Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
Christmas Traditions
For many years now after the Thanksgiving feast is over and football games are but a distant memory attention turns to setting up for Christmas. An integral part of the set up is the Dickens Village figures. Over the years the collection has grown significantly as has the time required to set it up and to take it down (more required for the latter step). Lest the efforts be lost to history, these photos will hopefully keep the memory fresh.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
2 packages baby bella mushrooms (28 – 30 mushrooms)
¼ c. minced celery¼ c. minced green bell pepper
¼ c. finely sliced green onions
¼ c. diced tomato
¼ c. white wine
3 cloves minced garlic
1 minced shallot
6 oz. minced Andouille sausage
½ c. roasted garlic bread crumbs
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Stuffing:
Clean mushrooms and removed the stems to a bowl
Finely dice mushroom stemsBrown Andouille sausage in 1 tablespoon olive oil
Remove the sausage to a bowl and set aside
Do NOT wipe the pan
Add the celery, bell pepper, onions, tomatoes, and shallot to the pan
Cook the vegetables until begin to soften
Add the mushroom stems, garlic, and red pepper flakes
Continue to cook the vegetables until the mushrooms have given off their liquid
Add the wine and simmer until the liquid is nearly cooked away
Return the Andouille sausage to the pan
Add ½ of the bread crumbs and stir to combine
Remove the mixture from the heat
Mushrooms:
Lightly oil a baking sheet or dish with olive oil
Place the mushrooms on the sheet (sides not touching)Sprinkle the inside of the mushrooms with a few drops of olive oil
Spoon the stuffing mixture into each mushroom
Sprinkle the remaining bread crumbs over the top
Sprinkle a layer of parmesan cheese over the top
Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 30 minutes (tops
will brown)
Chester Gould's vision
A reminder was delivered to me this morning about how far technology has come during my lifetime. It is easy to remember black and white television, knowing which rings belonged to grandma's telephone on the party line, and marveling at Dick Tracy's two-way wrist radio. Still, to imagine that futuristic vision of technology would come to pass in my lifetime is humbling. In many ways, I've had a front row seat to observe the changes. Watching the space program of the 1960s was the beginning as the transitor and miniturization became the trend of technology. My father purchase a Texas Instruments calculator around 1970 (a TI-SR10 I think). It was remarkable how those small red diodes could do all of the stuff that slide rule could and do it without those pesky human errors. Advancing on through my time in the Navy, I was able to watch our ship transition from morse code and HF frequency teletype signals to satellite relay networks that moved communications traffic with virtually no errors. An undergraduate degree in data processing introduced me to mainframe hardware and subsequently to microprosessor technologies. With the advent of the Internet, I watched as we expanded the interconnectivity of the world and continued the path of technology to smaller and faster.
It is against that backdrop of immense change my reminder came this morning. Sitting at my desk, unable to join several friends on a ski trip to Crested Butte, CO , I accessed a web camera sitting atop a restaurant at the base of the ski slopes. That I was able to look at the same mountain they was skiing was in small way comforting. As I watched though, it became clear three of the people standing at the base of the lift were my friends. A couple of text messages followed by a call from a cell phone one of them was holding and we confirmed with a wave that technology has linked us in a way Chester Gould could only imagine.
Grandma's ring was 2-shorts.
........... To Friendship
Should you go first and I remain to walk the road alone,
I’ll live in memory's garden friend with happy days we’ve known.
In spring I’ll watch for roses red when fades the lilac blue,
In early fall when brown leaves call I’ll catch a glimpse of you.
Should you go first and I remain to finish with the scroll,
No darkened shallows shall creep in to make this life seem droll.
We’ve known so much of happiness; we’ve shared a cup of joy,
And memory is a gift from God death cannot destroy.
Should you go first and I remain for battles to be fought,
Each thing you’ve touched along the way will be a hallowed spot.
I’ll see your face, I’ll hear your voice and though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand will bore me on with hope.
Finally, friend should you go first, one thing I’d have you do,
Walk slowly down that long, long path for soon I’ll follow you.
I’ll want to know each step you take, that I may walk the same.
For someday down that long path, you’ll hear me call your name.
I’ll live in memory's garden friend with happy days we’ve known.
