Different people have different food that mean “comfort .” To me, a comfort food is something that reminds me of  a specific happy memory. For example, whenever it snows and I am homebound, I want grilled cheese because that’s what I always had when I was little. My dad is a teacher so a snow day for us,meant a snow day for him. He always took us sledding and then we would warm up with hot chocolate, grilled cheese and tomato soup. Well, not me because I don’t like tomato soup, but I had the cheese, bread and chocolate of course. 

For me, macaroni and gravy (with meatballs) is another comfort food. Throughout my childhood, Sundays were spent at Grandma and Grandpa’s with my family eating macaroni and fresh Italian bread. The smell of olive oil and garlic will always bring me back there — playing with my little brother and cousins, drinking orange soda and milk and eating my first culinary creation of vanilla ice cream mixed with a packet of hot chocolate. It was simple, innocent and carefree. I love that food has the power to remind people of such happiness. Who knows if it was actually the happy, perfect time I remember. But it doesn’t matter. That’s my memory and when I eat macaroni I remember and feel those good things. 

Some people view food solely as fuel and might think my emotional attachments are odd. I say, food is all around us and each and every one of us must eat to survive – let’s enjoy the experience! 

Tonight, I had the speedy version and enjoyed the experience 100%. 

 

 

This was more of a quick sauce made with peeled whole tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, basil and parsley. A true “gravy” takes all day to make! On the side I had eggplant chips, which I would not have touched when I was little! 

Mark had the same, but with chicken, tomato sauce and mozzerella cheese – basically, naked chicken parm. 

It was delicious on this winter night. 

We had some good dessert too, but I will let Mark post about that later. He was rather excited and it was his creation.  Here is a sneak peak. 

Any guesses?

“THE HALF MARATHON IS A FRIENDLY DISTANCE.”

This is what Hal Higdon says. I feel like I know Hal from reading everyone else’s blogs, so we’re on a first name basis. In emailing with Sarah, I think I’ve decided to do the Brooklyn Half Marathon on May 30th! I get unbelievably excited whenever I think about it. 

In honor of my 90% positive decision I ran (treadmill style) 7 miles/61 minutes. While it was enjoyable, the thought of doubling that mileage makes me want to cry. But, I know I can do it. Caitlin always says running is mental, and I know she’s right! 

Anyway, thanks for all your encouragement. I will let you know when I register!

For now, riddle me this: Do you recommend a specific training plan? Does the treadmill count when it’s cold and snowy? What do I really need (gizmos and gadgets) in order to do this thing?

If you do not run, or just wish to talk about food, what is your comfort food and why? 

I went to Burger King with Mark last night. I was almost tempted to get the BK Veggie. I did not. While Mark ate his Whopper Jr. in the car on the way back to the studio I wondered if I’d missed my opportunity for dinner. So, I asked, “Are you also going to eat dinner or is this it?” I was already hungry you know. He replied, “This is just an appetizer. That’s why I only got one. It’s a Whopper Junior.” Mark is the funniest. I was pleased for I knew dinner was on the horizon.

An hour or so later we walked over to La Isla, a Cuban restaurant in Hoboken. It’s a small, family run restaraunt that is almost diner like in appearance. Mark and I sat at the counter to get the full experience.

I ordered a small side of Black Beans and an Ensalada de Casa. The beans were better than I could have imagined! They were thick, creamy and soup-like with a nice deep, smoky flavor. The salad was excellent too! The vinagerette dressing was not too heavy or oily.

 

 

Mark got an Empanada de Carne and a Sandwich de Pollo Asado (pulled chicken with lettuce, tomato, onion and crispy potato sticks). He loved all food consumed at the restaurant and enjoyed dunking his sandwich in my Black Beans.

 

 

 

 

Our dining companion ordered Fried Plantains. 

 

I am a Cuban food newbie. What’s your favorite Cuban food? I need to know because I think we’ll be going back to La Isla!

Quick Oats

For breakfast this morning I had a quick bowl of oats.  I usually make the old fashioned oats, but I have a box of the HempPlus Hot Instant Hot Oatmeal from Nature’s Path to try. I am often hesitant to buy packetsof instant oats because, although I grew up on the Maple and Brown Sugar packets, they are way too sweet for me now. I was pleasantly surprised that this packet was only lightly sweetened and not “flavored.” Yes, it is sweeter than plain oats, but definitely not as sweet or fake tasting as some packets out there.  I added some Almond Butter to mine and it made for a pleasant and quick breakfast. 

 

 

Don’t forget to enter the Zinke Orchards Almond Butter Giveaway. More information can be found here! 

Halfsies? 

At the Superbowl party I went to a couple girls were talking about training for the Long Branch Half Marathon in New Jersey on May 3rd. I started talking with them about it and really want to do it!  I got really excited just thinking about the prospect of doing it. Despite the fact that neither girl has contacted me as promised, I am still thinking about doing it on my own. I have only run 1 5K in my life and do almost all of my running on my treadmill. I think I need some encouragement! Should I run a 10K first? Is anyone running that half marathon? 

Alright, I am going to go run on the treadmill and pretend I am in training.