Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Flower Power 2.0

The hippies were right. 

In many ways, both consequential and insignificant. 

In the 60s there was a movement started by women, mostly mothers of boys btw (go, team!), of non violent resistance at the time to the Vietnam War. Ultimately it evolved into so much more than that, it became about civil rights, and passive resistance in general. It was about empowerment through peace and love. And it caught on, in a really big way.

I could write a whole blog post (and maybe I will) about the correlation between what they marched for back then, and the cause that's taken people to the streets in the present. I could also write a whole blog post (and maybe I will) about the power of a certain flower partaken of back then and the movement to legalize it now. But those are subjects for another day. 

True story: a cousin of mine (I think 3 times removed, but I may be wrong about that) created an iconic graphic back in the 60s. It was simple, a sunflower, with the words "War is not healthy for children and other living things". Perhaps you've heard of it? She later donated the rights to her design to a pacifist group, Another Mother for Peace.  

Flower Power, the ability to make you smile | Picture taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com



In the era of Flower Power, the flower was meant to symbolize hope.

In the era of the pandemic, I've been celebrating the power of the flower, just by virtue of their soothing beauty, to elicit a smile. A sort of present day "Flower Power 2.0", if you will.

It's not that I didn't know that flowers could make me smile, it's just how amplified that simple need became while I was stuck at home. 

I first realized it on the first weekend of May. I have 4 pots that I fill with flowers every year when we're pretty much guaranteed the threat of overnight frost is gone. For as long as I can remember, I've done it, and I've done it then. For me, it's a symbol that we've made it through winter. I look at those flower pots, in the front of the house and on the back deck and yes, I smile.


Flower Power, the ability to make you smile | Picture taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com


This year that ritual was threatened, and it made me sadder than I'd thought it could. 

I live in a state where there never was a stay at home order, where stores had to take it on themselves to limit shoppers, post signs saying masks are required, and labeling aisles either up or down. I also live in a state where people did not wear masks, ignored the aisle labels and seemed to go out of their way to approach those of us attempting to social distance. It was every woman for herself. On the first Friday of May, when I went to a few stores that carry flowers, I could see they were packed, people weren't wearing masks or social distancing, I would not go in. I went home, dejected.

On Monday it was pouring. I knew that most local stores that sell flowers present them primarily outside and even those inside are not under a substantial roof, but leaky tarp. Would I? Could I? I drove down to Lowe's with my gloves and mask and saw almost no one flower shopping. I'd get completely soaked, but I could do it. Sloshing, sopping wet, with rain literally dripping into my eyes I made my choices and filled my cart and felt exceedingly lucky (don't ask me about what happened when I checked out, though).

I filled those pots and I smiled.

Flower Power, the ability to make you smile | Picture taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com


A few weeks later on Mother's day, I was treated to the power of flowers again. Twice.

Flower Power, the ability to make you smile | Picture taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com

Completely different looks. Same smile.

Flower Power, the ability to make you smile | Picture taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com
I have lilacs in my yard, but because of their location they bloom late. In the meantime, one of my neighbors always brings me some of hers.

Flower Power, the ability to make you smile | Picture taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com


Then mine bloom.

Flower Power, the ability to make you smile | Picture taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com

Followed by my Azalias.

Flower Power, the ability to make you smile | Picture taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com

Anticipation is building for the upcoming bloom of my Day Lillies.

Flower Power, the ability to make you smile | Picture taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com




I see, I smell, I smile.

Of course, I have to mention that in my world there's another kind of flower flour that has power too. That same power, coincidentally, to bring a smile to your face.
Orange Blueberry Bundt Cake, full of fruit flavor, this cake is studded with blueberries and mandarin oranges, and is drizzled with an orange topping. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #bake #cake

Orange Blueberry Bundt Cake
Orange Blueberry Bundt Cake, full of fruit flavor, this cake is studded with blueberries and mandarin oranges, and is drizzled with an orange topping. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #bake #cake


Wishing you peace and love. And hope and flowers. Oh, and cake.


