Sorting thru a life... and an epic recipe fail...
As the pile of packages ready for the post office grows steadily, so does the realization that departure for Ireland is around the corner. The packages represent another phase of this chosen journey. Long before the final bits and pieces have been picked up and the final walk thru of the apartment has been completed, I am tasked with sorting thru my life. I have spoken about the aspect of “stuff” recently but that felt a bit cavalier on my part. I was talking myself into being ok with letting go of things, I was not ready for the task that needed to get started. I am now.
After a bit of liquid courage from my most favored place. I started simply. I downloaded an app that is used to list and sell things that that no longer have a hold on me. Much could be donated, but I figured why not let them become someone else’s treasure while I put a few dollars in my pocket. Once sold, all I need to do is pack them up and mail them out, something I oddly find very satisfying. I started with the bedroom, an easy place to start as I am not much of clothes horse, so not much to go thru. Surprisingly the Goodwill pile is larger than expected, but it felt good to thin out the closet and dresser. And I did find some treasures to list and much to my surprise, they have already sold. With every sale or donation Ireland feels just a little closer.
This coming weekend, I will be tackling the “office,” which is home to art supplies, Christmas boxes, memories from Cake Bakeshop and much more. The plan is to whittle the contents of the space down to just a few boxes. Luckily, I do not have much emotional attachment to most of what is in there. It is more a matter of asking myself: Do I really need this, or can I simply let it go?
As I sort through my life, I am struck by a sense of déjà vu. I am taken back to sorting through the belongings of my late husband, Skip. It was difficult at times, but it needed to be done. Much like the task before me now, there was a sense of relief when it was finished.
Meanwhile, work continues at Cedar House. The roof, flooring and walls for the main floor and extension are progressing, and the kitchen and bathroom details are being finalized. For now, I concentrate on the work in front of me here, sorting, packing and making room for the life that awaits me in Ireland.
The pantry is getting the same treatment as the rest of the apartment. I am using what I can and giving away what I know I will never use, the random sauces, spices and nuts that have been sitting there waiting for their moment. There was one spectacular failure this week: the viral rice-paper ham and cheese bagels I had seen everywhere. I was so hopeful, but they were frankly terrible. I should have just eaten the scrambled eggs and be done with it. But I carried on and made what turned out to be Egg Rolls instead of bagel “shaped” things. I ate them due to the rumbling of my belly , but I will not make them again and nor will I share the recipe. Luckily, a batch of chili used up several hidden pantry treasures, and the discovery of a precious bag of farro led to a farro salad that carried me through the week. Little by little, the shelves are becoming lighter too.
Pantry Challenge
This week’s recipes:
Farro Salad
Chili
Farro Salad
Farro
Your choice of stock, I used a combination of bone broth and chicken stock
Your choice of beans, I had a can of runner beans and edamame
Mint and Cilantro
Cucumbers
Mirin, olive oil , salt and pepper
This recipe is more about feel and what the cook likes than exact measurements. I cooked the farro in stock to give it more flavor, but you can cook it in any liquid you like. I added runner beans and edamame simply because that was what I had in the pantry, but farro lends itself well to just about anything.
The first night, I added cucumbers, mint and cilantro and served it with roasted salmon. Later in the week, I topped it with an egg and chili crisp. I also used it as the base for a miso chicken salad.
Chili
I did not take any pictures of this, as I honestly just forgot. The spices I used were what I had in the pantry. This recipe is very forgiving, just needs tasting and adjusting as you go. Delicious served on it’s own or topped off with yogurt or sour cream, chopped onions and cheese. I personally like it with a little chopped onion and some cilantro.
1 pound ground beef
1 can black beans, drained
1 can kidney beans, drained
2 cans chopped tomatoes, mine were 10 oz cans
1 medium onion chopped
1 package of chili seasoning mix
2 tbl good chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
salt , pepper and olive oil
Brown the meat in oil, add the onions and a bit more oil if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Once the onions are have soften, add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes , taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may also add some water or stock if you feel the chili is too thick. This does freeze well.
Bia maith leat. Bon Appétit. Spis godt.
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