http://www.girlfriendsinthekitchen.com/

Per the publisher's request, I am sharing my own entry.

Homemade Pizza, My Mother, and a Lifetime Will to 'Do It Right'

by Fran Briggs

"Fascinated," would describe my best memory of working in the kitchen with my Mother.  And why not? I was going to learn how to make "homemade pizza!" 

Mmmmmm.                          

Everybody loved my Mother's pizza.  And even though I kinda had an idea of how it was prepared, you can imagine how surprised I was to discover the simple ingredients for the crust.  With just flour, water, yeast, oil and salt ... a ball of dough, became. 

"Did you wash your hands?" My Mother asked--but not unexpectantly.  I was no stranger to protocol for the kitchen. 

"I sure did," I responded and proudly presented them.  

"Very good!" She said as she smiled with approval. 

I'm not sure how long it took for "fascinated" to turn into "challenge," but it couldn't have been too long.  What I knew for sure was that kneading dough was not a simple task.  I vividly recall standing at my Mother's side watching her masterfully demonstrate the entire process.   With one hand on each end of the rolling pin, I studied her as she rolled from every possible angle.  Within minutes, she created the perfect crust and gently placed it onto the pan.  Then, she took a butter knife and cut off the excess dough from the perimeter of the pan.         

Wow!  I was wide-eyed, impressed.  Undaunted, I waited with anticipation to emulate her masterpiece.  Clearly, her skills were something I admired--and desired. 

"OK, now it's your turn," said my Mother.                                                                    

And I was ready.  A tenured teacher by profession, Mother calmly and methodically "spoke me through" the steps.  After prepping the dough with flour, I began to roll out my first crust, ever!  Unfortunately, it was taking several attempts to create what I only needed to see in my mind's eye, once. 

"Why won't it come out right?"  I whined, at aged nine.

"That's OK; you're learning.  Just take your time, and do it right."

My Mother rewarded my tenacity and tamed my frustration with those words of loving encouragement.

Finally, after several attempts, I was able to master the seemingly unconquerable task of rolling out a sheet of crust that actually covered the entire pan!  Finally, I was able to just take my time and "do it right."  Of course, putting on the toppings was a breeze.  Still, such an experience neither prepared me, nor incited any interest for entering culinary school.  However, I did experience memorable feelings of jubilation; and received my Mother's incomparable congratulations.

Today, I realize that although I have never rolled out another sheet of pizza dough since then, that day at the cutting board was a "springboard" for a lifetime will ... to "do it right." 

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