In days gone by there was the traditional "pregame meal." Today there's so little time between school and when the players need to be on the field to get taped and dressed that there just isn't enough time for a full dinner. In the days of my own youth, we did "Game Day Breakfast". Here in Loveland they do Thursday Night Dinners. They split the team up into groups of ten or twelve and each week they rotate through the homes of different host families. Last night it was our turn and my homemade rolls had a rep to uphold. Kirk tells me there is even a certain amount of bartering and deal making that goes on in the locker room to see who will get a ticket to the Morra's dinner.
Not to disappoint, we served marinated flank steak, corn, homemade mashed potatoes, glazed green beans, AND...the rolls. Despite the warm, comfortable temperature, there was a moment when we thought it was going to rain. In a classic moment of silent male dominance, one of the seniors got up and simply moved the umbrella to the table where he was sitting. By dessert all the boys were crowded around the same table talking and laughing. Dessert? Seven-layer brownies, Bryers ice cream and homemade hot fudge sauce. My favorite part of Thursday Night Dinners is seeing the boys relaxed and rubbing their stomachs because they're so full, it hurts like Thanksgiving afternoon. One boy said, "I'm so glad I don' have any homework tonight. I don't think I could concentrate after that. I'm going home and going to bed." Indeed, that has to be considered the highest compliment from a teenage football player to the "chef."
Hint: Click on any picture for a larger view!
2 comments:
Were you gonna post that recipe for seven layer brownies? I've never even heard of such a thing!!
I don't doubt for a second that all the boys are begging to come to your house for those dinners. I think I may even want to make a special trip out there when I'm in VA in Oct just so I can experience it for myself. :) Way to go Master Chef!!
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