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Lessons from My Mother on Chicken Parmigiana
When it comes to preparing meals, I often find myself on the phone with my mom, seeking guidance on the right ingredients, the appropriate pan, or the correct oven temperature. My mother is a remarkable cook, known for an array of delightful dishes, with her chicken parmigiana being a standout. Christmas Eve wouldn’t feel right without her homemade pizza, which always leaves me wondering if she could run a successful pizzeria. What I admire most is how she cooks by instinct rather than strictly adhering to recipes. Although she possesses several well-loved cookbooks, her advice over the phone often stems from her personal experiences rather than a set of instructions.
This intuitive approach extends to her parenting style, one that resonates with me as I navigate raising my own three kids. There are moments when I realize that parenting, much like cooking, sometimes requires deviating from the conventional wisdom and trusting your gut. What I’ve learned about nurturing comes directly from her example.
Reflecting on my own childhood, it’s hard to ignore the sacrifices my mom made for my siblings and me. Despite the inevitable challenges she faced, she was always present—shuttling us between activities, tackling endless laundry, and anticipating our needs, even during our moody teenage years when we were less than forthcoming about what we wanted. I often catch myself thinking, “Perhaps this is karma for how I was as a child.” However, more frequently, I find myself wishing I could handle situations with my kids the way she would have. Her dedication as a mother and now as a grandmother sets a high bar—not solely in the kitchen.
Given a room full of eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese, sauce, and chicken, I could probably whip up a chicken parmigiana, but I’m grateful for my mom’s guidance that helps me aspire to create something even remotely close to her culinary masterpiece.
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In summary, my mother’s influence on both my cooking and parenting is profound. Her instinctual approach to both realms serves as a constant reminder of the importance of experience over mere instruction, and I aspire to embody the same spirit in my journey as a parent.