Every Christmas, I sit back and marvel at the cookies, pies & cakes all of you bake. The icing “just so”, the flawless presentation, and the cheer your treats bring to others
As I marvel, I am gently reminded why I do not belong to your gifted clique
Years ago, I embarked upon the journey to become a home baker. I knew my creativity was limited, so your skills of “pastry chef” were off the table for me
I read. I searched. I interviewed. I dabbled. Finally, it was time for me to put my knowledge into something I loved with all of my heart…. PIZZA
I meticulously measured the yeast…
Kneaded the dough…
Carefully, I placed the damp cloth over the dough, and set the timer, for hours away…
I was so excited!!
I would peak under the corners of the cloth, just to watch the magic happening…
Hours later, the timer sounded
With the excitement of children on Christmas morning, Xan and I pulled out the pizza stone, carefully spread the dough, gently spooned the marinara – careful not to tear the dough, and added our shredded cheese blend
It looked WONDERFUL!!
We placed the pizza stone into the oven, turned on the timer, and breathed in every ounce of baked pizza smell
As we watched the dough rise, the edges become golden brown, and the cheese-melt blending perfectly across the top, we couldn’t wait to taste our masterpiece
While it was still hot, we pulled it out of the oven, cut it with our brand new pizza cutter, and watched the cheese melt, as we pulled away our individual slices
Excited, I watched as Xan took his first bite. The smile on his face. Knowing the hours he waited were worth it. It was a beautiful moment, one that will live with me forever…
I couldn’t wait anymore. I hurriedly asked, “Well?! How is it?!” He held his index finger up, as the sign I took for “one moment”
“Ok!! Is it too hot?? Sorry!!”
He gently shook his head “no”, and raised his finger again. Excitedly, I asked “Number ONE?! It’s NUMBER ONE?! It’s the best pizza, EVER?!”
He gently shook his head “no”, chewed his last bite, and said…
“No, Mom – it’s a ONE out of TEN”
Y’alllllllllll!! The heartbreak!! The immediate flash of pain, agony, & defeat that ran through my body…
I grabbed the pizza stone up, walked outside, and threw the entire abomination to Pork Chop the Pig
I walked back in, looked at the hours worth of chaos on the counters, relinquished my home-baker dream, and never stepped foot back into the kitchen
Stephanie Arnett 