Slightly reinventing the wheel today

Yesterday afternoon, I was sitting on the porch discussing today's menu with my sister in law by telephone. After about 15 minutes, I jumped up, swore and ran into the kitchen. I told her I'd forgotten to set the timer to stir the rice pudding I was taking to my brothers for dinner last night. And just like that, she told me what I could bring to MLTL's home for dessert tonight.

The pudding, which is often requested by family, is a labor of love. It's not a hard recipe to make, but while cooking at barely a simmer for nearly two hours, one must get up and stir it at least every 10 minutes to avoid a scorched disaster. Therefore, on a beautiful summer day, if you make this, you'll be tethered to the stove. For the 90th time, my brother (the chef), asked for the recipe and told me he was going to make it in the crock pot.

Why didn't I think of that? Duh. So today, armed with all of the ingredients except a vanilla bean, I'm going to give it another go in a slightly different manner. I'll use my Penzey's vanilla extract to finish it off.

It was nice to see my brothers last night and especially the new baby. He is so sweet. I got to hold him, change his diaper and clothes, burp, walk, sing off key to him, and get him stoned on formula. This is one well loved baby boy and my brother is a wonderful grandfather.

I hope you all enjoy today, no matter where your dad may be. Mine died the summer of 2002, though it seems like only yesterday and I miss him terribly. Whenever I get annoyed by the sound of firecrackers this time of year, I recall the last time I saw my dad feeling well. My 13 year old son had bought fireworks that we took to my parent's home to use. My dad pulled up a folding chair outside and laughed in delight at each display my son set off. Two weeks later, he was gone.

Here's a little something else my dad would have enjoyed... Happy Farsa's Day to all you dad's out there, including the one who has been a spectacular father to my kids (you didn't really think I'd rather spend the day at the cemetery, did you?).