Birthday Pickled Salad

As children, we were taught to eat what’s in front of us. “I’m not a short order cook,” our mom would say. The only exception was on our birthday—then we could pick anything we wanted. It was a special day, and she always made sure we felt it. Funny enough, each of us always chose the same down-to-earth, sensible meal: boiled artichokes with butter, a big, fat grilled steak, and Mom’s pickled salad. Looking back, I see the power of a mother’s influence—it’s there even when you think you’re