Small Bites … More Adventures in Downsizing

Jan Kinzel

 

Life is good is the logo on casual clothing designed by two brothers. Their story is fun and refreshing. For the full story go to the LIFE IS GOOD web site and look under history. What I like best are the whimsy and simplicity of the designs and the optimistic messages. People of all ages and sizes can enjoy wearing them–and they make wonderful grandkid gifts. Who doesn’t love a nice comfortable t‐shirt?!  In our church, Pastor proclaims, “God is good;” and we respond, “all the time!” God is good all the time! Good times are precious, and haven’t you noticed how much more they are treasured as we age? Seems like many of our good times are enjoyed sharing good food around the table.

Here are some ‘good food’ recipes. The first two recipes are easily adapted for larger gatherings; but the amounts given here are just perfect for downsized living!

Really Good Chicken Salad with Red Grapes and Blue Cheese

8 oz. medium shell macaroni
4 cups red seedless grapes, sliced in half
½ cup green onion, sliced
½ cup celery, chopped
4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups grilled chicken breast, chopped
½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped

Cook and chill pasta. Mix together pasta, grapes, onion and celery. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, blue cheese, garlic and lemon juice. Blend into pasta mixture along with chicken and pecans. Chill and serve on red lettuce leaves or family style in a pretty bowl.

Really Good Clam Linguine with Fresh Herbs

2 packages fresh linguini noodles
2 cans of fancy minced clams with juice plus
1 bottle of clam juice
2 sticks unsalted butter
¼ cup vermouth or other dry white wine (this may be omitted)
4 cloves garlic
2 green onions
Fresh basil, flat leaf parsley, half a bunch each
Salt and pepper
Paprika

In food processer, chop the herbs, onions and garlic by pulsing. Drain clam juice along with bottle of clam juice and place in a saucepan. Add butter and heat to melt the butter. Add the wine and clams and bring to a boil. Season with ¾ teaspoon salt and teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the fresh herbs and garlic and reduce heat to simmer. Meanwhile, cook the linguini in salted water according to package directions. Drain and place in large pasta bowl or platter with sides. Pour clams and sauce over the pasta. Broth will sink to the bottom leaving the beautiful mixture of clams and herbs on top. Sprinkle a little fancy paprika over the top and garnish with sprigs of parsley and a small bouquet of basil leaves.

Really Good Carrot Cake

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 1/3 teaspoon baking soda
1 ¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder

Combine dry ingredients by sifting together into a mixer bowl.

8¾ oz. can crushed pineapple, drain and set syrup aside
2 eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups canola oil
1 tablespoon vanilla

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add pineapple syrup, eggs, oil and vanilla. Mix thoroughly. By hand, stir in 2 cups grated carrots and 1 ½ cups broken pecans along with the  pineapple. Turn batter into a greased 10 inch tube pan. (Line pan with waxed paper for better removal.) Bake at 325 degrees for 1 ½ hours or until the knife comes out clean. To keep cake moist, place a tray of hot water on the bottom shelf during baking.

Sauce:
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
¼ cup butter
½ cup light Karo syrup
½ cup light cream

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 tablespoon rum. (Rum may be omitted.) Ladle warm sauce over slices of warm Carrot Cake. Top with a small dollop of sweetened whipped cream.

 

Tip: The brothers say their mission is to spread the power of optimism”.

…whatever things are of good report…meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8