I love your passion for cooking that clearly shines in your writing. I share the same passion and it gives me great joy to spend hours in the kitchen to feed everyone well. I too repurpose the leftovers the next day so nothing goes wasted. I raised my kids to appreciate the value of a "clean plate" policy. I don't care how much they eat, but once they've served themselves they need to finish it. Maybe it's my third world upbringing to never waste food.

The fondness with which you recall cooking for your wife is heartwarming. Your grandkids will have fond memories of their meals with you.