In spring I’ll watch for roses red when fades the lilac blue,
In early fall when brown leaves call I’ll catch a glimpse of you.
Should you go first and I remain to finish with the scroll,
No darkened shallows shall creep in to make this life seem droll.
We’ve known so much of happiness; we’ve shared a cup of joy,
And memory is a gift from God death cannot destroy.
Should you go first and I remain for battles to be fought,
Each thing you’ve touched along the way will be a hallowed spot.
I’ll see your face, I’ll hear your voice and though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand will bore me on with hope.
Finally, friend should you go first, one thing I’d have you do,
Walk slowly down that long, long path for soon I’ll follow you.
I’ll want to know each step you take, that I may walk the same.
For someday down that long path, you’ll hear me call your name.
Adapted from lyrics recorded by the Cathedral Quarter “Beyond the Sunset”
Death, Taxes .... and Gravity
Lying in a heap at the bottom of the stairwell I gently moved each body attempting to assess what might be broken, bruised, or dislocated. The tumble down the steps was an accident of my own carelessness. In my haste to get to the gym, I changed clothes in my office and failed to close the zipper on the leg of my warm-up pants. Three rungs down the steps my right foot became entangled in the loose fabric on my left leg. Had there been a witness, the tumble to the bottom and subsequent crash into the wall would have made for great comedy.
I'm always amazed at how quickly the brain can process information. During my brief airborne adventure a cornucopia of peculiar fleeting thoughts dashed about in my head. As would seem obvious, the first thought was - "this going to hurt" - and it did. But there were other thoughts and they were random, "where is my gym bag?", "it's already dark?" , "should I try to jump before I land? ", "what are endorphines?", "can I still ski?".
With only a skinned knee and bruised shoulder, I calmly collected my things and continued down the remaining steps. As I walked, it occurred to me the death and taxes are not the only things of which we can be certain...there's also gravity and I have the bruises to prove it.
I'm always amazed at how quickly the brain can process information. During my brief airborne adventure a cornucopia of peculiar fleeting thoughts dashed about in my head. As would seem obvious, the first thought was - "this going to hurt" - and it did. But there were other thoughts and they were random, "where is my gym bag?", "it's already dark?" , "should I try to jump before I land? ", "what are endorphines?", "can I still ski?".
With only a skinned knee and bruised shoulder, I calmly collected my things and continued down the remaining steps. As I walked, it occurred to me the death and taxes are not the only things of which we can be certain...there's also gravity and I have the bruises to prove it.
Grandma's Hands
As I watch my grandson growing up, it is fun to watch his unique personality emerge. Observing his mannerisms and how they frequently seem to mimic those of someone else in his life serves as a reminder of the myriad influences that shape what we are. Often the source of such influence is invisible to the casual observer – even the individual. This point was driven home some months back.
When experimenting with recipes it is not uncommon for me to estimate the measure of ingredients using my hand rather than seeking the precision of a measure cup or spoon. Over the years I've developed some accuracy using just my palm and crossing my fingers over each other to form a small bowl. Although I don't remember who first asked the question about how I held my fingers when measuring, it seemed at first to be an odd question. However, after thinking about it for bit, I wasn't really sure why I held my hand that way either. Observing the gaps between my skinny fingers led me to conclude I'd probably developed the habit to safely hold ingredients in my hand rather than allowing them to slide through the gaps to the floor. If anyone asked why (and some did), that was my answer.
Not so very long ago, while visiting with my mother, we were preparing something (biscuits, I think) in the kitchen. Looking down at her hands, I saw the same cup formed in her palm that was oft formed in mine - palm up, tip of the ring finger slightly over the edge of the index finger with the middle finger resting behind them, and the pinky dangling alongside. Given that I was not the one who taught her to cook, it seemed I now had an answer as to the source of my measuring technique. There it was, the invisible influence – her. More correctly stated it was me as a child observing her in the kitchen. Although that answered one question, it created another: why did she hold her hand that way? As one would expect, it was her mother who passed the technique to my mother.
