My most delicious
The power of the senses. It is really an amazing thing. For the rest of my life, the scent of Right Guard deodorant will remind me of my father. The scent of Shower to Shower powder (if they still make it) will bring me back to sleepovers that I had at my grandparents. And the scent of Drakkar cologne just brings me back to my entire adolescence. Ahh, good times.
And then there is the taste of rice pudding. Every year, for many, many years, my family would eat at my parents’ friend’s house, and she made the best rice pudding. It was so good that I would look forward to it every year. I have bought other rice puddings and, though one brand comes close, none of them capture the exact memory. But, really, that memory of the rice pudding comes with the memory of my family of origin all being together, enjoying the company of this other particular family, and looking forward to it every year. That could actually be the missing ingredient in all the rice puddings that followed.
When you are a kid, you think that things never change. Your best friend will always be your best friend. You will always have a home to come back to. There will always be a Modell’s Sporting Goods to buy hockey sticks. Life lesson number one should be savor every minute because nothing stays the same. Ever. And with all the technology these days, everything changes even faster. Funny how that works.
Okay, back to food. My love of food never changes. I guess there is that.
Another fond memory I have is all the meals I consumed at My Most Favorite Dessert Company. It had been on the Upper East Side, and every time I went with my parents, it was fettucinni with salmon and white chocolate mousse cake for dessert. Heavenly every single time.
And then it moved to the west side of Manhattan, but it was still just as good. It might have moved to midtown after that, but, by that point, I wasn’t really going out to dinner any more, so I am not really sure. Feel free to correct me on any facts.
I even had their cookbook, but never even ventured to try and replicate their recipes. It just wouldn’t be the same. Except for their apple cake — that recipe is easy and always comes out delicious. Well, if you like apple cake.
In any event, a few weeks ago, something popped up on my Facebook page. It was the Teaneck Farmer’s Market informing me that, hold onto your hats, My Most Favorite had a booth at the market. What????? My Most Favorite was slumming it in New Jersey? How did I not know about this?
Lately, at night, when I am hungry but banished to my room so I don’t eat, I go on websites of various establishments like Krispy Creme, to look at their goodies. It helps take my mind off whatever is in my refrigerator or snack drawer. And after reading this post, I went on My Most Favorite website immediately. I did not pass go, I did not collect $200 (Monopoly reference for those who have no idea what I am talking about). I was on their site.
Cookies and cakes and quiches and pies and challahs and my beloved White Chocolate Mousse cake. I was in heaven. Though I did want to order a strawberry shortcake for my mom because that is her favorite, they don’t deliver those to Teaneck because they are too fragile. I am still tempted to ask them to do that anyway because even if it falls apart in transit, it is still heavenly.
Dena and her husband are the new owners. She took over for her mom, who is a legend. I still remember Dena’s mom greeting us when we would come to the restaurant. She is an amazing woman with an amazing backstory.
My point is, they are in Teaneck at the Farmer’s Market every week. You can get in touch with them on their website for more specifics. I was not compensated in any way for this column, I just want people to know they are there because their treats are worth every bite and every penny. But if I do get a free cake out of it, I will let you know.
May all of your memories of food and life be delicious ones.
Banji Ganchrow of Teaneck is grateful for being invited to the Island of Long for the holiday.
comments