Food can take you places. Sometimes it’s a new destination. Other times, it takes you right back home.

This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a moment of reflection, a celebration, and a personal tribute. On the fifth anniversary of my dad’s passing, I found myself—without even realising—recreating the flavours that defined his life, and a quiet moment turned into something deeply emotional.

Simple Ingredients, Lasting Memories

My dad wasn’t flashy with food. If he was in the kitchen, you could count on one thing: sausages. After my mum passed, the fridge staples became familiar—sausages, the strongest cheddar he could find, and a jar of jalapeños. Bread was always in the cupboard, and a bottle of brown sauce never left his side.

Whatever was going on, he always had time (and space) for a sausage sandwich. It was his go-to, his comfort—and, it turns out, mine too.

The Sandwich That Hit Different

A couple of weeks back, without giving it much thought, I threw together a roll with:

• Leftover @sosij_uk Cheddar & Jalapeño sausage

• A generous hit of @dubstabrand Ember Smoke Sauce

• And yes—brown sauce, of course

I sat down, took a bite… and was immediately hit by a wave of memories, emotions, and a deep, silent kind of reflection. It was only afterwards I realised the anniversary was just around the corner.

A Sandwich That Says a Lot

Back then, life looked very different. My second child was just 3 months old. My dad was in stroke rehab. I’d just been told I had about two years to live due to failing lungs. The world was on fire with Covid looming. The future? Bleak.

And yet—here I am.

Somehow, through hard graft, stubbornness, and maybe a little bit of luck, everything changed. I’m still here, and I get to share moments like this through food, memory, and community.

More Than a Meal

What started as a sandwich turned into a reminder: things can get better. Life can hit hard—but if you can hold on, keep moving, and find small joys (even in a roll full of sausages), you might just surprise yourself with where you end up.

So here’s to simple food, strong memories, and the unspoken power of flavours that tell stories louder than words.