With Halloween behind us, we are well into the holiday season! The word, "holiday" for me represents relaxation, family, tradition, and FOOD! When it comes to holidays, Italians tend to go overboard with the food! I'll use Thanksgiving as an example.
A traditional Thanksgiving feast has turkey and stuffing, and the usual sides of green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, and some kind of dessert.
Thanksgiving Italian style is a little different. Rather than commit the mortal sin of going out for the holiday dinner, have it in the home, and rarely leave the dining room table!
Start off your feast with a variety of appetizers: Asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto; a platter of shrimp cocktail; rolled nova salmon; a huge antipasto with salami, prosciutto, mozzarella and provolone cheeses, artichokes, roasted red peppers, oil cured and calamata olives; sun-dried tomatoes...and any other mouth-watering delicacy you could think of!
After devouring the appetizers, proceed with the soup! You can't have the turkey, unless you have piping hot homemade turkey soup! Afterward, you'll want to curl up on the couch and take a nap...but you can't because there's more food to serve!
Real Italians offer Lasagna, or some type of pasta before the turkey meal. Through the years, we have eliminated this. In its place is an absolute vegetable orgy! Setting aside the gas pains that will haunt you for days, the vegetables are most enjoyable, and include grilled asparagus, breaded cauliflower, stuffed mushrooms, broccoli rabe, brussels sprouts, string beans, and of course the newest vegetable addition of butternut squash! All of the vegetables are cooked fresh, with a hint of olive oil and garlic...unless you are the butternut squash, which is flavored with brown sugar and delicious spices!
Along with the vegetables are candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade stuffing, and, finally, the turkey! If you're still alive after this, leave the table and take a brisk walk, or have a quick game of softball! This, of course, is so you can make a little room for dessert!
At the close of the evening there will be fennel and nuts, homemade pumpkin, apple and lemon meringue pies, and a cranberry fruit jello mold! Complimenting these are your favorite liqueurs...Sambuca or Frangelico...or maybe just espresso, straight up, for the stronger guests!
I love Thanksgiving...the downtime, the cooler temperatures, the company...the food!
In honor of the newest vegetable addition to our menu, we give you three variations of Butternut Squash! You may take your choice, or make them all! However, if you make them all, you will have a helluva lot of Butternut Squash!
Again we give these recipes to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
*As an aside, the Mama Melisi and Me Blog has had page views in the following locations: Australia, Russia, India, Belgium, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Israel, the United Kingdom, China, Germany, Greece, Norway, Slovenia, and the United States. We love the fact that there are similarities among people throughout the world, and respect the unique traditions of those who live in faraway places!
We welcome your comments, and would like to hear some of your own traditions. We are also taking requests for any of the above mentioned recipes. And, we thank you for reading our stories and recipes, and establishing a world connection that includes family, tradition, and food!
Baked Butternut Squash
Ingredients:
1-2 lb butternut squash, peeled and cut in half lengthwise (remove pulp)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 small can whole cranberry sauce
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Place the halves of the squash in a baking dish
Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar
Spoon on the whole cranberry sauce
Place approx 1/2 cup of water or a little more in the pan
Cover and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until soft to the touch
(Can uncover for the last 15 minutes of baking time)
Butternut Squash Casserole
Ingredients:
1-2 lb butternut squash peeled, cored and cut into cubes (pulp removed)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2-3 tablespoons butter or trans-fat free margarine
3/4 cup water (can substitute water with apple juice)
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix the brown sugar and spices together
Place the cubed squash in a baking dish
Sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture
Dot with the butter or margarine
Put the water or apple juice into the bottom of the casserole
Cover the casserole and place in the oven
Bake 30 minutes covered, and 20 minutes more uncovered (or until tender)
If more liquid is needed, just add a little bit - you do not want it to be soupy!
Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
1-2 lb butternut squash peeled and cut into halves (remove pulp)
After pulp is removed, cut squash into cubes
2 tablespoons light olive oil or canola oil
1 medium sized onion chopped
1 carrot peeled and thinly sliced
1 stalk celery thinly sliced
1 potato peeled and cubed
1 granny smith apple peeled and cubed
6 or more cups of low sodium, fat free chicken broth
nutmeg
Preparation:
Heat the oil in a large saucepan
Add the onion, carrot, celery and potato
Saute until softened
Add the chicken stock, squash and cubed apple
Make sure the contents are covered with the broth
Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until all the ingredients are soft
Gradually spoon the squash ingredients into a blender
Be careful when blending hot ingredients
Pour into a soup tureen and sprinkle lightly with nutmeg
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Pass The Cup...Of Chili!
There's nothing like spending a Saturday morning at a good Little League baseball game! And, it's even better when you're watching that special little guy out on the field!
