausage. But a slab of pig can not hurt too much, now and then. So off to the store I went. I decided to get two chops and postpone the treat for Monday evening when Jake would be here. Jake loves mashed potatoes and gravy, and you can’t have chops without the proper side dishes. Knowing that my evenings are generally cramped for time, I bought pre-cooked and mashed potatoes (Meals made Simple). I was ready to cook a feast (think small).
Monday evening I picked Jake up at the apartment, I asked him what he had for lunch (mini-pizza). I told him what I had planned for dinner, and asked if that sounded good. (I guess, I am not really very hungry was his reply). The kid is a 13 year old - they are always hungry. So, I asked, “What’s up?” Seems as though, he had gotten hungry about a half hour before I picked him up and had several snacks and another mini pizza. After the lecture on how I struggle to prepare good meals and how he knows when I’ll be by to pick him up, I proceeded to make the meal.
The chops were easy, browned nicely and were delicious, even though I ruin them with ketchup once they are on my plate. Making the gravy went well, very few lumps and did not scorch the bottom. Things were going well, especially since, I have had trouble with making gravy in the past. The directions on the Meals made Simple potatoes gave me three options for preparation. Microwave, oven and stovetop. I don’t have a microwave (or a cell phone), so maybe this is easier than I thought, down to two choices. The oven directions said it would take 30 to 35 minutes. I could have stopped and gotten a side of potatoes from KFC if I wanted to wait 30 minutes. So, one choice – stove top. Directions said to add a bit of milk or water to the potatoes. Hey, I had some milk in the fridge, and I couldn’t see any floaters and it smelled okay. So I splashed in a ‘small’ amount of milk and stirred. Heated on the stove on medium heat and wha-la. Well, the gravy ended up thicker than the potatoes. Jake could not even get the lake to remain in the pile (puddle) to hold his gravy.
He did say they tasted good. I think he could sense that would be a good thing to say.
So, whatever you do, DON”T ADD MILK!
PRESCRIPTION FOR THOSE IN NEED OF REST
Several years ago, at the end of a long and stressful week, my youngest son and I were traveling across town. I was tired, yawning and not the best of company.
Upon seeing yet another yawn, he suggested I take a laxative when we get home and get some rest. The innocent irony of his suggestion lightened my load.
Through my laughter I explained to him that a laxative is ‘not’ a type of sleeping pill, but instead is taken to relieve constipation, and that heavy doses can cause diaharia.
After a contemplative moment of silence, my son replied, “I’m glad they don’t make ‘re-laxatives,’ because the re-runs could be fierce.