Realizing the technique must have been passed from generation to generation in the same manner, I became quite curious as to why we did that. Were we too poor for generations to afford measuring utensils? Were we so uneducated that we didn’t understand basic math concepts – like fractions? Were we culinary wizards that evolved beyond the need for man-made kitchen gadgets? Had our family been cooking for so long that we pre-dated measuring devices? Any of these reasons would have made a great story, but none would be true. Due to an unfortunate farming accident as a child, my grandmother lost the two distal joints of her middle finger retaining only a nub. The only way she could keep things in her palm was to cross the index and ring fingers over the nub – thus – a tradition was born.
So, now I look at my grandson and wonder how he will hold his hand someday when it is time to measure ¼ cup of sugar. I wonder if he will be curious as to why?
Notes from the front
This is an email sent from my brother John in Afghanistan - didn't want it misplaced.
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In the last five days my unit has seen four soldiers killed in action. Tomorrow morning we will have our third Ramp Ceremony for the week. The Ramp Ceremony, by design, is performed to show the highest level of respect for those who have died in battle as their bodies are loaded on the plane that will fly them home. There is an intensive effort here to bring honor to these men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. While the ceremony is designed as a tribute to the fallen soldier, deep down I know that it is actually for me. With each ceremony, I have realized that its personal impact on me is cumulative. Each event brings a point of closure, but at the same time, an intensifying reality check on how fragile life actually is. I am surrounded by a constant reminder that we have no promise of tomorrow, much less next week or next year.
On a normal day I sit at my desk and listen to people complain; I have to walk too far to use the latrine, there aren’t any paper towels, the a/c is not cool enough, or someone tracked dirt in my office. All of this absurd whining takes place in the safety and the security of our office building. Meanwhile, our soldiers are putting on their gear and fearlessly driving into the local towns and villages to face a hidden enemy. Their only goal is to do the right thing. Every day they go out. Sometimes, they come back.
Today another American soldier was lost. I wonder if his baby daughter will ever understand why her daddy died in Afghanistan. Will she ever be able to grasp the complexity of war? Can she tell the difference between an insurgent and one who fights for freedom? Will that little girl care about the politics or will she just cry when her daddy doesn’t come home for Christmas? What peace will that beautifully wrapped Christmas present bring her, when she holds it instead of holding her daddy? But, in the end, her daddy is gone and he won’t be home for Christmas.
The Ramp Ceremony brings a momentary lull to an airfield that operates at full capacity 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a sense that time stands still as the massive C-17 Cargo plane pulls into place. The plane sits on the tarmac in an eerie silence as the rear aft door slowly drops. In the distance you can hear the vocal commands of the honor guard and you can almost feel each step as 30 soldiers march their way toward the rear of the plane. They methodically separate into two columns and cordon a path of honor for their fallen comrade.
The order is given to “Present Arms” as a vehicle slowly pulls forward with one more American hero. Arms are raised in salute as eight fellow soldiers, in drilled precision, move forward and take charge of the casket. As the flag draped casket is slowly marched toward the plane, the drum like sounds of boots echo across the airfield. You hear the voice of the detachment commander, “left, left, left…” as he leads the procession toward the rear of the plane that will take this soldier home for the last time.
As these days have passed, I find myself almost feeling guilty if I laugh or smile. Yet, I remember the words of John 10:10 when Jesus said, “I came that you might have life and have it abundantly.” I often ask myself where the realities of war and the call for abundant life come together. I pray that someday, I will find that answer.
Tonight I will pray for a mother that I do not know. Tonight I will cry for a child that I have never seen. Tonight my heart will break for a world that does not realize the magnitude of what they just lost.
- MAJ John D. Parker
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In the last five days my unit has seen four soldiers killed in action. Tomorrow morning we will have our third Ramp Ceremony for the week. The Ramp Ceremony, by design, is performed to show the highest level of respect for those who have died in battle as their bodies are loaded on the plane that will fly them home. There is an intensive effort here to bring honor to these men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. While the ceremony is designed as a tribute to the fallen soldier, deep down I know that it is actually for me. With each ceremony, I have realized that its personal impact on me is cumulative. Each event brings a point of closure, but at the same time, an intensifying reality check on how fragile life actually is. I am surrounded by a constant reminder that we have no promise of tomorrow, much less next week or next year.
