foodperson.com

I like to cook, but I also like to be cooked for. And this past weekend’s trip to Cheyenne Bottoms provided an inordinate amount of the latter. It also provided, for non-Kansans (and probably for some Kansans, too), stereotype-affirming and -shattering views of the landscape.

Some background on the venue: Cheyenne Bottoms is a wildlife refuge of international importance and, according to the website, “The area is considered the most important shorebird migration point in the western hemisphere. About 45 percent of the North American shorebird population stops at the Bottoms during spring migration. ” Well, the spring migration is under way, and we got to see some of it.

The area provides this classic Kansas view:

As well as this one, less classic, from a bluff:

And what’s this?

And this? Wetlands, that’s what.

Anyway, when we weren’t out walking the road or driving, slowly, through the refuge, we were eating. My sole contribution to the cooking was preparing a pot of coffee and putting a few dishes in the dishwasher. Sarah made the breakfasts; Sunday morning featured French toast from cinnamon-chip bread (yum!) and remarkably flavorful little pork patties from Darrell Parks‘ ground pork.

Diane oversaw fattening us up the rest of the time. Friday evening upon arrival it was homemade cookies and fruit. For lunch on Saturday, she put out chili and chicken curry salad as the main attractions. She always seemed to have toasts, fruit, cookies and crispy celery and carrots on hand. Saturday afternoon, it was cheese and more snacks. Saturday evening, she roasted potatoes and made a lovely salad to accompany a delicious roast of politically incorrect beef tenderloin that Ann and John brought. For dessert, she offered pound cake with raspberries and a dollop of sour cream. And, before heading back late Sunday morning, we made up sandwiches for the return trip.

The food was uniformly delicious, and not just because someone else made it. I’m not ready to quit cooking, but I think I could get used to letting someone else take over now and then. I’m also amazed at the privilege to witness the birds and to have such generous friends.