Recipes for Life's Special Moments by doc
AN #1: I started posting this series a while ago on another board. I intended for each chapter to be a stand-alone vignette; although the first several are actually linked in time. I only have the first 2 chapters completed, since the plan was to add a vignette periodically as the need for a new recipe arose. I'll go ahead and post the first 2 chapters that are complete, and maybe someday I'll add a few more??? I wasn't sure that readers were all that interested in my recipes once I started posting.
AN #2: Several readers have commented on my use of food and a shared love of cooking portrayed in my stories. Some have requested that I share the recipes for the dishes that I've included in my writing. I thought it might be fun to write short vignettes of the Rabb family involved in life's special events surrounded by good food and family fun. So I will endeavor to share three of my loves: JAG, writing and cooking. I know this is a bit different from the usual JAG fiction, but I hope you will find the short stories entertaining and the recipes divine. Some of the dishes and sweets are traditions passed down through several generations of my family. My mother instilled a wonderful love for cooking in all of her children…even my brother, who is a much better chef than his wife. Many of my favorite childhood memories originate from our family kitchen in one way or another. I think those memories garnered me with a solid foundation of love, warmth and belonging. Unlike my previous stories, this fictional endeavor is not yet complete. I will post each chapter as it is finished.
The Rabb family in these vignettes is from my story, 'A Nickel Trumps a Dime of Fate.' The first vignette occurs the morning after my August HBX challenge, 'Hickory Dickory Dock…The Cat Ran Up the Clock.' Harm and Mac spent the evening locked in a bedroom closet compliments of the family pets, who refused to allow them to exit the enclosed structure until a month-long 'cold spell' had ended in slobber-sharing, mating groans and the return of the 'warmth.' For those who haven't read the challenge or the preceding long story, Harm and Mac are married and in private practice together as child advocacy lawyers in San Diego. They have three children, Ben, Conner and Ellie…ages 6, 3 and 2 years. Their four-legged family members include: Molly, the wise old family pooch; Suzy-Q, a young mischievous but loving feline; and Toby, the small but courageous hamster.
Special thanks to Mom, my faithful finder and keeper of all things related to spelling and grammar…and in many ways, the inspiration for these tales, as she is the creator of several of the culinary delights.
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG or any of the characters. I just take them out and play with them on occasion before replacing them safe and sound back on the shelf.
xxxxx
Part 1: The Morning After…Oh-La-La, A Little Taste of Heaven Stuffed with Strawberries and Cream
08:20
Saturday Morning
16 February 2013
The Rabb House
La Jolla, California
The master bedroom door creaked open just a crack. Molly slowly stuck her head around the corner looking for signs of life. Suzy's fuzzy little head darted quickly in between the old dog's front paws. Molly sighed indulgently and pushed the kitten back into the hall. "I told you to wait out there until I checked on Ma'am and Sir."
Suzy meowed in reply, "Is the coast clear yet, Molly?"
The old dog pushed the door open a little further and peered toward the huge mahogany bed. Sensing no signs of movement or 'inappropriate' behavior for 'little eyes,' Molly waved a paw at her small co-conspirator. "It's OK, you can come in. Just don't make any noise."
Suzy bolted into the room and pranced around with pride. "I still can't believe we did it, Molly. We out-smarted Sir and Ma'am and put an end to the cold. The house feels nice and warm this morning."
Molly held up a paw to quiet the exuberant kitten, "I told you to keep quiet. Sir and Ma'am were up late last night. They need their sleep. I wouldn't wake them if I didn't need to go outside."
Suzy giggled, "You should have a box like me."
The old dog rolled her eyes; it would be a cold day in…well, somewhere before she would use a box. She preferred a large open space with grass and wind…and interesting smells.
Molly lumbered over to the side of the big, tall bed, and placing her front paws on the mattress, pulled up to gaze over the top. Sir was lying on his side with his arms wrapped around Ma'am. Molly debated her next move, but decided nature's call took precedence. Pushing the blankets back with her snoot, she nuzzled a cold, wet nose into Sir's bare back. Sir jumped at the rude intrusion into his dreams and swatted at the unwelcome intruder. Molly pushed a little more insistently and Sir popped open a dazed eye.
Glancing back toward the dog, Harm blinked in the bright morning sunlight. Mumbling in hushed tones, he spoke to the dog, "Molly, what is it, girl?" Molly whined in reply and pawed at the bed. "Do you need to go outside?" The dog issued a soft yelp of agreement. He sighed in response, weighing the possibilities of returning to the warm depths of sleep versus cleaning up an unpleasant accident. When the dog whined a second time, he groaned and muttered back, "Alright, I'm coming."
