epicureantease

When I was a little girl, the first thing I’d do when walking into my maternal grandfather’s house, was run over to the dining room and open up the cupboard door of his hutch to breathe in the sweet aroma of York Peppermint Patties. My grandfather’s candy dish was always stocked! Of course, I’d usually have to wait for after dinner before I could get my little fingers wrapped around the shiny silver packaged chocolate covered chewy mints.

After my grandfather passed away, there was only one thing I wanted.  His candy dish. Although the dish was empty at that time, it still smelled of Peppermint Patties. 🙂  Over the years, my mind wandered and I often thought of the story behind this treasured glass covered dish that I had always had a fascination for. It wasn’t until after I inherited the dish that I found out that it really wasn’t all that special.  It didn’t have a story. At least not one that anyone knew.

From the moment I was reunited with the candy dish, I’ve kept it filled with Peppermint Patties. Not to eat them, but to open the dish from time to time and breathe in that sweet minty chocolate aroma that takes me back to visiting my grandfather, opening up his hutch and gently taking the cover off ever so carefully, as to not make a noise and take a peek inside.

It’s funny. The things we find sentimental value in. The things we hold close. Things that others pass by and take for granted. Often not even taking notice. Yet when we see  these items, we smile at the memories they trigger. One day my covered candy dish will have a special spot in my hutch. Until then, it’s displayed on a bookshelf in my living room where I can be reminded every day to take notice of the small things and find the specialness in all things. 🙂

My Grandfather's Candy Dish and York Peppermint Patties 🙂