I have a new pen pal or in this day and age is, email acquaintance a more appropriate term? Melani Robinson, of New York, authors a magnificent, sometimes embarrassingly real, blog about dating at 50. I happened upon an article she had published which led me to her website: 1yearofonlinedatingat50.com Her article on To Groom or Not To Groom for Women Over 50 was so hysterically funny, and age appropriate, that I immediately dashed off a note in support of her bravery. Her blog . . . even funnier. A no holds barred style of writer I hope you will enjoy as much as I do. That being said, what does Dating After 50 have to do with food? Everything!!
Now wooing can go 1 of 2 ways; it either does or it doesn’t. I feel a man of a certain age should have a little something up his sleeve when it finally does. By this I mean breakfast. Now breakfast, the morning after, can say a lot of things. There is the, “How about a cup of coffee before you go?” line which really means “Thanks but could you find your pantyhose and go already.” OR “What say we get cleaned up and go out for breakfast?” meaning, “You were a fun date but I’m not ready to commit just yet and I have to drop by the auto parts store downtown anyway.” BUT, should that rare instance occur when you actually want that special someone to stay a little longer I recommend Wooing Like the French.
French Toast that is. Now what woman doesn’t like French Toast and I don’t mean soggy old milk toast. I mean something with a little thought and a little flair, like you. So this morning . . . I practiced. Having only my faithful hounds as advisers I put together the following.
In a small bowl mix
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup syrup, maple, real, don’t chintz
Whip in a separate bowl
2 eggs
Using either thick sliced bread (I sliced from the loaf I baked myself . . . eh hem.)
or
2 slices sandwich bread, preferably wheat
Slice a pocket in the bottom of the thick slice and stuff with cheese mixture or spread one slice with mixture and top with second
Heat a flat pan with 2 tbsp butter
Dipped stuff bread into egg and let sit for 30 seconds
Turn over and wait another 30seconds
When butter begins to bubble in pan place egg bread in and turn heat to medium
About 90 seconds later check to see if egg is browning.
When brown flip and let cook for about 60 seconds
When browned on both sides place on plate and pop in microwave for 30 seconds to warm cheese
Serve and woo!
Remember to Eat Well and Smile Often!
tj
(How do you write so it sounds like your mouth is full?)
So I set the mandolin to thin and sliced away at some potatoes that were left lying about. (How I hate a lie about.) Its partner in crime, The Onion, sat there mocking me with its many layered personality and me, with mine, so shallow, so base . . . so hungry. I grabbed the onion and noticed that the eyes, of the remaining potatoes, never left me. They stared at me unflinchingly as I julienne sliced their brothers. The onions never shed a tear. They both took their final swim in olive oil and pepper and thyme and salt. I laid the saute’d remains on a bed of thinly rolled dough I’d pressed into my quiche pan. A topping of 4 eggs, thyme and parmesan cheese and into the oven they went. 
Best breakfasts, (say that three times fast) come from unintentional leftovers. My friend Suzanne,