Whether it's a son, nephew, grandson...or in this case, a friend's son who you've known long before he was able to bat, it's exciting watching that special kid's every move! It's also one of the most nerve-wracking experiences, as I hold my breath each time the ball flies in his direction!
At some point, you do take notice of all the little ones, wearing their black Nike sneakers and clay stained baggy pants. The boy on first base stands in a striking "V" pose, ready to bolt with the crack of the bat! His cheeks are red and sweaty, under the large blue helmet. At a quick glance, he resembles one of those baseball statues with the wobbly head!
The dug-out is in a frenzy, as the team spots a little field mouse darting around their gear. All the boys go scurrying, except the one who just keeps guzzling his purple power aid drink!
My special boy was having a tough day, as his bat was just not connecting with the ball! As the evil "man" pitcher struck him out, I could see the disappointment on his face as he sluggishly walked off the field. It took every ounce of energy and adult self-control for me not to go out there and take down the pitcher! But I calmed down, and reminded myself that it was just a game...as long as they had fun! Deep inside, though, my heart broke for my special boy!
The most omnipotent player was the catcher. He was calm and confident in his squat position. It didn't matter how weighed down he was with his shiny red leg guards, black chest vest, and full face mask. He seemed like the man of the team...until he came running off the field saying, "Hi, Mommy" as he buzzed past the bleachers!
I sat there in disbelief, as I saw him whip out the plastic "protective gear" from the front of his pants, and pass it to another player. Could it be...they actually SHARE their protective gear???? Or was it my imagination that he passed the "cup"? There are some things us girls never dealt with in softball league!
As the game came to an end, and the two teams ran parallel giving each other "good game slaps", I saw my little guy grinning from ear to ear. Coach gave him the game ball because he completed one of the most valuable plays! Finally, I could breathe easily again...until, of course, the playoffs!
In honor of the catcher who passed the "cup", we give you the recipe for several cups...of chili! This is a special chili from Mama Melisi, which is mild and non spicy. If you want to spice it up, just add several drops of hot sauce to the recipe below. Again, we give it to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Chili
Ingredients:
1 lb ground sirloin (you can substitute ground turkey if you wish)
1 medium sized onion
3-4 cloves fresh garlic
1 small can Del Monte diced tomatoes (flavored with garlic and olive oil)
1 small can Progresso black beans
salt
pepper
parsley flakes
1 cup boiled white rice
Preparation:
Dice the onion and fresh garlic and saute in a light oil till golden in color
Add the chopped meat of your choice and brown until medium cooked, stirring as you go along
Add the diced tomatoes, and some salt, pepper, and parsley flakes
Add 1can of drained black beans
Simmer for about 20 minutes
While the mixture is simmering, boil your rice until fluffy
Drain rice and place on plate
Serve chili over the rice
**Add 1 tablespoon of the hot sauce of your choice if you like your chili spicy!
Whether it's a son, nephew, grandson...or in this case, a friend's son who you've known long before he was able to bat, it's exciting watching that special kid's every move! It's also one of the most nerve-wracking experiences, as I hold my breath each time the ball flies in his direction!
At some point, you do take notice of all the little ones, wearing their black Nike sneakers and clay stained baggy pants. The boy on first base stands in a striking "V" pose, ready to bolt with the crack of the bat! His cheeks are red and sweaty, under the large blue helmet. At a quick glance, he resembles one of those baseball statues with the wobbly head!
The dug-out is in a frenzy, as the team spots a little field mouse darting around their gear. All the boys go scurrying, except the one who just keeps guzzling his purple power aid drink!
My special boy was having a tough day, as his bat was just not connecting with the ball! As the evil "man" pitcher struck him out, I could see the disappointment on his face as he sluggishly walked off the field. It took every ounce of energy and adult self-control for me not to go out there and take down the pitcher! But I calmed down, and reminded myself that it was just a game...as long as they had fun! Deep inside, though, my heart broke for my special boy!
The most omnipotent player was the catcher. He was calm and confident in his squat position. It didn't matter how weighed down he was with his shiny red leg guards, black chest vest, and full face mask. He seemed like the man of the team...until he came running off the field saying, "Hi, Mommy" as he buzzed past the bleachers!
I sat there in disbelief, as I saw him whip out the plastic "protective gear" from the front of his pants, and pass it to another player. Could it be...they actually SHARE their protective gear???? Or was it my imagination that he passed the "cup"? There are some things us girls never dealt with in softball league!
As the game came to an end, and the two teams ran parallel giving each other "good game slaps", I saw my little guy grinning from ear to ear. Coach gave him the game ball because he completed one of the most valuable plays! Finally, I could breathe easily again...until, of course, the playoffs!
