Comfort Food 101

As a kid one of my fondest memories was my mom's homemade, baked macaroni and cheese.  I could eat pounds of that stuff.  As a grown up I still love mac-n-cheese but I no longer like it baked.  I don't like how the noodles absorb the sauce and get soggy; I prefer an al dente pasta, regardless of sauce. 

Today was a rainy, relaxing Sunday and I figured some childhood memory comfort food was in order.

Dump in the crock pot:

3 cups of milk
16 oz (1 big block) of Velveeta, cubed
2 cups of grated Monterey jack cheese
4 oz. of cream cheese

2 tbls. of mustard
1 tsp. of salt
1 tbls. of fresh cracked pepper
2 cloves of minced garlic

Let this cook on high for two hours, stirring occasionally.

Cook 1 lb. of your favorite pasta - elbow, shell....whatever will hold onto the cheese - and mix it into the cheese sauce in the crock pot.  Serve immediately.  It is ooey, gooey and delicious.

Enjoy!

Garden Soup

This is one of my 'go to' recipes.  Simple, delicious, healthy (don't tell anybody).  I first made this a few years ago in the summer when we had a flourishing vegetable garden.  At the time, I just went out and picked whatever veggies I had in the garden, thus the name.  It's perfect for a rainy day and makes the house smell super yummy while you wait to eat.

Garden soup is wonderful served with dumplings, homemade noodles or a great crusty bread.

*This recipe makes half a batch.  Typically I double this amount and cook it on the stove. 


Start with:

4 cups of chicken stock
1 can of diced tomatoes, with fluid
1 cup of water with 3 cubes of chicken bouillon
4 cloves of minced garlic.

Stick it all in the crock pot set to low.

 Add in:

1/2 a large onion, chopped
1/2 lb of carrots
5 stalks of celery
Salt and fresh ground pepper
2 tsp. each oregano, basil, rosemary
2 bay leaves

*optional -shredded meat from 4 chicken breasts, sprinkled with salt, pepper and garlic powder, baked at 350 till done.

Cook on low for about 3 hours.



 

After 3 hours add in:
1 large bell pepper (any color)                             1 large zucchini

On the stove top simmer for about 3-4 hours. In a crock pot cook on low for 5-6 hours.  The longer it cooks, the better is tastes.  For the BEST tasting soup, make it the day before you want to eat it.  Soups and sauces always tastes their best when they've had a day to meld together.

 

ENJOY! 

 

Italian Chicken and Pasta

I've said it before, I'll say it again; I love a crock pot meal.  Easy to make, easy to eat, easy to clean up.  Perfection. 

I started with four chicken breasts, 2 cups of chicken stock and a can of cream of chicken soup.

Then I added all this stuff:

Shove it all in the crock pot on low for about 4-5 hours.  Ten minutes before you plan to serve add in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and two table spoons of sour cream.  Serve it over pasta, I used penne. 

Pretty and yummy.  Enjoy!

Pasta Milano

I love this pasta dish at Romano's Macaroni Grill.  But I'm cheap and I'd rather eat at home than go to a restaurant.  So I tried to make a sauce that would replicate the dish in the restaurant that I could eat at home in my sweat pants.  Here it is: 

Start with:
1 onion - chopped
1 package of sliced white mushrooms
2 tbls of butter

Toss it all in a pan and start sauteing until the onions are soft and the mushrooms start to brown.

Add in:
1/2 cup of chicken stock
2 cups of heavy whipping cream
3-5 cloves chopped garlic (depending on how long after the meal you still want to taste it).
1 tbls chopped, fresh dill
1/4 cup julienne cut sun dried tomatoes (dab them on a paper towel to get rid of the excess oil)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Stir the sauce and let it simmer while you get the pasta ready.  Serve the sauce over four servings of bowtie pasta and with garlic bread, of course. :)

Enjoy!

Pride worthy?

If while getting dressed in the morning I selected this necklace I'd be making the conscious decision to let people know that I am a Christian (I am, and I have one, but mine is emeralds).  The cross has become a symbol of the sacrifice of Christ, to pay for my sins, so that I can be with him in eternity.  There is no debate about this.  Regardless of your opinion about Christianity or Christ, it's commonly accepted knowledge what this symbol stands for.

Here is a symbol that evokes equally strong feelings, albeit negative ones.  The Nazi swastika is a symbol of hate.  The bearers of this symbol, both during the second World War and now, admittedly have an agenda of hate, racial superiority and dominance.  It doesn't evoke a lot of warm, fuzzy feelings, nor should it.  No debate necessary.

