When I was a little girl, my father used to drive a Polly-O cheese truck. The truck was big, bright yellow, happy and filled with cheese, not unlike my dad. I thought it was cool that he delivered cheese to pizzerias because cheese makes most people happy and, well, I believed that those who could not eat cheese would generally be less happy. I still hold the same beliefs today (my sincerest apologies to vegans and those with lactose intolerance). My dad used to eat a lot of cheese and, so, I thought he would be happy forever. I also thought that he would live forever, and that nothing would ever change, but his age has been a marker of change.
Read MoreSomehow, at the end of every summer, I end up with an ABUNDANCE of zucchinis in the house. In the month of August, zucchinis are plentiful and inexpensive, hence the attractiveness of overbuying. Sure, I might not be buying much clothing or home goods any more, but somehow overbuying something is still in the addiction cards. I guess it could be worse than zucchini. The seniors in the house love zucchini, but I wanted to do more than pan fry, roast or grill it to serve it as a side or over pasta.
Read MoreLiving, I mean staying with my parents, has brought with it my official title as Sr. Manager of the Senior Center. Duties have included (but have not been limited to) cooking, finding new meal strategies and efficiencies, while also helping with house decluttering, organization, calling haulers to remove “junk” and donating goods. My favorite responsibilities are getting creative in the kitchen and playing word games with the seniors. Not every day is easy, but every day comes with a new learning or discovery about love, God, compassion and cottage cheese.
Read MoreButternut squash baked ziti is a gooey, cheesy, baked faux-pasta bomb that will leave you wanting more every time. A true transformation of comfort food, you won’t miss a beat or the pasta when you immerse your entire being in the process of making and eating this spin on an old classic. And listen, I love pasta as much as the next human, and carbs are my friend,
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