A Very Short Tour of my Kitchen

Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love. 

Craig Claiborne

My son came to spend Sunday afternoon with me. He surprised me the above little gift.  I love when people appreciate my food.  Heck, I love when people appreciate me.

A cook can never have too many spices...especially now with this low-sodium diet.  I'm always looking for ways to spice up my food.  Speaking of spicing up food....

This is my sodium-free meat sauce on Garden Delight Penne Rigate.  Now, I have always loved my pasta.  Pasta and homemade sauce was something my mom really knew how to make.  I just cannot seem to get my sauce to taste like anything.  It is so bland, just like eating plain noodles.  I try and I try and add all kinds of ingredients, but nothing seems to work.  The above was made from...

6 plum tomatoes

1 tbs. no salt tomato paste

garlic powder

basil

oregano

chop meat

olive oil

It smells utterly fantastic, and when I heat it up at work, everyone is full of ooh's and ah's, but it is utterly tasteless.  Anyone have any suggestions?

And finally, hubby found the above oil painting on the street about 18 years ago.  It's a cornucopia, a ceramic jar, and a couple of pears, quite appropriate for this time of the year. It remains an important part of our home.

"A True Home - A roof to keep out the rain. Four walls to keep out the wind. Floors to keep out the cold. Yes, but home is more than that. It is the laugh of a baby, the song of a mother, the strength of a father. Warmth of loving hearts, light from happy eyes, kindness, loyalty, comradeship. Home is first school...for the young ones where they learn what is right, what is good, and what is kind. Where they go for comfort when they are hurt or sick. Where joy is shared and sorrow eased. Where fathers and mothers are respected and loved. Where children are wanted. Where the simplest food is good enough for kings because it is earned. Where money is not so important as loving-kindness. Where even the teakettle sings from happiness. That is home."

Author: Ernestine Schumann-Heink