Potatoes are NOT the enemy..and neither is chocolate or Cheetos!

I was at Whole Paycheck recently, to pick up a couple of things, and I have to say I just love to go through the aisles looking at all of the yumminess.  The fruits and veggies, bulk grains and spices, that meat counter, the ready prepared items and the desserts (oh yeah)...lover-ly to look at.  I think about the dishes I could make with the different ingredients and, soon, I am inspired to cook up somethin' (I'm sure the beautiful displays are the result of a calculated effort courtesy of the marketing department).

We are not riche by any stretch of the imagination, and for sure WF is expensive if you go hog-wild (have you seen the price of "hog" these days!?!), but with very careful planning you can pick up an item or two, without busting the wallet, to add to your other staples to make a delicious dish.  I went for some really nice looking Yukon Golds. I know they are just potatoes, and you can get YG anywhere, but these were not blemished and were firm and looked great (kinda like when I was 20).  I got them home and made my sister's de-lish recipe for oven roasted potatoes. Ahhh...joie mes amis!

Foods are not bad for you...the way we prepare, or how much we consume, it is. As with anything I think common sense and moderation is needed so you can enjoy eating what you want. For instance, I know conventional wisdom (and practically every diet plan) says that those beautiful YG potatoes, or any other potato except maybe sweet potatoes, are not good for you to eat. And I agree, if the only potatoes you eat are seved in a red paper container with a big yellow "M" on it and you are munching on them multiple times a week! Or slathered in butter, sour cream and a mountain of melted cheese and bacon!   But YG, russets, or even sweet, are delicious if they are roasted or baked with a little olive oil and seasonings... it's okay to enjoy something--the real thing--just because it tastes GOOD...as long as you are treating yourself once in a while..."life is too short"...y'know?

And while I'm on the subject...

I love chocolate.  It is another one of those "not good for ya" foods, but I love chocolate. Unfortunately, I (finally) figured out that chocolate can be a trigger for migraines for me. If I eat more than a small piece, I am sure to get a very bad headache and be out of commission for a least a day...totally.  But it is hard to resist sometimes because I LOVE chocolate, especially the good stuff...though I am an equal opportunity consumer and also enjoy a Milky Way or a Mounds as well!  Halloween and Christmas are hard for me cause chocolate is EVERYWHERE you go and just smells so darn yummy! But I limit myself to one small piece or bite so I can enjoy the "good stuff"...the real thing...and not a substitute that does not really taste that great (no matter how much you try to convince yourself carob tastes the same as Godiva or Recchiuti chocolates...it doesn't). I know my limits, and  if I really want a lot of chocolate...I make the decision to deal with the consequences. If you really want to indulge, you know what you have to do to counter the effects of that indulgence.  Did I mention I love chocolate?!?

So go ahead and enjoy what you want...you call the shots and there is no shame indulging once in a while....no apology necessary. Potatoes, chocolate, wine, ice cream, steak, pasta, cake, pizza... heck...even Cheetos (snack size please)...give yourself that "no guilt" pleasure and savor every dang bite!

"Laissez le bon temps rouler!"

Feeding the Soul, Part Deux

Now back to our regularly schedued programming...

As I was saying in the previous post, I think the spirited part of our soul is probably the most significant aspect to me because I think it is about our emotional heart (sorry Mr. Plato..I'm taking spirited maybe a bit more emotional than you intended?)  I get the whole striving to be a balanced person thing, but I find when I have focused my efforts and fill my "emotional heart"....I feed my soul.   It is usually the (seemingly) small or simple gestures can sometimes make the most emotional impact, and when a person's motivation is honest and pure, you know you've done a really good thing and it just feels "true."**  Although you should also remember that it is very important to take care and nurture your self as well as others.   Not in a selfish, egotistical way but rather making yourself strong (emotionally) so you can be a "rock" for others who are in need of your strength and support.

**When I talk about helping others, I don't necessarily mean like actually physically helping them or maybe giving or donating money, though this can be what is needed and what you might provide.  Sometimes little things like just randomly calling or texting someone to say "hi" or dropping off a plate of cookies or whatever is the best medicine for a sick day. 

