all choked up

Took my baby to the airport. I’m as predictable as Old Faithful. The waterworks starting misting up days ago. My maternal tears can be quite disarming. Pity the person who encountered me on the first day of preschool, the back roads of New Hampshire after I dropped my little ones off at summer camp, or heaven forbid the airport when they went off to college. So if I can see the letters on the keyboard… here’s my baby’s send-off dinner to a semester abroad in southern Spain.

Starting off with steamed artichokes with a red pepper aoili. 

Cut the stems off the artichokes near the base. Make a cross in each stem with a sharp knife.

Place artichokes in a steamer basket over boiling water that is lowered to an aggressive simmer. Cover and steam until tender, about 25 minutes. Check to see if the artichokes are done by carefully removing one of the lower leaves. If you cannot pull out one of the leaves or if the flesh is still tough cover and continue to simmer.

Allow artichokes to cool on a plate. Can be made hours in advance. Cool completely, cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Meanwhile whisk together the mayonnaise, hot sauce and cayenne pepper to taste. Can be made ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate.

How’s this for 1980’s wedding-gift flashback- a full set of twelve artichoke plates (can’t imagine steaming or serving so many, but they do make a spectacular presentation).

Place artichokes on individual plates with a spoonful red pepper aioli on the side.

After this perfect start how about grilled arctic char. Char is a delectable cross between lake trout and salmon. Simply marinated with finely chopped flat parsley and lemon zest.

Cover and refrigerate. Then grill over high heat three minutes per side, skin side down first. Turn and remove skin.

On the side angel hair pasta with some pistachio pesto from the freezer.

And a quick sauté of matchstick carrots with a splash of orange infused vodka.

At the airport my daughter asked me stay in line with her as she approached security. I didn’t know if I was allowed but decided to risk it. When it was her turn to have her boarding pass and passport checked I felt a hand on my shoulder. One of the TSA officers said, “Excuse me mam.” In his other hand he held a fistful of tissues. To my surprised look he replied, “I’ve seen that expression before.” My daughter and I exchanged a big hug and long laugh. As I walked toward the exit to the parking lot I waved to the TSA officer. I was grateful for his gift, which I knew would come in handy when I changed the sheets on her bed.