Dad’s Cooking Skills: More Than Just a Few Times a Week
The relationship between a father and child often includes a significant element of culinary tradition. For many, the stories and memories associated with these cooking experiences are among the most cherished. This is especially true in the case of the narrator, whose father was a frequent and skilled cook, imparting valuable knowledge to his son.
My Father's Involvement in the Kitchen
Unlike his biological mother, who was considered a poor cook, the father of the narrator was a capable and frequent chef. The father worked as a cook, which resulted in him being in the kitchen more often than not. When not sick or occupied with other responsibilities, he would cook almost every weekday, employing a diverse array of ingredients and methods to prepare meals.
Meal preparations and recipes from my father
One of the narrator's work lunches included rice and broccoli, along with homemade "meatballs" made from seaweed and enoki mushrooms. He also prepared fried rice, dumplings with tofu, carrots, and mock meat, and an authentic Japanese maki roll with Japanese mayo. Tofu patties were pan-fried, and hotplate tofu was another favorite dish. His cooking skills spanned multiple cuisines, reflecting his versatility and passion for the art of cooking.
Less Frequently, But Always Memorable
While the father cooked regularly, there were times when he took on a more significant role in creating meals for the family. These instances were special, especially when the narrator's older siblings were not around to handle kitchen duties. One such memorable occasion occurred a mere two weeks before his passing. The family had attended his sister's funeral, and upon returning home, the narrator, who was about three hours away, slipped and injured her knee due to the cold and manual car. Her father’s quick thinking in preparing a hearty meal of hamburger gravy and mashed potatoes made a lasting impact on the narrator and his son, who still consider it one of their favorite meals to this day.
The Father's Culinary Habits
The father's dietary habits were notably less balanced, with an almost exclusive preference for simple toast. This changed only slightly during his adult years, and even then, it was only recently that his mother observed a noticeable improvement in his diet. At the age of 70, the health benefits of a more varied diet became apparent, indicating a shift in his culinary tastes and health consciousness.
Conclusion
The story of the narrator’s father's cooking provides a unique perspective on the role of culinary skills and traditions within a family. Beyond the practical benefits, these meals and the memories they evoke serve as a testament to the bond between a father and his child, and the lasting impact of these shared experiences.
Dad’s ability to cook more than just a few times a week, and his passion for a variety of cuisines, highlights the importance of culinary traditions in family life. Despite his father’s simpler tastes, the narrator fondly remembers the meals prepared for him and his son, highlighting how these experiences shape family memories and create lasting bonds.