On a normal day I sit at my desk and listen to people complain; I have to walk too far to use the latrine, there aren’t any paper towels, the a/c is not cool enough, or someone tracked dirt in my office. All of this absurd whining takes place in the safety and the security of our office building. Meanwhile, our soldiers are putting on their gear and fearlessly driving into the local towns and villages to face a hidden enemy. Their only goal is to do the right thing. Every day they go out. Sometimes, they come back.
Today another American soldier was lost. I wonder if his baby daughter will ever understand why her daddy died in Afghanistan. Will she ever be able to grasp the complexity of war? Can she tell the difference between an insurgent and one who fights for freedom? Will that little girl care about the politics or will she just cry when her daddy doesn’t come home for Christmas? What peace will that beautifully wrapped Christmas present bring her, when she holds it instead of holding her daddy? But, in the end, her daddy is gone and he won’t be home for Christmas.
The Ramp Ceremony brings a momentary lull to an airfield that operates at full capacity 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a sense that time stands still as the massive C-17 Cargo plane pulls into place. The plane sits on the tarmac in an eerie silence as the rear aft door slowly drops. In the distance you can hear the vocal commands of the honor guard and you can almost feel each step as 30 soldiers march their way toward the rear of the plane. They methodically separate into two columns and cordon a path of honor for their fallen comrade.
The order is given to “Present Arms” as a vehicle slowly pulls forward with one more American hero. Arms are raised in salute as eight fellow soldiers, in drilled precision, move forward and take charge of the casket. As the flag draped casket is slowly marched toward the plane, the drum like sounds of boots echo across the airfield. You hear the voice of the detachment commander, “left, left, left…” as he leads the procession toward the rear of the plane that will take this soldier home for the last time.
As these days have passed, I find myself almost feeling guilty if I laugh or smile. Yet, I remember the words of John 10:10 when Jesus said, “I came that you might have life and have it abundantly.” I often ask myself where the realities of war and the call for abundant life come together. I pray that someday, I will find that answer.
Tonight I will pray for a mother that I do not know. Tonight I will cry for a child that I have never seen. Tonight my heart will break for a world that does not realize the magnitude of what they just lost.
- MAJ John D. Parker
Thanksgiving 2009
Sitting alone, sipping coffee, and looking over the Internet headlines in the pre-dawn hours this Thanksgiving morning I am reminded of how quickly the year has passed to join the other unrecorded pages of history.
Marked by both high and low points, the year has given so many things for which to be thankful. In what is without question the high point of the year my first grandson arrived in January. Finding words to express the joyous feelings of that day elude me. I've likened the emotion to that of attempting to describe the color green - it simply must be experienced to be understood. I've been reminded of how quickly life changes as he learned to sit up, then crawl, and began to take his first exploratory steps. In the days that passed after his arrival my life has found a renewed since of meaning and purpose. It is something of an irony that an event which creates such joy occurs at a point in life where the finish line is closer than the starting gate. Still for the blessing of having him in my life, for his health, and for the happiness he has given me, I'm truly thankful.
2009 marked the third year of teaching in my church Life Group. The affirming support of this group of the friendships I've discovered over the past years is so very special. The challenges of trying to teach the weekly Bible study to a group that has studied the book longer than I have done are daunting. However, this has only inspired me to research more, pray more often, and work harder to bring something of value to them each week. Amid the kind remarks and many complimentary thoughts they have given to me, one truth stands out - for all they may think I've given them, they have given me so much more to be thankful for.
Even in the low points, there is still much to be thankful for. Although each of them faced personal trials during the year, my children are all now safe, working, and growing. The overwhelming life events that forced me to leave the doctoral program (for a while) opened the door to a new job has provided much needed income and security. The surgeries and health problems faced by my parents helped all of us to remember how precious and short the time we have together really is. Although an unfortunate meeting with a car tire forced me to end the life of my cat, for 20+ years he was an ongoing source of memories and mayhem. A 55th birthday reminded me of all the new and wonderful friends I've made in that past few years from all parts of the world and that there is still so much time left in which to enjoy life.
Even the simple things like shelter from the elements, a way to get from one place to another, food, clothing, and even the quiet peace that comes when watching a small bird begin its day sitting on the porch rail as the sun breaks over the horizon give pause to be thankful.
We are so blessed.
