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| Continuing the Saturday breakfast tradition |
My memories of my dad are surrounded with food. There was the can of smoked oysters he brought home from work that I would only try, the failed attempt at homemade peach beer (that I was too young to try), the homemade ice cream on my birthday, the parade of grilled food every summer.
But the thing I remember the most is the Saturday question.
"What do you want for breakfast?" asked a very sweaty Dad after he came back from his run.
My sister and I knew that there was really only two answers: crunchy (nutty) waffles or Papa's Pancake, a German-style puffed pancake, my dad's specialty. Both required melted butter and maple syrup.
Now, if I write a story with a father (I've had a few plots where the dad is missing), he's always a breakfast-making father. He wears his pajamas with blue jeans and shows his love through food.
Have you ever included a personal or family tradition/custom in your writing?
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It's amazing how often one's family memories related to food. In my case, all too often it's food I can no longer eat since I have T2 diabetes. But food memories can be so strong.
ReplyDeleteNissa, I don't have diabetes, but I do have food allergies that developed as adult. So, like you, I have some foods that I can't eat any more that I hanker for. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThat's so cool that you have memories with food associated with your dad. Mine was not a cook at all.
ReplyDeleteNatalie, I'm sure there are other special things that you have with your Dad. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteLovely! My dad was a pancake guy. Also, after grocery shopping on Saturdays we'd have root beer floats and sardines on toast! Yay.
ReplyDeleteJan, that's so cool that you have your own Dad foods. Dad's are good for getting us out of our comfort zone with food. :)
DeleteOur dad would make porridge or pancakes Saturday mornings. Years later I felt bad that those mornings were so special, and yet Mum made breakfast every other morning. She was probably used to not being appreciated. Darn. Wish I'd realized that before she was gone. Thanks, Jenni. I needed to see this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great moment, Joylene! We do take so much for granted when we're kids, don't we?
DeleteFood always conjures up fond memories. And I'll take waffles!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! Waffles it is!
DeleteYour dad is like my husband--love those breakfast making men! My stories are filled with food--how can they not when I write family dramas. One of my friends told me she had cravings for Indian food while reading Bound and her local restaurant got much of that business :)
ReplyDeleteOne more reason to check out your book! I love books where food plays a big part--and Indian food--yum! :)
DeletePeople I know are in all my stories, but often not identifiable because their relation to the main character is a (very) different from the biographical one. Even animal characters are people I've known ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's possible to create something out of thin air. It's always based on someone or something. I like that you have hidden them by making their relationships slightly different!
DeleteAll I have to say is YUM! :)
ReplyDelete:) Thanks, Madeline!
DeleteMy dad always made delicious breakfasts too. But now my tastes have evolved and I try to avoid sweet things for breakfast. Luckily I married someone who understands my issue and makes me things like avocado taste served with a bright tasting salad for breakfast. So grateful to have had so many wonderful male cooks in my life!
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Mandy
Ooh, avocado toast sounds yummy!
DeleteThis had so much depth and personality. I think I love this dad. <3 Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sheri!
DeleteFood is a big part of our family customs and traditions, too. My dad made muffins and waffles. Those were his two specialties.
ReplyDeleteI miss my dad. He'd make odd things that sound awful but always ended up being delicious- one of my favorites was fried potatoes and onions and eggs.
ReplyDelete