I didn’t know I was different. I just assumed everyone’s mother had an electric Jesus she told her problems to and a collection of saints that could fill a room. I thought everyone invited you in, filled the table with food, then cried when you didn’t eat enough.
Then I got older and saw very calm white women on TV who baked cookies, wore pearls and aprons and never yelled. If the rest of the world was like them and they were normal, then what were we?
Oh yeah, Italian.
Of course you know I wouldn’t change a thing. Even though I went through the embarrassed child of immigrants stage for far too long, I transitioned into the entertained stage and have been there ever since. I wish I could go back, re-live my childhood and pay better attention because I know I didn’t appreciate it nearly enough as a kid.
I’d grease pizza pans without whining and really savor things I used to take for granted like my mom’s vanilla pudding. She’d make it when my dad’s stomach was acting up, but she also made it for me because I loved it and still do.
It’s one of my favorite comfort foods. If you have a child or grandchild you’d like to create a creamy delicious memory for, make some vanilla pudding. It’s incredibly easy, scrumptious and sort of good for you. My mom just made it with whole milk, but I make it with 2% and add a couple tablespoons of whipping cream to make it…uh…creamier.
And if you’re lucky enough to still have your mom, ask her some questions you’ve never asked her like if she remembers her first kiss or first date. You might learn something you never knew about good old mom.
Happy Mother’s Day to you! Whether you’re a mom, a grandma, a step mom, a dad who’s also a mom, or a cat or dog mom, you deserve applause on your special day! Let them pamper you. OK, maybe the dogs and cats can just lick you. Savor the day and the memories you’re making.
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Mom’s Comforting Vanilla Pudding
Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan and stir with a wire whisk over medium heat. Continue stirring until mixture begins to thicken. Once it's thickened, serve it warm, or cover the pan and let it cool in the refrigerator.