"Mmmm, Fish Gravy?"
This story goes back to when I was a bit younger (15 years old at most) when our combined family lived on Susanna in Livonia, MI. Cindy was probably 12 years old at the time, and it was our responsibility to cook dinner for the rest of the family (12 kids total). My parents were at work and the two of us watched over the younger siblings.
This one evening we were frying fish filets. We were re-heating mashed potatoes from the night before and cooking up green beans to go along with the fish. The fish was done and when I looked at the drippings in the pan, I thought it would be a waste to let it go to waste without�making�gravy to go along with the potatoes.� I consulted my co-chef and she agreed.
Once the concoction was done, we weren't too sure�what we had made and�I suggested to Cindy that she try it.��Cindy was having none of it�(one of the smarter Cecil's).� Then suddenly, through the kitchen as if answering a cue from the heavens, in walked the solution to our situation --�Larry, one of younger charges�probably 10 years old�at the time.� Almost simultaneously Cindy and I came to the same realization, we'll have Larry taste it!!�
I called him over to the stove and with my best sincere, adult,�voice I said.��"Larry, come taste this gravy see if I have enough salt in it."� He wrinkled his nose,�but it was�to late.� Cindy grabbed him from behind and wrestled him to the floor, I quickly grabbed the tasting spoon, sat on his chest and began wrenching his mouth open for�his medicine.
When Larry had a good dose,�he sprang to his feet and ran from the room gagging and choking.� Cindy looked at me and said "I guess it tastes like crap."� "Yeah, I'm glad we didn't taste�it."� And proceeded to dump our�culinary�delite�down the drain.� Food Network has yet to call, but Larry will gladly retell the story today.
(The above story was relayed by Barbara Custer Vaillancourt a participant in the event)