I had emailed my mom to ask what she makes when she feels shitty but still has an appetite. A few weeks later we spoke on the phone and while describing what she was making for dinner that night, I reminded her about this email. She replied a few days later. She then reminded me a month later that I had not yet posted the response. So, here it is...
"Toast and Hot Chocolate
Caveat! Use substitutions at your own risk and if you do I don't want to hear that it wasn’t any good.
Hot Chocolate
Heat a generous cup of milk by whatever method you choose (stovetop, microwave, campfire, nuclear reactor) as hot as you can get it without boiling – the technical term is “scald.” Pour it into a sturdy mug and add two heaping teaspoons (not a measuring spoon, the kind that goes with the knives and forks) of Nestle Quick powdered chocolate milk mix – I think it is now called Nesquick, but it still has a rabbit as a spokesperson, er, spokesbunny. Stir it up and set aside to cool a bit while you prepare…
Toast
Take two slices of good white bread, something sturdy like buttermilk or old fashioned white. Under no circumstances may you use the flimsy “wonderbread” stuff, it will prove structurally unsound and lead to disaster. You can substitute a whole grain bread if you absolutely must, but stay away from nuts and seeds and anything that has an assertive flavor of its own, e.g., rye. Toast the bread to a medium golden brown and spread lightly and evenly with room temperature butter (or margarine, but butter’s better). Cut each slice into three rectangular strips and place on a nice china or stoneware plate – preferably one that coordinates attractively with the mug containing your hot chocolate.
Now, back to bed with the plate, mug and paper napkin. Tuck the napkin under your chin to protect the bedclothes and proceed to eat by dunking each strip of toast, bit by bit, into the hot chocolate, eating and sipping as you go. Make sure to have brought the spoon with you so that you can finish up by scooping the buttery, chocolatey wayward bits of toast that dropped into the mug and are left at the bottom. Wipe your chin with the napkin, place the dishes on the floor so the kitty can lick up the crumbs and snuggle down under the covers for a nap."
The thing that really makes this from my mom is that the cup and plate match. If they even match your bedsheets, it would be even better.
