A Recipe for the Bride-to-Be Who is Older Than My Grandma (Or, HELP!)
by FireMom ~ February 25th, 2008. Filed under: Life.Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our feed.
I got an invitation to a bridal shower last week. I scratched my head before I began reading. While I’m in the prime age group for weddings, marriages and what not, most of our close friends (the ones that would send us bridal shower invitations) are either married or no where near being married. That’s when I read the name. And I giggled. Not a mean giggle. A delighted, happy giggle.
You see, the bridal shower is for a much older woman. No, I’m not talking my mother’s age (and she’ll shoot me for referring to her in any age topic). I’m talking my grandma’s age. I’m tickled pink by the whole event! I didn’t know that she, a widow, was even engaged to him, a widower. I had noticed that they were sitting awfully close during Bible study but didn’t think much of it. Now that I realize the truth, I’m so pleased for these two that I could burst!
And so, her daughters are throwing her a bridal shower. Isn’t that adorable? Wouldn’t you want your (very!) grown children to accept your new husband in such a manner? Wouldn’t you want to be honored in such a way? Don’t you think you would deserve it after years of faithful marriage, a rough death of the only man you thought you’d ever love and the joy of finding love again? I want to buy this new couple the world! But, alas, they’ve just suggested that we get the bride-and-groom-to-be some restaurant gift cards. Because, really, what would you buy for the couple that literally has everything?
But. There’s always a but, right?
They enclosed a recipe card to give to the new couple. I’m daunted by this blank recipe card hanging on my fridge. I mean, what could I possibly teach this woman who is two generations my elder about cooking? I already know that she can cook me out of house and home! What could I possibly write down that she wouldn’t already know how to make and probably ten times better? I feel the pressure!
So, internetz, what recipe would you share with a new couple that was two generations your elder? What would you want to share with them that was young and hip and tasty but not to wild and crazy so as to make them think you were slightly insane even if it was true? Hit me with your best hip recipes.
Speaking of recipes, I just reviewed a cookbook over on the review blog. Go, go. Oh, and speaking of recipes, visit a new blog, Perpetual Tomorrow, and check out this awesome recipe.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:58 am
My grandma loved this cake that I started making for her. It is easy and yummy. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chocolate-Lovers-Favorite-Cake/Detail.aspx
Sounds likes a fun shower!
February 25th, 2008 at 11:51 am
What I would reccomend is an international (yet simple) recipe that she may not have made before, or a recipe that is specific to a certain part of the United States (like a Casserole from the midwest, or a seafood recipe from the east coast)
K’s last blog post..Things on Tuesday 2/19/08
February 25th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I think you should give her one of your favorite recipes. Who cares if she already knows how to make it, or you think she could cook you under the stove - What you’re saying is here is something that I love to make for the people in my life that mean the most and I want to share it with you.
And by the way….does it HAVE to be food? How about a recipe for bath salts or a sugar scrub or body lotion or someother equally yummy pampering item you can make at home. Wouldn’t that bring a blush to her cheeks for her wedding night?!!?!?
Good Luck!
February 25th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I would give her a great dessert recipe.
This is a Gooey Caramel Bar recipe that my mom found a few years ago on the side of a cake mix box.
You will need:
German chocolate cake mix
1 1/3 sticks of butter or margarine, melted
5 oz of evaporated milk (split 1/4 cup of this out for melting caramels, 3 oz remain for batter)
1/2 bag (about 23) caramel squares
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup of coconut (more if you like)
Combine the cake mix, evaporated milk and 3 oz of evaporated milk with a mixer on a med-high speed. (mixture will be thick)
Spread 2/3 of this mixture into a greased 9×13 cake pan and put into a 350 deg oven for 8 mins.
While waiting, open caramels and combine with 1/4 cup of evaporated milk and microwave until the caramels are melted, about 3 minutes.
When pan comes out, you will spread the coconut, chocolate chips and caramel on this first layer, then spread the rest of the batter onto the top.
Cook for another 15 minutes or until the top has formed somewhat of a crust.
Remove from oven and enjoy this rich, chocolatey goodness with some optional vanilla icecream. AMAZING!!
Trust me, if you try this recipe you will definitely want to share it. The recipe, not the brownies
February 25th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
i wouldn’t worry about her being older and a good cook, everyone likes getting new recipes. how about a family recipe? one that perhaps your family has made for generations and most people might not have?
February 25th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I’d go with one of your favorite recipes. Or maybe one of those hokey “recipe for a life of love” recipes. I say hokey in a nice way, but I know when I got them for our shower I awed over them. They were sweet.
Do you know their favorite restaurant? You could perhaps get the recipe of one of the dishes there.
Denise
PS. I was going to share where I found your site, but I cannot even recall now. (blushing)
Denise’s last blog post..A Question for the Ladies
February 26th, 2008 at 9:57 am
I’m with the others on sharing one of your favorite recipes.
February 26th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I think that’s delightful as well!
I would focus on something that seems “new” to someone of that generation. My grandmother is a great cook, but she still struggles with lighter cooking, or paring down to cook only for two.
I know that when my grandfather became a widower, he was always up for quick and easy healthy cooking tips.
February 27th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
How about something Asian? I’d bet she’s great at big, filling, country-style meals, but something light and eastern makes a nice dinner for two. I just made this tonight!
Catalina Stir-Fry Chicken
1lb Chicken, Shrimp, or Pork, cubed
3/4 cup Catalina Dressing
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
16oz bag of frozen stir fry veggies OR 3 cups of fresh veggies
2 cups of rice
Prepare rice and set aside.
In a wok or frying pan, cook chicken with dressing, soy sauce, and garlic until chicken is done. Add vegetables and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until veggies are fork tender. Serve over rice.
It’s pretty good!
February 28th, 2008 at 1:48 am
I found a recipe for marshmellows on-line, and I can’t tell you how fun it was to make. You can cut them into any shape you want and then put them in hot chocolate.