Dishing Up Romance

by Carolyn Hughey

  "I'm engaged to be married and would like to have some flexibility in my schedule. Working twelve to sixteen hours a day, seven days a week, doesn't sit too well with a new husband"

  "I understand. Okay. Please fill out this application." I pulled the paper from the folder in my briefcase and placed it on the table in front of her. "I still have a few others to interview, so if you can hang on for a while, I'll get back to you by the end of the month. Then we can go over all the particulars. How does that sound? Are you still interested?"

  "Absolutely."

  "When are you getting married?"

  "June." She grinned. "Are you married, Cassie?"

  "No"

  "Well, I guess marriage isn't for everyone"

  "Good meeting you"

  As I watched her walk away, the excitement rushed through me. Maybe owning a business wouldn't be as daunting as I'd thought.

  FOOLS-RUSH-IN SLOW-COOKER POT ROAST

  In a gallon-sized freezer bag, add the flour, salt, and pepper and shake to combine. Add the trimmed roast to the bag, seal, and shake, covering all sides of the meat. Shake off excess flour, the same way you seem to shake everything else off. Continue to avoid everyone's questions about relationships or marriage. You know too many people who have failed relationships because they were pushed into doing something they didn't want just to please their mamas.

  Heat the canola oil in a large skillet. And the garlic and saute until golden. Add the roast and sear all sides of the meat to seal in the juices. Remove from the skillet and place on a separate plate, just like you do when the heat is on you.

  Layer the vegetables on the bottom of the ceramic insert (5-quart or above), place seared roast on top, pour beef broth over top, cover, and cook for 8 to 10 hours on low. Okay, you may need more time, but if you don't do something soon, your future is looking rather bleak. So get over yourself and admit Mr. Rock-hard Chest is sending your heart on a roller-coaster ride. Makes 8 servings.

  What do you think the bank will say?" I asked Dad as we made our way through the double doors and headed back out to the parking lot.

  "Are you kidding? I've been doing business with this bank for twenty-some years. I think they're going to say yes."

  "How long do you think it will take for them to approve the loan?"

  He shrugged. "Maybe a week. Did you hire Josh to do the work?"

  "No, I was waiting for you to give your approval."

  "You have it. I drove over to Charlie's house and saw what he did with the kitchen. I don't think you'll find anyone more dedicated or gifted for that price. He's better than most. I'd definitely go with him. Have you seen him lately?"

  "No. Not since he gave me the estimate for the work the other night. Why?"

  "I just wondered. He's a strapping young man. Not badlooking either, and I know you like him a lot. I saw those fireworks go off when you met. He's the guy you're going to marry," he said with confidence. He waved his finger back and forth. "You mark my words. You just need to see it."

  I stopped walking and gasped. "Dad!" I stepped back in shock. "I can't believe you just said that. My arrangement with Josh is strictly business, and, God, stop already." I covered his mouth with my hand. "You've only met him once."

  "Twice, actually. He was there when I went to see Maddie's kitchen. Charlie and Maddie have apparently known him and his family for a long time. They have the highest regard for them. For a kid who lost both his parents when he was young, he's turned out to be a nice young man." He gave a knowing nod. "But more important, while I was there, he must have asked about you a hundred times."

  My heart skipped a beat. "He did?"

  He laughed and began to head toward the car. "See?" He pointed. "I told you you're interested."

  "Dad, what happened to you?" I opened the car door and slid into the seat and snapped my seat belt into place. I took in a deep breath, trying to slow the rate of my heart, now pumping as if I'd just taken a flight of steps two at a time. "You used to be my ally, and now you've gone off the deep end with Mom"

  "Well, sweetheart, you don't want to go through life alone, do you?"

  "No. But I firmly believe if I'm supposed to have someone in my life, it will happen when it's supposed to"

  "How do you know this isn't that time for you? What's wrong with having someone by your side while you're building your empire? Even though your mother and I banter back and forth, there's nothing better than having the support of someone who loves you"

  I huffed and turned to look out the window. The excitement welled inside me, ready to burst any minute, knowing he'd asked about me. But I managed to maintain my cool.

  "Okay" Dad raised his palms in the air. "I guess everything I said went in one ear and out the other."

  "That would be correct. I'll call him later and tell him he has the job. Now let's change the subject. Okay?"

  "Sure," he said, and pulled out of the parking lot onto the road headed for the train station in Lyndhurst.

  "Today I'm going to place an ad in the newspaper for a clerk."

  "What about Megan? I thought she was going to work for you."

  "She will-as my manager. Megan accepted my offer the other night when I called about the estimate for the gadgets she'd been researching for me. Anyway, she said Ralph was on board and she can start next month. She wants to be fair to her bosses and give them time to find her replacement so she can train the new person. Besides, until I get this loan, I can't afford to pay anyone"

  "You're on your way." We pulled into the station and into a parking space while we waited for the New York train to arrive. "Have I told you how proud you make me?"

  "Thanks, Dad. But I can't take all the credit. You instilled your values in me"

  On the short ride back to New York, I called Josh. "You've got the job if you're still interested," I said as soon as he answered. "When can you start?"

