This dinner plate comes straight from Aunt Angie’s kitchen — a comforting dish of stewed fish and crackers she shared with me recently.

I’ll admit, this wasn’t always my favorite growing up. As a child, I much preferred my fish fried dry or escovitch style, with that crispy bite and bold flavor. Steamed or stewed fish felt… different. The soft textures were something I didn’t quite understand back then.

But time has a way of changing our perspective.

With age, I’ve come to appreciate the delicate flavors of this dish — the seasoned broth, the tender fish, and the crackers soaking up every bit of warmth from the pot. What I once called “soggy,” I now recognize as something entirely different: comforting, nourishing, and deeply familiar.

Funny how some meals grow with us.

And somehow, Aunt Angie always knows exactly what belongs on the plate.

Until the next plate from Aunt Angie’s kitchen… 🤍

— Jem