Cooking with a special loved one. . . . . . .

In all honesty, I really dislike mobile phones.  

They have changed our way of life in more ways than I could ever write about here, 

some for the better perhaps, but mostly for the worst when it comes to leading a

truly happy, peaceful, and yes, old-fashioned way of life without constant interruptions.

You may not agree with my thoughts, which is quite alright of course. 

Many of you are younger than me and you have grown to adulthood with the

 ability to process your daily life with what a phone in the hand, pocket or bag allows.  

Anyway, this not a post about phones and, truth be known, every now and then the

phone does 'ping' with a welcome message as it did for me early on a recent morning.

"Grandma, I woke up this morning craving a bowl of your leek and potato soup. 

Do you think you could share your recipe with me please?"

So Jasmin and I got together a few days later and made soup here in the cozy

 January kitchen. The light was bright and the cold outside was forgotten

 as we chopped potatoes and sliced those lovely green and white leeks. 

I showed her how important it was to make sure leeks were washed well

 to rid them of any hidden dirt. This particular soup is so easy and then

 so delicious - another of those 'comfort foods' we recently discussed.

Photo via iPhone by Jasmin

For Jasmin and Bob bowls of homemade goodness for lunch along with

 an oven-warmed French baguette. I had no time to eat or take photos
 as I had a PT appointment to get to. 

Photo via iPhone by Jasmin

That same evening I enjoyed my bowl of comfort, in quiet comfort by the fire,

feeling good that a 'cooking class' took place and hoping it happens

 more often as all young people should learn to cook. . . . . . . and while
doing so will hopefully put aside their phones!

Do you agree?

Have you given your children/grandchildren cooking lessons?

Veggies and Vegetariansim. . . . . . . . .

Some acquaintances lump me in that group called 'vegetarians'. 

Family members, and some friends, often say, "I never know what to cook for

 you because you're a vegetarian."

Planning to eat out in a restaurant with me often brings such comments as,  "But what

 about Mary, what will/can she eat?"

Hey out there - are there any restaurants not serving vegetables and salads?

OK, in all honesty I'm really just a pescatarian.

Definition: A word used to describe those who abstain from eating all meat

 and animal flesh, with the exception of fish. In other words a pescatarian maintains

 a vegetarian diet with the addition of fish. . . .and often dairy, which I also eat.

A true vegetarian does not consume any type of meat, poultry, fish, seafood, or

 dairy products, or wear leather etc.

I haven't eaten any meat or poultry in almost 39 years!

I stopped just after moving to North Carolina and learning more about

the way many animals were being raised for human consumption, and

wanting to eat perhaps a healthier diet.

I am not a tree hugger, PETA member, or environmental crazy lady. . . . . I am

a Christian, an animal lover, a concerned person when it comes to farming

practices, animal husbandry, and the way our food is processed.

I am, I think, a kind person.

This was a typical dinner being prepared in my kitchen this week.

The center bowl contains a grain, rice and bean mix - quinoa, chia, brown rice, 

white beans and pine nuts.  French green beans await a light steaming so

 they still have a crunch. Mixed mushrooms, white and baby bella, to be sautéed with

 a knob of unsalted butter and splash of good olive oil. A mountain of 'power greens',

 kale, chard and spinach, to steam in a cup of water with the addition of a 

vegetarian bouillon cube, and the resulting broth will be saved to add to

a vegetarian soup which I make several times a week - we are huge soup lovers.

All this on a plate will look appetizing and be healthy.

Bob, a sometimes meat eater, is good about eating the food I prepare at home.

Of course two people will not devour all this in one meal - leftovers can

be eaten with another meal, perhaps adding salmon or other fish. . . . . . 

speaking of which I must here just say how sad my recent restaurant 

meals have been, especially in regard to the fish offerings and the way they are

cooked and presented. 

I will not give names, but some of the national chain restaurants I used to enjoy,

 especially their salmon offerings (I usually order salmon), have been disappointing.

It seems as the prices increase, the quality of the food, and the way it is cooked,

 go down. Why do so many restaurants try to add so many oils, spices, sauces etc.

 to what could be a good piece of fish if served naked!  I can add any salt and pepper

 I might want. . . . . I like to taste the fish and have it remain my healthy protein addition,

 not be swimming in a plate of often 'secret sauces.'

You are now saying, and you are quite right, "Why doesn't she speak up and tell them

 how she wants her fish cooked!"  From now on I will when eating out. . . . . but 

quite honestly, I have grown to love the food I prepare at home and feel it far

 surpasses much of what is being served to me in overpriced restaurants!

What are your feelings about restaurant meals?

Do you like to cook and eat at home rather than in restaurants?