The Pepper Grinder

I was probably in my 20's when I found out about the pepper grinder. Seriously, our family didn't use pepper... in fact, my Mom's spice cabinet probably held only salt. It was a little bit of a standing joke that the pepper shaker in our house probably shouldn't be used, as the pepper contained within was probably more than a few years old. Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Mint, Cumin, Coriander, Red Chili Flakes... that little spinning spice rack that we all aquire during marriage... no use for that in my childhood home. I grew up in a meat and potatoes family with salted steamed veggies on the side. In fact, one of my sisters to this day thinks some pizza sauces (at chain restaurants) are too spicy.

It's interesting how our food likes and dislikes evolve over time. I remember specifically some time in middle school. One summer, I LOVED iced tea... couldn't live without it. The very next summer... HATED it, and I still haven't acquired the taste back. My favorite meal while growing up was pork chops served over steamed rice with the grease of the pork chops poured over top... yummy. Now, I wouldn't go near that meal with a 10 foot pole.

The people you meet shed light on food that you may not have otherwise discovered. A high school friend of mine used to put peanut butter on toasted bread, then throw a slice of American cheese between the slices and eat it as a sandwich. Who'da thunk? If you haven't tried it, I insist you do. I'd eat one every day if it weren't for the high calorie content! :) How about bagels?? I found out about these babies in college from a lady I babysat for... but the really good ones exist only in New Jersey. Dipping a peanut butter sandwich in chocolate milk... oh, heaven. My Dad taught me this one. Munching something salty after having something sweet, like a potato chip after a brownie... a different high school friend introduced me to this awesome combination. Priya just discovered it on her own yesterday in the movie theater with Twizzlers and popcorn!

Anyway, I digress... the real reason for this post is the pepper grinder. Sanjay, at age 3, just found out about this magical little puppy a few days back when he saw me using it in the kitchen. His reaction was priceless, and probably a little more worth noting than my 20-year-old perception of this contraption. After asking what it was, he said with excitement,

Oh that's great Mom.
That's cool, cool, cool.
You can just do that and the pepper will come out?

I'm thinking of getting him one for his next birthday.