New Landscape, 2013
I prepared a slice of toast that rivaled the memory I have of my mother's toast. This was something I believed out of my reach. And then today it happened.
Light brown, just to the point where the face of the bread is crisp enough to create a solid sound when tapped with a fingernail. Then a thin layer of salted butter to seep into the crispness and soften it, slightly.
A bite at this point is lovely, and a corner dipped into warm maple syrup sweetened oatmeal is heaven.
It feels funny, like this is a threshold I was not supposed to cross, and the universe will lean slightly off-kilter until I trip and fall.
I can vouch for it. That toast was insanely delicious. I only had one bite but I can still taste it.
ReplyDeleteTaste - a direct route through years. Toast - so hard to make it just so. Mine starts with thick white un-sliced bread, just toasted to surface solidity as you describe, but I'm afraid I need a thick salty layer that seeps but also slathers. I need nothing else on it. And I think of my grandparents as I think about that toast.
ReplyDeleteIt is a direct route, Kate. Your words have me thinking of my maternal grandfather's soft boiled egg on toast. Oh, how I loved it. His toast was very different than Mom's, delicious in it's own way.
Deletewhat a proustian moment.
ReplyDeleteHave you read Nigel slater's "Toast"? I highly recommend that book. It does this effect on you.
Last night I made a simple tomato salad, the way my dad makes it in the summer, and woosh...i was sitting virtually with him on the terrace, across the Med.
I'll take a look at Toast, Amelia. Thanks. Your 'visit' with your dad has me smiling.
DeleteDo you think you'll be able to re-create it?
ReplyDeleteAlso, that last sentence was just lovely. I read it three times!
Yes, Samantha. I actually wrote this on 4/22 and made the toast again today. Three times. Excellent. I'm happy.
DeleteYou had me at the word toast. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's helpful to know what you like, Alexandria. Hope you eat some toast soon.
DeleteLast night my mother gave me a nice jar of Italian Fruit Spread... It read "Strawberries and Wild Strawberries"... oh well.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't wait to spread it on my toast this morning! So delicious.
Here's to toast! And strawberry jam!
Jam made from two types of strawberries. I like this idea. We all need a little wild in our lives, but not too much, right?
DeleteOH Heavenly post...i was there wit you...thanks for the reminder to "be" present...Magic happens sometimes...e*
ReplyDeleteAgreed. The magic is there. We just have to remember to look for it.
DeleteThis is just the sweetest. I have my own memories of my mom and toast that involve late nights, two mugs of hot chocolate and a tower of soudough between us. No matter how I've tried, I haven't been able to recreate the taste of that cocoa and toast, though.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way for so long, Rachael. And then there it was, Mom's toast, and I made it. Crazy...
DeleteI am following a low carb philosophy these days to get rid of the pregnanyc kilos. Toast is one of those things I miss.
ReplyDelete...The smell of it in the morning together with coffee... It's like the smell of a fire place... or newly made breda out of the oven...in its own league...
...Toast with a thick layer of hard unsalted butter and home made plum jam reminds me of my maternal grandmother
Mmm. Homemade plum jam. Lovely.
DeleteI'm reading this on an empty stomach that is now growling. Think I'll skip the oatmeal this morning for toast instead.
ReplyDeleteLook straight ahead and take a giant leap through the threshold... no tripping, just flying...
I like your instruction, Janis. I feel like flying!
DeleteToast is poetry.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly can be.
DeleteHave you heard of The Mill in San Francisco? Delicious, delicious toast (a little pricey) : good country bread, thick slices, strawberry jam and butter. I think it might just be up your alley.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you are correct, Megan. I've walked past The Mill twice. It looks like a great space, but I still haven't stopped in for toast. I will, soon.
DeleteIt sounds as if you have found the perfect recipe for toast--one that includes lovely memories.
ReplyDeleteFood memories are the best.
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