Adieu

Goodbye, Honda. Hello, lower insurance costs (for a few weeks the two of us had three cars). I just read an email about old farmer’s aphorisms, many of which ring true for even city folks. Like, “If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ someone else’s dog around.”

Tonight dinner is delayed a bit for Jim, but chicken breasts are roasting in the oven, as will baby carrots and some Yukon potato fries. It’s a simple dinner. I’ve been busy with car and other issues today so planned an easy meal. I used a salt mixture recommended by my butcher, a proud Texan, that my husband now loves on steak. There are several versions of it but this is for meats, poultry and salads by A.A. Borsari. Note: I do not have sponsors (if I did, you’d be the first to know) and have not made a nickel on this blog for the 19 months it’s been in existence. It’s a mixture of salt, garlic and herbs and smells delicious right now.

As the cold weather descends, I think more of stews and roasted casseroles:

Pot roast would be good, also I’d like to do a lamb stew. Jim and I eat dinner together every night, nothing formal. But being raised in a family that sat around the dinner table every night is a good thing. We talked about school, work, politics and had to ask to be excused to do our homework. This is pre-computer, cell phone, iTunes etc. I’m afraid it’s gone by the wayside for many families and that’s a shame, because bonding over food cannot be overrated. Being on a trip with the dog on a hot day, not being able to leave her for even five minutes, “dining” with the car running at Sonic over a burger and fries is fuel, not food or companionship.

Even restaurants (those who like to attract and retain top staff) have family meal/staff meal before dinner service. Bringing front-of-house and kitchen staff together nightly may decrease tension between the two. I don’t know. After cooking school I apprenticed at a great restaurant then went to work for another for two days while interviewing elsewhere… long story but I ended up not cooking anything for a while. It’s a joy to cook for my husband, family and friends. This blog is the greatest gift my husband ever gave to me. It’s where I meet you.

To the Scottish Council in Houston TX, I found steel cut oats for Cranachan at the grocery store, by Quaker! Imagine that! Cheers, Dee