The kids have dubbed Layne, "Chef Daddy". It was years ago that they figured out that he can cook and is great at creating new combinations of flavors. It's fun going to a restaurant with him and having him state that he could do something similar at home. The new creation is always a success. He gets excited about new kitchen gadgets.
When we bring food to a potluck, people know that I bring items that work just fine for the occasion. If Layne brings it...there's typically lots of happy sighs and requesting of recipes. I have given up on being the contributor of food for our family reunions. I will think for days about logistics and what will work, finally come up with something that will be sufficient, and start in on the necessary planning. Layne will let the subject stew for a couple of days, mention it at the last minute, throw it together, and the crowd goes wild. If there has been a memorable meal at a reunion...it's been the one Layne has dreamed up (usually). It's not like any of them are worthy of complaint. We have several people that know what they're doing. I'm not one of them. Layne tends to come up with something that can feed a crowd and be a little different at the same time.
Layne likes to cook a real yummy breakfast whenever possible. The best time to work that into the schedule is typically on a Saturday morning. This morning it was French Toast. He used cinnamon swirl bread and egg nog instead of doing the usual. It was the first time our family had tried it. Scrumptious. We also had some fruit and the kids had hot chocolate. (Thanks for the 'machine' G/M!) It was delicious!
I had a very brief..."What do we do when he's gone?" moment while he was flipping the French Toast. The kids know I will never think of such things. We'll have to come up with a new tradition. Maybe that's part of what I'll remember about this morning...tradition. There are certain things that we like to do that don't seem like a big deal at the time, but when variables are changed, we realize they are huge. I will always fondly remember Saturday Morning Breakfast with Layne.
I cry every time I read your blog, no matter the topic. Here's a suggestion: every year, on the Saturday morning right before Christmas, make Layne's French toast recipe exactly like today: with the cinnamon swirl bread and the eggnog (seriously, genius). You can remember to do it; you will remember to do it; and you will hold onto this tradition that you have created together as a family. I am glad you are creating a store of memories to cherish always!!! This morning Tim and I were at the temple doing sealings and we thought/talked about you. How grateful we are for eternal families and for the influence of righteous fathers. Layne's influence will always be powerfully present in your family, no matter what. No matter what. Love you!
ReplyDeleteIt's the little things that matter. You captured it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI still use Laynes dutch oven recipe.