It's the simple things that make life meaningful!

It’s funny how the simple things in life can make your day.  Being from a southern family food has always been a major part of our existence.  I think it is that way for most families especially those from the south where you cannot finish one meal without talking about the next one or something going on later in the week.  It is in our DNA where we share recipes on social media, swap them when over at family members or others home after a meal together.   A real Southern girl should own an iced-tea pitcher and a deviled-egg plate.

My love of food came early but one of my fondest memories growing up was my mama and my aunt Doris making me waffles and crispy bacon for breakfast.  I could eat it early in the day or at times that was our dinner meal.  The smell of bacon on the stove with the waffle iron sitting on the counter with a large bowl of batter next to it was always a welcoming sign that it would not be long before sitting down to the table to eat.

I remember that in the movie “Shrek”, there is a line is spoken by Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy, in the film; “We can stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning...I'm making waffles!”  Shrek and Donkey weren't always friends.  Before Donkey charmingly got on his BFF Shrek's nerves, Shrek found him just plain annoying.  When Donkey invites himself to spend the night in Shrek's swamp abode, he lets Shrek know how it's all going down, hence the waffle phrase.  Shrek, proving he'd be no fun to have brunch with, still doesn't want Donkey sticking around, even after the promise of waffles. But I say who doesn't like waffles?

They’re the base of an original work of waffle art.  A canvas, if you will, that can be topped, smothered, smeared, spattered and sprinkled however you choose.  There are few foods as multifaceted as waffles. And we’re not just talking about those little nooks and crannies.  Waffles have always been a breakfast staple in my house and I spent many years having my Saturday breakfast with friends eating them.  I’m back in the south right now so there have been many trips to area Waffle House locations meeting family members or friend s to enjoy this great food.  But we love to think of them as a tool for creative eating at any time of day.

Waffles are so popular, in fact, that two calendar days a year are dedicated to them.  International Waffle Day, March 25 each year (I wanted to have this ready but sadly did not finish in time to post) and then we can start these celebrations all over again on Aug. 24 with National Waffle Day, a United States tradition which honors the anniversary of the patenting of the first U.S. waffle iron in 1869.

What little pleasure in life do you recall that makes you remember times past and lazy mornings waiting for a hearty breakfast?  Did you get up to watch the sunrise this morning to start a glorious day?

It’s the simple things that make life meaningful!

Ice