Green, Green Glass of Home

It's actually Wednesday, despite what the header says, but the conversation is one I battle daily...

If the contents of my fridge could talk, they would scream, "Save us!" I am trying, really trying to do a better job.

I have way too much plastic in my fridge or used to, that is. Two of my 2012 New Year's resolutions were to use fewer paper towels and less plastic.

Paper towels are pretty much history but the plastic, specifically bags from greens and wrap, are still in use, although lots less and all "eco" plastic when I can find it. But seriously, plastic gives me the creeps...too risky, too many carcinogens waiting to leech out, and too wasteful.

I decided to find my solutions at garage sales...kind of a "green on green" approach. Here is some of the vintage and "repurposed" Pyrex I have found recently.

Greens, especially tender herbs, store really well in glass. Take a look at this wonderful cilantro from the farmers' market. This gorgeous bunch is from Little Rock Urban Farming and it is fabulous! The flavor is a taste trip and looks like not one leaf will go to waste...

Also, I have decided to repackage my granola in glass and my customers really seem to like the switch. It's going to be fun to dress up those jars with simple extras for holiday gifts, too, making them much prettier to give than those plastic tubs!

What are you doing to solve a problem with a greener answer? Whether it is to complete a New Year's resolution or not, do share!

The Child-Mother: Director's Cut

I have to practice things. That is how I quit stuttering. I rehearsed and rehearsed until the fearful became the practiced, the anxious became the calm. And so it is when I travel the last 100 miles to my mom's.

The first 1100 miles are easy, unless I have an epic air travel experience. I get to see my kiddos and visit with them for a precious day or two. And, of course, do my NYC walk abouts. Oh, how I love that city!

Then, I usually take the bus from Manhattan out to Mom or drive. The first 60 miles or so are pure Long Island Expressway. Not much to write about except whenever I pass The Pine Barrens, I always recall that classic episode from The Sopranos. Best episode ever!  Chrissy, Paulie and the ketchup packs. Oh my, I miss Carmela.

At about the 67th mile mark, with a simple fork in the road, I arrive at the North Fork of Long Island and life rolls back 20, 50, 100, 100's of years.  Big box stores and fast food restaurants left behind, I pass by new farms, bi-centenniel farms, some homes built in the 1600's, old churchs and graveyards, farm markets, vineyards, diners, osprey, seagulls, and plenty of kitsch until there, at another fork in the road, is "it"..the first glimpse of the sea. So peaceful.

                                               

The first view of Peconic Bay...

Up until that point, I can do the trip as it happens, unscripted and unpracticed. Even the ferry trip to Shelter Island is OK. I love the ferry ride and must have 100's of pictures of "ferry foam". I wish I could bottle that sound. The crossing is fun because Peconic Bay is an ever changing stage for sea life...fishing boats, sailboats, birds, storms, night lights, fog horns, etc. And I am caught up in it all until I have to disembark on Shelter Island.

Then it hits me. There is no one here to pick me up. Dad and Mom used to come and then just Dad when Mom got so disabled. Now Dad is gone. And so, I start to work on what I have practiced.

Act One:

Scene One: I usually have to schlep my always too heavy stuff up and down hills to my Mom's. It's almost a mile and there is no other way to do it. No matter what the weather. Last February, there was a freak 23 inches of new, unplowed snow on the ground. I only got about half way with all my bags. Exhausted from hauling myself and the suitcases through 2 feet of snow, I left one suitcase in a field. An hour or so later, I regrouped and went back for it and slugged through five more inches of fresh snow. I made an awesome snow angel though. She lasted a week!

Scene Two: I get to the door of my parent's home and again realize, there is no one there to meet me. I have to get the key and let myself in and not look too winded. If I arrive huffing and puffing, Mom will feel bad and immediately launch into her worry mode.

Scene Three: I am in and standing in the foyer. Still out of view from my mom, but out of the corner of my eye, I can see my dad's empty chair and table. His basket of jellies is still there and I half expect him to be, too.  On his table are a pair of my reading glasses I left last visit and a new pile of papers and lists for me to go through.

This is when I have to collect myself and mentally go back over what I have practiced. I can't forget to breathe.  As I round the corner and head into the den, it is like the curtain going up on stage. I hope my face will not betray me. The first sight of my chair-confined mom is always heart-wrenching and I am not quite used to seeing her so disabled and immobile. Is that really my mom? She closely watches that first impression reflected in my face and learns in an instant whether she is "holding her own".  I know this and enter with a smile and a cheerful "Hi Mom! How are ya, sweetie? You look great!" And she does. I am so proud of her.

That is the role I have: delivering hope and confidence, care and companionship, good cheer and comfort. While making a few changes as I morph from child to mom of my mom, like "Hey, Mom, you know feather-y haircut you like so much? It would look great on you!", I am very careful to make decisions that play up her positives while addressing her needs. Ones with a delicate "balance of power" that don't strip her of her dignity, her remaining independence and will to live and that don't make her feel like I am taking over. I am not always sure of the decisions I help her make and like most children, worry that I am doing the best I can for her. 

Surely, it will continue to get easier, as the fearful becomes the practiced, the anxious becomes the calm.