Baking In A Tornado signature | www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics




Orange Blueberry Bundt Cake 
                                                       ©www.BakingInATornado.com

Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
3 TBSP blueberry jam or sugar free blueberry jam
3 TBSP orange marmalade
2 TBSP water, divided
1 box white cake mix
1 cup orange juice
1/3 cup canola oil
3 eggs
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup canned mandarin orange segments, drained and cut in half

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 TBSP orange juice
1 TBSP orange marmalade

Directions:
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a bundt pan.

*Whisk together the blueberry jam, 3 TBSP orange marmalade and water. Set aside.
*Beat the cake mix, 1 cup of orange juice, canola oil and eggs for 2 minutes, then mix in the blueberries and mandarin orange segments.
*Spread about half of the batter into the prepared pan, drizzle with about 1/2 of the jam/marmalade and water mixture (staying away from the edges of the pan), swirl in with a toothpick and repeat with remaining batter and jam.
*Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center springs back to the touch. Cool in bundt pan for 10 minutes, run a knife around the edges and remove to cool completely.
*Once the cake is completely cooled, mix together the remaining orange juice and the remaining orange marmalade. Whisk in the powdered sugar. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Friday, June 26, 2020

It's Time: Funny Friday

Today’s post is this month’s Funny Friday, a regular feature published on the last Friday of every month. Funny Friday is a collaborative project. Each month one of the participants submits a picture, then we all write 5 captions or thoughts inspired by that month’s picture. Links to the other bloggers’ posts are below, click on them and see what they’ve come up with. I hope we bring a smile to your face as you start your weekend.


Funny Friday:a multi-blogger challenge: one picture, five captions,  | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics

Here's today's picture. It was submitted by Me!

Funny Friday, a multi blogger picture captioning challenge | Picture taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com | #funny #laugh



1. Sing that Chicago song along with me: Does anybody really know what time it is . . . does anybody really care?

2. Husband: The face of that clock is on wrong.
Wife: No it's not, tilt your head, you're just looking at it wrong.


3. Friend (looking at the clock): Ummm, nice clock?
Woman: I'm calling it a piece of contemporary art.
Friend: OK?
Woman: That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

4.Husband: It's time.
Wife: Time for what?
Husband: Time to get a new clock.

5. Child: Look mom, I made you a clock.
Mom: It's beautiful, thank you.
Child: Can you set it to the right time?
Mom: You know what, we should let dad do that.

And now for something yummy: 


Apple Bourbon Mini Muffins are juice and apple bourbon flavored pop in your mouth bites studded with fresh apple and chopped walnuts. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #bake #apple

Apple Bourbon Mini Muffins 
Apple Bourbon Mini Muffins are juice and apple bourbon flavored pop in your mouth bites studded with fresh apple and chopped walnuts. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #bake #apple



Click on the links below and let some other bloggers make you smile: 

Southern Belle Charm 
Follow Me Home 


Baking In A Tornado signature/logo | www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


Apple Bourbon Mini Muffins       
                                                       ©www.BakingInATornado.com

Printable Recipe

Ingredients (makes 36):
1/2 medium sized apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped
1 TBSP brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon 
2 cups flour 
3/4 cup sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp apple pie seasoning
1 egg
1/2 cup canola oil 
1/2 cup Jim Beam Apple, divided
1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
*Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place mini cupcake papers in 36 mini cupcake pan wells or grease the wells.
*In a small bowl, coat the chopped apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 TBSP of the Jim Beam Apple. Set aside.
*In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and apple pie seasoning.
*In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, oil, remaining Jim Beam Apple, and the apple juice.
*Mix the wet ingredients into the dry just until incorporated, then fold in the coated apples and walnuts.
*Spoon about 1 TBSP batter into each prepared tin.
*Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the centers of the top spring back to the touch. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the cups.

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Celebrate Pink with Pineapple Raspberry Sheet Cake

Sometimes the stars align.

And then sometimes they don't. 

Profound, I know.

