My journey as The Hungry Mother began simply...a skillet, simple ingredients and love.
When I was abusing substances, healthy instincts flew out the window. Consequences were ignored, taking crazy risks to get what I needed. Arriving at early sobriety with shaky instincts and less-than-zero intuition ate away at my confidence with every decision. As a single parent in early recovery, a zillion questions swirled in my head, it was torture…I had to re-calibrate ASAP. The daily ritual of cooking saved me.
Cooking informs all of our senses—--smell, touch, taste, sight. Is it fresh, needs a dash of salt, or more time in the oven, are the portions right? That's how it started for me, slow and simple, by trusting my judgment in the kitchen.
Hmmm, let me check this loaf to see if done, what a concept!
RECIPE
Carmelize all kinds of vegetables into a distinctive toasted treat. The natural sugar found in
vegetables, roasted on a sheet pan, gives off a hint of nuttiness, almost a buttery creaminess. Use any combination of sturdy vegetables- carrots, brussel sprouts, sweet potato, cauliflower, parsnip, radish, onions, beets or whatever is at the bottom of the refrigerator. Dips and dressings; simple ingredients and techniques brighten any vegetable dish— especially for fussy eaters. Grains take minimal effort; couscous, brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, and farro, add bulk to any vegetable dish.
INGREDIENTS
Roasted vegetables: 3 lbs assorted root vegetables, 3-4 tbsp oil (olive, avocado, grapeseed) dash of salt/ pepper, fresh herbs (chopped) thyme, rosemary.
DIRECTIONS
Roasted Vegetables: Wash, trim, peel, and cut into pieces roughly the same size (1-2 inch
chunks). Preheat oven to 400. In a large mixing bowl add oil, salt, pepper, garlic (optional)
smoked paprika, or any other spice you fancy. Toss all the vegetables into the same large bowl and mix to evenly coat. Fit parchment paper onto the sheet pan. Place chunks, flat side down in a single layer on the sheet pan. When roasting on high heat, 400-425, oven temperatures can vary, check frequently to avoid burnt offerings. For added crunch, briefly turn on the broiler for 5 minutes.
PEARL BARLEY
Bring 3 cups water or broth to boil, add 1 cup barley. Cover and reduce heat to simmer, for 30 minutes. Check texture, don't overcook, it can get mushy.
YOGURT DIP
1 cup yogurt (whole milk is best), juice from half a lemon, a few tablespoons of honey, and a dash of your favorite seasonings. Feel free to add a few tablespoons of sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, or whatever is on hand…uber creaminess. Blend well until smooth.
BOOST IT
For a culinary adventure, add a whole head of garlic to the sheet pan of vegetables. Cut off the top ¼ , no need to peel or chop. Drip some oil on the top, place cut side down, and roast on the same sheet pan. When cool, squeeze the golden cloves into the yogurt dip and blend in a food processor. Feel free to add any fresh chopped herbs on hand (basil, parsley or chives). PROTEIN BOOST: In the freezer, always stock of easy-to-cook proteins; turkey, chicken, or meat sausage.
KIDS PLAY
Make room and time for children to help, an opportunity to reconnect as a sober mom. Maybe it's easier and quicker to do it ourselves but the kitchen is perfect for bonding. From washing vegetables, collecting the scrapings, mixing the yogurt dip, or just setting the table—-15 minutes a few times a week is a sweet treat for all!
Relevant Articles & Links:
● The Sheet Pan Is My Best Friend Food & Wine 10/28/22
● Kid-Friendly Kitchen Utensils…Amazon
● Keep on Cooking (Recovery tips) …The Chicago School Bulletin 10/31/17
Join us with your comments and keep on cooking!
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