My mom sautéed onions daily, and whenever dining out, she'd say "double the onions, please."
I’m flooded with wonderful memories of my mom daily -- in all aspects of my life. And especially when I cook.
There are so many things I could talk about in my mom’s memory: her exquisite antique collection, the stunning home she designed in Pacific Palisades, and lived in with my dad for over 50 years, the 2,000 plus trees she was responsible for planting in the community, what a loving mother she was and so on.
Here, I'm sharing her love of onions. This might sound like it's a small thing, or odd thing to focus on, but it's not. Growing up, it was a part of every day. And continued to be.
The scent of sautéing onions . . . .
Walking home from Pali High, almost as soon as I'd turn right onto Wildomar St. from Northfield St., I'd start to get a hint of the sautéing onions. And when I'd open the door to the house, that scent wafted all the way up the halls to the front door. This was what happened every single school day.
And when I’d sleep in on the weekends, I’d awake to the delicious smell of the caramelizing onions. Every single weekend.
And every day around five in the afternoon, the scent of the sautéing onions would travel through the hallways, making its way into every room. Every day!
In addition to whatever delicious food my mom was cooking on her beautiful O’Keefe and Merritt stove, which had belonged to my grandmother (her mom), there was always a pan of onions going. Always.
She was simply not in the kitchen without cooking onions. It was the start of every savory dish — the foundation. Of course garlic would likely make its way in eventually, but it was never quite as important as the onions were.
No recipes needed . . .
My mom rarely, if ever, used a recipe. If she did, it was only as a guide, and it featured her own notes penciled into the margins.
Her every dish was spot on. The flavor combinations were always perfectly crafted. We’re talking about the types of flavors you could never get enough of, even if you were full. Second and third helpings were always had in my house. Always.
She cooked with whole, healthy ingredients, and whenever possible, they were from my dad’s backyard garden.
Beginning with onions (of course!), my mom created masterpieces from leftovers. Her meals had many secret ingredients, which were often from the surplus of dipping sauces she would collect from her favorite Thai restaurant, Cholada (specifically the one that came alongside the Kanom Jeep (steamed wontons filled with chestnuts and ground pork and topped with roasted minced garlic). It was smoky, a little spicy and the flavors were deep and rich.
My mom never — never ever — ordered anything in a restaurant without extra onions. Whether it was a pizza, a chicken dish, a salad, you name it, she’d say, “double the onions, please.”
I hope you'll fill your home with the scent of sautéing onions, as my mom would . . . .
Quick Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
- olive oil
- onions, thinly sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a heavy-bottomed sauté pan.
- Add thinly sliced onions and place the pan over medium heat.
- Sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are as golden as you’d like. My mom liked them caramelized, but with a bit of a crunch, which for about 2 cups of sliced onions, would be about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Here's How to Season to Taste.)
Liz Schmitt
After I lost my beloved mother, cooking her favorites in my kitchen became and remains such a comfort. Making my summer pickles today and I will remember your Mom as I slice the sweet onions.
valentina
Thank you so much, Liz. I hope the pickles turned out great, and love that cooking your mom's food brings you comfort, too. xo
Deb|EastofEdenCooking
What soulful, beautiful memories of your mom. The loss of one's mother is life changing. Cherish all the time you had with her, keep her close while you grieve. Sending hugs and peaceful thoughts to comfort you as you begin your life without her.
valentina
Thank you, Deb. I know you understand, and I so appreciate your kind words. Much love. xo
Jeanne @jollytomato
What a wonderful tribute to your mom! I am so very sorry for this tremendous loss but I am so glad to hear that you have such happy memories of her that will live on in your kitchen. Sending much love...
valentina
Thanks so much, Jeanne. xo
Aimee
Such a beautiful tribute Valen. I had no idea that she cooked onions everyday - love learning that about her. I've been doing lots of remembering. I keep thinking of how when we were little your house was this big mysterious place with closed rooms full of stuff, and a backyard we couldn't really play in because it was full of piles of wood and stones, and tiles and more stuff. And then slowly but surely your mom transformed the whole house into this amazing wonderland. One absolutely stunning room at a time. What amazing vision, patience and perseverance to create.
And I adore that pic of your mom and Mason!
Love you!
valentina
I just love you describe the piles (of stuff!) disappearing and the rooms coming together in the house. So true. And yes, she sure did have a vision! Love you!
Christina
Oh Valentina, I can only imagine how bittersweet it will be whenever you smell the aroma of caramelizing onions! What a lovely post. I am so very sorry for your loss, but as you said, there is solace in knowing she is at peace. Hugs.
valentina
Thank you, Christina. xo
Caz McLaughlin
Our condolences to you and your family, Valentina, in the loss of your dear mother. May her inspirations and love of onions live forever in your hearts. Caz & Gaz [Australia]
valentina
I so appreciate this. Many thanks and much love.
SueB
So sorry to hear the news, Valentina. Sending love and condolences to you.
I hope you will continue to share wonderful memories of and recipes from your mother.
Blessings.
Bring on the onions!
valentina
Thank you very much, Sue. xo (P.S. Buzz and I miss you!)
Sue schmidt
Love and sympathy to you and your family, Valentina. I will step up my sautéing of onions and think of you and your mom. Thanks to her we have two large and beautiful trees in our parkway.
valentina
Thank you, Sue. Oh, I love that your parkway trees are a result of my mom's efforts. That makes me happy. xo
Judy
An incredible tribute to your mom. You will carry her memory with you always, yet each time you smell onions cooking you'll know that she's smiling at you.
valentina
Love this, Judy. Thank you. xo
Priscilla
What a lovely tribute, Valentina. I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom did many wonderful things and your love lives on, heightened by the aroma of caramelized onions.
valentina
Thank you so much, Priscilla. xo