I bet you know that we've all had our entire lives turned upside down for months, mostly staying home, away from our jobs, friends, daily activities, and even our families. We've done it together, yet diametrically apart in more ways than one. With no assistance or direction from the federal government, we've been at the mercy of the politics of local politicians. It's seemed as though, on top of our fears and uncertainty, we are further traumatized by the deep divide between us, both in our communities and our country. A complete misalignment on so many levels.

But for this post, this one little corner of my personal world, the stars did align. And it actually made me happy, happier than it should, happier than it normally would.

Celebrating National Pink Day | Graphic created by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics #women



When I was looking around the internet for a purpose for today's post, National Pink Day caught my eye. I don't need to tell you that the color has historically been associated with women. Not because I am one, but let me just say that I've been impressed with how I've seen my fellow humans of the female persuasion step up to the plate during this covid-19 nightmare.


So when I stumbled on this obscure holiday, I saw it as the stars starting to align, thought it the perfect vehicle for commending us all. I'm not saying that many men have not done their part, I'm sure that's true. Most of what I've seen though, is men adapting and women being proactive. We have taken control of our families in every way. We've adjusted to having our family members home 24/7, controlled our shopping lists and in many cases have made a week's supply of food last for two, kept everyone busy, fed, educated, amused and safe. All without any personal time or space (just look at my fingernails if you need proof). We've maintained connections with those we care about who are not with us physically. We've held it all together when those around us fell apart, supporting each other through waves of anxiety and fear, been the strength and the backbone of our families on an amplified level and under as much stress as everyone else.

And so much more. Many women are working, plenty of them would rather not, preferring to stay home and safe. Others are working at home, juggling it all. We're volunteering and helping, both physically and emotionally. 

And yes, we're stress baking for our families. And stress eating because it's there. 



Pineapple Raspberry Sheet Cake recipe, these fruit flavors are like summer in a cake. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #cake

Pineapple Raspberry Sheet Cake
Pineapple Raspberry Sheet Cake recipe, these fruit flavors are like summer in a cake. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #cake


If ever there was a time to celebrate pink, this is it.


I want to take this National Pink Day opportunity to acknowledge all of the women in my life who've taken the time to make a difference in my day. No gesture is small at a time like this, they're all big. It has truly mattered.

I've made some meaningful friendships through blogging and there have been days, especially this past month, when these are the people who have lifted me up. I've been supported not only by their standing firmly by my side when I've needed them, but by just making me laugh, or think, sometimes both at once. 

I mentioned in a post last month called True Colors, my friend Lisa who was making masks and dropped some off at our house for us. I didn't know that she was doing it, but I wasn't surprised. A few weeks later I heard the doorbell ring. I was frustrated not only by the number of sales people who had been coming to the house, but because I had to run and put a bra on before I opened the door, less than enthused. There, in the door was a flyer for a lawn service. Grrr.

A few minutes later I got a text. It was from Lisa telling me there was something on the table on my front porch. Turns out, although there was a flyer in my door, it was Lisa who had rung the bell, and she'd left some beautiful lilacs for me. I love them and she knows it. They made me smile.

Lilacs | Picture taken by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com


Another step in the alignment of the stars, all that stress baking had come in handy. That morning I'd tried a new recipe, Pineapple Raspberry Sheet Cake. I hadn't even cut into it yet, but I sliced two big pieces and put them in a pan for Lisa and her husband. I took them up to their house and stood back to talk to her a bit before heading back home.

When I got home, I saw that I had missed a text from Lisa. Huh? Wasn't I just with her ten seconds ago? The text said "Omg. Amazing Cake! We are inhaling it and you probably aren't even home yet!"

She had made me smile. I had made her smile. In small, but not inconsequential, ways, women supporting women. As coronavirus days go, that one was a success.

And that new recipe? It was pink. Stars aligned.


Before you go, click on the links below to see how some of my friends are celebrating pink:

Tamara of Part-time Working Hockey mom shares Pink is the New Black.
Diane of On the Border shares Mimi.