  "Okay," he said without enthusiasm. "I'm just putting the final touches on Maddie's kitchen and should be done within the week. Did you apply for the loan yet?"

  "Yes, I did, this morning. Dad thinks I should hear something by the end of the week"

  "Good. And you're still okay with the design layout Charlie showed you?"

  "Yes. I'm fine with it." I continued making small talk, but nothing I said spurred any excitement. "How long will the appliances take after you order them?"

  "Your father was right when he said it depends on whether they have them in the warehouse or ordered from the manufacturer. They're a popular brand, so it could go either way. I'll check later this afternoon and get back to you."

  Afterward, I played our conversation over in my mind. Hearing his voice had made my pulse race, and I felt guilty for the way I'd treated him that night at the restaurant. Josh had done nothing but go out of his way to be nice.

  I imagined what things he might have asked Dad about me, but hey, that was before I'd whipped the poor guy into shape. I was relatively certain he wouldn't be asking about me again anytime soon.

  I walked toward the restaurant. actually dreading going to work. Knowing Charlie was off and Pascal was in charge made me grumble. It wouldn't be long now before my externship was over, but the fact that I had so many loose ends that needed tying made me antsy.

  Paying my rent was at the top of my list. I don't know what had made me think I'd be able to teach cooking classes before everything was finished in the shop. I chalked it up to an immature business mind. I knew what I had to do about the apartment, but I'd been putting it off. There was no way around it. I had to give up my apartment, and it might as well be now. I was already feeling down after my display of stupid. Why wait until my spirits lifted? What was one more thing added to the huge pile I'd already created?

  Sadness engulfed me. There wasn't anything else I could do unless my landlords were going to give me the place for free, and I hardly thought that would happen. But maybe I could work something out with them. Although the Blackstones had been wonderful landlords, th
ey didn't owe me a thing. I reluctantly made the call.

  "Cassie Pirelli," Mr. Blackstone said in his usual jovial voice, "what's up?"

  I was surprised he was so cheerful, given I was late with my rent.

  "I'm not too doing well, Mr. Blackstone. I may have to give up my apartment, as much as I hate to think about that."

  "Why?" he asked, surprised.

  "Well, you know the company I was working for went under, and I lost my job"

  "No, I didn't know that. Is that why you paid your rent until the end of the year?"

  "What?"

  "Why did you pay me all that money at once? You should have saved it and let it collect interest."

  "Mr. Blackstone, I have no idea what you're talking about. I didn't pay the rent for the remainder-" I stopped. I knew that the only person who would have done that, without any reward or recognition, was Dad. "Was that paid to you by check?"

  "No, money order."

  That confirmed it. I smiled. Dad was still my savior. But how had he known?

  "I hope you're not going to ask me to give it back," he said.

  "Absolutely not," I laughed. "Forget I ever called, okay?" My lighthearted mood was back. "Thank you, Mr. Blackstone. I don't ever want to move"

  We disconnected, and I dialed Dad's number. There was no answer, and I didn't leave a message, but I practically skipped all the way to the restaurant.

  I saw Pascal check the clock when I entered. I was a few minutes late, and his scowl told me what he was thinking. I walked to the pastry station and began removing my knives from my case. I was in for a tough night with him, but knowing my life was back on track and my business was in the works told me I'd get through it just fine-except for that conversation I'd had with Dad this morning. My parents had always been very generous to me, but given the current state of my life, I could almost guarantee they'd be expecting me to pay them back in grandkids.

  PAPA'S SINGING "I SWEAR" FROZEN

  LEMON MERINGUE PIE

  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

  In a food processor, mix the flour, sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Using the pulse setting, add the cold butter cubes until the mixture resembles crumbles.

  Add 4-6 tablespoons cold water a tablespoon at a time to avoid making the dough too soft. Pulse again, then remove from the bowl, divide in half, and flatten each round into two discs. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for two hours.

  Good job, Papa. You've seen that look in her eyes, so keep the momentum going. You've really got her confused about why you joined forces with Mama, so don't let up now. Don't worry about her being upset; she'll get over it ... someday. You know the boy likes her as much as she likes him. At least he's admitting it-she's got her feet in cement. Paying her rent was a good move. If you take away all her excuses, sooner or later she has to come to terms with it. And when she does, you may just be bouncing that cute little grandbaby on your lap sooner than you think. Now, sit-and think of more things you can do to get the ball rolling.

  When ready to roll out the piecrust, to simplify the process, roll out the dough between 2 sheets of plastic wrap to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Poke holes in the bottom of the piecrust. Makes two 9-inch piecrusts, but save the second one in the freezer for another day so you'll be ready when you feel the urge for more.

  Place the currant jelly in a small saucepan with a teaspoon of water and heat to melt. Using a pastry brush, apply the jelly mixture to the crust, and bake in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes; then remove. This is to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

  When the crust has cooled completely, add one pint of vanilla ice cream and spread around the inside of the crust evenly. Place the pie back in the freezer for an hour. Remove and spread half of the lemon curd over the top, add the second pint of ice cream, and back into the freezer for another hour. And Papa's swearing if she just lets herself go, she'll be the happiest woman in the world.

