Yesterday brought an unexpected twist: just as Karey and I were about to put the turkey in the oven for Thanksgiving, the heating element burned out. We pivoted to a turkey breast roast from Kroger, and today we’re enjoying Thanksgiving 2.0 courtesy of an electric roaster. For this sequel holiday, Karey requested Stouffer’s Mac & Cheese—a nostalgic, guilty-pleasure side. Naturally, it sent me down memory lane.
When I was a kid, my parents took me to Walt Disney World every year. It was incredible for many reasons, but one of the highlights was the Mac and cheese at The Land Pavilion in EPCOT. They topped it with toasted breadcrumbs—something I never had at home.
Our home Mac and Cheese was excellent, just a different style: always stovetop, usually from the “yellow box,” occasionally the “blue” one (Velveeta vs. Kraft for my non-American readers). The breadcrumb version at Disney felt magical precisely because it was rare.
As I slid the Stouffer’s into the oven today (still undecided on whether to add toasted breadcrumbs—or crushed Cheez-Its, which are also excellent), I realized my parents never knew how much I loved that breadcrumb topping. If they had, they probably would have added it to the rotation at home. I just never mentioned it, and they never thought to ask.
So here’s my thought for the day: What simple pleasures do your kids love that they haven’t told you? Might be worth asking—and reporting back.