I've always thought I knew which combinations would work. But as with much of what I thought I knew, the older I grow, the less I know. It's very humbling, this life-experience thing.So we were visiting my brother-in-law and sister-in-law and nephews this past weekend, having dropped in for lunch with them in Seattle on our way to attend a funeral. Rob's a gourmet cook, and does most of the cooking in their house. But this time, Terri was tending the kitchen as well, working on her masterpiece to add to the lunch.
Here's what the masterpiece was: French bread. Add parsley pesto made from scratch. Add a slice of onion. Add a nice thick slice of fresh pear. Add fresh-grated parmesan cheese. Grill it in the oven.
I was dubious, to say the least. But I'll try anything as long as it's vegetarian, and I've never tasted anything at their house that wasn't delectable.
Delectable is exactly what it was. Wow. Who would have ever thought to make a combination like that? Who would have thought it would taste so heavenly?
Sometimes I see a man and a woman fall for each other, and I find myself shaking my head as if to clear out the cobwebs. Say what? They would work together? I don't think so. And actually, someone made that very comment once about Husband and me when we first started dating, and it got back to us (yes, you can bet she gets a squinty-eyed look from me each time I see her).
And yet... the combination works. I see the unlikely duo together years later, and they are delightfully gaga about each other, producing cute little offspring, going on fun adventures and feeling so blessed over what life has handed them.
You just never know, do you?
Case and I experienced this a few weeks ago as we walked into a restaurant hand in hand for lunch. He was dressed as a distinguished professor complete with jacket and bow tie, while I was dressed more on the young trendy side. Then, consider our 9.5 year age difference.
ReplyDeleteCase asked me why is everyone staring at us, my answer was it was his distinguished bow tie, but I was imagining all the interesting stories people could create as they looked at us with that, how did they happen expression. If only they knew!
I am still imagining that sandwich you describe. I am curious and might give it a try!
ReplyDeleteJolene
My first encounter with this delightful taste treat was in Terri's and Rob's rented home in Walla Walla--probably about '82.
ReplyDeleteLloyd and I were there for dinner. I don't remember a thing about the rest of the meal--the treat you describe was so unexpectedly delicious that it remains firmly locked in memory--and has been served to guests a number of times. So glad she is still making that and that you had an encounter with it, Ginger.
To Jolene, if you try this, be sure your pear is ripe, and that the onion has been soaked in water for an hour or so to remove some of the bite (unless you enjoy the sharp hotness of onion--I like red onion on this sandwich--it gives just the right bit of color.
I love this post. And now I want to try some of that toasted pear and pesto thing!
ReplyDelete