Marked by both high and low points, the year has given so many things for which to be thankful. In what is without question the high point of the year my first grandson arrived in January. Finding words to express the joyous feelings of that day elude me. I've likened the emotion to that of attempting to describe the color green - it simply must be experienced to be understood. I've been reminded of how quickly life changes as he learned to sit up, then crawl, and began to take his first exploratory steps. In the days that passed after his arrival my life has found a renewed since of meaning and purpose. It is something of an irony that an event which creates such joy occurs at a point in life where the finish line is closer than the starting gate. Still for the blessing of having him in my life, for his health, and for the happiness he has given me, I'm truly thankful.
2009 marked the third year of teaching in my church Life Group. The affirming support of this group of the friendships I've discovered over the past years is so very special. The challenges of trying to teach the weekly Bible study to a group that has studied the book longer than I have done are daunting. However, this has only inspired me to research more, pray more often, and work harder to bring something of value to them each week. Amid the kind remarks and many complimentary thoughts they have given to me, one truth stands out - for all they may think I've given them, they have given me so much more to be thankful for.
Even in the low points, there is still much to be thankful for. Although each of them faced personal trials during the year, my children are all now safe, working, and growing. The overwhelming life events that forced me to leave the doctoral program (for a while) opened the door to a new job has provided much needed income and security. The surgeries and health problems faced by my parents helped all of us to remember how precious and short the time we have together really is. Although an unfortunate meeting with a car tire forced me to end the life of my cat, for 20+ years he was an ongoing source of memories and mayhem. A 55th birthday reminded me of all the new and wonderful friends I've made in that past few years from all parts of the world and that there is still so much time left in which to enjoy life.
Even the simple things like shelter from the elements, a way to get from one place to another, food, clothing, and even the quiet peace that comes when watching a small bird begin its day sitting on the porch rail as the sun breaks over the horizon give pause to be thankful.
We are so blessed.
Adultery -- it's more than you think
Before starting, I'll concede this is probably an odd topic to consider writing about. What motivated me to research the idea and formulate a working definition came from three key places. The first was a divorce recovery group where I observed many people struggle with how best to understand the Bible's position on divorce. The second came from a colleague who was trying to help a friend understand the Bible's position on remarriage. Finally, because there may be a time when I'll consider remarriage, I wanted to get a clarification for my own purposes.
From a Biblical perspective, the idea of getting married again is not well addressed. However, the information in the scriptures details a limited scope of events in which remarriage is permitted. The background research and rationale for this is in a separate post. I mention it here not only because adultery is, from a biblical perspective, just cause for divorce, but also an event from which one can remarry and not sin.
In looking at what adultery is, it is essential to understand that we are commanded by God not to do it. In both accounts of the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18, the same law is given: "You shall not commit adultery". The penalty for adultery set forth in Leviticus 20:10 is death. Given the severity of the penalty, it seems very important to understand exactly what one is not supposed to do. Continuing in that same passage in Leviticus 20:10-11, the scripture draws a unique contrast in sexual misconduct accompanying two events. In the first, a man has sexual relations outside of marriage with the wife of his neighbor and the Bible refers to the act as adultery. In this example, each of the participants is married to someone else. However, in the second event, a man sleeps with his father's wife, again outside of marriage. In the latter case he has dishonored his father, but the act is not called adultery although the penalty in each situation is the same - death. While the Bible differentiates between adultery and other similar acts of sexual misconducts, this passage fairly clearly defines what the sexual act of adultery is. Even in Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic, The Scarlet Letter, the view of adultery was framed in the very narrow scope of a physical act.
The Bible goes further though in addressing the topic of adultery. Jeremiah 3:8 cites a circumstance where God divorces Israel for her ‘adulteries’. In this case the 'adulteries' are collective term for various forms of idolatry practiced in Israel. This include the worship of stone carvings and wooden poles. These acts of idolatry are cited in numerous passages in the Old Testament often referred to in a general sense that the nation had done evil in the sight of God. As an aside here, it is implicit in this passage that adultery is a valid reason for divorce.
Then finally, in Matthew, adultery is taken beyond the physical boundaries of human activity and transferred to the heart. It quotes Jesus in chapter 5, (27)"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' (28) But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Clearly from this reading, there is no requirement to carry the lust of heart on to a physical act in order to violate the commandment.
