Mom’s Beef Stew

Yesterday was my husband Kenny’s birthday. Except for major milestones, we don’t do much for each others’ birthdays other than may be going to a favorite restaurant for dinner or something. Because I was traveling last week and we were expecting some weather in the mountains in the last couple of days, I knew we weren’t going to go out for his birthday. Besides, any restaurant we would consider going for a special occasion would be an hour away from where we live.

So I decided I was going to cook a special dinner this time. It was my “special” beef stew cooked all day in a crockpot. I know I’ve cooked this before for his birthdays or some other “special occasions.” As I went shopping a few days prior to get the ingredients, a thought arose that may be beef stew isn’t necessarily special for my husband. Then I realized this dish was very special in the context of my childhood memory .

When I grew up in the ’60s and ’70s in Japan, I guess beef was considered luxury. On rare occasions my mom would cook scrumptious beef stew. I remember how exciting it was to come home when she was simmering the stew on top of the oil stove in our living/dining room. It was quite rich and savory with potatoes, carrots, onions and garlic. I’m sure Mom taught me the recipe at some point as I grew old enough to cook myself.

As we eat plant-based diet for the most part these days, it feels a bit out of ordinary for me to buy beef. It is indeed a special occasion. I wasn’t sure if Kenny knew or even felt how special it was for me to cook this dish. The truth is he appreciates anything I cook, which is a good thing, so it didn’t really matter what he thought of it as long as he gladly consumed it. What mattered to me was to realize what this dish meant for me. Mom’s been gone to the other side for over a year now, but I get to keep something of her alive in such a private and personal way.

So the stew turned out great — of course, what can go wrong when you’re cooking in a crock pot!? I’m grateful to be able to enjoy this dish with a renewed appreciation. Cheers!