Opus 2022-285: The Cous Cous Dilemma

I once made the mistake of being courteous.  It had to do with couscous.  

I don’t know what you think of when you hear “couscous” but the Cape Verdians I worked with made a very unique version.  They would take corn meal and pack it in a small clay flowerpot, turn it over and steam it over boiling water.  No salt.  No spices.  Nothing but corn meal.  When they served it they would douse it with something like Karo syrup and that was it.  Being courteous I complemented it when it was served and I was locked in for life.  They always made me couscous.  It wasn’t disgusting, just incredibly boring.

I tried honesty with the pulled pork.  It didn’t work any better.  My wife was experimenting with making a new dish.  When she thought it was done she had me try some and asked me to tell me what I thought.  She still has not forgiven me for my honesty.  I guess she didn’t really want to know but my question is how can you improve if you don’t know the facts.  

I realize I am in a minority.  If I cook something and ask your opinion, I really want your opinion.  If my chili has too much curry then I want to know.  I can always reduce the curry in the next batch or, if I like it the way it is, warn you before you try it again.  It is not necessary that I embrace your opinion but if it isn’t honest it is worthless.

I realize that in regard to other people I need to be more circumspect.  That is a fancy word for not telling the truth.  I keep in mind that we need more truth today and if the people and organizations around it won’t supply it we still have a standard to live up to.

homo unius libri