The Birthday Exchange

I have a favorite son and because I am truly blessed, I have a favorite daughter. I will make something for one of them when they come to Sunday dinner and have been known to say, as I put it on the table, “ because you are my favorite son”, or “for you, favorite daughter”. My daughter has reminded me more than once that, ahem, she is my only daughter. And I tell her, “yes dear, I know”. My son has never made that comment to me, I guess it is just one of the ways that boys are different than girls.

I did tell the kids of what I had been told by a co-worker, she said:

“ I wasn’t my Mothers favorite child, but I was, her only child”.

Oh my!

Having such a blessing, as two favorites can be interesting, and convenient as well. When I would make cake frosting, each was given a beater to lick. When there was only one of something each wanted, cutting in half frequently worked well. Then there was scouting, even though each had a group and the opportunity to join,  wouldn’t you know it, neither wanted to. Go figure.

They, my favorite son and my favorite daughter think that they are very different. But of course as their favorite Mother, I know better. They are close, more so than they realize. For instance: he was born in September, she in October. There was a four-year gap, I’m good, just not that good!

My favorite son got married in June, the favorite daughter in August. If you are wondering, yes, that was the same year. Two weddings, same summer, held in two different states, and I lived out of town, each time. I  made the food served at the Groom’s dinner, for my favorite son. I also made a lot of the food for the outdoor buffet, which was a part of my daughter’s wedding. Excuse me, I mean, my favorite daughter.

They share a few other things in common also. Each is 6 feet tall. And each has sizable feet on the other end as well! And they share a love of practical jokes…..

Many, many years ago, the three of us went out to dinner to celebrate the favorite son’s 18th birthday. We went to our local Mexican restaurant, well known for it’s loud round of Happy Birthday to celebrate and embarrass the birthday person.  It actually had been my favorite daughter’s idea, to eat there. She couldn’t wait. Of course I had thought it a good idea, as well. When the dinner plates are cleared, that is usually when someone will “excuse” themselves from the table and go make the "secret" arrangements. 

It was at that exact moment that the favorite daughter excused herself to go to the ladies room. She had no more gotten out of sight, when my favorite son turns to me and says……

“Lets tell the waiter it’s Jessica’s birthday and they will come and sing happy birthday to her.” I am sure he knew that she had planned on summoning the birthday singers to give him the business! And with that a waiter walked by and forever more the dirty deed, was done.

My favorite daughter returned to the table, and just then, the singing crew came streaming over to our table. She must have thought that I had asked them to come and sing to her brother, while she was away. She had a smile on her face, and was waiting for the big sombrero to be place on her brother’s head, when, all at once the loud music started and plunk, that big sombrero (shaped like a 3 layer birthday cake)  was on her head!

She sat there politely and endured what was suppose to be “Happy Birthday”. Sang off key on purpose and seeming to never end! She was furious, in a quiet slow burn, sort of way. Man o mister! Where as, the two of us could not stop laughing.

She has spoke of that night, often, in the years that have passed. And I can’t say she is any less annoyed with me. Could it be for a short time………….

I was her only Mother, just not her favorite Mother?

Oh my.

This would be the one recipe that is an absolute favorite of both my kids. I have posted this recipe before, but no one was reading this blog then, so we will just pretend it is just like a new recipe! This recipe will surprise you. It is delicious and no one knows the secret ingredient but you.

The roasted nuts on top, are delicious!

Our favorite pork and bean bread aka, The Van Camps Loaf
325 F

1 c raisins
1 c boiling water

1 16 oz can pork and beans

2 c sugar
1/2 c oil
3 eggs
1 t vanilla

2 c flour
1 c whole wheat flour
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t baking powder
1 t baking soda

1 c chopped walnuts, optional

Place the raisins in a small bowl, cover with the boiling water, set aside.

 Place the pork and beans in large mixing bowl, beat until beans have broken apart and the mixture is smooth.

 
Beat in the sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla.

Place dry ingredients, in a medium bowl, whisk to combine.

Add to bean mixture and combine gently.

Drain raisins, and squeeze them gently to remove as much water as possible. Add the raising and nuts if using to the batter, fold in.

Pour into 2 prepared loaf pans. Add more chopped nut for the top of the loaf, if desired. Bake 45-50 minutes, or until done in your oven. Cool in pans 10 minutes before turning out to cool completely.

Makes 2 loaves, one to enjoy and one to freeze or better yet one for a favorite son and one for a favorite daughter.

As always thanks for stopping to visit, I appreciate it!

This post is being shared with:

Hearth n Soul @ a moderate life