Trying to gently extract his arms and chest from under Mac's head, he slowly rose to a sitting position. Mac stirred in her sleep, "Harm?"
He leaned over and brushed a strand of hair from her face. Placing a soft kiss on her forehead, he whispered, "Go back to sleep, sweetheart." She hugged his pillow closer, comforted by his scent and contentedly drifted back to dreamland.
Molly pawed at the bed again with increasing urgency; prompting Harm to reluctantly slip from its welcoming depths of plush fluff and warmth to the cold of the February morn. He pulled the blankets up around his slumbering wife and leaned over once more to kiss her cheek, murmuring, "love you," against the soft skin. He shivered in the cool air and searched the room for his boxers. Finding them in a heap by the bedroom door, he retrieved the thin layer of cotton and hurried toward his closet in search of warmer clothes. He almost tripped over a pile of shoes, pillows and clothing next to the closet door. Shaking his head at the puzzling heap, he shrugged his shoulders and continued on.
Molly dutifully followed in his wake, pacing the floor in a constant reminder of her needs. Ham slipped into a pair of sweats, shoes and socks and ushered the dog back into the bedroom. He found Suzy bouncing on her back paws next to Mac's side of the bed. He lifted the tiny ball of fur into the air with a flourish and smiled at the cat's surprised gaze. Raking a few fingers through the soft fur, he asked, "Suzy, do you want to get in bed with Mac?" The kitten purred her response and wasted no time in settling into the curve at the back of Mac's knees.
Harm turned from the bed and glanced at the none-too-patient dog, "Alright, come on Molly. What do you say we take a walk instead of just going outside this morning?" Molly's tail wagged at the prospect of a nice long jaunt with Sir. Harm grabbed his wallet and keys as he brushed past the dresser. Ruffling his fingers through Molly's short fur as they darted down the hall toward the kitchen, he paused at the refrigerator. "Hey girl, how about we walk down to the gourmet market and pick-up the ingredients for one of Mac's favorite breakfasts?"
Molly licked her lips in reply to the question then ran in circles beside the fridge door. She could already smell the wonderful fragrance of fried pig.
Harm laughed at her antics and reached for the retractable leash. "Come on, Molly…we have shopping to do."
xxxxx
More than an hour later, Mac wandered into the kitchen, eyes barely open a slit. Arm extended, she reached out in search of the carafe on the coffee maker. Coming up empty, she turned toward the source of the other wonderful aromas wafting from the stove and ran right smack into Harm's broad muscular back.
He reached out an arm to steady her and pulled her around to his side. Laughing at the uncoordinated movements of his usually graceful wife, he leaned in to place a kiss on the top of her head. "Still not awake?"
She shook her head against his chest, "Someone didn't let me sleep much last night. What are you doing up so early?"
He chuckled, "It's almost ten o'clock…what happened to my usually early-rising Marine?"
She buried her face further into the soft cotton of his t-shirt, "Need coffee…not enough sleep."
"Well, how about we have some breakfast then we can go back to bed…." She popped open an eyelid and stared at him with a suspicious glare. "To sleep…I thought we could take a nap before we embark on our evening of culinary fun."
"Uhhh," she groaned, "…caffeine."
He smiled at her inarticulate response and handed her a mug of rich chocolate-colored, hot aromatic liquid. She inhaled deeply as the beginnings of a contented smile played on her lips. Taking a small sip, her lids fluttered closed as a rapturous expression crossed her face. "Mmmm…good."
He chuckled and hugged her closer, "Gee Mac, I don't think I've ever seen you this inarticulate before."
She leaned firmly into his embrace and reached up to place a provocative kiss upon his lips. Pulling back, she took another drink of the coffee-flavored concoction and frowned in thought, "Mocha?"
He nodded, "Yep, I talked Evie into giving me her secret recipe. I figured I had some making-up to do."
Mac cupped his cheek and ran her thumb over his bottom lip, "Sweetheart, I told you I understood. I'm not upset…I just wish you would have confided in me sooner. Besides," a mischievous grin flashed over her face, "…you made up for it last night."
"Not really…not enough, anyways." He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her nose, "So tonight…is just about you and me."
She frowned, "What about the kids? What time do we need to pick them up from your mom's?"
"No kids," he waggled his brows, "…I called Mom this morning. She and Frank plan to take them to the aquarium today. She said they were happy and content for the first time in a month, and she planned to keep it that way." His expression turned contrite, "I really screwed up, Mac. I was trying to protect my family from all that ugliness and all I did was end up hurting them more."
"The kids are fine, Harm." She ran a hand up and down his back, "They know you love'em. Besides, I think it will be good for them to be doted on by Gummy and Papa for the day."
