Spoon First, Questions Later—Toast Optional

Some people wait for the toast.

They lay everything out properly. Bread toasted just right. Butter softened. Plate on the counter. Maybe even a little knife resting neatly beside the jar.

And then there are the rest of us.  The ones who twist open the lid, grab a spoon, and go straight in. No ceremony. No delay. No apology. Just the jam, ma’am!

If you’re the type who eats jam straight from the jar, chances are you understand something important about pleasure. You don’t always need a whole production. Sometimes what you really want is simple, immediate, and deeply satisfying. That first spoonful is the moment.  The glossy surface of the jam. The way it clings to the spoon. The rich color catches the light. You dip in, lift it up, and there it is — sweet, bold, irresistible.  And when it hits your tongue…Game Over!

Now if you know me, you might assume my love language would be “acts of service”, and you would be correct. I cook for people. I feed people. I plate things up nicely. I’ll make sure your plate is full, your drink is topped off, and you don’t have to lift a finger.  You’re going to be full as a tick when I’m done.  That’s my natural lane.

But every now and then, even a girl who lives in acts of service has to admit that sometimes physical touch does more than any act of service ever could. Sometimes it’s a hug.  Sometimes it’s someone grabbing your hand.  Sometimes it’s that moment of closeness that says, I’m here with you.  No production. No performance. Just presence.  And in a funny way, that spoonful of jam straight from the jar kind of captures that same spirit.  It’s satisfying. Immediate. Honest.  The texture. The sweetness. The little moment where you pause and think, yeah… this right here is good.

Now let me add a quick Chef Lorious kitchen rule, because I would be irresponsible if I didn’t.  If you’re going in with the spoon… no double dipping.  Listen. We are not heathens, and we have home training.  Once that spoon hits your mouth, it does not go back in the jar. That is how you ruin a perfectly good jar of jam and lose your kitchen privileges at the same time. Don’t y’all be out here embarrassing me in these streets!  Take your spoonful. Enjoy the moment. Get a clean spoon if you need another round, and carry on.

See? Acts of service still showed up after all.  What can I say…true to my core!

But rules aside, there’s something honest about that little indulgent moment.  A spoon. A jar. A flavor that makes you close your eyes for a second.  No toast required.

Just don’t double dip. Because that’s nasty… and we’re trying to keep the moment magical!

With love & jam…

Xoxo,

CL