Lasagna
– 1971
In
1970-71, I was attending the University of Bordeaux in France. On
spring break my girlfriend and I went to spend 2 weeks with friends
in England. They lived about a 40 minute drive out of London in a
wonderful modern 2 story cottage that overlooked a huge tract of
land that had previously been the US 8th Air Force base in the
Great War. In 1970 it was a vast tract of fields with copses' of
trees on either side of an old crumbling runway … nice view!
It was a
lovely and idyllic tract. The perfect place for hi-brow equestrian
shenanigans – “Hunting to the Hounds”. We were entertained
twice watching large packs of aristocrats and beagles – in their
native setting – "Riding to the Hounds", on magnificent steeds –
showing amazing horsemanship; jumping fences and rock walls, and
dodging trees and low branches .. howling hounds and a yelping fox on
the run --- just like a movie – but I digress.
'Buffy'
and Allen were a delightful young couple – By day, he was a
successful banker in London’s financial district, with bowler hat
and brolly; the classic look. By night he was a folk music fan and
musician. He rode the daily commute train to London, but the 40 minute drive by
car was scenic, passing through Sherwood Forest of fame.
I
happened to meet Allen by chance in a famous London music store –
when I was passing thru on my way to Paris .. He heard my American
accent and we struck up a conversation about musicians we knew in
common. After chatting a bit, I was hungry and he invited me for a
quick trip to the next door pub – for a pint and some fantastic
free food; we became friends. He invited me and my girlfriend to stay
and visit on our next school break.
Spring
Break rolled up and we headed to London.
We had a
wonderful spring break visit with our friends – lots of sightseeing
and shopping. For fun we were able to swap classic meals and dishes
of the UK and USA – they made us wonderful 'puddings' and other
traditional food .. bangers and mash, Indian foods and such. We were
able to share some 'classic' American cooking for them .. to
everyone’s culinary delight !
One
Saturday morning we got up early and went down the country lane to
gather wild blackberries along the road .. and made a big mess of
blackberry pancakes with maple syrup for breakfast for all. Flapjacks
were a totally a new experience for them and a huge hit. It was
repeated once more by request before leaving … I think from all the
oooh's and ahhh's, flapjacks beat out the old familiar crepes , and were
enthusiastically received !!
For our
farewell dinner – and to show our gratitude -- we decided to make a
classic deluxe lasagna …with which, they were totally unfamiliar -
and had never tasted. A new treat!
It took
most of the day running from one village to another – finding small
specialty shops to source all the needed ingredients for a real
classic lasagna. We got everything needed!
We
shooed everyone out of the kitchen whilst we made the lasagna. Once
in the oven - as it baked - the house filled with a wonderful aroma
of sauces and cheeses – smelling better and better as time passed.
Soon everyone’s mouth was watering, and we could barely wait for
dinner. The lasagna was a huge hit – tasting even better than it
smelled.
The next
day, they were still super enthused about the lasagna, and wanted us
to tell them how to make it.
We were
running tight for time – our London train was about to pull out –
so in the bustle to make the train, amidst hugs and goodbyes' , we
hurriedly told them the main bits of the recipe. The conductor was
shooing us insistently to board immediately as the train lurched into
motion.
With
goodbye waves, we called out the final ingredients and cooking
directions as we picked up steam ! With thumbs up, and big farewell
waves, we were headed to London. – all agreeing to meet again over
the winter holidays. We returned to school in France
When the
Christmas holiday came, we decided to have a classic English
Christmas at the invitation of our UK friends. We were headed back to
London.
A grand
journey ensued – riding the famed the 'Night Train to Paris' ..
then connections to the Hovercraft flight over the channel .. the
train to London .. finally meeting up at Charring Cross Station. We arrived after
a fun trip , but had barely gotten off the train when
Buffy and Allen spotted us. First off – before howdy's and hello's
, we got questioned about the Lasagna recipe !!? – It was clear
this was important ?! We ambled down the platform toward the
street …
“What
kind of cheese did you say to use ? “ – they urgently asked
!!
“Ricotta”
!
“Oh
my ! – that explains a lot !?!? “
That’s
when they regaled us with an amazing culinary adventure. They
were so impressed with our lasagna meal, they wanted to show off –
for the boss and some special guests.
They had
followed our instructions perfectly, but during 'cocktails', whilst
it baked .. it was soon clear from the aroma wafting from the
kitchen, that this wasn’t the warm cozy comfort food aroma they
expected !? The aroma became an odor, and more pungent as the clock
ticked away, and soon the place started to reek ! Guests were
politely stepping outside!
“Enough
is enough !!!! ”
Holding
his breath, Allen bravely ran into the kitchen and pulled the foul
smelling lasagna pan from the oven – whisking it directly out the
back door directly into the trash can !
“What
on earth ??” – we asked in astonishment – wondering what
happened ?
They
said simultaneously –
“ ..
We thought you said – Roquefort
! !??”
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