He shook his head as a playful smirk once again appeared. "Not the 'day', sweetheart…Mom and Frank want them until sometime tomorrow. I think Mom knew we needed some alone time. She gave me the business for keeping secrets from you." He ran his fingers through her hair, "She said I should have learned my lesson when I tried that all those years ago with Mattie and London. She's right you know…it's always better when we talk to each other."
"Wise woman, we should listen to her more," she nodded in agreement, "…no more secrets." Swatting his six, she laughed, "Now, how about that breakfast!"
He grabbed her hand before she could strike again, "Hey, watch it…I might report you for spousal abuse."
She slid around his back and reached up to snag a strawberry, "No judge in the land would find me guilty…in fact, they'd probably agree with my punishment."
He captured her hand against the counter before she could steal more fruit, "And exactly what punishment did you have in mind?"
She winked and quickly withdrew her hand, snatching another berry, "Let me take a nap and maybe I'll show you later." She turned to scurry from his grasp and tripped over the two family pets perched underfoot.
He wrapped an arm around her waist before she could fall forward, "Watch it, Marine. I don't want to spend the day at the hospital…I have more enjoyable activities planned."
Mac glared at the two furry lumps on the floor, "What are you two waiting for?"
Molly released a series of short barks as she wiggled on her rump. Suzy danced on her hindquarters and batted the air. Harm tossed the dog another strip of bacon and let Suzy lick off another finger-full of cream cheese. "They're my assistants, Mac. By the way, what's with all the pillows and clothes by my closet door?"
She shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know…I didn't put them there. I asked you about them last night, but you ignored me." She smirked at him, "I think you were a little preoccupied."
He nodded his head toward the kitchen table, "Go sit down and I'll serve you breakfast…trust me, you're going to need your strength if I have anything to say about it."
He turned toward the sink to wash his hands as Mac sauntered to the table to await her breakfast. Now that the caffeine was finally kicking in, both her thoughts and movements were returning to norm. "Harm, can I help with anything?"
"No, just have a seat and enjoy your mocha…I've got everything under control."
She stroked a finger down the petals of a brightly colored Gerbera daisy. "Where'd the flowers come from?"
He smiled in reply, "Molly and I walked down to the gourmet market this morning. I needed the fixings for your breakfast."
She glanced out the window with a frown, "In this weather? It looks like it's really going to storm today."
"It wasn't this bad when we left the house, just a little overcast. By the time we were walking back in the door, the clouds had really rolled in and the temperature had dropped."
She studied the gray skies as the first of the fat raindrops began to pelt the windows. "Days like this are good for only one thing."
A smile played on his lips as he whispered, "You should know, sweet thing."
She chuckled, "What was that?"
He shook his head as a blush rose up his cheeks, "Never mind."
"I never understood what that whole conversation was about back then. You'd hit your head and weren't making a lot of sense that day."
He rolled his eyes at the memory, "I better turn the French toast before it burns." He gently scooped the spatula underneath the thick pieces of bread stuffed with strawberries and cream.
"Harm?"
"Yeah Mac?"
"Are you ever going to tell me what that whole 'sweet thing' comment was about?"
He grinned, "Maybe later." He lifted the French toast from the skillet and gently slid it onto a plate. "Much later…maybe never," was muttered under his breath. He covered the thick luscious toast in a healthy serving of maple sauce and added some fruit and bacon to the plate. Fixing a second plate for himself, he carried the food over to the table.
Setting the plate down with a flourish, he grinned with satisfaction, "Your breakfast is served, Madam."
She sliced her fork through the bread and scooped a large dollop of the cream cheese and strawberries. Indulging in the breakfast delight, her face once again reflected absolute pleasure. "I love this recipe for French toast. Evie really outdid herself with this one."
He cleared his throat to gain her attention, "Evie? What about me?"
She grinned and accepted the glass of freshly squeezed orange juice that he offered. Swallowing the food in her mouth, she leaned forward and ran her fingers down his cheek. "Thank you for breakfast, sweetheart. It's absolutely delicious and just what I needed." She pulled his face to hers and placed a kiss on his lips.
Leaning back, he licked his lips, "Mmmm, maple sauce with just a little something extra thrown in." He paused a moment to lick his lips again. At her puzzled look, he grinned, "Tastes better with you added in."
The remainder of breakfast was a pleasant affair. They discussed their plans for the day, the events missed in the dark of the last month and the goings on of the kids.
xxxxx
Sliding another dish into the soapy water, he pointed to the stove, "Mac, could you hand me that frying pan?"
She tossed the dishtowel over her shoulder and retrieved the skillet, "Tell me again why we're not using the dishwasher?"
