Recent surveys carried out in the US have shown that the number of “boomerang” kids is at an all-time high. Move over Gen X. The Boomerang Bunch leave home in a blaze of excitement only to find themselves heading home shortly thereafter to indulge once more in the creature comforts of the family home.
Looking at it through financial rather than culinary eyes, this is as much to do with youth unemployment as it is with the trickiness of getting a mortgage, along with the need to save for a deposit, which involves months, even years, of sponging off the parents rather than paying rent to a landlord. But the reasons to stay at home are alluring, when home is comfy and the food is good – as well as free – although many parents feel that offspring should contribute to the bills.
But, let’s face it, there is one massive drawback to living at home: it makes you unattractive to possible suitors who will not appreciate the lack of privacy or this state of adolescence in someone way past their teens. It’s hard to cook or enjoy romantic meals for two if Mom and Pop are pottering around the place.
When it comes down to it, romance, rather than free food and lodging, is possibly the greatest incentive to fly the coop. If you are a parent hoping they try another test flight – never to return – but are secretly a bit worried they need help in the culinary department before such a departure, then these recipes are tailor-made for adult children that need to make like a javelin rather than a boomerang.
Both recipes involve a little sauteing (gentle frying) and then a little reduction (simmering with intent) and are extremely easy to execute, even for reluctant couch potatoes. They are also perfect meals to cook for possible suitors, who will be mighty impressed. The recipes both involve a little cream and white wine, but that is the basis of many a good dish: cream and wine reductions lead to tasty sauces that is a little more complex. It's that wonderful that happens when you intensify flavours and add a splash of booze. Food just livens up.
dkemp@irishtimes.com