In the final analysis adultery is arguably a broader definition that includes:
From a Biblical perspective, the idea of getting married again is not well addressed. However, the information in the scriptures details a limited scope of events in which remarriage is permitted. The background research and rationale for this is in a separate post. I mention it here not only because adultery is, from a biblical perspective, just cause for divorce, but also an event from which one can remarry and not sin.
In looking at what adultery is, it is essential to understand that we are commanded by God not to do it. In both accounts of the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18, the same law is given: "You shall not commit adultery". The penalty for adultery set forth in Leviticus 20:10 is death. Given the severity of the penalty, it seems very important to understand exactly what one is not supposed to do. Continuing in that same passage in Leviticus 20:10-11, the scripture draws a unique contrast in sexual misconduct accompanying two events. In the first, a man has sexual relations outside of marriage with the wife of his neighbor and the Bible refers to the act as adultery. In this example, each of the participants is married to someone else. However, in the second event, a man sleeps with his father's wife, again outside of marriage. In the latter case he has dishonored his father, but the act is not called adultery although the penalty in each situation is the same - death. While the Bible differentiates between adultery and other similar acts of sexual misconducts, this passage fairly clearly defines what the sexual act of adultery is. Even in Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic, The Scarlet Letter, the view of adultery was framed in the very narrow scope of a physical act.
The Bible goes further though in addressing the topic of adultery. Jeremiah 3:8 cites a circumstance where God divorces Israel for her ‘adulteries’. In this case the 'adulteries' are collective term for various forms of idolatry practiced in Israel. This include the worship of stone carvings and wooden poles. These acts of idolatry are cited in numerous passages in the Old Testament often referred to in a general sense that the nation had done evil in the sight of God. As an aside here, it is implicit in this passage that adultery is a valid reason for divorce.
Then finally, in Matthew, adultery is taken beyond the physical boundaries of human activity and transferred to the heart. It quotes Jesus in chapter 5, (27)"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' (28) But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Clearly from this reading, there is no requirement to carry the lust of heart on to a physical act in order to violate the commandment.
In the final analysis adultery is arguably a broader definition that includes:
- A physical act between two people
- An emotional act of the heart (lust)
- The practice of idolatry against God
While this may define the scope of the act, the question that remains is what difference does it make to an individual. For many divorced people (and those contemplating divorce), the reasons permitted in the Bible for divorce are very constraining with adultery one of the few allowable reasons to vacate a marriage. People in marriages where the very narrow definition of adultery has not been violated can feel trapped between the desire to obey God's commandment and the need to live in a safe, loving environment. Idols abound within our culture (sports, gambling, drugs, alcohol, addictive behaviors) and at extreme levels, each can become an adulterous act. Because God hates divorce, He joined men and women together for once and always. It would seem reasonable then to expect there would not be an easy way to walk away from the commitment and this writing should not be misconstrued to endorse any form of adultery as an excuse for divorce. It is worth remembering that having the right to do something, does not carry with it the obligation to follow it through. But a full grasp as to the scope of adultery should provide some sense of comfort and understanding to those victimized by it.
Crawfish Etoufee
This is my favorite version of this dish.
To make it, you will need the following ingredients:
2 lbs. peeled crawfish tails (frozen ones do just fine)
2 lg. onions
5 ribs celery
5 toes garlic
1 bell pepper
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. white wine (I prefer to use Pinot Grigio by either Cavitts or Little Black Dress)
2 tbsp. tomato paste
Black pepper
Salt
Tony Chachere seasoning (this has a lot of salt in it - just a caution)
3 c. boiling water
3 tbsp. flour
8 ounces cream cheese
1 bunch green onions
1 stick unsalted butter
This is how I make it:
Total cooking and prep time is about 1:45.
Finely chop the onions, celery, garlic, bell pepper, and green onions.
Set the green onions aside for later.
Heat skillet (I use a covered electric skillet at 300-325).
Lightly brown flour in butter.
Add onions, celery, garlic and bell pepper - salt and pepper.
Saute until onions are translucent.
Add tomato paste and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add water. Cook for 30 minutes.
