10 recipes at the bottom of the box, if nothing else, you can eat it for a lifetime
In my kitchen, the aroma is pervasive. I smiled and looked down at the slow-cooked bolognese, a dish I will never forget. "Mom," said my little daughter, excitedly tugging at the corner of my skirt, "the taste reminds me of your story, the recipes you call 'the bottom of the box'!"
This is where our story begins.
Those "bottom-of-the-box" recipes are not only food, but also represent the best memories of my life. They are what I learned from my mother and passed on to my children, and I hope they will pass them on as well.
The first recipe, of course, is spaghetti bolognese. This dish originated from my former Italian neighbor, a kind and exceptional chef. He told me that the secret to bolognese sauce is to use fresh tomatoes and high-quality red wine. Every time I make this dish, I am reminded of his friendly smile and the mellow bolognese sauce in his hands.
The second recipe is Mom's Chicken Chowder. It was the taste of my childhood, and every time I came home, my mother would prepare this dish for me. It's full of love and warmth, just like a mom.
The next three dishes are pesto bread, butter roast chicken, and steamed cod. They are simple but memorable dishes. Every time I cook these dishes in the kitchen, I am reminded of those moments of shared food, laughter, and love.
The sixth course is my signature dish - beef stewed in red wine. It's a dish that takes time and patience, but that deep sense of satisfaction always makes all the effort worth it every time you taste it.
Then there's the homemade pizza, which is the most popular star for a get-together with friends or a weekend night out with family. This is followed by a healthy and delicious Greek salad that reminds us that a healthy lifestyle can be just as fun.
The penultimate course is my husband's favorite butter shrimp. This dish was born out of a serendipitous inspiration, but now it has become an essential part of our family gatherings.
The last course is my secret weapon, and that is the chocolate brownie. Whenever I need a sweet ending or a surprise, it's always my first choice.
These recipes are all part of my life, and they represent family, friendship, and love. Now, I want to pass them on to my children so that they too can find their own stories in them.
"Mom," my little daughter spoke again, "can you teach me how to cook these dishes?"
I looked at her expectant eyes, and my heart was full of love. "Of course, my dear. Let's get started, starting with spaghetti bolognese ......"
No matter where I am in life, these 10 recipes will always stay with me and become my eternal memory.