In honor of the catcher who passed the "cup", we give you the recipe for several cups...of chili! This is a special chili from Mama Melisi, which is mild and non spicy. If you want to spice it up, just add several drops of hot sauce to the recipe below. Again, we give it to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Chili
Ingredients:
1 lb ground sirloin (you can substitute ground turkey if you wish)
1 medium sized onion
3-4 cloves fresh garlic
1 small can Del Monte diced tomatoes (flavored with garlic and olive oil)
1 small can Progresso black beans
salt
pepper
parsley flakes
1 cup boiled white rice
Preparation:
Dice the onion and fresh garlic and saute in a light oil till golden in color
Add the chopped meat of your choice and brown until medium cooked, stirring as you go along
Add the diced tomatoes, and some salt, pepper, and parsley flakes
Add 1can of drained black beans
Simmer for about 20 minutes
While the mixture is simmering, boil your rice until fluffy
Drain rice and place on plate
Serve chili over the rice
**Add 1 tablespoon of the hot sauce of your choice if you like your chili spicy!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Great Pumpkin Bread
Although I'm one of the many who has been sucked in to a quick-paced lifestyle, and the cyclone of advanced technology, I still value simple traditions. And this time of year, it's the search for the perfect pumpkin!
South Florida is not the ideal place for pumpkin patches...too much sun, and those lovely round faces rot before Halloween! If I remember correctly, the place to go for a pumpkin was Chestnut Ridge Road in Bergen County, New Jersey!
It seems like yesterday, that the family would ride the Garden State Parkway to the last exit before New York State. Five minutes off the highway, and you had your choice of either Tices Farms or Van Ripers!
Both farms operated since at least the 1800s. And each year the competition was on for the best Apple Cider Donuts!
If you were lucky, the foliage would be at its peak...deep reds, bright golds, burnt oranges, against a backdrop of brilliant blue sky! The air was crisp, and the families came in droves!
Strolling between the two farms, you could see the red barns lined with haystacks, and
overflowing bushel barrels of apples. The apple cider stand had large, sweet smelling barrels, dumping fresh cider into neat rows of plastic gallons. Bags of warm donuts beckoned. The hayride kept circling back for new groups to go on its bumpy adventure. And, of course, there was the winding patch of pumpkins, offering every size, painted and unpainted. The challenge was on to find that clean, unbruised prize possession...ready to be displayed on your front porch or window!
Sadly, after years of excursions, both farms have closed down, only to be replaced by a supermarket, and an upscale shopping strip. While I don't have anything against J Crew or Victoria Secret, this time of year, I do long for life's treasured traditions, and the great pumpkin patches of Chestnut Ridge Road!
You can still bake great pumpkin bread with Mama Melisi's 40 year old recipe! Either way, fresh or canned, it is delicious! We give you the recipe, with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 2/3 cups flour
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin (canned)
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup white or dark raisins
Preparation:
Add ingredients one at a time in an electric mixing bowl
(Dry ingredients do not have to be sifted)
Mix after each addition
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray 2 bread pans (4 x 8 size) with pam or any baking spray
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until done
Check with a cake tester
Preparation if you use Fresh Pumpkin:
Scrub pumpkin with hot water
Cut in quarters
Scoop out seeds
Put quarters in roasting pan
Fill pan about half way with water
Cover with foil
Bake 400 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour
Spoon pulp out of skin
Drain pulp well in colander
Puree pumpkin in a blender or food processor
Drain again
*You can freeze fresh pumpkin in 1 cup containers for future breads!
South Florida is not the ideal place for pumpkin patches...too much sun, and those lovely round faces rot before Halloween! If I remember correctly, the place to go for a pumpkin was Chestnut Ridge Road in Bergen County, New Jersey!
It seems like yesterday, that the family would ride the Garden State Parkway to the last exit before New York State. Five minutes off the highway, and you had your choice of either Tices Farms or Van Ripers!
Both farms operated since at least the 1800s. And each year the competition was on for the best Apple Cider Donuts!
If you were lucky, the foliage would be at its peak...deep reds, bright golds, burnt oranges, against a backdrop of brilliant blue sky! The air was crisp, and the families came in droves!
Strolling between the two farms, you could see the red barns lined with haystacks, and
overflowing bushel barrels of apples. The apple cider stand had large, sweet smelling barrels, dumping fresh cider into neat rows of plastic gallons. Bags of warm donuts beckoned. The hayride kept circling back for new groups to go on its bumpy adventure. And, of course, there was the winding patch of pumpkins, offering every size, painted and unpainted. The challenge was on to find that clean, unbruised prize possession...ready to be displayed on your front porch or window!
Sadly, after years of excursions, both farms have closed down, only to be replaced by a supermarket, and an upscale shopping strip. While I don't have anything against J Crew or Victoria Secret, this time of year, I do long for life's treasured traditions, and the great pumpkin patches of Chestnut Ridge Road!
