THE STRAWBERRY CONVERSATION
In a romantic sense the truth is that I'm not really a flower type of guy. This was made clear to me by my wife earlier today. Deep down, I already knew this. It was not like some sort of epiphany or a sudden realization.
I do the weekly grocery shopping by myself. While shopping I thought that for a special treat I would make my wife my special dessert French Toast when I got home 'cause she is my honey. She loves the way that I make it and looks forward to it. She truly enjoys it that's for sure.
Now, the way I prepare it is a rather involved process. The way that it works is that I cook one side, turn over, spread melted butter and sugar on top and then flip once again and cook to caramelize the top. It makes for a beautiful presentation. Also, I use an egg, nutmeg, vanilla, and half & half mixture to coat the bread. I use a flat grill for cooking and that means that afterward I have to scrub the thing clean. Not at all fun. It is also problematic finding enough counter space to plug the thing in. The truth is, I sorta dread it.
Now, in the store, having thought about it a little more I thought "Why go through all of that bother?" The thing is, my wife loves my French Toast and we've been lacking for several months in that department. So I said to myself "OK, despite the hassle I will do it because I love her". Now, don't get me wrong, I wasn't doing it because I'm some sort of nice guy. I have never made such a claim about myself. I do however strive to be a loving and faithful husband and love requires actions and not words. French Toast and not flowers.
I use the fresh unsliced bakery bread as I prefer larger slices than the standard sliced store bread that is trucked in. I slice it myself to desired thickness. At first glance it looked like that there wasn't any fresh bread on display. I said "Alright, I'm in the clear now!" but as luck would have it there was one loaf left. "Some guys have all the luck. Some guys get all of the breaks". I stuck it in the cart next to the bag of potatoes and the carrots.
Later, with my wife seated at the table with fork, napkin and small glass of OJ on ice I presented her breakfast. Immediately I realized that I forgot to buy the fresh strawberries as a topping. What I do is slice 'em thin and prepare a strawberry glaze. So you can readily see, the whole French Toast process, from shopping, preparation and clean-up is quite an ordeal even sans berries.
My wife said that it was delicious and was not the least bit disappointed that the berries were lacking. She said, "My husband doesn't bring me flowers but he does make his special scrumptious French Toast for me. Oh yeah, he takes out the trash too". In essence, that was the strawberry conversation.
Later, after considerable pondering, I decided I would make French Toast again for her, probably next week. Usually, I use strawberries but to avoid being boring and predictable, I thought that I would use fresh peaches instead for a change of pace as my honey loves those too as well as all manner of fresh fruits. Slice 'em thin, make some sort of peach glaze, ladle of top of the French Toast and top with Redi-Whip. I can assure you that it will be a most beautiful presentation. Exquisite.
The truth is that I'm not the most romantic guy but my honey is most beautiful and exquisite. She is definitely a peach.