It started with this text exchange with my son, who is a fantastic chef:
Me: Jamin, I would like to know what cooking ingredient do you not use very often but there is no substitute for it when you need it.
Jamin: This sounds like a setup for a joke. What ingredient? Lol.
Me: No. I’m looking for an example to make the point, ‘It doesn’t always matter how much you are in the mix but the effect you have when you are.”
Jamin: Oh! Haha! Sorry!
Me: Like a rarely used spice but essential for a special meal. You get the picture.
Jamin: I’m great at finding a substitute for almost anything in a pinch. Let me think…
Me: Hahahaha.
Jamin: I get the metaphor. I like it.
Me: You’re messin up my concept, dude.
Jamin: Lol
Me: Each of our lives are like that spice. Here to add a special seasoning that only we can bring. I was gonna say Paprika but then realized I didn’t know what I was talking about.
Jamin: Well, I recently made a Greek Easter Bread for Jacob’s mom and grandmother. There’s a spice in it called Mahleb. It really gives the bread a unique flavor and I just use a little bit. It’s sort of like an almond and cherry taste.
Me: Perfect!!!
Jamin: It’s used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes primarily.
Me: It even sounds exotic. 👌😉
Jamin: Glad I could help.
The final product, fresh from the oven: May God bless each of you today with a greater appreciation for the blessing He has made you to be to the world. Your “Mahleb” makes a difference in the flavor of the world around you, even if you think you’re just a “pinch.” Serve yourself to others with confidence.
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