So last night I went to a wake for the dad of one of my high school friend’s. Wakes and funerals are never easy to attend, but last night, for some reason, this one affected me in a pretty big way. I didn’t know my friend’s father; for whatever reason, for as long as we have been friends, my friend’s dad and I never actually had the opportunity to meet. But as I saw my friend standing up there at the wake, now fatherless, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for knowing that when I walked in the door last night that my dad would be there.
As I was driving home thinking about all this, I started to realize that my dad is really the reason why I am so into food. Yes, I am Italian and eating is in my blood, but when it comes down to it, he is the reason I enjoy cooking and baking so much. First of all, he is an amazing cook. He really knows all the little tricks for making an amazing meal. So I think in that sense, he inspired me and still continues to amaze me in the kitchen. Second, he loves sweets, especially cookies. So is it really that much of a coincidence that I love to bake? I get so much joy out of baking a batch of cookies and seeing the excitement on his face when he gets to taste the first one out of the oven. Or I love finding a recipe (especially anything sweet with lemon) that I know he will love and making it for him,. I guess what it comes down to is that I am forever daddy’s little girl and for as much as we have in common, food is one thing that really makes both of us happy.
So here’s to you dad, the great chef of my life. I will bake for you forever!