You can still bake great pumpkin bread with Mama Melisi's 40 year old recipe! Either way, fresh or canned, it is delicious! We give you the recipe, with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 2/3 cups flour
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin (canned)
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup white or dark raisins
Preparation:
Add ingredients one at a time in an electric mixing bowl
(Dry ingredients do not have to be sifted)
Mix after each addition
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray 2 bread pans (4 x 8 size) with pam or any baking spray
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until done
Check with a cake tester
Preparation if you use Fresh Pumpkin:
Scrub pumpkin with hot water
Cut in quarters
Scoop out seeds
Put quarters in roasting pan
Fill pan about half way with water
Cover with foil
Bake 400 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour
Spoon pulp out of skin
Drain pulp well in colander
Puree pumpkin in a blender or food processor
Drain again
*You can freeze fresh pumpkin in 1 cup containers for future breads!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Candy Caper, and the Kindergarten Kid!
Although working in the school system poses its challenges, once in a while you experience something that really makes you chuckle. Here's a fun memory from over twenty years ago.
Two students were up in the main office. The first student, who was older, simply refused to do his work in class. The second student looked like he might be in kindergarten.
Both students were housed in the Assistant Principal's Office. The older one was working on a vocabulary sheet. Oddly, each time he was stuck on a word, I noticed that the kindergarten student read it to him. At first, I thought his word recognition was sheer luck. Then I noticed that he not only was reading isolated words, but he began reading complete paragraphs to the older student!
Looking at the "K Kid" in disbelief, I said to him, "Why were you sent up to the Office?" With a sheepish expression, and wide eyes, he answered, "Because I urinated outside!" I thought to myself, "Holy smokes...since when does a kindergarten kid use the word, urinated!" Again, I asked him a question, "Who taught you the word urinated...your teacher?" He whispered back, "No, my mommy taught me...she didn't like me saying the piss word!"
I quickly exited the office for fear of bursting out laughing. After two or three minutes, I came back in the room, and my gifted "K Kid" asked to use the bathroom. I thought, boy this kid urinates a lot!
Before the day was through, the "K Kid" went back to class, promising, from that moment on, that he would follow the rules, listen to the teacher, and urinate only in the toilet! He was so convincing, that I not only believed that he would transform, but that he would also be chosen as the next Kid of Character!
I returned to the office, only to discover that the older student snitched on his Kindergarten counterpart. While I was out of the room containing myself, the "K Kid" dipped into the Halloween pumpkin filled with candy. I thought to myself, "No...he couldn't have been that quick." I actually defended the "K Kid", until minutes later, several candy wrappers were discovered floating in the clinic toilet bowl!
After 20 years in the school system, I have truly learned my lesson. NEVER trust a "K Kid" who properly uses the word, "urinate"!
Since the "K Kid" obviously has a sweet tooth, today we give you a quick and easy recipe for Toffee. Again, we give this to you with love,
From Mama Melisi and Me
Toffee
Ingredients:
1 1/2 sticks of margarine or butter
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1 pie plate (8 inches)
Preparation:
Rub the pie pan very well with the 1/2 stick margarine or butter
Spread the cup of chopped walnuts over the margarine or butter
Melt 1 stick margarine or butter in a saucepan
Add the brown sugar
Boil and stir constantly for 7 minutes
Pour this mixture over the nuts
Sprinkle with the chocolate chips
Cover the pie plate with foil and let sit for 5 minutes or until chocolate chips are melted
Spread the melted chocolate evenly and let cool
When firm to the touch, cut into squares
Enjoy!
Two students were up in the main office. The first student, who was older, simply refused to do his work in class. The second student looked like he might be in kindergarten.
Both students were housed in the Assistant Principal's Office. The older one was working on a vocabulary sheet. Oddly, each time he was stuck on a word, I noticed that the kindergarten student read it to him. At first, I thought his word recognition was sheer luck. Then I noticed that he not only was reading isolated words, but he began reading complete paragraphs to the older student!
Looking at the "K Kid" in disbelief, I said to him, "Why were you sent up to the Office?" With a sheepish expression, and wide eyes, he answered, "Because I urinated outside!" I thought to myself, "Holy smokes...since when does a kindergarten kid use the word, urinated!" Again, I asked him a question, "Who taught you the word urinated...your teacher?" He whispered back, "No, my mommy taught me...she didn't like me saying the piss word!"
I quickly exited the office for fear of bursting out laughing. After two or three minutes, I came back in the room, and my gifted "K Kid" asked to use the bathroom. I thought, boy this kid urinates a lot!