"Because," he sighed as he scrubbed at the plate covered in congealed cheese, "… 'someone' didn't want to do the dishes after our midnight snack. Between the omelet and the dishes from your dinner preparations last night, the food is stuck on all the plates."
"Well, if I recall correctly…'someone' was distracting me." She dropped the heavy pan into his dishwater, sending soapsuds flying in all directions.
"MAC!" He jumped back from the counter and pulled the wet t-shirt away from his chest.
She giggled unrepentantly, "Harm!"
Snatching the towel from her shoulder to wipe up the mess, he glared, "Marine, I thought we were going to finish this so we could take a nap. What happened to your exhaustion?"
"Caffeine!" She grabbed the remaining grocery sacks off the counter and circled toward the fridge. Unloading the produce, she held up several plastic bags filled with a variety of wild mushrooms. "Harm, what's with all the mushrooms?"
Tossing the towel to the side, he began scrubbing at the skillet once again. "I figured we would need some more, since we ate your mushroom filling in the omelet last night."
Holding up the bags, she chuckled, "Harm, you have enough mushrooms to feed the marines here." He shrugged his shoulders in response. Glancing through the window at the cold inclement weather outside, she pushed the plastic sacks into the fridge. "Never mind, I have a great idea for the extras."
He rinsed the last of the dishes and placed them in the sink to drain. "You're getting behind over here." When she got within reach, he blew a handful of suds into her face. Chuckling at the bubbles on her nose, he reached up to wipe them away, "Turn about's fair play, you know." He reached for an extra towel to help dry the last few remaining plates.
As the last dish was put away, he pulled her into his arms. "Ready for a nap," he waggled his brow.
She leaned up for a kiss, "A nap, huh? I was thinking more along the lines of a nice long soak in the hot tub." She pulled away and tugged on his hand.
He followed her down the hall and into their bedroom. Stopping just outside the bathroom door, he gently tugged on the collar of her robe, "Huh Mac, I thought we already had a discussion about you wearing my robe."
She threw a seductive smile over her shoulder, "And I told you, I liked wearing it…it's like being wrapped in your arms."
He grabbed a handful of fabric and firmly pulled, "Well, I'm reclaiming what's mine…"
To Be Continued
AN: RECIPES
Evie's (aka doc's) Special Decadent Mocha
1-14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
Strong hazelnut coffee (4 scoops freshly ground hazelnut coffee to make approximately an 8-10 cup carafe)
4 oz. Hazelnut syrup
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp maple extract (extract NOT syrup)
2 quarts chocolate milk (needs to be the really thick, very chocolate kind. Hershey's is one brand. Depending on taste, you may need to add additional Hershey's chocolate syrup.)
Whipped cream, optional
Mix the mocha in a gallon container (if you have a container that makes a little more then a gallon, all the better for mixing). Add the hot coffee to the sweetened condensed milk, and stir until well mixed. Add the hazelnut syrup, vanilla & maple extract to the coffee mixture. Stir in chocolate milk and additional chocolate syrup as needed.
Refrigerate mocha overnight. Flavors meld and improve with refrigeration!
Stir well before serving. May serve cold over ice with a dollop of whipped cream. The coffee flavor is lighter when served cold. May also heat and serve hot. Coffee flavor is much more evident when served warm.
Heavenly Stuffed French Toast
1 loaf of a good French or Challah bread, sliced in 1 inch thick slices
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Filling
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/3 c. granulated sugar
1 TBSP. lemon juice
Custard
4 large eggs
1 c. heavy cream
2 TBSP granulated sugar
1-2 tsp. vanilla extract
orange zest, optional
Nutmeg, optional
In a small mixing bowl, whip the filling ingredients until smooth & set aside.
Whisk the eggs for the custard in a shallow dish. Add cream, sugar and vanilla extract, mix well. Add optional orange zest, as desired.
Pour vegetable oil into a skillet, enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Heat oil over a low to medium low flame. When oil is hot, spread a generous helping of the filling onto one side of a slice of the French bread. Dunk the plain side of the bread in the custard mixture & place in the skillet. Layer sliced strawberries over the cream cheese filling. Dunk a second slice of bread in the custard mixture and place over the strawberries, plain side down.
Fry the bread until first side is golden, then flip the stuffed French bread to the opposite side. Add nutmeg as desired. Allow second side to fry until golden, and cream cheese mixture is warm.
Serve with butter and Maple Sauce (see below).
Maple Sauce
1 c. maple syrup
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 c. half & half
2 TBSP. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
In a medium saucepan, combine syrup and sugar. Cook over a medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil. Stirring constantly, cook about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in half & half, butter and vanilla.