Monday, February 4, 2008

My daughter rocks

Really, she does. She eats anything, would rather listen to opera in the car than a popular music station, skis better than most adults I know, and wears whatever I pick out in the morning. But now she's really outdone herself. And I say this without any hesitation due to modesty. She does all this in spite of the basket case of a mother that I am.

She has decided that I've planned and executed enough dinners; she's now ready to step in herself. Thank goodness.

She started planning tonight's dinner yesterday morning. When she got home from school, all the pieces fell into place.

First, she planned and designed the menus. She asked me to do the writing, since I do cursive so well, but the ideas were all hers.




Once she sat us at the table, Husband and I ordered the appetizer of tomatoes stuffed with cheese, which was good, since she said they were out of cavier. Good thing, since she spent about 45 minutes on this appetizer. This was entirely her own creation: She sliced tomatoes in half, scooped out the seeds, filled them with Manouri cheese, and sprinkled them with lemon juice and black flaked salt. Seriously good!









For entrees, we selected the special, noodles with baby shrimps in a slight sauce. We always like a slight sauce. I'm really not one for prepared foods, but Sophie tried a sample of this at Trader Joe's and declared it the best thing she ever tasted. She especially wanted to serve it for her first fancy dinner. She learned how to cook shrimp (until it is just orange) and how to saute vegetables, so it wasn't a total loss from a culinary standpoint.





And she made a very nice green salad, with red lettuce, spinach, baby bok choy, bosc pear, parmesan, and balsamic vineagrette. She learned to wash muddy spinach and spin it dry and core and chop pear.







For dessert she served vanilla ice cream (in our special "good listener bowls"), although in somewhat unequal portions.




But honestly, I don't think I could be more proud. I don't know what I do to deserve this kid.

18 comments:

tulipmom said...

WOW! I am speechless. I think your beautiful little girl might be more at home in the kitchen than me. And I just love how she planned and designed the menu. You have clearly set such a wonderful example.

Oh, and thanks for the laugh: "She does all this in spite of the basket case of a mother that I am."

The Wife said...

A child you can be proud of usually means a parent you can be proud of! Seriously, you are doing her a great service by getting her comfortable in the kitchen at an early age. I'm still not!

jillskict said...

Ummm wow. Seriously no words. That is the coolest. I am thinking maybe a food network star in the making.

Ned said...

You SHOULD be so proud! So many kids practically eat only fast foods. Plus she is learning lifetime skills!

kristen spina said...

The fact that she eats actual gourmet food is remarkable, but that she's interested in cooking it? You are one lucky basket case of a mom. Oops. No, wait. One lucky fabulous role model mom, is more like it. It had to come from somewhere, and I'm betting her interest has a lot to do with the example you set.

And, on a separate note, are those pie rings adjustable or do you have to match them to the size of the pie plate?

Libby said...

Your daughter does completely rock! I am seriously impressed.

lisagh said...

Amazing! I've always thought children were the reflection of their parents, so I think you're probably pretty darn awesome yourself!

dmmlandcruiser said...

When does her catering business get off the ground? I could use her!

Belle said...

What a sweetie! You're raising her right. You should be proud of her AND yourself!

J said...

That is so cute! My sisters and I used to make dinners, complete with invented recipes and candles, but we never had menus or appetizers!

You should be very proud. Eating and cooking well is something you taught her that will stay with her forever.

KK said...

Oh my gosh! That is so awesome. She looks adorable with the towel draped across her arm!

Anonymous said...

How cute! Does she have a show on the Food Network yet?

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness - you should be so proud! I guess the saying "like mother, like daughter" holds true... at least in the kitchen.

Unfortunately for my daughters, this means that they will be unable to bake anything - even from a mix - without encountering problems.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I'm so impressed! I think she's a better cook than I am. You're one lucky mom! : )

Angelina said...

I'm pretty deeply envious. My son is the world's pickiest eater and mostly likes goldfish and tater tots. My husband and I eat a lot of produce and healthy food- how did we get such a child? And because he doesn't like most food he has no interest in the kitchen except to make cookies.

Your daughter is amazing!

Alatcal said...

Awwww! She's such a darling Cindy! And the interest in opera over pop really adds points in my book! What a talented young lady!

Caffeine Court said...

I love my 8 year old daughter, but I can assure you I will NEVER see her do what your child just did! UNREAL!

sabi said...

i'm not surprised, that girl of yours is always full of great ideas. you are very graced with all sorts of fortune.