Warning: He’s in the Kitchen, Again!

OK, so I went into a cooking frenzy. (May it turn into a feeding frenzy.) It

proved to be good therapy, and more fun than lying in bed reading all day.  Besides, I wanted to tempt my slowly blossoming appetite with dishes that appeal to my dwindling taste buds at the moment.

JIC, I'd get caught short of needed ingredients, I checked the lists before heading out the door for the injection appointment yesterday morning. Everything was in the house - I was ready to roll.

First up was a “Kitchen Sink Baked Ziti” with bulk Italian sausage, mushrooms, black olives, sliced garlic, and spinach. Took an hour to prepare and another 1.5 hours to bake. The finished product weighed in at over 6 pounds.  Yes, there will be lots of leftovers, but it’s worth it. 

That said, I am careful with leftovers due to my limited senses of smell and taste. If not consumed, things usually get tossed after 3 days in the refrig. Can’t take chances eating foods that are a little off.  This is why I rarely cook in large batches that can’t be frozen - like stews and thick soups. There’s no one to eat it before it goes bad.  This was an exception that I’m happy I made.  (This was not to be Saturday evening's supper, it needs to rest overnight, then be reheated to bring out all the flavors.)

Boiled artichokes for salad came next while the Ziti was baking. The whole heads are now marinating in the refrigerator for the next day or two. A little salt, white pepper, slivered garlic, olive oil and vinegar will suit me just fine. Refreshing for a hot summer day, too. My grandmother used to make this dish and it’s one of those all-time great standby dishes that brings back happy childhood memories. 

I decided I needed something sweet and chocolatey, so I made up a batch of Mocha Walnut Brownies. Using fresh coffee for the liquid base instead of water or milk. Again, the pan weighed a ton and took hours to cool before ready to be sliced and served. 

Supper was seasoned, broiled, boneless thighs with roasted new potatoes with rosemary, and brussel sprouts.  After which, I thoroughly enjoyed one of the now-cooled brownies.  Heavy, yes, but oh so worth the day’s efforts.

I don’t know where all the energy came from, but I’m happier for having it and putting it to good use. The apartment always smells better when something is cooking - more like a real home.  At least to me.

I am looking forward to a Ziti supper tonight with garlic bread and a glass of wine. (What? no Whiskey Sour?) Um, No!

And so it goes.

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