Before the day was through, the "K Kid" went back to class, promising, from that moment on, that he would follow the rules, listen to the teacher, and urinate only in the toilet! He was so convincing, that I not only believed that he would transform, but that he would also be chosen as the next Kid of Character!
I returned to the office, only to discover that the older student snitched on his Kindergarten counterpart. While I was out of the room containing myself, the "K Kid" dipped into the Halloween pumpkin filled with candy. I thought to myself, "No...he couldn't have been that quick." I actually defended the "K Kid", until minutes later, several candy wrappers were discovered floating in the clinic toilet bowl!
After 20 years in the school system, I have truly learned my lesson. NEVER trust a "K Kid" who properly uses the word, "urinate"!
Since the "K Kid" obviously has a sweet tooth, today we give you a quick and easy recipe for Toffee. Again, we give this to you with love,
From Mama Melisi and Me
Toffee
Ingredients:
1 1/2 sticks of margarine or butter
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1 pie plate (8 inches)
Preparation:
Rub the pie pan very well with the 1/2 stick margarine or butter
Spread the cup of chopped walnuts over the margarine or butter
Melt 1 stick margarine or butter in a saucepan
Add the brown sugar
Boil and stir constantly for 7 minutes
Pour this mixture over the nuts
Sprinkle with the chocolate chips
Cover the pie plate with foil and let sit for 5 minutes or until chocolate chips are melted
Spread the melted chocolate evenly and let cool
When firm to the touch, cut into squares
Enjoy!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Angel Hair Pasta With Fresh Spinach...and A Little Alice Cooper!
As life progresses, there are certain obligations that tend to be more difficult than others. For me, visiting an aging family member in a nearby nursing home falls in this category.
Hilde was a vibrant and vivacious woman in her heyday. Always dressed to the nines, she was a social butterfly who had a grand smile, beautiful disposition, and kind words for the people who surrounded her. Stricken twenty years ago with Alzheimer's, at 81 she lingers in her wheel chair, barely able to eat, and mostly non-responsive to the touch and talk of those who love her.
With all of this in mind, we still visit Hilde on a regular basis, secretly hoping for that little spark that ignites once in a while, or the teardrops in her eyes that we hope show some hint of recognition!
On one of my recent visits, I was making my way to the recreation center. As I wandered down the spic and span hallway, I could hear music in the distance. I discreetly opened the double doors, and found myself on the outskirts of a large circle of wheel chairs. I quietly walked around to the other side where I saw Hilde...in her usual reclined pose...as the music played!
At a quick glance, the guy at the microphone reminded me of an aging Alice Cooper! Minus any face make-up or writhing snakes, his long, dark hair flowed down to his belt, and his nose was quite pronounced. Standing in cowboy boots and bluejeans, he was growling to his audience, clearly trying to make every wheel-chaired lady a "Pretty Woman"! And he was good!
I quickly got the feeling that he didn't care that he had an Alzheimer Unit Audience. This gig meant something to him, and he was playing with heart!
Alice closed his eyes and belted out one pop hit after another! Those magical notes rang familiar to me as he sang "Tie A Yellow Ribbon", "Cracklin Rosie", and the usual wedding song,
"Sweet Caroline" (bah, bah, bah)! And the lyrics came alive..."Hands...touching hands...reaching out...touching me...touching you"!
I glanced around at the 34 wheel chairs in the circle, and saw life! The African American woman wearing the floppy hat was bobbing her head up and down. The frail woman with the white hair, pale blue dress and matching blue socks moved her hands from side to side, and tapped her feet in perfect rhythm. The old New Yorker with the Yankee cap started flirting with the Caribbean Aide! And off in the corner was the aging couple...maybe newlyweds, maybe married forever...perfectly content sitting side by side, holding hands.
The finale was the Sinatra hit, "New York, New York". I found I felt no different than when a great Bruce Springsteen concert was over. I didn't want it to end!
Thank you, my Alice Cooper lookalike, for passionately playing for your people. I hope, when I near my final curtain, there will be someone like you, playing for me!
This post is dedicated to Hilde, still lovely deep inside...and to all who are stricken with Alzheimer's. May you have love, dignity, respect, and music in your life!
I chose a recipe that is easy on the teeth...especially if you don't have any! It's Angel Hair Pasta and Fresh Spinach. Again, we offer it to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Angel Hair Pasta and Fresh Spinach
Ingredients:
1/2 lb angel hair pasta
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, sliced
2 bags fresh baby spinach (16 oz. bags)
(Serves 2 people)
Preparation:
Place a pot of salted water to boil for the pasta
Rinse the fresh spinach and place in a colander to drain
Use a large saute pan to heat the olive oil
Add the sliced garlic
Stir till golden and add the fresh spinach
Toss the spinach in the garlic and oil, and cook until wilted
(Cook to the consistency you prefer - spinach does not take long)
Cook your angel hair pasta in the boiling water
Drain and reserve a little of the pasta water
Mix the angel hair into the spinach
If too dry, add pasta water or heat some chicken broth and add
This is a very light dish and most enjoyable! It can be served with a tomato salad and crusty Italian bread. You can also add shrimp to your pasta and spinach, for a seafood delight!
