Grilled Cheese
We just got back from a visit with extended family out of state. We spent a few very full days accomplishing tasks, reconnecting, and enjoying each other's company.
On our last night, we went to my Aunt's house to have dinner with her, my mom, and my youngest first cousin (how the heck did he become a 30-something adult when in my mind he's still a mischievous 4-year old kid covered in mud? Regardless, he's a pretty cool guy).
After much deliberation, we decided to order curbside pickup and eat at home so we could have the freedom to be loud, goofy, and visit without disrupting other diners. We hadn't seen each other in a while and wanted to make the most of our time together.
As with most of our reunions, we laughed. A lot. There was the moment after dinner when we realized that the clock was not accurate. Actually, it had no batteries and never showed the passage of 1 single second, which made my cousin extremely late for his after-dinner plans. We laughed harder when we realized the clock had stopped at the same time we were scrambling to call in our dinner order before the restaurant closed. We laughed the hardest with tears when three generations of us played a ridiculous yet fun card game called Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. I highly recommend it (both laughing to the point of tears and playing the game).
We shared previously unknown stories of escapades when we were younger and perhaps not quite as wise as we are now, and then there was our dinner.
My cousin is quite adventurous and decided to order the 5-cheese grilled cheese sandwich with homemade peanut butter. Yes, grilled cheese with a schmear of smashed peanuts. As expected, we thought that combination to be rather unique and my cousin was curious as to how it might taste.
When calling in the order, the restaurant worker asked if my cousin wanted to add bananas to the grilled cheese and peanut butter sandwich. Bananas. On grilled cheese. With peanut butter. We commented how that was unusual and were told that it was actually quite tasty and the flavor combination worked surprisingly well. The question about adding bananas was asked in the same manner as one would ask about adding tomatoes to grilled cheese, which interestingly enough, was not asked.
My cousin, who as I said is adventurous and up for trying most things at least once, went for it. He ordered the 5-cheese grilled cheese sandwich with a schmear of peanut butter and sliced bananas, without tomatoes.
The to-go box with his hand-held had some weight to it. It was much heftier than the container holding the classic grilled cheese with American cheese on white bread my son ordered. My very brave cousin who enjoys all the ingredients separately dove right in and excitedly took a bite. He quickly stated that he did not agree with the person who said the sandwich "worked." Not one to waste food, he mustered through one half of the sandwich, drank his Tofutti shake, which I believe had both banana and peanut butter in it among other ingredients, and saved the other half for later. I have no doubts that he will finish the sandwich within the next couple days.
What worked for the chef did not work for him. Yet he accepted their differing tastes, was determined to not waste food, and is always willing to try something new.
I decided to revisit the menu to see if this was a real item and did find a 5-cheese grilled cheese with peanut butter and veggies listed under the sandwich section. The description was unclear as to whether the peanut butter was intended to be a dip for the veggies or if the veggies were intended to be served on the sandwich or on the side, but bananas were definitely not part of that particular sandwich description. And no veggies were included in his order.
It is still a mystery as to whether others truly do enjoy the combination my cousin ordered and if the sandwich was a "secret menu" item, or whether we were being Punk'd or were on the wrong side of a restaurant dare, but here are my take-aways from that meal:
It is rare to find a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to food, tastes, and preferences. This also applies to eating plans, fitness routines, stress management strategies, household and family rules, and more.
Engaging in something unpleasant can be unpleasant AND okay at the same time and still meet needs. This means that while the sandwich was not enjoyable, hunger was sated, humor was found, memories were made, and I was inspired to write this post.
It's OK to have opinions that differ, without disparaging the other side.
I challenge you to:
Be brave and try new things
Be curious, putting aside preconceived notions
Do things that are uncomfortable and that can satisfy needs, while serving a greater purpose aside from discomfort
If nothing else, trying even one of those challenges will create new memories and might result in laughter..
