I caught an old episode of the "Waltons" last night and it brought me back to my childhood. (Back to "simplier" times!)...My Dad used to call my younger son "John Boy" when he was small. My son loved it! (And remembered it all his life.)...You'd never catch my older son watching old reruns of the "Waltons" or "Little House on the Prairie." But my younger son loved watching these shows because they gave him a "window" into the past. And they were about families...My older son took pride in being a "modern" and "with the times" kind of guy! I'm sure he viewed the rest of us as "old grey mares" because we enjoyed telling "tales" from the past. And taking trips down "memory lane."...My younger son "ate" it all "up" and kept begging for "more" when we started sharing stories from the past. He said this gave him a chance to get to know us even "better." And he loved hearing about life back in the "old days."...Both of my sons are gone now along with my husband and parents and everyone else. I am the only "apple" left on my "family tree." Watching the old episode of the "Waltons" last night helped me feel like I was part of a family again. (And this was sure nice!)
Mealtime Memories...Past and Present
Posted 03-31-2014 at 12:50 PM by CArizona
I was going to name this blog: "Cook-a-Doodle-Doo!" (Just to be silly and have a little fun!)...But the focus isn't going to be solely on cooking. I want to talk about meals...Meals we've shared with family and friends all through the years. Or meals we eat alone...Right now, I'm a "lonely only" (most of the time) when it comes to eating. (Since my husband and sons and other loved ones passed-away.)...I try to make my meals "special" for myself. And "memorable!"...But I miss having company too.. My son's cat Gracie usually "checks-out" what I'm cooking and eating. So I'm not totally alone!
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After my husband passed-away, my son helped me start and launch a cooking forum...We had fun working together. He took care of the "behind the scenes" (technical) work. And I was more of a "front person."...Everything came to a standstill when my son started developing cancerous brain tumors. He had 2 tumors and 2 risky surgeries within a 6-month period...My son was a "fighter" but he couldn't stop the tumors. Or make the "complications" go away...He died right after his 40th birthday. Sad!..And the cooking forum came to a halt and "died" too...I want to dedicate this blog to my wonderful son. I know he's urging me to "go on" and watching over me from "afar!"Posted 03-31-2014 at 01:44 PM by CArizona
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My Aunt could be a "suffering martyr" cook. She got grumpy and took her bad moods "out" on the rest of us...Nevermind that she was the one who invited us to eat at her house. We didn't "force" her to cook for us...As a kid, I made a vow NOT to be like my Aunt when I grew-up...I didn't want to be a grump or play "suffering martyr" when I had guests over for dinner..I didn't want to be this way with my husband and kids either. (Or even my cats!)...Thank goodness my Mom was a "happy camper cook." She wasn't a grump like her sister could be!Posted 03-31-2014 at 02:27 PM by CArizona
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How would you rate yourself as a cook? I'd probably give myself a "C."..I do okay but I know I still have a lot to learn...You won't catch me bragging about my cooking. I try to take a modest and humble approach when I'm "tinkering around" in the kitchen...Cooking gives me a chance to be creative and this is what I love. It's fun to invent new recipes. And hope for the "best."...If I run into problems, I try to figure out what's "wrong" and what might be "needed."...I challenge myself to create something new and different on a regular basis. (Versus settling for "same old, same old" with few variations.)Posted 04-01-2014 at 08:49 AM by CArizona
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Do you have a "signature dish?" My Mom and Dad were "famous" for their Swiss Steak recipe. They cooked the steak (and "trimmings") in their pressure cooker and it was always fantastic...After Mom passed-away, Dad continued to cook Swiss Steak for family get-togethers. (On his own.) And he did great!...I've always been a little nervous when it comes to pressure cookers so I've never been able to create an exact duplicate of my parents' Swiss Steak recipe. But I've come "close."Posted 04-01-2014 at 09:01 AM by CArizona