* * *

 

I really like the song "Imagine" by John Lennon.  It is playing on my radio right now.  That man wrote some brilliant songs (Paul McCartney too.)  I sometimes get emotional when I hear "Imagine" because it makes me feel like there is hope for this world and that you are not alone. The concept that there is always hope is important to me.  I will listen to this song and, while I know he is making a politcal statement, I focus on the line

"Imagine all the people, Living life in peace"

I think this is what most people on this planet really want....to live their regular, everyday lives in peace and happiness.  It is hard, at times, to see the good in each day because of the craziness in the world. It is hard, at times, to give to others when you are tired after taking care of the everyday tasks and responsibilities necessary to live. It is hard, at times, to remember to take time out to nurture relationships important to you (spouse, kids, family, friends, God, etc etc etc).  But it is so worth it to make the sacrifice...and find satisfaction for the soul.

Now it's time to make some REAL chicken soup!

Feeding the Soul

Did you ever wonder about what "feeds" your soul???  Do you even believe that you have a soul?!?  I suppose a "soul" can have different meanings to different people depending on life experiences, if one is religious or what is valuble or important to someone.  A spouse or significant other, child(ren), family, friends, job, a special talent or gift, God/Jesus/Allah/ Buddha, etc., may help to give your life focus and meaning.

I was reading something the other day, about human nature and the soul, and it got me thinking about the concept of feeding the soul (and no it wasn't a 'chicken soup' book).  It was just an article, and it mentioned the Greek philospher, Plato, who argued that the human soul had three parts: Appetitive, Rational, and Spirited. (Ok...before going any further....I am not that smart or "deep" so don't get the idea that since I mentioned Plato, I am a scholarly person or trying to impress the audience...I'm not) To continue...in a nutshell...Plato basically said the appetitive aspect is responsible for the needs or cravings to sustain life such as thirst or hunger, the rational is the thinking or intellect aspect, and the spirited ensures the dictates of reason are followed and desires are controlled.  Is this really what a "soul" is?  Hmmm...I think I need a class in philosphy.

While feeding our appetitive soul is important...I mean you aren't going to be much good to anyone if you are starved to death, and being rational keeps us on an organized path through life, I think feeding your spirited soul might be the most significant "part" of the soul to me though to truly be a balanced person, Plato theorized that each of the three parts should be equal.  Of course this discussion could take/has taken up days, weeks, months, years, centuries for debate and way more time than I originally planned.

Uh-oh, my head is hurting from all this contemplation....time to take a short break and a word from our sponsors....

Handle with Care....uh

Okie-dokie...so I had started a post about a week ago and then just lost focus on what I wanted to say.  Typical these days...more brain f**ts than ever before.  So I just sat on the post, so to speak, deciding which direction I was going to go (think Scarecrow...Dorothy...yellow brick road...). 

Originally I wanted to say something about avoiding cross-contamination (why you ask? well last week I was watching the Pioneer Woman handle raw chicken to start with...and I can be fanatical about cleanliness when handling chicken...don't know where the fear comes from...)  I think this is a good start so I begin typing, blah blah blah, and go off on several tangents and realize I am blathering (uh kinda like right now).  Anyway I've decided since I can't seem to tie in uncooked poultry to my other ideas I am going to say my peace about it so my mind can MOVE ON:

1. Use a separate cutting surface for raw meat/poultry.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly (soap and warm water) and for a good amount of time (hum the "Happy Birthday" song, the Star Spangled Banner, a chorus from California Girls, whateva) to ensure cleanliness OR just use latex gloves...word of caution when you are singing cause if you sing too loud your family or neighbors might think you are a little "koo-koo" or practicing to try out for Idol or the Voice.
3. Use separate  knives or cooking utensils when handling or preparing raw meat/poultry and vegetables; or wash the utensils thoroughly with soap and hot water between uses while cooking.
4. Clean any spice jars, bottles, or other containers if you do happen to touch them if you have handled raw meat/poultry; **if you use those little bowls of salt and pepper (I do) like celebrity chefs use, NEVER, EVER put your fingers in the bowls if you have touched raw meat/poultry.

TIP: I like to put all of my spices on a plate before I start cutting up meat/poultry to avoid touching jars or bottles with dirty fingers...remember mis-en-place (there's that French phrase again).

Allright so I think I've gotten my point across enough that I will be able to focus on other ways to handle life with care.

 

.....****.....

