The Mystique Of

A friend and I went on another excursion today. We are attempting to enjoy this lovely part of the country before the snow descends.

The foliage is now spectacular, and today it evoked memories of other places, other times and other companions. Driving past the apple orchards, I remembered the bowl of apples I left this morning still sitting on the counter unpeeled, unused.

Yesterday I had great plans for baking either my favorite apple cake or perhaps a Tarte tatin, but they never reached fruition. My excursion companion, Molly, spoke of upcoming family plans. Then the topic of our conversation moved easily into my yesteryears in other places with other people.

I told her of the wonderful date nut bread recipe a friend from Texas had given me that I usually make as a Christmas gift. But as I gazed at the orchards we were passing I also remembered the sauerkraut recipe given to me almost half a century ago by Zelda.

Zelda was a neighbor, slightly older than I, and far more sophisticated. When I was still a relatively new Mother, our families shared a balcony in a small northern New Jersey town. Zelda and her husband, Morris, owned a small coffee shop a few blocks away from our apartment building.

I remember the late fall day I was given her memorable recipe. It was a similar season, still warm enough to sit outdoors with my toddler, but with the ominous promise of frost.

Relaxing on the rectangular redwood bench our families shared, I could smell an incredible aroma emanating from Zelda’s apartment and felt compelled to ask, “What is it?”

Laughing, she replied “That is my Grandmother’s sauerkraut. I make it every year, and it has become a family tradition. When it is finished, I will give you a taste.”

Shortly afterwards, my husband, daughter and I moved back to Nassau County. Zelda and I never kept in contact. We were good neighbors, but acquaintances rather than friends.

Yet when it is apple season, and I sense the frost in the near future, I remember a generous and interesting woman. Whenever I make Zelda’s sauerkraut (that incorporates a Granny Smith apple to add to its mystique,) I am grateful our paths crossed albeit briefly on our distinct and separate life journey.