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I don't think I could "polish-off" an appetizer, soup or salad, the main entree plus dessert all in one "sitting" anymore. (Unless I planned to take home leftovers.) How about you?...I tend to "think small" when I eat in restaurants these days. And I need to "think small" when I cook for myself at home now too...I feel okay about freezing an extra meal for a later date. But I don't want to get "carried away!".. I'm not cooking for the army or a big family anymore. And I don't want to get caught-up in debt, duty and obligation when it comes to eating everything I freeze. (Within a short period of time.).. Or forcing myself to eat the same leftovers day after day so I never have to throw anything out...I want to avoid "food guilt" if possible. And the best solution is to "cook small" with minimum leftovers.Posted 04-01-2014 at 12:19 PM by CArizona
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My friend and I had lunch at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants today...It's family-owned and operated and service is still great. (Lots of smiles and friendly faces and attention!).. But lately, I've been noticing more and more changes and "cut-backs" when it comes to their food...Today, their enchiladas seemed pretty "hollow." And my friend's burrito had rice and beans inside but very little pork...I guess they're trying to stay in the "game" without raising their prices. (For now, anyway.)...I know it will probably be awhile before my friend and I go back.. We appreciate their smiles and friendly service but we're looking for "hearty." It's no fun to eat a "hollow enchilada!" Disappointing!...We've given the restaurant a couple of "extra chances" and now it's time to "move-on" and "go elsewhere." (At least for now.)...Maybe they'll decide to "up" their prices a little bit so they won't have to serve "hollow" and "skimpy" enchiladas. Or burritos...Hope they can turn things around. They've been a "family-favorite" restaurant in our area for nearly 20 years now.Posted 04-02-2014 at 04:47 PM by CArizona
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I just wrote about the "hollow enchiladas" at our local Mexican restaurant...After we were done with lunch, I asked my friend if he wanted to have an "enchilada party." We can get together and make our own assortment of enchiladas. (With lots of "stuffing!")...My friend thought it was a great idea. So we're going to set a date and "cook-up a storm!"...I started making enchiladas when I was a "young bride." Back then, I didn't know how to cook very many things. But somehow, I managed to "do enchiladas." And this is what I served when my husband and I had company...I like all types of "fillings." (Traditional ground beef, pork, chicken, spinach, and even cheese and veggie enchiladas.)...I grew-up in a suburb of LA and I started eating Mexican food when I was just a "wittle-wittle" and tiny tot.Posted 04-02-2014 at 05:17 PM by CArizona
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My older son liked to write too...After he passed-away, I found some "pages" where he compared holidays at my parents' house to the "fancy spread" his wife and in-laws "put-on" when holidays rolled around...My son made my parents sound like the "Beverly Hillbillies." But he was trying to point out that he preferred "simple" over "pretentious."...He wrote his feelings down when his marriage was about to "break-up." He said he was tired of "putting on airs" and wanted to get back to "down-home."...His writing was full of humor and sarcasm. And "punch-lines!"...I'm glad I found my son's "ramblings." He made me laugh and showed that he developed a renewed appreciation for his family and "roots." (After all!)Posted 04-03-2014 at 09:19 AM by CArizona
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I've been an "on" and "off" vegetarian since I was a teenager. When I climb back on the "wagon," I still don't eat very much meat. And never eat beef...My husband loved steaks and prime-rib and hamburgers and BBQ ribs and all types of meat...We made it "okay" to be "different!"...I don't want to push my food choices on other people. What "works" for me might taste like "sour grapes" or "poop" to someone else. And vica-versa!Posted 04-03-2014 at 01:18 PM by CArizona
