The Cow And I

The Royals

Like Sarah, Samina is closely involved in the quest for the crown. She understands how emotionally invested I am in this herculian effort. And as Sarah gives aid and comfort to my foe, Samina does what she can, when she can, to bring me closer to victory.

For example, I tried to accomplish too much this morning. Between rising, shaving, brushing, showering, dressing, eating, and drinking my morning coffee, all of this between 6:10 and 6:50 a.m., I had to prepare a Eye of Round Roast, all trussed up, a la crock pot. Which meant browning the beef, cutting the potatoes, adding the broth, seasoning the mixture, and topping it all off with enough water to bathe this roast in a gentle cooking cocoon. I made it but, needless to say, just barely: as I stepped to the train platform, the loading doors opened for passengers.

Of course, this roast was prepared de minimus, and to be enjoyed de maximus some additional touches were necessary. But who really has the time?

Apparently, Samina does. She had, in an uncharacteristic turn of events, arrived home well before me. So, I was surprised to see her car upon reaching the house when I returned after a hunger-inspiring day at the office. Even more surprising was what awaited me inside. As I entered the kitchen, I was suddenly struck by the most delectable aroma. Surely meat and potatoes don't smell this good, I thought, as I lifted the crock pot lid and peered inside.

And, as you might have gathered, it wasn't just meat and potatoes anymore. My dear wife had intervened on my behalf when I needed it most. With added shallots and morels she had transformed a so-so stew into nothing short of a meat miracle:

The beef, lifted from the crock, was then pulled apart in steaming, succulent strips. Piled high in a bowl for the obligatory pre-consumption weigh-in, this beef could hardly wait to be reunited with its sauce, as if to say "You complete me." What a steamy pair, indeed. Even Nigella Lawson would have blushed after observing such brazen conduct.

And yes, the dish tasted heavenly. Could I so easily put away 12.4 oz of plain meat and potatoes? Hardly. It's special efforts like this that will help bring me closer to tipping the balance in this World War of Beef.

I owe it, of course, to my wife. In due time, she'll be rewarded for her service to the crown. For, when I sit on my throne, she will be by my side. And what a Queen she'll be.

Posted by eric at March 11, 2004 11:43 AM