Baking In A Tornado signature | www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics





Pineapple Raspberry Sheet Cake
                                                         ©www.BakingInATornado.com


Ingredients:
3 TBSP raspberry jam or sugar free raspberry jam
1 TBSP raspberry liqueur (can substitute water)
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup canola oil
3 eggs
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, drained (reserve juice)
1/2 cup raspberries, chopped

reserved pineapple juice

1 stick butter, softened (can substitute 1 cup Earth Balance buttery spread)
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp raspberry extract
2 TBSP raspberry liqueur (can omit)
OPT: 1 drop red food coloring

Directions:
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 X 13 baking pan.
*Whisk together the raspberry jam and 1 TBSP of the raspberry liqueur or water. Set aside.
*Beat the cake mix, 1 cup of pineapple juice, canola oil and eggs for 2 minutes.
*Mix in the crushed pineapple, then fold in the raspberries. Spread about half of the batter into the prepared pan, drizzle with about 1/2 of the raspberry jam mixture, swirl in with a toothpick and repeat with the remaining batter and jam.
*Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the center springs back to the touch. Cool completely.
*Pierce the completely cooled cake all over with a fork and pour the pineapple juice reserved from the can over the cake an allow to soak in.
*Beat the butter or butter substitute with the powdered sugar, raspberry extract, 2 TBSP raspberry liqueur (if using) and food coloring (if using) and spread over the cake.
 

Friday, June 19, 2020

Good Beer, Bad Beer: Fly on the Wall

Welcome to a monthly Fly on the Wall group post. Today 4 bloggers are inviting you to catch a glimpse of what you’d see if you were a fly on the wall in our homes. Come on in and buzz around my house. At the end of my post you’ll find links to this month’s other participants’ posts.

Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


Father's Day is Sunday. Again.

We are still, other than for essentials, staying home. Father's Day was going to be interesting between not having PurDude here and Hubs' restricted diet, but I intended to make it a good one. Since he was craving burgers, I decided to try making him a turkey burger (watch for the recipe coming up soon) and my Smoky Slaw. I even came up with a dessert recipe that, if it worked out, he could eat. 

I talked with both boys to be sure they'd check in with their dad and was ready to celebrate Father's Day as best we could. Which we did. It was a success.

Two days later, I looked at my calendar and my mouth fell open. Father's Day wasn't last week, it's this week.

Coincidentally, that could solve the mystery of why I wasn't seeing Father's Day posts all over FB last week.


Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


I had made a new recipe, a cocktail. It was actually kind of strong, but I was confident that I wasn't suffering any effects so I went ahead and made a second new recipe I had planned for that day.

I got the second recipe, fish, cooked, photographed, edited and into the blog draft. I was pretty proud of myself, I'd gotten a lot done.

The next day I went into the draft to look at the fish recipe. It was my Almond Coated Honey Mustard Pollock. Good thing I checked, I'd written up the recipe calling it "Almost Coated Honey Mustard Pollock". Yup, that cocktail didn't affect me at all.


Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


All while we we've been staying in our homes, I check in with PurDude daily. I need to know how he's doing, but on one particular day I had to tell him that his dad had done his taxes and he owed quite a lot to one of the states (because he moved, he had to file federal and two states) but I was going to pay that one for him.

Originally I had encouraged him to go for walks, because Boulder being in the foothills, there are gorgeous views everywhere and trails very near his house. But, as I said last month, when I started hearing about a number of instances of mountain lions being seen in and around Boulder, I stopped.

Me: It's gotten really warm out, I love being able to go out on the deck and sit in the sun.
PurDude: Too bad you can't go out and do anything. It's nice out here too.
Me: Stay away from those mountain lions.
PurDude: Maybe. I'll let you know if they eat me.
Me: Well then let me know before I mail out that huge check for your taxes.



Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


When Hubs' gallbladder acted up, I cut all red meat out of our diet. I didn't think I was missing it at all. Until I was texting with PurDude about the connections I make through blogging:

Me: Really, I just love the people I get to meat.
PurDude: Meat?
Me: I think I need a burger . . .


Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


I have beer in the fridge in the kitchen that I use for cooking and baking (I don't drink beer, don't like it). At the time, it was Sam Adams. Hubs has beer in the fridge in the basement that he drinks so I can keep mine for recipes. His, at the moment, is Heineken.

I was going to try a new recipe using a beer, but I was worried because mine had been around a while.

Me: I think I need to get rid of the 2 beers left in the fridge, it's been there for a few months.
Hubs: I can try it and see, if it's not OK, I'll bring you a Heineken.

Hubs tries the beer. Says not to use it, but takes it down to the man cave and drinks it. OK, I'm suspicious.

He comes back up with a Heineken, puts it in the fridge, takes the other Sam Adams, opens it and takes it down to the man cave. 

I think the guy just scammed me. Traded my last 2 beers for one of his. That's what happened, right? 



Maple Oatmeal Beer Bread is a quick bread made with low sugar, low fat and no eggs. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #bake

Maple Oatmeal Beer Bread
Maple Oatmeal Beer Bread is a quick bread made with low sugar, low fat and no eggs. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #bake



Another day stuck in, another cocktail. In an effort to get more fruits into Hubs, I made us a big batch of smoothies. Because of the aforementioned "stuck in" thing, I decided to add some Jim Beam Apple to mine.

Hubs: This smoothie is really good.
Me: I know, mine's really good too.
Hubs: Isn't yours the same as mine?
Me: No, I added some Jim Beam Apple to mine. And BTW, cooking dinner may be interesting tonight.

Hubs: How many shots of bourbon did you put in yours?
Me: IDK, I just filled up the rest of the glass, that's how you're supposed to do it, right?
Hubs (walking away mumbling under his breath): Wonder what nearby restaurants are doing take out.

Me (thinking to myself): Well if that's all it takes to get out of making dinner, we're having smoothies every day.


Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


As I said, I needed a burger so I decided to make them for dinner. I'd made Hubs a Grilled Chickpea Burger (which he loved, yay!) because I still wasn't giving him red meats, and College Boy and I were having sirloin burgers. I'd made a fruit salad, but was looking for something to replace the french fries or onion rings I'd normally serve. 

Me: I wonder if I can do something with these frozen shredded potatoes.
Hubs: What would you normally do?
Me: Either fry them, which I can't do for you, or I use them in my Hot and Spicy Potato Casserole but they have cheese and sour cream, you can't have that either.

Hubs: Oh.
Me: I wonder if I can figure out a way to mix them with ingredients that won't add fat and bake them.
Hubs: That sounds good, like just mix them with water.
Me: Water?

Hubs: Well, I don't cook.
Me: And clearly you never should.



Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics


Towards the end of last month I was reading an article about a ski area, not too far from PurDude that was going to begin to open. I texted him immediately.

Me: Did you hear that Arapahoe is opening tomorrow? They're only letting a limited number of people in so you have to have a reservation, wear a face mask at all times, and social distance.
My Nephew in Boston: Hi Aunty Karen, was this maybe meant for PurDude? Arapahoe is a little far for me.

Yeah, I sent that PM to the wrong person.


Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics

Somewhere there's a marketing exec who's clearly overly stressed.

I play Sudoku on my ipad pretty much every day. There's a daily game offered, they pick the level, usually from "medium" to "expert" and I challenge myself to play it each morning.

Because I have the free version of the app, there is a daily 30 second ad for another game app that I sit through before I get credit for winning the game. Each day I watch the little commercial which shows how to play the game they're advertising, then it ends with an enticement, like "you'll be addicted" or "great brain exercise" or "meet the challenge". 

I was watching one of these ads, when, there at the end, was the coup de gras, the closer, the one statement that they were sure would sell me: "best toilet game ever".


Fly on the Wall, a multi-blogger writing challenge | developed and run by www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics

I'm going to leave you with a laugh. Saw this on twitter and all I could think was "you just can't fix stupid."


