Mar 6, 2008

How To Cook Like A High School Senior.

First of all Bossy apologizes for not posting yesterday. She’s been having a few issues with her computer—no biggie, it’s just that she can’t open emails. Or send emails. Or access Google Maps. Or open Microsoft Word. Or save documents. Or go online.

Lucky thing Bossy isn’t planning a multi-city Road Trip, because that would just be bad timing. Instead red-faced Bossy screamed and cried and then fell asleep in her car seat. Things are much better today.

Which brings us to our tutorial: How To Cook Like A High School Senior. You see, Bossy’s husband recently celebrated a birthday, where celebrated equals being yelled at for his mess of paperwork, followed by fisticuffs regarding his heaps of junk.

You’ve heard of the State of the Union? In Bossy’s house they regularly hold forth about The State of the Basement. But this post isn’t about Compulsive Hoarding and how Oprah’s experts say it’s covering a darker emotional need—and just why would you think it was?

No, this post is about Bossy’s Husband’s birthday. In Bossy’s house, the family doesn’t make a big production about exchanging presents. Which is just another way of saying Dear Lord Are They Ever Going To Increase The Minimum Wage? Instead Bossy’s family expresses their gratitude for each other and their tangle of crusty belongings in other meaningful ways.

Which is how it came to be that Bossy’s son volunteered to prepare the birthday supper. First he situated the boneless chicken breasts:

After pounding them flat with a meat tenderizer can of mushroom soup, he dredged the chicken in flour:

Next he dunks the chicken in an egg mixture followed by a dip in bread crumbs. Then he puts the chicken in a pan for sautéing:

With the chicken batches sautéed and warming in the oven, Bossy’s son begins his sauce. He adds white wine and lemon juice to the pan drippings:

After finishing his sauce with a pat of butter, Bossy’s son turns his attention to the side dish. He drains boiled potatoes and then mixes them together with butter, milk, and fresh chives:

With everything complete, Bossy’s son plates the food. Which everyone knows is not the same thing as putting food on plates:

And then it was time for the final step of the preparation. The Touchdown Dance:

permanent link to post

102 comments

1. 1
   on March 6th, 2008 at 11:12 am
   Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said:

   Bossy’s son needs a girlfriend to cook for, no? Send that adorable boy my way.

   I mean, so I can share him with our college volunteers. Yeah, that’s definitely what I meant.

   Yeah.


2. 2
   on March 6th, 2008 at 11:13 am
   Tammy said:

   Wow, a teenage son who has a job, enjoys spending time with family and cooks. Bossy is lucky. And Fancy.


3. 3
   on March 6th, 2008 at 11:15 am
   Chesapeake Bay Woman said:

   In my household, the touchdown dance occurs earlier in the whole dinner preparation process, usually after I announce that I’ve burned it and we’re eating out.


4. 4
   on March 6th, 2008 at 11:16 am
   The Domestic Goddess said:

   Such a nice boy. I gotta try that dinner, because chicken and taters is my favorite thing to eat in the whole, wide world.


5. 5
   on March 6th, 2008 at 11:17 am
   Hotdog said:

   Bossy’s son is going to make some woman very happy someday. ;o)


6. 6
   on March 6th, 2008 at 11:22 am
   kristina said:

   The only thing I can get my teenage daughter to make is ramen noodles and Capn Crunch with milk. She will need to marry someone like Bossy’s son in order to survive.


7. 7
   on March 6th, 2008 at 11:23 am
   Louise said:

   Bossy’s big fan would like to know how to raise her son just like Bossy’s son. Bossy’s big fan’s son is eight right now…could you give her some tips on how to navigate the next 10 years? Bossy’s big fan LOVES Bossy & Bossy’s children (husband, too, but Bossy didn’t parent him)


8. 8
   on March 6th, 2008 at 11:24 am
   Louise said:

   p.s. and now to dip into the shallow end…Bossy’s son is really, really cute.


9. 9
   on March 6th, 2008 at 11:25 am
   David said:

   He’s cute, smart, musical, a good big brother, holds a job, can cook AND is straight? Young women of the world, hide your hearts, you are in grave danger.


10. 10
    on March 6th, 2008 at 11:38 am
    Peg said:

    Bossy’s son looks like a terrific chef. Love the slippers and shorts (kinda like Mario Batali with the orange clogs and shorts!). I feel for you regarding the basement. Ours is stuffed with five cars and the heaps of junk it takes to keep them running. UGH!!


