RobArt Penguin

Daily writing prompt

Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood?

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My mother was a good cook, except for vegetables. It wasn’t until I studied food preparation in college did I learn how much she overcooked our vegetables. Until my enlightenment I didn’t know that bright green was the best result. I grew up on peas, green beans, broccoli and lima beans that were cooked until they were pale green or gray, and shriveled to half their size. I hated vegetables. Brussel sprouts were the worst. They’re strong under the best of circumstances, and my mother made them a nightmare, little balls of snot green husks that reeked as they stared up at me from my plate. I grew up during the time when parents made their kids clear their plates before leaving the table. I sat at the table a long time on Brussel sprouts night. Fortunately, my wife and I know how to cook vegetables. I love them now, which is good since my daughter is a vegan. I even eat an occasional Brussel sprout, but with plenty of garlic and butter.