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My Dad was a butcher and he taught me about all of the various "cuts of meat" during my "growing-up years."...He even threw in a few "playful tests" every so often just to see if I had been paying attention...I'm sure it was hard for my Dad when I decided to become a vegetarian. ("Off" and "on," anyway.)...I think I just learned TOO MUCH about meat and where meat "comes from" as a kid...My Dad came home with blood and bits of flesh on his gloves every night. And once in awhile, he talked about the "killing floor" in the packing house. YUK! I started to feel sorry for the animals...I went to sleep every night listening to my Dad sharpen his knives. It became my "lullaby."...I always felt proud of my Dad for being such a "hard worker." He didn't call in sick or ask for days off...And I admired all of his knowledge. (About meat and other facets of life too.)...In the end, both of my parents accepted my choice not to eat meat. They stopped taking it "personally." And stopped worrying about me...Every now and then I put my "vegan-stuff" aside so I could eat a little turkey or ham with them on holidays. Or I'd take a "sample" of their yummy Swiss Steak just for "old-time's sake!"Posted 04-04-2014 at 11:32 AM by CArizona
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My older son went on to become a gourmet cook. But my younger son never developed a passion for cooking...He was content to pop-open a can or heat-up "frozen" in the microwave. He'd order pizza or grab a burger, etc...But he was a great "cheerleader" when the rest of us cooked meals. He'd stand in the kitchen and shower us with "kudos" and praise and support. This was nice!...His excitement was "contagious!" It feels good to have a "cheering section!".. My son had a way of making simple little meals "special" and a "great big deal!" He made a grilled cheese sandwich seem like "heaven on earth!"...I sure miss my son and his cute little "ways!" And we all forgave him for not "pitching-in" and cooking meals himself.Posted 04-04-2014 at 11:56 AM by CArizona
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I don't eat "straight eggs" myself but I've always enjoyed cooking eggs for my family...It's fun to be creative with omelets. Or mix other ingredients in with scrambled eggs...I enjoy making "deviled eggs" or "egg salad" too. Or "Eggs Benedict."...Since I don't eat eggs myself, it's nice to have someone around who can do a "taste-test" for me..If not, I just have to go with my "gut feelings" and hope for the "best."...I can handle eggs in bread or cakes or other recipes. Just not "alone."...Easter is coming up and it's a big "egg day!" I'd love to "color" hard-boiled eggs but I don't have small children around anymore...I guess "big people" and adults still enjoy "colored eggs." And Easter candy!!.. I'll take the candy and you can keep the eggs. How's that?Posted 04-06-2014 at 03:42 PM by CArizona
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YUK! I don't think I could handle the pressure of being in a cooking competition. The stress would "do me in!" How about you?...I'm not a very competitive person. And I want to keep cooking fun and "mellow" and "soothing.".. Don't ask me to be a contestant on "Cut Throat Kitchen!" YIKES!...I don't want to "take" anyone "down" just so I can get "ahead." Or "kick" others out of the "water." (Or kitchen!)...I just want to do my "own thing" and work independently. (Versus entering "races" where contestants are "pitted" against each other.)...Some people seem to thrive on competition. (In all areas of life.) And this is fine. But count me out! No thank you!Posted 04-06-2014 at 11:35 PM by CArizona
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What's on the menu today?...I feel obligated to eat leftover pasta for dinner tonight. Oh well! I'm going to try to "doctor" it "up" and make it "pleasant!"...It's just not in my nature to throw food away. (Unless something has "gone bad" and turned "rancid!" YUK!)...My pasta still has some "life" left in it. And "zest!" (I hope!)...Tomorrow is a "new day" and the pasta will be "gone." (YEA!)...I guess I can be somewhat of a "disciplinarian" when it comes to "polishing-off" leftovers. Sometimes it's easy. And I look forward to "second go-rounds." But not this time...Making myself eat the pasta tonight seems like a "chore." Or even "punishment!"...But I tend to have a "pollyanna nature" so I'm sure I'll find a way to make the pasta "half-way enjoyable."..I (usually) tell myself to just eat "what I can." And it's okay if I end-up throwing the "last half" away... If I'm still hungry, I can treat myself to ice cream later on. (As a "reward" for being a "good girl" who tries to eat leftovers.)Posted 04-07-2014 at 10:38 AM by CArizona