11. 11
    on March 6th, 2008 at 11:42 am
    Lisa said:

    I second and third and forth the comment on what a cutie pie bossy’s son is (I have one too. With a smile just like that that melts a person’s heart!). And Bossy and her husband should be commended for their good job. It is probably nice to know when the boy goes off to school he will actually be able to take care of himself. But let’s don’t marry him off too soon….of course we would all love to hear about Bossy’s grandchildren!!!!! Yikes!


12. 12
    on March 6th, 2008 at 11:48 am
    Jessica said:

    I agree, he’s pretty cute and I think he’s probably a better cook than me.


13. 13
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
    Deb on the Rocks said:

    Bossy’s son could spend his summer renting himself out as a foster son to parents who haven’t done as well in the raising department–a leased balm for the parents, and a model for the rebellious kids of their own. Kind of like Super Nanny, but cuter. And with lemons. Supper Nanny. They would cry when he left for Columbia, but he would send cards.


14. 14
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
    we_be_toys said:

    Who needs presents when there is home-cooked goodness to be had?
    Bossy has trained her kids right!


15. 15
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
    Eliza said:

    I’m just wondering how Reader Peg got 5 CARS into her basement! In Kansas we get to the basement through a little trap door–from the inside of the house if we’re lucky.


16. 16
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
    kristin said:

    I would like my daughter to marry Bossy’s son as we are big on other people cooking our food… could you do your best to keep him single for the next 25 years?


17. 17
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
    Jamie said:

    I know this may not please Mama Bossy to hear, and may come off as a bit disturbing because he is 10 years my junior, but DAMN. Baby Boy Bossy cooks! In his slippers! He is going to make some Bossy Daughter-in-Law very happy someday.


18. 18
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
    Momo Fali said:

    How does Bossy feel about becoming my mother-in-law?


19. 19
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
    A Whole Lot of Nothing said:

    Bossy has one VERY good boy.


20. 20
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
    motherbumper said:

    This comment totally taking a dip in the shallow end of the pool: If I was 20 years younger… oh who am I fooling, he’s way too cool – even for the previously 18 year old motherbumper.

    You raised yourself a good one Bossy.


21. 21
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
    Michael said:

    Kick ass. Does he cater?


22. 22
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
    corrie said:

    Bossy’s son is a trouper taking one for the team and being the main event for today’s post!

    Looks to me he gallantly takes it on and fills his Dad’s tummy with love for his birthday!

    Congrats to the Birthday Boy and three cheers for “better than more junk” concept for celebrating birthdays!


23. 23
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
    ritabby said:

    …and how was da chikin? Happy B Day Bossy’s Husband!


24. 24
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
    Avitable said:

    Plating? He plates?

    Very impressive.


25. 25
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
    Avitable said:

    Plating? He plates?

    Very impressive.


26. 26
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
    hal said:

    Tell bossy’s son that I’ll cook him some sausage if he’ll do the chicken for me!


27. 27
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
    Cactus Petunia said:

    Way to raise ‘em right, Bossy! My son didn’t start watching Food Network until he was in college…you should see what he can do with ramen now!


28. 28
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
    Kristin said:

    Bossy is very lucky indeed to have such a great son (and daughter too) and better yet, they are very lucky to have such parents that have raised them in such a respectful way. Kudos!


29. 29
    on March 6th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
    Kristin said:

    and can I say “such” anymore and such?


30. 30
    on March 6th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
    Amy said:

    He is too adorable. And he cooks! Ya know, I have a beautiful (rilly rilly be-u-t-ful) daughter who is 18…

    Hum…tiny pretty Bossys. (In like, 7-8 years of course)


31. 31
    on March 6th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
    meleah rebeccah said:

    Now I must go EAT.


32. 32
    on March 6th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
    OMSH said:

    Whoohooohe can bring home the GROCERIES AND Fry’em up in a pan?!

    You’ve done well momma!


33. 33
    on March 6th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
    Biddy said:

    again i say, when are you mailing him to texas? we could make fabulous meals and beautiful, cooking babies together…


34. 34
    on March 6th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
    lintys said:

    a man who cooks is a major chick magnet!


