Full of Goodness

Since falling prey to Covid, cooking has become a form of therapy.

As my husband likes to point out, my brain has indeed become a wee bit foggy. I could blame it on a number of things like ‘the change’, or just the fact that I am undeniably, aging. But today, I will blame it on Covid.

Yesterday I was definitely walking around in a bit of a daze. Two of my girlies were coming over and I decided that I was going to prepare a delectable meal. Sergio was of course out of commission, it being Father’s Day and all but, all was good….I had everything under control 🙂

You may wonder why I would volunteer to cook for my husband, when he’s obviously not my father. I invariably jump at the opportunity to show off my culinary skills and yesterday was no different 🙂

Here’s how things unfolded ….

Step 1 – Go to the General Store to pick up a few items. I get to the cash and have forgotten the vanilla ice cream. I run to the freezer and grab a container. I can’t help but notice that the young cashier isn’t being all that friendly but, I let it go:) Or did I ? I get into the car, drive home and have decided in my mind that she forgot to put my ice cream in the bag. I enter the house and tell my daughter that I have to return to the store, to get my ice cream. I explain to her that the girl, hadn’t seem all that with it so, I had to go back and reclaim what was rightfully mine. Receipt in hand, I go to the cash and explain to the girl what has happened. She looks around and says that no ice cream was left behind. I must admit I pulled a “Karen” – have you ever seen the video clip on YouTube ?? Sometimes I hesitate to share my name when someone asks. I was not leaving the store without my ice cream. She finally gives in and tells me to go get a new one. As I’m leaving the premises, she gives me a look and I say “I have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars here over the years ” in other words….deal with it ! I will be returning the ice cream today – my daughter found it right after I left for the store. Went to call me on my cell but of course, I had left it behind !

Step 2 – Make the lemon bars. How hard can it be ? As I read the recipe, I notice that you are supposed to freeze them for 3 hours and then refrigerate for 3 hours. Why don’t they write that at the beginning of the recipe in large bold print ?? No worries. I’ll make it work. I follow all of the steps. Pour the lemon overtop of the cookie crust and place the pan into the freezer. Time to clean up. Notice the bowl with the lemon starch mixture (main ingredient) sitting on the counter. WTF. In the end, one of my daughters came to my rescue and saved the squares. They actually turned out beautifully. Tasted great with a glob of ice cream and raspberries on top . Maybe a bit sour ….extra maple syrup wouldn’t hurt ?
Vegan-strawberry-lemonade-bars I made the original recipe from the Blissful Basil cook book (exact same ingredients, minus the strawberries)

Step 3 – Marinade the chicken ( olive oil, lemon, garlic, shallots, red chilli flakes, salt and pepper, maple syrup, a splash of Champagne vinegar )

Step 4 – Hmmmm salad . Hadn’t really thought that through. Checked the fridge and came up with this …

Closest resemblance I could find minus the shrimp and blueberries !

Salad :

Greens, chopped green onions ( fresh from Juniper farm ), toasted pine nuts ( I almost forgot them on the stove so they were a wee bit darker than usual) , diced watermelon, crumbled vegan feta

Vinaigrette :

1/4 cup camelina oil; crushed garlic; juice of one grapefruit; chilli flakes; 1 -2 tsp honey; 1 TBSP Champagne vinegar; salt and pepper to taste

Step 4 : Roasted Potatoes

If you’re looking for a quick and painless side dish , baby potatoes are the best !

Preheat oven to 425 – smother the potatoes with olive oil , a touch of salt and pepper and roast for 30- 40 minutes . Presto – delicious 🙂

So there you have it . Father’s Day BBQ a la Karine .

Not too bad, all things considered 🙂

K