Last Friday, I came home with tears in my eyes.
I felt frustrated about work and tired of sleeping by myself with Mark away in Cali. Daisy sensed something was wrong. Instead of pawing at me to play fetch with her Binkie , she climbed into my lap and rested her head on my chest. She had no idea how that sweet act melted away all the bad vibes and my gloomy mood. I loved staring into her dark brown eyes, full of unconditional love. There are times when she drives me crazy with her puppy ways. And there are times like this when I’m amazed at her capacity to give love. We had a fantastic weekend, chasing after other doggies at Bark Park and chilling with chick flicks like Bridget Jones Diary andSerendipity. She likes Hugh Grant…sighing when he came on the screen. My Daisy just like the scoundrels, I guess.
Before Mark left, I worked on this Chili Mac recipe from a bag of Martha Gooch Pasta. I made enough for leftovers this week…very tasty.
It’s a pain to cook for myself because I tend to prepare large quantities of food. But when Mark is gone — I cook to distract myself, to find comfort in familiar flavors and to stimulate my mind with culinary challenges.
It’s a better outlet for my loneliness instead of simply ordering take out from a fast food joint. I suspect it’s a healthier choice as well.
Here’s Martha Gooch’s Chili Mac Recipe
2 1/2 cups of Elbow Macaroni
1 lb of ground beef
1 cup of onion, chopped
1 glove garlic, minced
14.5 oz can of tomatoes
2 cups of water
8 oz can of tomato sauce
1 Tsp. of chili powder
1 tsp. of cumin
1/2 tsp of oregano
15.5 oz can of kidney beans
Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in a pan; drain. Add tomatoes, water. tomato sauce and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in uncooked pasta and kidney beans. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer another 6-9 minutes. I’m amazed how the dry pasta cooks in this savory mixture…without having to be boiled on its own. Very cool. Stir occasionally. Cook until the pasta is tender.
I also added shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits before serving.
It’s a great meal for a winter night.
Oh my God I can’t wait to cook that! With soy bits instead of ground beef, of course.
That’s going straight in the cookbook Joe got me for my birthday!