Category: Cooking

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Finding the Right Recipe

I’m going to bake a pie this morning.  I found some nice rhubarb at Foodlion the other day and will pair it with some blueberries.  I’ve never made a “Blue-barb” pie before but I think it will be delicious.

I enjoy making pies.  I’ve learned that the key to a good pie is the crust.  Years ago I found the one pie crust recipe that works for me in the Joy of Cooking.  I find it just about fool proof but no doubt others have their preferred recipe, including buying the ready made crust at the grocery store.  Pie making shouldn’t be a hastle, it should be a thing of joy.

This page really reflects its “go to” status!

Finding the right recipe is key in any endeavor.  My move to Ruckersville has allowed me to clean my pantry so to speak and begin to selectively collect and add the ingredients for a recipe for a new life.  Naturally I kept my spices, the key elements of my core values and personality but I have attempted to restrain my willingness to jump into any project without first considering whether I am the right person for the job.  I’ve tossed the idea that “if I don’t do it, nobody will.”  If it’s really important, somebody else will.

By allowing myself the time to observe and wait for the Spirit to lead me, I have discovered a pattern in the events around me leading me in the direction of service.  It is still not clear where this path will take me but I am excited by the prospects.  In the past few week opportunities to work with Habitat for Humanity, the Greene Alliance pf Church/Community Efforts (GRACE) and my own parish, Shepherd of the Hills have crossed my path.  Each offers service opportunities and oddly, they all potentially overlap in their efforts in our small county.

I’m excited by what I see ahead of me, whatever it is.  I still need to be patient, to let the possibilities unfold before me.  And, since I have the time, I guess I’ll go get started on that pie.

Yummy rhubarb pie I made last summer to take to Vanya and Dave’s.

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The Magic of Tupperware

I spent most of yesterday in the kitchen measuring, chopping, dicing, beating, baking and cooking preparing a meal for people I didn’t even know.   Such is the life of the corporate housewife.  (Can you picture me in my frilly apron, my sweaty brow smeared with flour?)  Dave wanted to welcome a couple who were relocating to the C’ville area.  Having made so many moves ourselves, we know what a difference it makes when someone takes the time to help you settle in so we in turn, do the same.

My first task was to choose a menu.  I dove into my cookbooks and then onto the web to find the perfect recipes eventually deciding on a honey lime pork tenderloin with mango salsa and rice pilaf.  For dessert I chose a cream cheese pound cake from Southern Living.  Easy enough, right?  Thanksgiving dinner looks easy enough on paper too.  But, when the pantry and frig  doors  open and all the ingredients are strewn across the counter and the actually preparation begins, time quickens to warp speed until you realize that you’ve spent most of the day on your feet, there is still much to be done and the house is not quite as you would wish it to look. Whew!

I’ve discovered that the best weapon in my arsenal to handle these three ring circus meals is Tupperware.  Yes, Tupperware.  With my arsenal of brightly colored bowls and gadgets, I can prep my ingredients and keep them organized for each step in the cooking process all the way to serving.  I never really realized how much I depend on these treasures until at one point yesterday I surveyed my counter and there were no less than a dozen Tupperware products in use.  I had bowls with burping lids, choppers, measuring cups and spoons, a citrus juicer and pitcher in a kaleidoscope of colors containing  the lime juice, mango, peaches, raspberries, peppers, carrots, celery, onions and garlic ready for action.  How did this happen that so many items purchased at parties throughout the years could be gathered to work in concert towards one end?  I don’t know.  I do know that yesterday I was able to justify all those bits of plastic that fall so clumsily from me cupboards when least expected!

As for the dinner itself, the food was tasty and the couple who entered my front door as strangers left as friends making the hours of toil and today’s aching muscles well worth the effort.

PS.  This has been an uncompensated endorsement of Tupperware.  Thanks to all of you Tupperware Ladies who have through the years carted your station wagons and minivans laden with your wares from house to house to share the marvels of the magic burping bowls.  I couldn’t have done it without you!