Rib Eyes and Pumpkin Pie

Rib Eyes and Pumpkin Pie

Noel Laflin

11-15-17

After my mother’s death, my father and I would torment one another, reminiscing about, and at length, her fine cooking skills – especially around the holidays.

Thanksgiving Day was probably mom’s masterpiece as the food was fantastic, not to mention plentiful – plentiful enough that we frequently set the table for ten or more.  A revolving door of old-time neighbors, friends, former teachers, a beloved school janitor, and total strangers joined us year after year.  It is also what always brought me back home at least once a year.

But after mom died, we both realized that the traditional feast was never going to be the same again.

So, we did what guys do in such a situation and began a new tradition of barbecuing steaks on Thanksgiving.

Rib eyes and corn on the cob now took the place of turkey and stuffing.  Caesar salad and baked beans replaced cranberry relish and sweet potatoes. We toasted with ice cold beer instead of wine.

But, we stuck with pumpkin pie for dessert.

I mean, there are some traditions with which you just do not mess.