Funny tweet exchange | Featured on www.BakingInATornado.com

'Til next month, friends.

Now click on the links below for a peek into some other homes:

Never Ever Give Up Hope  
Menopausal Mother 
Spatulas on Parade 




Baking In A Tornado signature | www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics






Maple Oatmeal Beer Bread
                                                                       ©www.BakingInATornado.com

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups flour
2/3 cup quick oats
3 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup canola oil
1 (12 oz) bottle of beer (be sure not to use a more bitter beer, lagers are less bitter)

Directions:
*Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9 X 5 loaf pan.
*In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking powder and salt.
*In a small bowl, mix in the maple syrup and oil.
*Whisk the maple syrup mixture and the beer into the large bowl.
*Pour evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 30 - 40 minutes or until the center of the top springs back to the touch. 
*Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before running a knife around the edges and removing to cool completely.


Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Food Woes: Word Counters

Counting my words again. 

Today my fellow Word Counters and I are sharing our monthly group post. The bloggers who are joining me this time all picked a number between 12 and 74 and sent it to me. I gave the numbers out as assignments to other bloggers who are then challenged to write something (or a few somethings, as the case may be) using that exact number of words. Today we all share what we came up with. 


Word Counters, a multiblogger writing challenge | Developed, run by and graphic property of www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics



I got the number 52. It was submitted by Diane of On the Border.

As I've been doing in these Word Counters posts, I've chosen a theme and am using my word count multiple times in keeping with the theme. This month I've chosen the theme Food Woes.

~ We've all been through a frightening time. For me, it was made worse by living in a state that never issued a stay at home order. And although stores had safety requirements, many customers didn't wear masks or gloves, forcing me to relinquish those places to them and order most groceries online.

~ I can't order (some) groceries online. A random stranger can choose packaged foods, but fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins? Hell no. I tried, I really did, but was miserable with what I got and ended up driving fifteen miles west to a rural store with fewer customers to happily make those choices.


Chicken and Mashed Potato Casserole, choose your poultry, vegetable and cheese, sandwiched between layers of mashed potato.| Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #dinner

Chicken and Mashed Potato Casserole 
Chicken and Mashed Potato Casserole, choose your poultry, vegetable and cheese, sandwiched between layers of mashed potato.| Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #dinner


~ Then there was Hubs. No sooner did I have what groceries I needed, in the house and had committed to not going to a store again for at least two weeks, he had a medical issue that required completely changing his diet. Really? Right now? Guess I just needed a bigger challenge.

~ And PurDude, living eight hours from mom's cuisine who can't even make a sandwich because it's too much cooking. I may be exaggerating, but not by much. He's had a service deliver five meals a week, but knowing he was getting take out for the rest was an added stressor. Thanks, kid.

~ I'm grateful. Whatever food issues I've had, lack of choices, shortages or diet changes, I could make do. I've been constantly aware of the people who were food insecure before this public health tragedy and those who lost their income, who have only themselves to depend on. They remain on my mind



Here are links to the other Word Counters posts:
Spatulas on Parade 
Messymimi’s Meanderings 
On the Border 



Baking In A Tornado signature | www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics






Chicken and Mashed Potato Casserole     
                                                       ©www.BakingInATornado.com

Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
4 cups cooked potatoes (hot)
4 TBSP butter
1/4 cup sour cream
2 TBSP dried chives
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups cooked asparagus (can use broccoli), chopped
2 cups chopped cooked chicken (can use turkey)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (can use provolone or mozzarella) 
about 2 tsp paprika

Directions:
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 X 13 baking pan.

*Mash the potatoes with the butter and sour cream. Mix in the chives, salt and pepper and grated parmesan cheese. Spread about half of this mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
*Top with the cooked asparagus (or broccoli), then the cooked chicken (or turkey), then the shredded cheddar  (or provolone or mozzarella) cheese.
*Spread the remaining potatoes over the top. Sprinkle with paprika. Cover with tin foil.
*Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the tin foil and bake for another 15 minutes.