Personal Chefs

No kidding. We have our own personal chefs these days. A delightful and talented twosome, Naomi (put the emphasis on the first syllable) and Sam, newlyweds who are staying with us while they hunt for a suitable apartment, having been married in the UK (her home) before moving to Berkeley to pursue doctoral studies (she) and a job (he).

They seem to think they need to pay back our hospitality with home cooking. I can't decide whether to confess to them that we just love having youngsters in the house and that they are a treat all by themselves, thereby giving up our personal chefs, or just let them keep cooking for us. They are very good cooks; so far, we have remained mute.

Last evening's meal is a case in point. Salmon and corn chowder from epicurious.com. About an hour before we were ready to eat, Sam and Naomi disappeared into our kitchen, popping their heads out from time to time to ask, "Where do you keep your...?" or "Do you have...?" while My Beloved and I sat at our leisure in the living room, snacking on crackers and cheese.

In that short time, they produced the chowder and a marvelous blackberry pie (more on that tomorrow). The chowder was hearty with sweet corn and potatoes, and fragrant with salmon and dill. Sam even sneaked a little smoked paprika in there toward the end, lending both color and another savory layer of flavor. It was one of the very best chowders I have ever tasted and here's the kicker - they had never made the recipe before. They just winged it and hit a home run on the first try. Ah, the cocky courage of youth!

So, you can see our dilemma. Come clean and lose the chefs, or continue shamelessly to use their sweet guilt? Any opinions?