Instructions
Everyone needs a ‘sorry’ dish – it’s the thing you cook when you really need to make amends.
Amends for what? Well, that’s part is kind of up to you, but I reckon there’s not a husband in the world who doesn’t understand this principle.
To get it right, your ‘sorry’ dish needs to do a few things. Firstly and most importantly, it needs to represent effort, as effort reflects intent. The act of opening a can of beans doesn’t demonstrate a reasonable level of interest in the art of apology. That said, the actual level of effort required is relative to the skill base of the individual concerned. True amateurs may only require an attempt, while for the more proficient something pretty sensational will be necessary.
Secondly, the ‘sorry’ dish must reflect an adequate understanding of the person to whom the apology is offered, as insight equates with empathy, and the offended soul wants to know that you understand them well enough to appreciate why they were so affronted. In other words, it has to be a dish they really love. For bonus points, think of one that you couldn’t ordinarily know that they love – that’ll really impress.
Lastly, it has to be a dish that reflects your honest desire to make amends – it should be homely and warming, brimming over with the honest goodness of a mother’s hug. Funny, though, that the attempt to show honest desire starts in such a contrived manner!
When my goose is cooked and true repair is needed, I turn to the trusted recipe that has papered over relationship cuts for more than a decade – a simple, yet perfect potato bake. Fine sliced Desiree potatoes, a smattering of herb-scented cream, and just the right amount of two cheeses – aged cheddar and Parmesan.
The real trick is to ensure each and every slice of spud is coated with a little of the cream – this helps the bake to bind and set, while ensuring that each slice tastes just right.
Best of all, the leftovers are just as good as the freshly-cooked version, meaning the goodwill can last all the way through the week. Given the kinds of things I usually have to apologise for, this is probably a good thing!
Cheesy potato bake