Act 2

She is radiant and wonders if ice cream and a cookie, maybe two, would be a good idea. Absolutely! To the kitchen I go.

Ben and Jerry's New York Chunky Fudge for her and for me, my newest dairy-free treat:

And, hold the cookies. I have some Natural State Granola Bars in my suitcase!

Holy horses...it's First Thursday again!

I am not even unpacked but I am back in the kitchen whipping up some fresh Natural State Granola for First Thursday tonight. Can hardly believe it is here again!

While on my trip, I went to Greenport a couple of times to ride my beloved merry-go-round, only to find that it was closed for repairs. Wouldn't you know it, the day I left, it was up and running. It is a beauty, completely restored with grant money and nestled in a sweet seaside park overlooking beautiful Peconic Bay. Anyway, I did get some good shots from the outside looking in but missed a ride or two and a chance for the brass ring.

This carousel is the inspiration for the logo and essence of Natural State Granola. Right after my dad died, my mom wanted granola from a farmstand that required not only a round-trip ferry ride but a drive of about 40 miles. I attempted this twice and came home without the goods both times. Heavy-hearted and stressed out, I decided a spin on the merry-go round was just what I needed. The other "kids" and their moms didn't quite know what to make of my hopping up on the ponies, but hop I did. Feet in the stirrups, I bobbed up and down with total glee. Fabulous fun...which should be a natural state for everyone and poof...Natural State Granola was born.

I tweaked my recipes from the golden age of granola, the 70's, and decided to make this recipe more heart happy by combining serious nutrition (which most granolas lack) with serious fun. In keeping with the merry-go round, I wanted a carousel of delicious, healthful flavors. Even the tape I use in packaging has a fitting tale...it is made from designs found on vintage feed sacks. Every time I grab a handful, I feel like I am going for a spin on that merry-go round! Better get cooking for tonight...and if you are coming to First Thursday, I will have a couple of other beautiful, handmade surprises...some delicious, some sparkle-y!!  

Eye Candy

There are a few things I need in the morning. Simple things to get me started. A cold, really cold glass of water with a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice, strong, hot coffee, my protein shake and kitchen eye candy. That will usually do it and get me off and running for the day. Awake is good. Energy is good. A new day is good.

Here is some of my favorite kitchen eye candy...a playful mix of fun dishes, vintage orange enamelware...actually, anything orange...an entertaining cookbook, a copper pot rescued from a roadside stand and a hen or rooster with attitude...and, of course, my green table! 

Let's give 'em something to crow about!

I also have been experimenting some with my protein shake. I like using some carrot juice as a switch for some of the water and throwing in a little kale (you are not surprised about that, are you?) or spinach for some morning green, just in case I am out of the powdered greens. Topping it all off with a sprinkle of Natural State Granola makes it just about perfect!

Here is my latest:

3 ice cubes, about 6-7 ounces filtered water or water/carrot juice combo, some berries and/or half a frozen banana, a scoop of "greens" or some kale leaves if I am out and then a generous scoop of the magic protein powder I love. Push blend, pour in a pretty glass, top with a sprinkle of Natural State Granola and sip by sip, all is good...even worked its magic today at 5 a.m!

An Apple a Day...especially for tomorrow!

Tomorrow is a big day...Punxsutawney Phil will let us all know if winter is to continue its march into March or if we will soon see signs of spring. Will he or won't he? Is this good news or bad? I am caught. I dearly love winter's savory root veggies and spring's earthy asparagus and never quite get enough of either one. And that is saying nothing about how I love both winter's snow and spring's first flowers. Anyway you look at it, there could be cause for disappointment and the need for solace as well as the need for celebration. Just in the nick of time, to brace us for whatever verdict comes out of his burrow, my friend, the Divine Ms. M...(you know who you are, girl!) sent this recipe for a comforting treat. She found it in Runner's World magazine and you know, runners are always on the lookout for quick, nutrition and energy dense foods and yippee, this recipe calls for granola, too! The Divine Ms. M is a major fan of Natural State Granola!

To keep things at an energetic pace, the micro is the "baker" of choice in this recipe. In general, I am not a micro fan and so, if you can slow the pace down some, I imagine this could be done in the oven, too...about 350 for 45 minutes. Which apple to use? I love Rome Beauty apples because they bake up just like an individual, sweet and spicy apple pie, but have found them to be scarce this winter, and so use whichever delicious variety you love. Jonagold and Golden Delicious bake well. Red Delicious and MacIntosh don't, although Mac's are my favorite sauce apple. Just remember, if possible, buy organic apples. Non-organic apples are one of the dreaded "Dirty Dozen" and you don't want your treat ruined by chemical residue.

Runner's World "Baked Apples"

Wash one apple per person* well, especially around the stem and blossom areas. Core. Drizzle with honey, cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. Micro for 4 minutes. Fill core with 1 1/2 tablespoons granola (Natural State Granola preferred, of course!)




* I would do 2 per person and pop the other in the 'fridge. Topped with yogurt, it will make a yummy breakfast. This is a fat-free recipe and feel free to add either a little pat of sweet butter or small bit of coconut oil nestled in the core if you want a "richer" treat.