I have a friend who likes to cook. He enjoys preparing delectable meals for his busy family. The kitchen is a special place to my friend. The kitchen is a place of refuge, where peace and tranquility reign.
Recently he shared a story with me that made the short hairs on my neck stand on end! It is a story not for the faint of heart. A story that would've made weaker cooks faint. A story that cooks all over the world dread and hope never happens to them. Read on. If you've the nerve!
He had been away on business for a couple of days and all the time he was away, looked forward to his homecoming to try a new recipe for his wife and kids. He arrived home late at night, all his loved ones fast asleep, dreaming of Sugar Plums, Lasagna Noodles and Pizza Pie. He kissed his loved ones on their respective cheeks, gave the dog a pat on the head, and slipped into a deep slumber...
He awoke the next morning with a start! Someone or something was staring at him. He opened one eye to see an eight-pound ball of fur, with a wet nose, waiting patiently for someone to let him out to "do his duty". He started to lift himself from the bed, with some difficulty I might add, as the wet nosed fur ball bounced around like a ping pong ball in a windstorm.
He got up and let the dog out, put on a pot of coffee, and started getting the ingredient list together. Pasta Shells stuffed with Italian Sausage, Spinach and Ricotta Cheese filling... along with Homemade Garlic Bread and Fresh Lettuce Salad. The thought of it made his mouth water.
He arrived home after his trip to the market, ready to create the perfect stuffed shell dinner. Now the fun began in earnest chopping, boiling, kneading, and mincing. The dog flinched nervously and shied away from the madman in the kitchen as he assembled the culinary delight for his family. "Better warm up the oven and get the bread in," he said to himself as he placed the rolled dough on a lightly oiled pan. He cranked the oven to 375° and barely noticed the curious smell as he brushed the dough with garlic butter, dusted it with cornmeal, and sprinkled oregano and basil on it.
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