Now, what about this symbol?  The meaning of the confederate flag and the intentions of those wearing it has been brought to the forefront of American debate lately, thanks to the musical styling of Mr. Brad Paisley (who, as a side note, attends the church where Joel plays in the orchestra every week).  It's not a new debate but I wonder why it's a debate at all? It seems obvious that this should be a symbol of ignorance and presumed moral immanence. 

 

 

One of the things that I was most concerned about regarding moving to "The South" was that I'd be surrounded by a bunch of stereotypical red neck racists.  I bet money that I'd get lynched the first week I was here because I mouthed off to Bubba who was driving down the street in his compensation-mobile (otherwise known as a big ole pick up truck), complete with gun rack and confederate flag flying in the bed. I must say, I have been pleasantly surprised at the overwhelming lack of red-neckitude in Murfreesboro.  Perhaps it's the proximity to the city of Nashville, or the abundance of institutions of higher education in the area.  Whatever the reason, I've found that the only stereotype that applies to the folks (yes, I said folks) here is the one about Southern hospitality.  Everyone is very friendly, polite, well mannered, clean and articulate (due credit to Joe Biden on that last one).

 

I've heard the occasional person say that there is nothing wrong with wearing or displaying the confederate flag because it is just a part of history; an example of southern pride.  History, yes; pride, really?  The flag has historical significance and symbolizes a time in our country's history that, at best was sad and at worst embraced the willful, systematic degradation of a group of people. What exactly about that makes you proud?  It represented a time in history and a way of life that was inherently wrong.  To treat people as less than human, 3/5 to be exact, because of an accident of birth is asinine. And don't tell me it's about states' rights.  Sure, the Civil War was fought over states' rights.  But, the right that they were fighting for was the right to continue the enslavement of fellow human beings.  Is that what you are proud of?  Really?  Cause that's what the confederate flag symbolizes.  And if you ARE proud of that then you are a racist, an ignorant red neck (please forgive my redundancy) and a lot of other four letter words that come to mind.  I'm not suggesting that Brad Paisley is a racist because of his choice of shirt.  I suggesting that to put it on and walk around in it while smiling and acting as though you don't understand the outrage is annoying. 

 

The decision to wear a confederate flag should be no more an innocent choice than the decision of the KKK morons who intentionally propagate hate through the continued use of the swastika. It's history and as a result should stay as far away from our present as possible.  Sorry Mr. Paisley, LL Cool J rapping on your song doesn't lessen the stupidity of your wardrobe choice.  Seriously, next time just pick a plain black t-shirt.

 

I embrace Southern pride.  But may I suggest that we be proud of the way southerns act today, not the way they acted in the 1800's.

Thanks for the memories

Today was a beautiful day.  Clear, warm, breezy.  American flags blowing in front of houses throughout the neighborhood in honor of Memorial Day.  Gianna and I took a lovely walk and stopped to talk to several long time neighbors.  We passed by her school, which was also my school and my uncles' school. When we got home we raised our flag up the pole.  As I stood back and looked at the view, it made me start to think of the things I am most going to miss when we move.  I've been so busy thinking about why I want to move (also know as 'the stuff I can't wait to leave') that I haven't really taken the time to think about what I'll miss when we're gone.