Hilde was a vibrant and vivacious woman in her heyday. Always dressed to the nines, she was a social butterfly who had a grand smile, beautiful disposition, and kind words for the people who surrounded her. Stricken twenty years ago with Alzheimer's, at 81 she lingers in her wheel chair, barely able to eat, and mostly non-responsive to the touch and talk of those who love her.
With all of this in mind, we still visit Hilde on a regular basis, secretly hoping for that little spark that ignites once in a while, or the teardrops in her eyes that we hope show some hint of recognition!
On one of my recent visits, I was making my way to the recreation center. As I wandered down the spic and span hallway, I could hear music in the distance. I discreetly opened the double doors, and found myself on the outskirts of a large circle of wheel chairs. I quietly walked around to the other side where I saw Hilde...in her usual reclined pose...as the music played!
At a quick glance, the guy at the microphone reminded me of an aging Alice Cooper! Minus any face make-up or writhing snakes, his long, dark hair flowed down to his belt, and his nose was quite pronounced. Standing in cowboy boots and bluejeans, he was growling to his audience, clearly trying to make every wheel-chaired lady a "Pretty Woman"! And he was good!
I quickly got the feeling that he didn't care that he had an Alzheimer Unit Audience. This gig meant something to him, and he was playing with heart!
Alice closed his eyes and belted out one pop hit after another! Those magical notes rang familiar to me as he sang "Tie A Yellow Ribbon", "Cracklin Rosie", and the usual wedding song,
"Sweet Caroline" (bah, bah, bah)! And the lyrics came alive..."Hands...touching hands...reaching out...touching me...touching you"!
I glanced around at the 34 wheel chairs in the circle, and saw life! The African American woman wearing the floppy hat was bobbing her head up and down. The frail woman with the white hair, pale blue dress and matching blue socks moved her hands from side to side, and tapped her feet in perfect rhythm. The old New Yorker with the Yankee cap started flirting with the Caribbean Aide! And off in the corner was the aging couple...maybe newlyweds, maybe married forever...perfectly content sitting side by side, holding hands.
The finale was the Sinatra hit, "New York, New York". I found I felt no different than when a great Bruce Springsteen concert was over. I didn't want it to end!
Thank you, my Alice Cooper lookalike, for passionately playing for your people. I hope, when I near my final curtain, there will be someone like you, playing for me!
This post is dedicated to Hilde, still lovely deep inside...and to all who are stricken with Alzheimer's. May you have love, dignity, respect, and music in your life!
I chose a recipe that is easy on the teeth...especially if you don't have any! It's Angel Hair Pasta and Fresh Spinach. Again, we offer it to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Angel Hair Pasta and Fresh Spinach
Ingredients:
1/2 lb angel hair pasta
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, sliced
2 bags fresh baby spinach (16 oz. bags)
(Serves 2 people)
Preparation:
Place a pot of salted water to boil for the pasta
Rinse the fresh spinach and place in a colander to drain
Use a large saute pan to heat the olive oil
Add the sliced garlic
Stir till golden and add the fresh spinach
Toss the spinach in the garlic and oil, and cook until wilted
(Cook to the consistency you prefer - spinach does not take long)
Cook your angel hair pasta in the boiling water
Drain and reserve a little of the pasta water
Mix the angel hair into the spinach
If too dry, add pasta water or heat some chicken broth and add
This is a very light dish and most enjoyable! It can be served with a tomato salad and crusty Italian bread. You can also add shrimp to your pasta and spinach, for a seafood delight!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
9/11 Tribute: No Recipe...Just Remembrance
I'm a Jersey Girl who has lived in South Florida for twenty years. Despite my Florida address, I'll always be a Jersey Girl. And I'll always love New York.
I consider myself lucky to have grown up in a town that was a quick bus ride to Midtown Manhattan. All I had to do was take the 163, and venture through the Lincoln Tunnel, to enjoy all the benefits of the city that never sleeps.
I chuckle when I hear Florida kids taking fieldtrips to Disney. For us, there were endless trips to museums, the opera, ballet, and broadway plays. We walked up town, down town, through China Town. We rode the ferry straight to the Statue of Liberty, or rocketed up the elevator of the Empire State Building. In winter, the streets sucked us into whipping wind tunnels...and we felt alive!
New York! Breathe it in...feel the energy...see the sights!
