We were thrilled  last spring when we heard that our Niece would be attending a great college nearby this year.

It has been so much fun to have her over for dinner, and do laundry of course  But also to lend a sympathic ear, and give advice and support when needed.

This week she spent a few days with us,  before setting off on an humanitarian trip to Haiti.

Of course the Mom and cook in me needs to send her off with a tummy full of comfort food.

So I ask her , what would you like to eat for dinner tonight more than anything?.

She replies “whatever you make will be fine with me, I like everything you cook Aunt Pamela”

What a nice polite child!

So I quiz her a bit more, seeing that she has just spent the last 9 months eating cafeteria food, and we all know how bad college food can be. Maybe she is craving something her Mother always makes.

“No really I am not craving anything, I am sure I will love anything you make”

Okay how about something Asian, maybe ginger salmon, probably not going to be eating that for the next few weeks huh?”.

She replies “Um, well, I don’t eat fish Aunt Pamela” ”

None? I ask.

“Nope, don’t like it”

Holy cow in our house that is like saying “No thanks, I don’t breath air”

We eat a lot of fish and shellfish, with a vegetarian in the house and all.

Then I remembered her Mother is allergic to fish and shellfish.  So it was never an option in her house.

Well that makes sense.

So we decide to stay with the Asian theme, sesame crusted chicken fingers with a peanut dipping sauce for her, and salmon for us.  Perfect.

With that some sticky rice and soy beans. And lets not forget a side of  kimchi (Korean pickled cabbage), I always have a big jar in the fridge.

During dinner Kailey is munching happily on her chicken fingers and I see her eyeing my salmon, so I ask her if she wants to try a tiny piece of the fish?

Sure enough she is game, and tries a teeny tiny piece.  Then a bigger piece….

Then asks “Is it okay if I take that piece there on the platter?”  Turns out she loves it.

Sigh, her Mother would be proud.