Small Bites…Adventures in Downsizing

By Jan Kinzel

Cup of kindness...wonderful to receive…even more wonderful to give! Kindness comes in many forms. Empathy
and support are a couple of the most welcome. We experienced these full bore as we were in the process of downsizing. Because we were the recipients of much kindness it helps us to be more empathetic and undecrstanding of what our friends who downsize are feeling and needing. In so many respects the changes that downsizing bring are life-changing and not to be underestimated. It’s not very difficult to find ways to offer kindness . Sometimes friends just need a listening ear to hear the feelings they are experiencing in regard to these changes. Often a helping hand with packing and organizing is just the right ‘kindness’ to offer. Downsizing is a huge undertaking and exhausting and a homemade meal can be a real source of help and support and these are just a few ‘cups of kindness’ you may need or can offer. As you are packing up your things let your mind wander to your new living situation and some entertaining you may do after you are settled. Remind yourself of the various ‘cups’ you have and consider re-purposing them.

Espresso Cups
The little mini cups and saucers make a new way to serve an appetizer. Have a pot of hot Tomato Basil Tuscan Soup from the grocery store at the ready. As each guest arrives, offer them a cheery cup of soup as a starter. For fun, float a Cheez-it goldfish on top. The handles and saucers make it very easy to drink the soup while standing and chatting.

Latte Cups
Use these bold oversize coffee cups for a crème brulee. Place the prepared crème in the latte cup. For an Asian fusion twist, hide a couple of mango slices in the bottom. Chill for at least 2 hours . Because the cups can take the heat, the torch can be used to brulee the sugar you put on top of the dessert. You can find recipes for crème brulee on line.

Canning Jars
Did you know you can bake pies and cakes in canning jars? Baking in jars is lots of fun to do and a big surprise to your family or guests when they are served. To make the pies use wide mouth half-pint canning jars, purchased pie crust sheets and canned fruit pie filling – cherry and apple work very well. Line the jar with 1⁄4 of one pastry sheet and save another 1⁄4 for the pie topping.

Fill with 1⁄2 can of pie filling. Be sure to seal the top crust to the edge of the bottom crust, which is sticking up a little past the top of the jar. Cut a little vent in the top crust and brush with an egg wash. Bake according to the pie filling directions. One package of 2 pie crusts and 2 cans of pie filling will make 4 jars of pie.

Use cake mixes for the cakes or bake from scratch. Carrot cake works very well.

Pilsner Glasses
Build a strawberry shortcake dessert in these tall glasses for a beautiful presentation. Toast three inch squares of your favorite pound cake and alternate with cut strawberries sprinkled with a little sugar and whipped cream or Kool Whip. Serve with iced tea spoons. (For more flavorful strawberries, macerate in balsamic vinegar or Grand Marnier before adding to glass.)

8 Ounce Plastic Cups
Instead of presenting crudité on a platter, place a heaping tablespoon of ranch style dressing in the bottom of the cup. Place the veggies standing upright in the cup; carrot and celery sticks, cherry tomatoes on a short skewer, baby romaine leaves, radishes and whatever else you would like to add. People can hold these and visit and their salad becomes finger-food!.

5 Ounce Plastic Cups
Fill each with different colored Jell-O and add a corresponding fruit such as orange with mandarin orange sections, raspberry with fresh raspberries, lime with kiwi slices and Strawberry with strawberries. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or Kool Whip. Set on a white or silver tray for a sparkly dessert. If you have mini-spoons they go nicely with the small cups.

Martini Glasses
At a fancy party I was served a martini glass with a scoop of hot mashed potatoes with a little ‘buffet’ of different toppings that included gravy and sautéed mushrooms; cheese, green onion tops and sour cream and several other creative condiments.

Flutes
Flutes make a perfect container for granola and yogurt parfaits. The variety of combinations of flavors in endless! Serve for breakfast or brunch for a special treat. To make a basic granola mix 3 cups rolled oats, 1 cup slivered almonds, 1/3 cup canola oil and 1⁄2 cup honey. Spread on a sheet pan and bake at 375 degrees until golden brown stirring occasionally. Cool and add any cut dried fruit or golden raisins or dried cranberries.

Tip: Look for creative ways to re-purpose containers you already have on hand. It’s fun!!

“…anyone in Christ is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17