Each time I go up north, I still take the 163 from Jersey to the City. I wait anxiously for the curve that takes you to the Lincoln Tunnel. As I round the bend, I see the skyline looming ahead across the river...strong...erect. At night, it's dazzling. But I force my eyes to look downtown, and I sense the gash...how odd. I visualize the past...the twin anchors...two towers of strength...and very deep inside, I feel the wound.
I don't understand violence...any violence...slavery...holocaust...kids killing kids. And that day. I watched that day on TV in the Media Center of my school in Florida. I watched in disbelief, and horror. My city...my skyline...the people...my niece. I was worried about my niece, trying to get back to Jersey. I watched, and I knew somehow the world had changed.
Years later, I don't search for any answers. I just know that we must strive for peace...for a better, kinder world. We must denounce acts of evil, cowardice and prejudice. And we must remember.
My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones in the senseless 9/11 Tragedy.
I consider myself lucky to have grown up in a town that was a quick bus ride to Midtown Manhattan. All I had to do was take the 163, and venture through the Lincoln Tunnel, to enjoy all the benefits of the city that never sleeps.
I chuckle when I hear Florida kids taking fieldtrips to Disney. For us, there were endless trips to museums, the opera, ballet, and broadway plays. We walked up town, down town, through China Town. We rode the ferry straight to the Statue of Liberty, or rocketed up the elevator of the Empire State Building. In winter, the streets sucked us into whipping wind tunnels...and we felt alive!
New York! Breathe it in...feel the energy...see the sights!
Each time I go up north, I still take the 163 from Jersey to the City. I wait anxiously for the curve that takes you to the Lincoln Tunnel. As I round the bend, I see the skyline looming ahead across the river...strong...erect. At night, it's dazzling. But I force my eyes to look downtown, and I sense the gash...how odd. I visualize the past...the twin anchors...two towers of strength...and very deep inside, I feel the wound.
I don't understand violence...any violence...slavery...holocaust...kids killing kids. And that day. I watched that day on TV in the Media Center of my school in Florida. I watched in disbelief, and horror. My city...my skyline...the people...my niece. I was worried about my niece, trying to get back to Jersey. I watched, and I knew somehow the world had changed.
Years later, I don't search for any answers. I just know that we must strive for peace...for a better, kinder world. We must denounce acts of evil, cowardice and prejudice. And we must remember.
My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones in the senseless 9/11 Tragedy.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Tropical Ambrosia
August is an odd time of year. Early in the month, it seems summer is at its best! The days are hot and steamy, and many people are loving those long awaited vacations. But as the month rolls on, there is a somber reality that the season will soon end, and the working machine will crank on monotonously until the holidays!
For me, August means the start up of another school year, and the celebration of a birthday. As the month closes out, I find myself folding up my beach towels with finality! They don't get placed on the lounge chairs at the pool. Instead, they are neatly stored in the linen closet, with the hope of occasionally getting some air! Imagine, how just weeks earlier, I was lounging on a low, reclining chair, having one of the best beach days of my life!
The sky was solid blue, and the ocean was emerald and turquoise! I was at my favorite spot near the little resort with the tiki huts and swimming pool. If you watched closely, you could spot someone sneaking through the open gate for a quick, chlorinated swim! However, that day, the ocean beckoned.
As I waded through the shallow end, I could see the sand floor rippling below my toes. The water was crystal clear, and the schools of fish were abundant. Some were bright silver bait fish. Others were green with pointy faces. I planted my feet in the sand, and became a human reef as they tickled my legs!
It took me a long time to swim out deep, but eventually I submerged my entire body in the cool salt water. Each time I surfaced, I could feel the heat on my shoulders, so I just kept diving under!
When I faced inland, I noticed countless little dots of umbrellas splashing color all along the beach. The Mediterranean Villas hugged the shore. There was a sing-song mix of English, Spanish, and French in the air. For a moment, I was in the Riviera!
There wasn't too much action on the weather-beaten fishing pier. People were more obsessed with rubbing on sunscreen and tropical oil. They were going home with a deep tan! The birds gripped the coconut palms, making them dance in the distance. The scene was truly ambrosial!
Hours later, I remember folding my velvety peach and orange beach towel, as I pondered whether to drive back to suburbia, or hang out longer to have a tropical salad at the beach cafe!
Ahhhh, August! Now I look down at that same bright orange towel, still soft and lovely. I quietly sigh as the linen closet door lets out a biting screech as it opens. I plop the towel on the stack, and close it into darkness.
The school year has begun. My 48th birthday is upon me. But all is not bleak. I can still close my eyes and smile, as I remember that tropical salad day!