Oh lord-y...brain f**ting again!  I have lost my train of thought as I am rereading this post.  I. am. getting. out. of. here. uh fast.  Just gonna post this so my gray matter can move it move it.

"After all...tomorrow is another day" (another reference to a 1939 movie...cue Scarlett...drama...oy)

Off the (food) path

So we were up north for hubby's three hour doctor appointment yesterday (the never-ending story) and I buzz over to one of Westfield's finest for some retail therapy. I'm a happy little clam looking forward to picking up a some treats (not too expensive)....driving with the sunglasses on, wind in the hair, and a few bucks in the wallet...oh yeah! I score a parking spot oh-so-close to the entrance and I'm ready to walk through the doors.

Then....okay is it just me or has customer service gone the way of the dinosaur and cassette tapes and all but disappeared?  Or am I just becoming cranky?  Shopping at the mall was not as much fun as it used to be. I had difficulty getting someone's attention to just take my money and ring up my purchase....I mean I'm trying to continue to stimulate the economy people.  Frustrated I just left items on the counter and walked out of the stores...I'm talking to you Pottery Barn, Talbots, Macys, et al.  Lately I seem to be more aware of incidents regarding a lack of customer service because I don't go out shopping much these days so maybe it is more noticeable...or maybe a lot of workers are not motivated or hate their jobs and don't care who knows it. Perhaps they aren't trained properly or they is a shortage of good leadership...don't know.  I just wish it was much better because I do miss having people help you in a store and answer your questions before you decide to purchase.  I guess its back to online shopping if I need something...at least my UPS guy is friendly. Enough boo-hooing cause it wasn't a total loss. I DID get a gorgeous handbag for spring/summer. It's a purple-y suede and leather satchel that was 70 percent off!

Moving on.

The sun is shining this morning and it's helping erase my unpleasant shopping memories. A couple more sips of coffee and I'll be ready to finish cleaning the house. I think I will go for a walk by the beach cause its so pretty today plus I want to find a piece of driftwood for mi casa.  Maybe I can have hubby drill a couple of holes in it to hold some votives...he likes to use his power tools but doesn't much these days since we moved from the country to the beach.

Okay, I'm ready to start.  I've cranked up the tunes (I am loving me some late 70s jams on Pandora...Earth, Wind, and Fire, Chic, the O'Jays, Donna Summer) and the coffee is kicking in so I'm energized.

Go have a great day...and give hugs and kisses to those you love!

P.S. Today I am attempting to make chicken mole enchiladas for dinner. I LOVE chicken mole but never made it. I am craving it so I thought I would try to make some. I will post my recipe if it turns out good, if it's not a "hit" I guess we will be picking up Dominos tonight. Smiles!

*Update* The chicken mole was a good first attempt, but not what I would want to share so I'm going to try again.  At least it was edible and we didn't get take out (though hubby finished a half sandwich later in the evening after I went to bed...)

Cooks come in all sizes

This is not the post you might think it is. Your first thought was probably weight-related right?  I mean our society is so obsessed with one's physical appearance it is no surprise eating disorders are rampant. But that is a subject for another time. The "cooks" I am referring to are kids...y'know the little-er ones in our lives.

Children are naturally curious and interested in many different things. Unfortunately, nowadays many children are plopped in front of a screen of some sort and entertained by an electronic babysitter. Sounds preachy I know...when my "kids" RL and SC were young the electronic "evil" was television (video games were just beginning to become popular activities, but devices weren't so portable and easily carried anywhere). Having immediate access to information has its benefits, and I admit I love using my iPad for all kinds of things, but parents need to wake up and stop relying on devices to occupy their kids minds.  Seriously, my kids generation (Gen X, Gen Y, Millenials, 30-somethins...what??) probably still remembers going to the library to check out a BOOK and reading it or going "outside to play".  Today it is still so important to get kids DOING something...anything...other than sitting in front of a screen. Okay...enough soap box, but you get my point I'm sure.

A great way to engage with your children is through cooking...afterall we still need to eat right?  I mean it really is an easy way to connect on so many levels: take them to buy food, let THEM prepare and cook, talk with them about your childhood and the family's history ("when I was a kid...." stories) I realize that time is limited for many of us with working outside the home, working inside the home, laundry, appointments, soccer practice, music lessons, and on and on, but I think most of us can manage to take the kids out for an hour to pick up groceries so they can cook once a week, once a month or whatever.