35. 35
    on March 6th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
    Mom101 said:

    I love the sly, “I know you’re taking my picture mo-om” smiles in the photos. Thank goodness for men who cook. For without them, I would starve.


36. 36
    on March 6th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
    Michelle said:

    Wow, those are soomme slippers! LOL


37. 37
    on March 6th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
    Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near You said:

    that’s so cool that he volunteered to cook and it didn’t involve take-out! Nice job mom!


38. 38
    on March 6th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
    Suburban Kamikaze said:

    On behalf of mothers of uncooperative, argumentative, can’t-open-cans-of-soup by themselves adolescents everywhere, I would like to thank you for providing a teeny-tiny ray of light at the end of the tunnel, which hopefully is not a train…

    (But seriously, you paid him, right?)

    SK


39. 39
    on March 6th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
    Kara said:

    Very nice! A man that can cook. I’m in…sign me up. I’m totally teaching my boys to cook for me.


40. 40
    on March 6th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
    All Adither said:

    Uh, I don’t think most high school seniors cook this way. Try: throws four half-rotten steaks on a too-cool grill, fries some broccoli until it is mush and then serves freezer-burned vanilla ice cream for dessert.


41. 41
    on March 6th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
    Karen said:

    I misread and thought he dredged the kitchen in flour, but of course, that was chicken. Much tastier. Happy Birthday to Mr. Bossy man.


42. 42
    on March 6th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
    Nilsa S. said:

    If only Bossy’s son weren’t still in school. Then she could take him on her roadtrip and make him cook for all her bloggy friends.


43. 43
    on March 6th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
    Andi Sexton (rrlscrapgal) said:

    Lucky Bossy Mom!
    I’m with some of the previous moms of young boys who would like some tips or mentoring… mine is 8 almost 9.. He can make a salad! And operate a toaster…
    Also, sorry to hear you have one of those junk magnet husbands, too… we live on a ranch.. too many buildings to pile crap in. And, believe me.. we got lots of junk!


44. 44
    on March 6th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
    Manic Mommy said:

    My 39-year-old husband couldn’t make that meal on a bet. Your future daughter-in-law is going to *worship* you for training him so well.

    Does he pick up his own socks?


45. 45
    on March 6th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
    Swistle said:

    Bossy’s Son is so cute! Speaking of cooking, how’d you get him to turn out all congenial-looking? Mine is 9 and has already got a simmering crabbiness going on.

    Also: compulsive hoarding is BAD? But…what else would I do with all my preshuss, preshuss STUFF?


46. 46
    on March 6th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
    Jenn @ Juggling Life said:

    Methinks Bossy’s son and my son would get along well. Have Bossy Boy check out Sam the Cooking Guy’s website–it is Big Red’s favorite recipe source–few ingredients and always delish.

    Current teen job here is Jamba Juice–so lots of concocting of new smoothie recipes in the Magic Bullet. The Pomegranate Iced Tea smoothie way the bomb!


47. 47
    on March 6th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
    peppermint T said:

    I hope my son will cook someday. Right now all he does in the kitchen is climb in the dishwasher. But he’s 2 — I’ve got time.


48. 48
    on March 6th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
    Kristin said:

    That just might be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! (But don’t tell Bossy’s son that… he might blush!)


49. 49
    on March 6th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
    Noelle said:

    I wonder how many 18-year-old girls read your blog and are now in love.


50. 50
    on March 6th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
    Debbie said:

    If I say that Bossy’s son is a “fox” does that give away my age?


51. 51
    on March 6th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
    Laura said:

    ……..and he cooks too! I am now declaring myself Bossy’s son’s future mother-in-law. Has a nice ring to it,don’t ya’ think?!


52. 52
    on March 6th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
    Jacki said:

    Can I reserve him for my daughter? She is only 3.5 right now….but hey. He’s cute!


53. 53
    on March 6th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
    joeinvegas said:

    Did you teach him that dance, or does he just take after mom in the coordination department?


54. 54
    on March 6th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
    Chicky Chicky Baby said:

    Smart and he can cook?? Fer chrissake, that boy is going to make a lucky person very happy some day.


55. 55
    on March 6th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
    Belle said:

    It is so great that he cooks! My husband can barely heat up food. I am teaching my 7 year old son to cook, maybe one day he’ll be able to throw together fabulous food as well.


