Wednesday, February 25, 2009

"Good To The Last Drop" A Farewell to Postum (reprised from 1/08)


Doesn't everyone has a favorite childhood taste memory? You know what I mean. That special something you just have to have when life knocks you down and sucker punches you in the gut. When you need some mothering but you ARE the mother. That one palatable, culinary mouthful of magic that will bring you back to your favorite childhood blankey, visits with a doting grandmother or afternoon tea parties on your back porch.

Just this very morning I was reminded of one of those very childhood taste memories. After suffering for days with the what was probably the flu, I awakened long before dawn. Coughing, congested and achy I just couldn't get comfortable. After tossing around for an hour or so, I came to the conclusion that I'd better get up or my poor husband would also have to suffer the consequence of my restless night's sleep.

I enjoy a little time to myself just like the next mom but 3 AM is not my idea of "Me Time!" Weighing my options at this early hour between infomercials, old movies and sitting in the dark, I decided to make yet another, cup of herbal tea.

Although I do enjoy the occasional "spot o tea," I had quickly become bored with the watery, lack luster stuff after consuming what now seems to be gallons in the past few days.

I started down the stairway and into the kitchen, set the tea pot on the burner, opened my cupboard and proceeded to search for the perfect "Celestial Seasoning." Chamomile, Mint Magic, Tropic of Strawberry, Country Peach Passion, nothing seemed to "Zing" out at me. Sleepy time, Orange Spice, Black Cherry Berry, Hot Cocoa, Hot Cider, no, there must be something more. As I moved box after box I realized that my choices were quickly running out. Just as I was ready to resolve myself to a cup of sleepy time, a familiar sight caught my eye.

Way back in the far corner of my cabinet, a place rarely ventured, was A small glass jar, white lid, blue with white lettering. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Could it be? Straining my arm I reached far into the corner and grasped the jar. As I pulled it toward me I realized that, yes, it was what I thought it was.

Postum, an unbelievable find! You may not know this, but Postum is no longer in production so running to the store to purchase a fresh new jar is just NOT an option. Excitedly, I twisted the cap to reveal it's contents. To my disappointment a mere tablespoon of the brown, rich smelling granules were left.

Disregarding the expiration date, which was probably around 1997, I scraped the bottom of the jar to free the granules of petrified powder, then dumped every last granule into my favorite mug. I mixed in a little sugar, being careful not to over sweeten. I noticed that, as a bonus, next to the postum jar was a small container of that fake, dried creamer stuff. (I'm sure my mom would say it causes cancer but I just couldn't help myself, it definitely completes the whole Postum experience). I put a heaping scoop of creamer in my cup without checking the expiration date on that either! The teapot began to whistle, echoing my feelings of glee.

Grasping the teapot with a hot pad I slowly poured the steaming water into my mug and began to stir. The water turned to a caramel brown color. A small amount of foam formed on top and the familiar aroma of the enticing elixir wafted through the kitchen.

I took a sip, instantly, my mind went back to weekends with Grandma Tena, tea paries and cold rainy days wrapped in a blanket.

I snuggled on the couch enjoying my hot steamy mug of childhood comfort. I sipped slowly hoping to make this bit of childhood last but, just like that red valentine heart box of See's candies you thought you would never be able to finish, soon the mug was empty.

Emotions welled inside me as I realized my childhood memories would never again be awakened by the comforting scent and bitter, nutty taste of Postum. As I placed the empty mug in the sink I thought to myself, now that really was "Good to the Last Drop."

Monday, February 16, 2009

Valntine's Day, How "Cheesy" Can We Get?


Valentine's Day? How cheesy can we get. Who needs a holiday to tell your "schmoopy" that you love them. Don't we do this every day in every thing we do. Working, cleaning, laundry, kid care, yardwork, fix it projects, dusting, taking out the garbage, etc.? Isn't Valentine's Day just another way for retailers to add to their bottomline?

Many married couples forego the Valentine ritual because they think it is just for people who are dating or it's a waste of money or too "cheesy." I have a different take on Valentine's Day and if you are one of those who doesn't celebrate Valentine's Day, you, my friend, are missing out and I will tell you why.

Dave and I have been Valentines for 29 years (yep that's right, since I was 15). About 7 or 8 years into our marriage, anticipating Valentine's Day, Dave asked, "do we still celebrate Valentine's Day?" I replied, "are we still in love?" He has never asked again.

I do agree that Valentine's Day is a little cheesy, but I still feel like a school girl when my hubby comes through the door with flowers, a little gift and one of those "super cheesy" Valentine's cards just for me. What a great opportunity to let your "honey bunny" know just how special they are. Who doesn't love a man (or woman for that matter) who can get a little "cheesy" and sentimental? (I know I do)

When I was a kid, my family had the tradition of leaving Valentine's gifts on the front step. The person leaving the gift would ring the doorbell, run and hide and wait to be found. The recipient of the gift was obligated to find the gift giver before he could touch the gift.

My dad was "the master" at this game. It would take us forever to find him. I think his greatest hiding spot ever was when he ran all the way around the house then, making sure we were all outside looking for him, snuck in the back door. It took us a little while to find him but when we did, there he was sitting on the couch reading the newspaper. I thought he was so cool.

I must say, I have an advantage on most because, I was raised by some "super cheesy" parents who always did sweet things for each other on Valentines Day. Not only did they give each other gifts but all seven of their children would get a valentine too. My mom would bake a blueberry pie for her "honey" and dad would always fill a big red heart with See's candies for his "honey."

Dad has been filling that same red heart for 30+ years. Just this past week went to visit my dad in the hospital. Mom was there and I heard dad ask her if she would go to See's and buy a pound and a half of chocolates so that he could fill her "heart" for Valentine's Day. Here he was in the hospital with heart problems and trying to solve another "heart problem." You don't get to celebrate 50 years of marriage, like my parents did, by avoiding "cheesy" holidays.

So next year when you walk into Target and see the Valentine's decorations hanging from the ceiling, I hope you won't think that Valentine's Day is just another retail holiday. I hope you will think of Valentine's Day as gift, a chance to let your hubby or wifey know just what it is that you love most about them. It doesn't have to be expensive, a homemade card or maybe a romantic dinner for two at home. Even if it's just spaghetti and meatballs. Taking that extra time and sharing gifts of love makes all the difference. Oh yeah, extra "cheese" please.