So you've planned a meal with them, gone out to the grocery store or farmer's market to pick up ingredients, and now you are ready to begin. Have the kids put together their mis en place (gratuitous french term in post number 2), then fix yourself a cup of tea or pour a glass of wine and let them begin...you are there for moral support unless the child is 3 or 4...then you will have to handle the hot stuff for them.  A word of caution though...avoid being critical of your kids or how they are preparing their dish because nothing can kill creativity, initiative, relationships, and desire like good 'ol criticism...keep your thoughts to yourself 'Thank You very much'.

So while dinner (or lunch or breakfast) is being prepared by the kids, you could volunteer to set the table. Oh wait...new concept for many busy families....eating at the table all together...no TV, phones, iPads, etc...actual conversation face to face...try it you will like it. Setting the table does not need to be fancy or expensive, and even if you are using paper plates and napkins it can still look nice and your child will feel special because it makes their efforts feel valued and appreciated. Hopefully THEYwill be eager to set the table and be more appreciative when YOU are cooking.

Two of my "young" friends", MA and NA, have provided a couple of recipes for all of you. They regularly prepare and cook for their family...their mom lets them cook an entire dish without her help. I also have a friend who does children's cooking lessons every summer as part of a camp program. I have seen how responsive the kids are to being able to cook a lot of different things and the parents are so proud of them. Kids enjoy cooking, but you have to let them do it.  The dishes can be involved like lasagna or simple like a sandwich or soup...it depends on the kid, their age, and likes/dislikes.
I have been so fortunate to have many wonderful friends in my life, young and old and all inbetween, and cooking is a wonderful way to show how much you care about those you love. Take the time to do something meaningful with you children each day...the laundry can wait a little while longer so you can have a few minutes reading, cooking, or playing with your kids. Believe me, I miss those days when my kids were young.  It is so true...before you know it you are wondering where time went and your little one is a grown man or woman and your arms ache to hold them just once more.

As the great Jacques Pepin says "Happy Cooking!"

The "Familia" Chronicles

So I am doing laundry this a.m. and reminiscing about this past weekend.

We just had a wonderful holiday visit with mi familia...sis-tahs, bro-in-laws, nieces and nephs, grand-mere, friends, and the cutest doggie (yes, that would be you Loki) all together again, after a long hiatus.  Even though there was a kerfuffle or two--and the threat of a spring showers--I can honestly say we had a truly enjoyable time being with everyone and the hubby and I are so looking forward to planning when we can see everyone again...as it should be.


Keeping activities to a casual, unstructured way helps I think (thanks to TS for keeping it real). Except for the main event, brunch and egg hunting, everything was unplanned and spur-of-the-moment so we could take advantage of any weather changes and no pressure to be somewhere at a specific time...go with the flow....and it worked. We all know that sometimes when you get together with family it can be overwhelming and stressful. Activities, personalities, histories, and any other kind of "...ies" can wreck the very thing you want most, which is being together.  It is best to take a more que sera, sera attitude and not sweat the small stuff...AND remember a get together or party is not the time to rehash old arguments or frustrations.

Wine tasting and pizza, looking for shells at the beach, chowing down Thai food, (the aformentioned)  egg hunting, and bocce ball playoffs were so much fun...it made us so happy to be together.  DW...you have the best jams and we really want your playlist!  Upload to http://8tracks.com/ PLEASE we can all enjoy wheneva-whereva.  You are a DJ in the making.

There was one sour note, that was magnified by adult beverages as those present know, and that was unfortunate, but everyone else went with the flow and didn't let it damper the festivities.  Word of caution...WE gotta learn to cut people off from consuming too many libations before they get sh*t faced and embarrass themselves and their family (especially if they have kid(s).  It is easier to deal with a P-O'd person who is sober than one who is not...'nuff said.

Thank you to the S-es and M-es for coming down south for a visit (ewww...that kinda sounds like a low budget XXXer) this past weekend cause we know it can be expensive. With summer approaching, and memories of family fun in his head, hubby is now outside working on the boat.  We were at Costco yesterday and he was looking at all of the water-fun things that he we could get to take to the lake.  Hopefully we will all be able to meet up again in June for some lake fun in the sun....we can't wait til the next visit.  Toodle-oo!