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Mom’s Culinary Treasures: A Journey Through Time

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When we think of cherished childhood memories, it's often the warmth of home cooking that fills our hearts. In my case, it was shepherd's pie that held a special place, a dish that always provided a comforting hug on cold winter evenings.

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The Shepherd's Pie that Always Wins

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Mum. My mum cooked it. She was a rather terrible cook, yet she couldn't ruin a shepherd's pie. Despite the name, it was actually made with minced beef and, to this day, it remains my ultimate comfort food. In fact, a shepherd's pie is currently in the oven: just seconds from the perfect crispy, golden top of mashed potatoes.

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Living with Crohn's disease, many foods are off the table for me. However, shepherd's pie has never caused me any issues. It's perfect comfort, always on standby, ready when needed.

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Oyster Fries from Hiroshima

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Hiroshima Prefecture, where I reside, is renowned for its oyster production. Every winter, my mother prepared a platter of fried oysters that was a delight to savor. Oysters, with their unique taste and texture, became a cherished part of our winter dining experience. This dish brought a taste of the bounty of the sea into our homes, off the coast of Hiroshima.

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The Vast Variety of Exotic Dishes

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My mother was an extraordinary cook whose main passion was exploring and preparing dishes from various international cuisines. Her repertoire boasted a wide array of delightful meals that were quite exotic for the 1950s and 1960s US West Coast. Some memorable favorites included Eisbein and Bouillabaisse.

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She also delighted in making a Spicy Fried Rice with Mackerel Tuna. This dish held a special place in our hearts and remains a favorite to this day. My mother's exquisite cooking skills and love for trying new recipes culminated in dishes such as Chicken Marengo and Swiss Steak.

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The Flaming Delight: Crêpes Suzette

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One of the most memorable dishes, among several, is the timeless Crêpes Suzette. We enjoyed these Thursday brunches roughly every other week. The preparation was meticulous, much to the chagrin of my mother, but the reward was worth every effort. Dad adored these crepes, and we all delighted in the small taste of champagne that came with it. The flaming moment, a perfect end to the culinary masterpiece, was a treat for our little eyes and ears. Despite not always being my favorite, these crepes were consistently among my top memories.

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In closing, it's clear that my mother's culinary prowess brought endless joy and warmth to our home. Whether it was the comforting shepherd's pie or the exquisite Crêpes Suzette, every dish she prepared was an opportunity to savor the flavors of the past and the present.

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