  To make the meringue, whip the egg whites with the cream of tartar. Remove pie from freezer, spread the remaining lemon curd over top, and add the meringue over top, using your spatula to form peaks. Place under the broiler just until the meringue is golden and remove. Makes 8 hearty servings.

  CHEF'S NOTE: It is very important that the ice cream not be too soft when added to the piecrust. If you see liquid around the edges of the container of ice cream, return it to the freezer to harden slightly; otherwise, it will never freeze properly in the pie.

  I rushed up the stairs to my parents' apartment, tapped on the door, and walked inside. I thought I'd surprise them. I recognized the smell of fried chicken immediately.

  Dad sat in the living room reading the newspaper and smoking a stogie. He looked up when I entered the room.

  "Hi, Dad" I walked over and hugged him tightly.

  "And what do I owe this tight hug to? Did I do something good?" My heart melted. Dad was the one man in the entire world who could turn my heart to mush.

  "Thank you"

  "For what?"

  "You paid my rent until the end of the year!"

  He gave me a toothy grin. "Who said?"

  "Because there isn't another man on earth who loves me as much as you do" I sighed.

  "Oh, I think I know someone who's well on his way to doing so"

  "Yeah, well, that's for another time on another day."

  He patted my back. "I'm glad I could help."

  "I'm going to pay back every red cent"

  "Oh yeah? You know how you can pay me back?" He grinned, and I knew what he had up his sleeve.

  "Yes, Dad, I do. By making the big bucks."

  "Not what I had in mind, but we'll think of somethinglike maybe tacking on some interest until you deliver."

  "If you want to," I said in a low voice.

  "I'm kidding. Don't worry so much. I'll think of something Mom and I can both enjoy-you know, like having grandchildren to spoil-but for right now having you here tonight is enough of a reward. Go say hello to your mother." He was getting so good at dropping the little bombs. I nodded and headed toward the kitchen.

  "Supper's almost ready, Michael," Mom said, not looking up from the stove as she placed the chicken in a serving dish. "Get cleaned up"

  "Hi, Mom!"

  Mom practically snapped her neck, turning so quickly. "Cassie, what a pleasant surprise." I hugged her.

  "Mmm, that fried chicken smells divine, and it lured me all the way from the restaurant"

  "Well, you're just in time for supper. Go wash up"

  Halfway through dinner, my cell phone started ringing off the hook. I was busy eating my fried chicken and let the calls go to voice mail.

  "Well, you sure get a lot of calls," Mom said.

  "It's probably the ad I placed in the newspaper looking for a clerk, or maybe it's Josh returning my call. He's supposed to let me know about the appliance delivery time."

  "Oh, right. How's that going?" she asked. "Fill me in. I've only gotten bits and pieces of what's going on"

  "Well, Dad and I went for the loan, and I hired Josh to do the kitchen work. He'll start next week, assuming I hear from the bank. He'll begin by breaking down the old kitchen and mapping for the new. Then he'll start building the shelving for the kitchen gadgets. I hired Jamie Burke, and Megan gave her notice at her old job. Both start next month."

  "Terrific. What appliances did you decide on?"

  "Viking. Wolf was a top contender, but I just liked the look of the Viking better. During the demo in the showroom, the salesperson filled a paper plate with chocolate morsels and placed the plate right on top of the burner and melted the chocolate using the lowest flame."

  "Wow. Really?"

  "Isn't that amazing?"

  "What were they trying to prove to you?" Mom asked.

  "The range of the heat supply goes from eighteen thousand, five hundred BTUs to their lowest settings on simmer, and the plate never burned. It's more like what we use in Charlie's restaurant."

  "You've made great progress
."

  "As soon as I have money in hand, I'll order the appliances and give Josh some money for materials. Then I'll have Megan order the gadgets and whomever I hire as a clerk begin setting up the store. I think I've decided on a name. How does this sound? Kitchen Widgets and Cooking Club."

  "I like it," they both said in unison. "What do you want us to do?"

  "Keep an eye on things?"

  "Well, we were going to do that anyway, but I can stock the shelves too," Mom said.

  "Okay, if you want to. That would be a great help to me while I'm finishing up my externship." I groaned. "I can't wait until it's over. I have so much to do"

  "You've done an awful lot already, Cass," Dad said.

  "Yeah, I have, haven't l?" I said proudly.

  "She knows, Lucy," he said to Mom.

  "She does? Does she know how she has to repay us?"

  "Mother, you're not going to hold this over my head, are you?" Her wide grin said it all. "I'm very appreciative, but I'll pay you back in cash. Thank you very much." They both grinned.

  Listening to my messages on the ride home, I wasn't surprised to see how many people were looking for work, given the current state of unemployment. I returned the calls and scheduled appointments. A message from one woman in particular had me laughing. Allie Meyers' enthusiastic phone message made me think she would be a good fit, with Jamie's bubbly personality. Surrounding myself with positive thinkers was a requirement, for those times when I'd need uplifting the most.

  I exited the train and walked the few blocks to the apartment, the bag of leftovers Mom had given me swaying with my stride. The cool spring wind made me pull the collar of my coat closer. It had been a long winter, and I was looking forward to warm weather.