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I decided to eat my leftover pasta for lunch. (Before my "dread" and apprehension turned into a great big "monster.")... The pasta was actually pretty tasty. (Not so "bad!")...I think I just need a break from cooking for awhile. (And leftovers.)...Maybe I need to "expand" my "horizons" and try my "hand" at new and unfamiliar "dishes." Get out of my "comfort zone."...Eat "out" in restaurants a little more... Sky-dive. Pan for gold. Race cars...Just do something "different." Get out of my "ruts" and routines..."Same old, same old" doesn't taste good or "feel good" after awhile...I need more variety and "spice" in my life! New adventures!Posted 04-07-2014 at 02:25 PM by CArizona
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Do you ever eat "veggie burgers?".. I don't like "fake-meat" vegetarian products but I do like "veggie burgers." (Most of the time, anyway.)...My favorite is black-bean. Or "patties" with lots of spice and flavor...One day, I'm going to try to make "veggie burgers" myself. (At home.)...I had a really tasty "veggie burger" yesterday at my local hospital. (In their cafeteria.)...I couldn't believe that it only cost two dollars and it came with cheese...I took my friend Willie to the ER because his blood pressure shot way up. This is why I was at the hospital...Thankfully, Willie is fine now... I told Willie about my "veggie burger" but he didn't seem excited. I think he is a "meat and potatoes" kind of guy! Oh well! We're all unique and different!Posted 04-09-2014 at 08:25 PM by CArizona
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I'm tired of "hollow" enchiladas and "skimpy" burritos...So I decided to drive down to a little "hole-in-the-wall" place the other day that serves huge, gigantic "macho" burritos. (My son used to call them "gut-bomb" burritos!)...YEA!Their burritos are still HUGE! I brought half of mine home...Normally, I don't eat meat. But every now and then, I "cheat!"...This place serves the best pork in our entire area. And I couldn't resist ordering their Chile Verde burrito...Wow! It tasted as good as ever. Or maybe even better!.. I was a "happy camper!" And I'll go back soon!Posted 04-15-2014 at 08:05 PM by CArizona
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I'm not going to have a "big spread" or a lavish Easter dinner tomorrow...It will probably be more "makeshift." But that's okay...I'm having dinner with friends who have been through some "financial struggles" lately. I'm bringing all I can but I know it won't be like past holidays...My friends and I have been through a lot of "ups" and "downs" together. (Deaths in our family and other "unforseen events.")...Somehow, we always manage to stay "afloat" and find reasons to be happy! (No matter what!)Posted 04-19-2014 at 04:23 PM by CArizona
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We're really starting to "heat-up" here in the desert. So it's hard to know what to eat...When I "go light," I end-up hungry after a few days. (Really feel like I'm starving!)...If I eat "heavy-duty meals,'" I feel sluggish and "weighted-down" and sleepy. (Day and night!)...So I'm searching for some type of "middle-ground."...Guess it just takes time to adjust and adapt. Before long, the heat will seem perfectly normal to me and no "big deal!"...I've lived in the desert for 20-plus years. It should all be "old hat" to me...The difference is that I'm alone now. (Since everyone in my family died.)...I don't have as many "diversions." Everything "sticks-out" to me now...I'm not preoccupied and super-busy with my family anymore...I'm the only one here now. (Except for my son's cat Gracie.)...Gracie has gone through changes since everyone died too. She doesn't seem to like "wet" cat food as much these days. (Just her favorite brands of "dry" food.)...Oh well! I know Gracie and I will get through the Summer together and be "just fine!"Posted 04-29-2014 at 06:08 PM by CArizona
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My husband used to "doctor-up" his favorite brands of frozen pizza...By the time he was done adding all of his own ingredients and layers of cheese and spices, the pizza weighed a ton! And it was a "gourmet treat!"...Sometimes my husband made his own dough too. (When he had free time!)...I don't eat pizza very often anymore...It's just hard to eat pizza all by myself. Makes me feel lonely! It was always a "group activity" in my family...After my husband died, my younger son brought me a large pepperoni pizza for Mother's Day. Nice!...I think I'm going to treat myself to pizza soon. What the hey?...What are your favorite pizza toppings? I like most everything except anchovies.Posted 05-05-2014 at 09:38 AM by CArizona