Add soup (do not dilute), wine, crawfish and green onions.
Add Tony's powder and black pepper to taste.
Cook for another 30 minutes.
Add the cream cheese and reduce heat to a simmer.
Stir and allow the cream cheese to fully incorporate.
This can be served over rice, baked in petit pie shells, or as the filling to crawfish pie.
It is also very good served over slices of buttered toasted french bread, or, as I learned last night, olive oil and black pepper Triscuits.
To make it, you will need the following ingredients:
2 lbs. peeled crawfish tails (frozen ones do just fine)
2 lg. onions
5 ribs celery
5 toes garlic
1 bell pepper
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. white wine (I prefer to use Pinot Grigio by either Cavitts or Little Black Dress)
2 tbsp. tomato paste
Black pepper
Salt
Tony Chachere seasoning (this has a lot of salt in it - just a caution)
3 c. boiling water
3 tbsp. flour
8 ounces cream cheese
1 bunch green onions
1 stick unsalted butter
This is how I make it:
Total cooking and prep time is about 1:45.
Finely chop the onions, celery, garlic, bell pepper, and green onions.
Set the green onions aside for later.
Heat skillet (I use a covered electric skillet at 300-325).
Lightly brown flour in butter.
Add onions, celery, garlic and bell pepper - salt and pepper.
Saute until onions are translucent.
Add tomato paste and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add water. Cook for 30 minutes.
Add soup (do not dilute), wine, crawfish and green onions.
Add Tony's powder and black pepper to taste.
Cook for another 30 minutes.
Add the cream cheese and reduce heat to a simmer.
Stir and allow the cream cheese to fully incorporate.
This can be served over rice, baked in petit pie shells, or as the filling to crawfish pie.
It is also very good served over slices of buttered toasted french bread, or, as I learned last night, olive oil and black pepper Triscuits.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Living in Italy in the late 1970s, this pasta dish was my absolute favorite.
Prep/cooking time: 30-45 minutes Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound spaghetti
8 ounces sliced bacon (cut 1/2-inch segments)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
3 large eggs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup half-and-half (heavy cream works too)
DIRECTIONS:
Bring the eggs to near room temperature. Set a large pot of water to boil (for pasta).
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 12 minutes; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Salt boiling water generously; add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and half-and-half. Set aside.
Drain pasta, leaving some water clinging to it. Working quickly, add hot pasta to egg mixture. Add bacon; season with salt and pepper, and toss all to combine (heat from pasta will cook eggs).
Serve immediately, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese as desired.
Yield: 4 servings
As a final footnote - it does not re-heat well, so, go ahead and stuff yourself.
Prep/cooking time: 30-45 minutes Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound spaghetti
8 ounces sliced bacon (cut 1/2-inch segments)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
3 large eggs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup half-and-half (heavy cream works too)
DIRECTIONS:
Bring the eggs to near room temperature. Set a large pot of water to boil (for pasta).
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 12 minutes; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Salt boiling water generously; add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and half-and-half. Set aside.
Drain pasta, leaving some water clinging to it. Working quickly, add hot pasta to egg mixture. Add bacon; season with salt and pepper, and toss all to combine (heat from pasta will cook eggs).
Serve immediately, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese as desired.
Yield: 4 servings
As a final footnote - it does not re-heat well, so, go ahead and stuff yourself.
Thoughts about fireword
In Proverbs, the wisdom imparted from Soloman instructs us to consider the ways of the ant. Without leader or ruler it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at the harvest. I was reminded of this passage several times over the past few weeks after having a tree felled in the yard. Although still technically living, the tree began to show some signs of decay and internal deterioration over the past few years. To protect my house and that of my neighbor we partnered to have the tree taken down with the intention of converting it to firewood.
It didn't take a long time with the chain saw, even my small one, to realize this was work for which I'd long since become unfamiliar. After many days of cutting, splitting, stacking, and delivering wood to several friends, the job is almost done. The trembling muscles in my forearms served to further remind me of the ever present need to get more exercise. The aches in my back and hands remind me the days of youth are also long passed. Still, while it is much easier to make a telephone call and have firewood delivered and stacked, there is some genuine satisfaction in knowing that through our labor, we're prepared for winter - even a very cold one.
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