I own one cookbook. It's a cookbook my church compiled, and in the two years I've had it, I've opened it about 3 times. Each time was to use the same recipe. As I've mentioned before, I rarely try new recipes. My friend Mary, on the other hand, loves new recipes, especially if they have an unusual title. We love cooking together. I voice all the reasons it won't turn out, and lament the missing ingredients. Mary just laughs and assures me it will be fantastic.
Yesterday my phone rang.
"I'm going to make bagels," Mary cheerfully informed me. "Want to come over?"
"O......kay. I've never made bagels."
"I haven't either."
"Do you have bagel flour? I've heard they turn out much better if you use bagel flour...whatever that is."
"No."
"Well, should I get some? I'm driving by the store."
"No, I already started them."
Bagel flour or no bagel flour, it was a blast. After letting the dough rise...and mixing in more flour and letting the dough rise...and punching it down and letting the dough rise...we reached the fun part. Each little ball was rolled into a rope, pinched together (harder than it sounds!), dropped in boiling water for 10 seconds to give them "that awesome bagel crust", brushed with egg, dotted with sesame or poppy seeds, set out to rise again, and finally, baked.
As we finished a warm bagel with cream cheese, Mary opened the cookbook again. "What should I make for supper...Japanese Pancakes?" She slid the book toward me.
I like pancakes. There was just one problem. The first ingredient was...cabbage. Then celery, carrots, and onions! Add a half cup of meat, or fish, or "whatever you want". What legitimate recipe called for a half cup of whatever you want?! It sounded terrible. Once I passed my initial reaction, I realized I was fine with the recipe as long as I ignored the word "pancake". I re-named it "Mixed-up, Fried Casserole" (to Mary's chagrin) and started dicing celery. The flavor and texture was reminiscent of Chicken Pot-pie. And the best part? It was delicious!
