"Hmm, this might be weird," he prefaced, "but what's the most American dinner you can think of?"
Well.
That was a good question. A very good question.
My mind instantly began to whirl
Cheeseburgers.
Meatloaf.
Pot roast.
Pizza.
Macaroni and cheese.
Hot dogs.
Spaghetti.
Fried chicken.
The more I thought, the more I waffled and weaved among the many possibilities. So I asked Aqil for more time to think, laid down my phone, and began polling my family. More and more ideas flooded into my brain and onto my list; I wasn't getting any closer to a decision.
Two days before the dinner, I was driving my fourth-born to work. I knew her mind was already transitioning into work mode, but with just a few moments left in our trip, I posed the question to her.
Without missing a beat, she replied with conviction and certainty.
Steak and potatoes.
Well.
That was a good answer. A very good answer.
And so, in celebration of Aqil's college graduation and bon voyage as he sets off on a well-earned summer break at home in Malaysia, I cooked him the most American dinner I could think of.
^ A fruit and cheese board featuring Ranier and Bing sweet cherries, Wheat Thins, two Tillamook cheeses, and summer sausage.
^ Grilled tri tip and mashed potatoes in our family favorite peppery au poivre sauce, roasted green beans and asparagus.
^ Strawberry shortcake on fresh flaky biscuits from my mother-in-law's best recipe with Tillamook vanilla bean ice cream.
* * * * *
We all ate until we could eat no more, and then sent Aqil off to Kuala Lumpur with a bag full of leftovers and a promise that we will treat him to another all-American dinner when he comes back to school in the fall.
More stories about my friend, Aqil:
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