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Kitchen Work

A couple of things have changed since I began cooking again. For you folks who click but don't necessarily read my missive every week, a few weeks ago, I began cooking for myself and my mate, Jeanne. Cooking for two opens up challenges that cooking for one never approaches. But first, a little background about life with Jeanne before I volunteered to take over in the kitchen.

Jean owns a beautiful vintage home on the lower east side of Milwaukee. When she bought it, the upstairs was a separate apartment. Today, it's where one or both cats go to hide. Jeanne lives on the lower floor, which consists of a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and an enclosed back porch. Hanging from the handle of the freezer door is a towel. The inscription on the towel reads, "The only reason I have a kitchen is that it came with the house."  Jeanne admits she consumed frozen dinners before we agreed I would cook for us. She favors low-calorie meals with lots of fruits and vegetables.

On the other hand, I restrict d myself to two meals a day. I cooked meals in batches and refrigerated or froze my leftovers. I like meat, potatoes, and some vegetables. I understand it's fashionable not to count iceberg lettuce as anything but a way to consume salad dressing without looking like a pig. For me, a green salad is a vegetable.

We were brought up by mothers who cooked standard American midwestern food. I curate an evergrowing batch of online dishes that she suggests, or I find in my wanderings through the various online sites that have found me in their rabbit holes.

Outside of traditional folk meals from her German background and my trying to perfect Cajun dishes, we have yet to venture too far from things our mothers might have whipped up.

We have both eaten some things we have never eaten or consumed for a long time. I made Ground Beef Stroganoff. She introduced me to sweet potatoes. I  like a lot of rice dishes. She prefers Pasta or whipped potatoes.

We write a weekly menu and then shop for what we need. My portion control button appears disconnected, as the refrigerator has ample leftovers. 

Recently, we agreed to a night out once a week. We both enjoyed a trip to MOMO MEE. They serve an ample amount of food. We returned with enough Ramen and Pork with Noodles for two more meals. We probably shouldn't have had the dumplings for a starter.

On The Easel:


KittyInTheCloset
9 X 12 Gouache.


HangingOut:

Jeanne & Ricky
Reading Together








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