56. 56
    on March 6th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
    Craig said:

    I heard that after he was done cooking he entertained the family with his mad drumming skillz.

    I just made that up, but I’m sure it’s true.


57. 57
    on March 6th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
    Belle said:

    ohh and for the commentors who were wondering how to get their kids to cook, my trick is NO TV Tuesday’s. My son always wants to help me cook when he is banned from watching TV. And he loves to do it.


58. 58
    on March 6th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
    KT said:

    Bossy’s son needs to teach my husband to cook.

    Bossy has the same kitchen cupboards as I do.


59. 59
    on March 6th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
    Suzanne said:

    He’s like that “Take Home Chef” guy! Do you hire him out?


60. 60
    on March 6th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
    Philly said:

    I noticed he didn’t lay the raw chicken on the wooden cutting board,,,I can see the wax paper,,,,good job !!


61. 61
    on March 6th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
    rosie said:

    Will Bossy’s Son marry Rosie’s daughter?


62. 62
    on March 6th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
    margalit said:

    Adorable, smart, musical, and he cooks? Is Bossy’s handsome brilliant and talented son available to marry Margalit’s beautiful daughter?


63. 63
    on March 6th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
    Raz said:

    Everyone loves a man who can cook.


64. 64
    on March 6th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
    Shayera said:

    What a nice man of youthful years.


65. 65
    on March 6th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
    heart shaped hedges said:

    Ahhhh! Your email isnt working, is that why you have not claimed your PRIZE? It’s a Starbucks card Bossy, and me thinks you might need some java on your long drives through remote places.

    So, the boy can cook, has a job, and gets early acceptance to Columbia! He’s a prize!!!


66. 66
    on March 6th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
    Shannon said:

    I love Bossy’s kitchen and her son’s smile is nearly as beautiful as her daughter’s….


67. 67
    on March 6th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
    junebug said:

    I know you have 65 comments already but here is one more. That boy is awesome. He cooks!!


68. 68
    on March 6th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
    operagal said:

    david is SO right – see comment at 11:25 AM March 6th


69. 69
    on March 6th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
    Lynn in Tucson said:

    His mother (whoever she is, because you are obviously too youthful to be the mother of a high school senior) must have raised him right well!


70. 70
    on March 6th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
    Mr Farty said:

    Bossy’s son gets his looks from his mom.

    Maybe not the hairy legs.


71. 71
    on March 6th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
    Becky said:

    He is a darn good cook! His future wife is so going to be happy that you took the time out to cook!!
    My kids to the victory dance only when Daddy cooks for them. I do it when daddy cooks too:)


72. 72
    on March 6th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
    Maria R said:

    My husband always cooked. At an early age. He loves to cook. And look, he got ME!! So bossy’s son is traveling down a path with VERY good karma.

    I do have a daughter who would be about right for bossy’s son. In 10 years.


73. 73
    on March 6th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
    islaygirl said:

    are you SURE you don’t have any age-appropriate (for me) progeny lurking around?


74. 74
    on March 6th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
    Katie said:

    What a great cook! I especially love the touch-down dance.


75. 75
    on March 6th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
    Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants said:

    I ~heart~ Bossy’s Trusty Co-Pilot! What a great guy!


76. 76
    on March 6th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
    MamaMo said:

    We fix that exact same chicken at my house – I’ll have to try the “whole lemon sauce” sounds yummy.


77. 77
    on March 6th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
    jamie said:

    Whoa. Is he single?

    Oh yeah, I’m not.

    Darn it.


78. 78
    on March 6th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
    Mrs. G. said:

    Could he be any cuter? The Bossy family struck it rich in the looks department.


79. 79
    on March 6th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
    Lively said:

    Bossy’s son is handsome
    I’m a veggie so didnt pay attention to the recipe, but the pics are good


80. 80
    on March 6th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
    qt said:

    hmmm – I guess I can honestly say that I wont ever complain about Bossy’s son being featured in a post. Ever.


81. 81
    on March 7th, 2008 at 1:11 am
    Kelley said:

    Kelley’s 16 year old daughter thinks Bossy’s son is HAWT. But Kelley’s daughter is in love with Ree the Hotfessional’s son Shortman too.

    Oh thank GOD I am no longer a teen.