You, too, can have tropical salad...any time of the year! We give you the recipe for Ambrosia! For those who want the healthy version, we also provide a recipe for Jello Carrot Pineapple Salad!
Again, we offer these to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Ambrosia: (Tasty Hawaiian Salad)
Ingredients:
2 small cans of mandarin oranges - 8 oz drained
1 small jar maraschino cherries - 8 oz drained
1 small can pineapple chunks - 8 to 10 oz drained
1 small package miniature marshmallows
1/2 of a small can shredded coconut
1/2 pint sour cream
5 tablespoons (or more if needed) of orange or pineapple juice
Preparation:
Beat the sour cream with the juice of your choice
Add all of the other ingredients
Serve in a lovely serving bowl
Chill thoroughly before serving
Healthy Jello Carrot Pineapple Salad:
Ingredients:
1 cup boiling water
1 package (4 servings) orange flavored jello (can be sugar free)
1/2 cup cold water
Dash of salt
1 can (8 1/4 ounce size) crushed pineapple in light syrup, not drained
1 cup shredded carrot
Pour boiling water on gelatin in a bowl
Stir until the gelatin is dissolved
Stir in the cold water, salt and pineapple
Refrigerate for 20-40 minutes (consistency should be like unbeaten egg whites)
Stir in the shredded carrot
Pour into a 3 cup mold
Refrigerate for about 3 hours until firm
Carefully remove mold onto a lovely serving dish
For me, August means the start up of another school year, and the celebration of a birthday. As the month closes out, I find myself folding up my beach towels with finality! They don't get placed on the lounge chairs at the pool. Instead, they are neatly stored in the linen closet, with the hope of occasionally getting some air! Imagine, how just weeks earlier, I was lounging on a low, reclining chair, having one of the best beach days of my life!
The sky was solid blue, and the ocean was emerald and turquoise! I was at my favorite spot near the little resort with the tiki huts and swimming pool. If you watched closely, you could spot someone sneaking through the open gate for a quick, chlorinated swim! However, that day, the ocean beckoned.
As I waded through the shallow end, I could see the sand floor rippling below my toes. The water was crystal clear, and the schools of fish were abundant. Some were bright silver bait fish. Others were green with pointy faces. I planted my feet in the sand, and became a human reef as they tickled my legs!
It took me a long time to swim out deep, but eventually I submerged my entire body in the cool salt water. Each time I surfaced, I could feel the heat on my shoulders, so I just kept diving under!
When I faced inland, I noticed countless little dots of umbrellas splashing color all along the beach. The Mediterranean Villas hugged the shore. There was a sing-song mix of English, Spanish, and French in the air. For a moment, I was in the Riviera!
There wasn't too much action on the weather-beaten fishing pier. People were more obsessed with rubbing on sunscreen and tropical oil. They were going home with a deep tan! The birds gripped the coconut palms, making them dance in the distance. The scene was truly ambrosial!
Hours later, I remember folding my velvety peach and orange beach towel, as I pondered whether to drive back to suburbia, or hang out longer to have a tropical salad at the beach cafe!
Ahhhh, August! Now I look down at that same bright orange towel, still soft and lovely. I quietly sigh as the linen closet door lets out a biting screech as it opens. I plop the towel on the stack, and close it into darkness.
The school year has begun. My 48th birthday is upon me. But all is not bleak. I can still close my eyes and smile, as I remember that tropical salad day!
You, too, can have tropical salad...any time of the year! We give you the recipe for Ambrosia! For those who want the healthy version, we also provide a recipe for Jello Carrot Pineapple Salad!
Again, we offer these to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Ambrosia: (Tasty Hawaiian Salad)
Ingredients:
2 small cans of mandarin oranges - 8 oz drained
1 small jar maraschino cherries - 8 oz drained
1 small can pineapple chunks - 8 to 10 oz drained
1 small package miniature marshmallows
1/2 of a small can shredded coconut
1/2 pint sour cream
5 tablespoons (or more if needed) of orange or pineapple juice
Preparation:
Beat the sour cream with the juice of your choice
Add all of the other ingredients
Serve in a lovely serving bowl
Chill thoroughly before serving
Healthy Jello Carrot Pineapple Salad:
Ingredients:
1 cup boiling water
1 package (4 servings) orange flavored jello (can be sugar free)
1/2 cup cold water
Dash of salt
1 can (8 1/4 ounce size) crushed pineapple in light syrup, not drained
1 cup shredded carrot
Pour boiling water on gelatin in a bowl
Stir until the gelatin is dissolved
Stir in the cold water, salt and pineapple
Refrigerate for 20-40 minutes (consistency should be like unbeaten egg whites)
Stir in the shredded carrot
Pour into a 3 cup mold
Refrigerate for about 3 hours until firm
Carefully remove mold onto a lovely serving dish
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