i did not get my love of food from my mom. however, her unending love of people is contagious and when you combine the two, it turns you into a cook. today is my mom's birthday. it's the day i shed more gratitude tears than any other day of the year because i know i won the mom lottery. no one in the world cares so selflessly and enthusiastically about my happiness. as a neurotic, perfectionistic high school student i would keep myself up all night, nearly hyperventilating for fear i might not get a good grade in a class. my mom then offered to pay me for any C's on my report card. years later, she spent her birthday driving around connecticut by herself because the day fell during the week of my freshman college orientation and she wanted to be there to move me in.
i don't think my mom loves to cook (painting is a different story). the most excited i've seen her get over a food item was a few days ago when she returned from a dental visit to mexico bearing little bags of multi-colored, miniature dragees. for her birthday i made what i believe to be her favorite cupcake--pillsbury "funfetti" with the frosting to match. i may have a soft spot for them, too. how can you not with a name like funfetti? i topped each with a few of her dragees. hopefully she won't mind. my mother does make amazing homemade granola. she produces it in such massive quantities, she gives every friend or stranger that stops by the house a bag to take home. in honor of her birthday, i'm making her granola to send to a few dear, faraway friends. i'll share the recipe tomorrow so you can make some, too.
happy birthday, mom. my only selfish wish is that one day my daughters will love me as much as i love you.