Treasures

Recently, my husband came into the house from the garage and announced, “Well, this is it.” He was tenderly clutching a small cellophane package and had a look of somber resolution on his face. He then proceeded toward the kitchen table and settled in with his morning cup of coffee. When I asked him what the occasion was, he replied, “This is my last Hostess streusel cake and I’m going to eat it today.” Knowing how long it’s been since Hostess went out of business, I asked him about the expiration date on his treasured lump of sugary goodness. He gave me a puzzled look and said, “Streusel cakes never get old.” He’s probably right about that, given the list of ingredients and preservatives listed on the box. I decided to leave him alone so he could enjoy the moment in peace. Just a man and his streusel cake.

All this pomp and circumstance reminded me that I, too, have treasures that I cling to. But, unlike my husband, I often don’t enjoy them because they seem too precious to be used. For instance, I have a small (very small) cache of saffron in my cupboard. Saffron is a spice that comes from the dried stigmas of the crocus plant. Needless to say, it is an expensive seasoning. All that value has made me afraid to use it and it is probably way past its time of viability due to my hesitancy.

Another flavoring I have in my cupboard is a vial of 3 whole vanilla beans. They are not as expensive as saffron, but my Dutchness makes it difficult for me to purchase them very often. Because my crème brulee recipe cries out for vanilla, I respectfully sacrifice a bean for the punch of flavor it provides. I am never sorry I used the bean after I taste the final dessert, but you can be sure, I don’t take the use of the bean lightly.

One of the wedding gifts we received many years ago was a set of cups with matching serving plates. These, of course, seemed too fancy for everyday use so they stayed safely tucked away in a cupboard, awaiting just the right moment and just the right company for their service. Well, the right moment and the right company never seemed to arrive and I finally gave the set away so someone else could use them, rather than just the dust bunnies.  

Over the years, I have received other gifts such as fancy towels, pretty serving bowls and elegant stationery. Sad to say, most of them were not enjoyed to their fullest extent as I parsimoniously determined the best time for their utilization. The everyday always seemed to demand less finery and “just the right moment” never seemed to arrive often enough to really enjoy a little goodness.

At my age, it makes no sense to be stingy with the pleasantries of life. Come to think of it, miserliness is probably not the best policy at any age. So, my advice to you is to unleash the treasures chained up in your closets. Unlike streusel cakes, some of them might have an expiration date and it’s time to enjoy the moments.