July 2, 2022
I'm a morning person...not that I want to immediately get up and get going, but I'm generally wide awake at 4:30am and ready to be cozy with a cup of coffee and some books, or ready to slowly tinker in the kitchen in my PJs, without any sense of urgency. So very content and peaceful in these early hours. Tim has left for his hot yoga class, and the kids are still asleep. I move around the kitchen while trying my best to be quiet. With an excess of cream in the fridge and my mom's harvest of peaches in the freezer, I made some peach and honey ice cream. Just peaches, cream and honey...oh and I found a frozen banana in the freezer that I was going to use for a smoothie later, so I added that in as well. I took my blender into the bathroom to keep the noise down, but not to worry...it's very clean and the toilet is in a separate area. Next, I open the fridge and took a small pork roast out of a brine it's been resting in for the last two nights. I drain and dry it, then make a bourbon-apricot marinade. I put it back in the fridge to soak up the flavors until I'm ready to make dinner tonight. A couple days ago, I also used up some home-grown potatoes and a variety of leftover cheeses in my fridge and put together some mini cheesy casseroles. Two of them went into the freezer and the third I will bake to have with the pork tonight. I say "mini" casseroles because these are really rich...and when it comes to creamy cheesy foods (especially anything with blue cheese) I can't seem to think straight when there is more available than what I consider to be a reasonable and healthy treat. I don't count calories or weigh myself often or deprive myself of foods I love, but I look at my plate often to see if it's mostly fresh vegetables. If processed foods and white flour and sugar were not invited to the party; and whole grains, dairy, meat and fruit are all little sides and not the main, I'm good with my relationship with food. In keeping these casseroles small, there is just enough for one large spoonful for each person in the family. This way we can fill up on a more nutrient-dense non-cheesy veggie dish instead, but still get to enjoy a few bites of heavenly creamy cheesy potatoes. I sat down to enjoy my coffee and type this, but now I'm going to make a one-egg asparagus omelet and plan my meals for the coming week. I went to the butcher yesterday with my daughter Rachel, before planning my meals...which is not my normal routine. It's a bit of a treck from my house and that was when we both had the time. So, as I sit and plan, I will figure in the lamb, beef and pork sausages I purchased. I highly recommend finding a great butcher who sources his meats from local farmers, or getting to know some local farmers yourself. Investing in quality grass-fed meat will provide you essential nutrients, and you will be investing in your community! On to watering my garden...
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