Coco and the Carbohydrates – Dum Vivimus Vivamus

Waiting

Published on April 9, 2019April 10, 2019 by admin

Waiting — waiting for my respiratory virus to improve, waiting for someone to call as I sit alone in my tiny apartment, waiting for my biopsy. Patience is a virtue I’ve never conquered. I’ve certainly had ample practice over the years; still not very good at it.

About two weeks ago, I caught a nasty virus and can’t seem to fight it off. I cough pretty much nonstop, and I’m feeling quite run down. I’m hoping it is improved enough by Friday so my biopsy can occur. I don’t want to wait any longer.

My children are both here in SLC, Dave lives in an apartment nearby and Greg flew in for the week. His position is such that he can work remotely. Martin flies in on Thursday night, just in the nick of time. First thing Friday morning it’s off to HCI for my biopsy — then a plan.

Same Name — New Focus

Published on April 1, 2019April 1, 2019 by admin

This blog was designed at the beginning of 2019 as a vehicle to allow family and friends to stay connected across the miles, to keep abreast of the joys and disappointments in each other’s lives and, of course, to share the joy of eating interesting and delicious food. Well, it didn’t work out. While Coco was probably a little eager (as always) the Carbohydrates were pretty much uninterested in participating. After receiving negative and, okay I’ll say it, annoying comments regarding my endeavor, the joy of creating and maintaining such a blog was gone. Sooo . . . . A Change!

NEW FOCUS — Last Wednesday I received the results of my annual breast MRI (my original diagnosis was in September 2015), and they were not good. It appears that I have a metastatic lesion on my sternum. I’m not yet able to put the extent of my disappointment into words, other than to say that I’m so sad at the thought of leaving this beautiful world — ever. I have no more information at this time. I head to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in SLC on Tuesday for further evaluation.

Now I need Carbohydrates more than ever! The people kind, not the food kind. The people who support me through whatever is to come my way and who help me see the joy in the world to the end of my days — which I’m still hopeful will be years from now.

Mondays are for Memories

Published on January 8, 2019January 8, 2019 by admin1 Comment

To celebrate Thanksgiving, 2016, several members of the family rendezvoused in Iceland. One highlight was dinner at the Fridheimar Greenhouse in Reykholt, South Iceland. There we sat in the midst of more than 10,000 tomato plants eating top-notch tomato soup and crusty bread.

*Zoning regulations are different in Iceland*

Because of the long, dark winters, greenhouses are an important part of agriculture in Iceland. Parenthetically, we only enjoyed five hours of daylight per day — it was dark! But inside this warm, brightly lit greenhouse we were all very content and reluctant to leave. Greenhouses in Iceland take advantage of green energy — geothermal and hydroelectric — abundant clean water, and organic pest control.

We never saw the Aurora Borealis, but oh my the SOUP!

Endings First

Published on January 3, 2019January 3, 2019 by admin3 Comments

In December, Coco and the founding Carbs challenged each other to make a Tourtière. Our father, Wilfred, who was of French Canadian heritage, would often make this meat pie during the Christmas season. To be honest, his was always a bit dry and bland, and required a good deal of ketchup to make it palatable (sorry Daddy). Nonetheless, I’ve always been intrigued by the photos of tourtière, they looked so ethnic and celebratory. Hence, the challenge. We each agreed to make a tourtière between December 15th and Epiphany.

Joe was the first. He completed his tourtières on Christmas Day! He made two, enjoying one for his Christmas dinner with John, and sharing one with our nephew, Rick, and his family.

Joe’s recipe used ground pork, chopped onion, mashed potatoes and a little water. He seasoned it with allspice, cloves, salt and pepper. —- Adding the mashed potatoes to the pan with the browned pork and cooking it slightly allowed the potato starch to activate and bind the filling nicely.

Results were very favorable! Joe reported great texture with the filling holding together well and the seasoning “spot on”. The tourtière was especially enjoyed by my great-nephew Lane.

Great Job Carbo King!

2019 — A Beginning

Published on January 2, 2019January 2, 2019 by admin

I love beginnings and endings. On this first day of January, as we end what has been a very difficult year for my family, I’m starting anew with optimism and a big appetite! This blog is created to bring together distant family members through our mutual love of food and the magic of the internet.

One year ago Martin and I moved to Reno, far from family and friends. Our son, Greg, has settled in Chicago and his brother, David, in Salt Lake City. Most of my siblings live in either Wisconsin (where I grew up) or Minnesota (damn those Vikings). Martin’s family lives in North Carolina, and Thailand (the land of Pad Thai). These distances make it impossible to sit down for Sunday dinner with those we love.

This blog will bring me, Coco, and the rest of you, the Carbohydrates, together to share recipes, cooking tips, food related anecdotes and monthly cooking challenges. Chow.

Coco