82. 82
    on March 7th, 2008 at 2:10 am
    Cheri said:

    I didn’t know they made that model.


83. 83
    on March 7th, 2008 at 5:47 am
    R said:

    Oooh yummy… Am i talking about the dinner or the High School Senior… Who knows!


84. 84
    on March 7th, 2008 at 5:53 am
    Aku said:

    When does Bossy’s son start his road trip? I know somewhere nice he could stop over. It’s in Finland.


85. 85
    on March 7th, 2008 at 6:29 am
    Say What? said:

    Nicely done Son of Bossy! Meat mallet? We don’t need no stinkin’ meat mallet! Lemon juice – the whole lemon will do! (back in a former life I was a restaurant chef with a culinary degree)

    One thing I did notice, no veg? Or was a perfectly dressed salad the accompaniament?


86. 86
    on March 7th, 2008 at 6:30 am
    MizFit said:

    OH
    MY
    GOSH

    just found you via cranky and am cracking up on all levels.

    must go back and see if you tell us more about your son but DA** I can only hope my now 2 year old will be as….willing to participate in my chickenbus as your son is!

    MizFit


87. 87
    on March 7th, 2008 at 7:15 am
    debbie said:

    So…once young Mr. Bossy’s Son goes to college, that means a room will be available….hmmmm…are you open to the “homestay” idea? My son could come and you could whip young Mr. K into shape…think about it!!! We could start a whole new business here once you get back from your “vacation”….thousands of mothers wanting their sons to be like yours…think about it!!!!!!


88. 88
    on March 7th, 2008 at 9:09 am
    Lynne said:

    Bossy has a trained teenager? How do you do that? I have two in desperate need of training. P.S. Tell him I like his slippers.


89. 89
    on March 7th, 2008 at 9:29 am
    natalie said:

    i love the dance at the end! love it. i also love the fact that he is willing to let you take pictures of him. i figure he is probably used to it by now! what a guy!


90. 90
    on March 7th, 2008 at 9:29 am
    whall said:

    He’s going to burn his finger if he keeps it in the pan like that.

    Come on, seriously!

    Hey, I just looked again and it’s still there! Get his finger out of there!


91. 91
    on March 7th, 2008 at 9:31 am
    Absurdist said:

    That is so cute. Good think you are teaching him how to cook. Us girls can’t cook these days.


92. 92
    on March 7th, 2008 at 9:47 am
    Brando said:

    Once TLB reads this, my goose is cooked. Meaning I’m going to have to learn how to cook goose and everything else I don’t know how to make.

    But this post isn’t about Compulsive Hoarding and how Oprah’s experts say it’s covering a darker emotional need—and just why would you think it was?

    It’s stuff like this that makes your blog the funniest one on the Web.


93. 93
    on March 7th, 2008 at 10:55 am
    Lauren said:

    I’m a tad disturbed because my first thought was …. dang, Baby Boy Bossy is a hottie! I’m not usually prone to going all cougar like that…
    But he is adorable. And he cooks. Good thing my Husband is and does too. Otherwise, Bossy might have to beat an old lady to death with something from her basement to defend her baby boy’s honor…


94. 94
    on March 7th, 2008 at 11:14 am
    Jason said:

    He’s hired!


95. 95
    on March 7th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
    jackie said:

    Could Bossy please, please, please post tips on how to raise such awesome kids?!


96. 96
    on March 7th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
    kj said:

    that guy will make a wonderful husband to one very lucky lady (in about 10 years, right?)


97. 97
    on March 7th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
    esa said:

    O.K. Tell that cutie to wait a few years, because my 14 1/2 (she told me to put the 1/2 in there) year old daughter is in love. Glad you captured that on film…


98. 98
    on March 9th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
    cathy c said:

    wow. you are christian and bossy.i know church peeps that would say they don’t go together. how do you get away with it?


99. 99
    on March 10th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
    Amanda said:

    I wish I could sleep like a high school senior again.


100. 100
     on March 12th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
     Sassy said:

     That boy is precious. I want one just like him, wher’d ya get em?


101. 101
     on March 15th, 2008 at 4:35 am
     tanyetta said:

     WOW!!!!!!!!! that is so beautiful. he’s a great son. I know you are quite proud


102. 102
     on March 18th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
     Victoria said:

     Yummy. What a good boy you’ve got there, Bossy!