• Family and friends:  Family is always first on any list of things that I value.  Friends fall into a close second. It's obvious why I'll miss family and friends and doesn't take much more explanation.
• Church:  We attend the most amazing church; I'm a little spoiled.  Truly, it's like an extended family.  I will miss the wise, intelligent preaching, the fabulous camaraderie, the commitment to service.  Big, big shoes to fill.  While I know that we'll find a new church home, there will never be any place else like Trinity Evangelical Free Church.
• Topography:  California is so vast and so rich in it's topography.  Anyone who has been on "Soaring Over California" has seen the stunning coastline and the spectacular mountains (REAL mountains...sorry Smokies.  5,000ft does not a mountain make), the beauty of the central valley and the stark appeal of our deserts.  From where I sit, in an hours time I can be in the desert, the forest, the city, the ocean.  The lack of options will surely be missed.
• The scent of orange blossoms.  'nuff said.
• The Redlands  Bowl: One of our favorite places to be every summer is on the south lawn of the Redlands Bowl watching the symphony or opera or annual musical.  This place has been paramount in the nurturing of my daughter' love of the arts.  Many, many treasured moments have taken place in the audience, picnic dinner in hand.  
• Dance Spectrum: When I was growing up at the dance studio in Yucaipa there was another girl, about five years older than me, who we all looked up to.  She was talented, graceful, poised and most importantly, she was humble and down to earth.  I grew up wanting to be like her on stage and for the last four years my daughter has had the privilege of taking dance lessons from her.  Pearl, you are wonderful and we'll miss what you and your staff have to share.
• Disneyland: I figured out once that I've been to Disneyland over 150 times in my life.  I know that place like the back of my hand.  Nothing else feels quite as magical as crossing the gates and making your way under the bridge and onto Main Street.  Every single time you do it a tingle goes up your spine.  Thank you Walt for your vision and for sharing it with the child in all of us.
• The University of Redlands: I never would have thought when I got hired a decade (wow) ago that the upscale, prestigious institution in my own backyard would be so welcoming and friendly. The bulldog family is as tight knit as they come.  If it weren't for this move I'm sure I'd have been a bulldog forever.  So many treasured friendships have been formed there and Gianna has grown up on the fields and sidelines of the U of R.  I will miss it immensely.....but I'll be back, breaking out the maroon and grey for homecoming.
• Oak Glen:  How easy it is to take for granted something as wonderful as Oak Glen when it is only ten minutes from your house.  It won't be the same without a trip up in the fall to eat apple pie and browse through Mrs. Laws' gift shop.  The old school house with its wonderful playground, the hiking trails at Los Rios and the petting zoo at Parrish, and where am I going to buy my Wysocki calender now?
• My hood:  From my front window I can see the homes of five families who have been neighbors my entire 34 years.  The Nelsons, The DeJagers, The Martins, The Carlsons and The Allens.  They are all people who I know and trust and they were a large part in the all American style childhood that I experienced.  I will really miss those long term contacts.  
• 33708: 40 years ago in October my grandparents bought this house.  And for 40 years it has been filled with laughs, yelling, food, family and love.  Some of my earliest and most precious memories take place in this home.  Riding the ATVs with Uncle Jon in the front yard--leaving for the beach to go body surfing with Uncle Jamie (at 4:30 in the morning...sheesh)--coming over for Grandpa's stuffed cabbage for Sunday dinner--putting  up ceramic pumpkins in the front window on Halloween night--looking through catalogs with Grandma--dancing with Becky in the living room--swimming all summer long with Amber--stepping on pecans and picking up the worms (seed pods that the tree drops) from the kitchen floor--my wedding--bringing Gianna home from the hospital.....this house is like a member of the family and it is the longest relationship that I've been in. Leaving home will literally mean leaving my home.

But for every thing that I'll miss, opportunity awaits to create new memories and form new relationships.  I know that God is in control of this whole process and that wonderful things await my family in Tennesse.  Most importantly, the move will offer the greatest gift of all....a whole, new stash of antique shops from which to purchase endless supplies of 'new' antique furniture.  See, there is always a silver (or in this case linen) lining.

Soon to be a Volunteer

Preparing to move away from the town (the house) that you've lived in your whole life makes you take pause and reflect.  I always thought I'd live in California, in Yucaipa forever.  I was never one of the people who was aching to get out.  I always liked it here and thought it was a great place to live.

It's funny how things evolve.  The changes that have made me want to move have been subtle ones, taking place over the course of many moons.  I think back over the years I spent admiring the orange groves from the living room window; the flickering lights of the smudge pots; the stacks of white boxes, organized by the bee keepers; the intoxicating scent of the blossoms.  All gone now.  In their place, acre upon acre of shopping center.  No longer do I see people riding their horses down the street.  No longer do I go to the grocery store and find an impromptu high school reunion.

Gianna will never get to experience the thrill of driving down the hairpin turn on the way to school or the fun of speeding through the dips on Ave. E, or D, or F (heck, Ave. F doesn't even exist anymore).  The fields I once rode through on my bike or an ATV with my uncles are now row upon row of houses that look exactly the same.   Buying an ice cream cone from Thrifty or yarn from Cornet, a t-shirt from T,G&Y or a letterman's jacket from Sport Shack....experiences that are shared with fewer and fewer people.  The charm seems to have faded from the city.  Perhaps that's the problem.  Yucaipa is a thriving city; no longer the sweet town of my youth.

Forever will I miss the Yucaipa of old.  But change is inevitable and so I will be making the biggest change of my life in 48 short days.  I will always be grateful that I grew up in this beautiful, green valley.  And the mountains' constant vigil keep are the memories I hold so dear.  The people I met, the places I went and the things I saw here as a young person have shaped who I am now, and for that I am thankful.  But I also want those things for my daughter - for her childhood to be filled with carefree days.  So, inevitably, a change needs to be made.

California, here I go.