I'm Going To Be Okay Because and Pappardelle's Pasta

It has been 10 months since TBHITW (The Best Husband In The World) passed from this life into another.

Ten months of the most intense feelings I believe any human being can experience. Loss, loneliness, quite introspection, rivers of tears and oceans of fears.

As I reflect back on the last ten months I realize that I have learned more about myself in this time than I have in my entire life.

I have learned that everyone has their own journey.
I have learned that everyone carries with them their own sadness. And sometimes regret. (I have a few, but then again too few to mention) Someone should put that line to music.. (wait a minute... sorry, I was just channeling TBHITW's humor)
I have learned to speak more softly. And with more kindness.
I have learned to listen more closely.
I have learned that I am stronger than I thought.
I have learned that love never dies.
I have learned that I am going to be okay. I am going to live.

I am going to be okay because today:
I laughed. At myself.
I smiled.
I did not get impatient in the grocery store line.
I talked with a good friend about very real stuff.
I forgave a good friend about really big stuff.
I began planning a party and was (and am) excited about it.
I looked at pictures of TBHITW and did not cry - I smiled at the memory and gave thanks for them.
I worked in the garden and was happy.
I looked up at the sky and gave thanks for the sun, the clouds and then the gentle rain.
I began making plans for MY future.
I am cooking again and planting again and eating again.

Recently I ate some of the best pasta I have ever eaten in my life and for the first time in a long time I ate  with gusto. I then promptly went online and ordered more.

Pappardelle's Pasta. OMG.

I discovered Pappardelle's Pasta by accident. A few weeks ago (or a few days.. time seems to blend) I attended the NJ Food and Wine Festival with my good friend Judi. It was a beautiful day, perfect for tasting local wines and food. Pappardelle's had a booth set up with their pasta wares and on a whim I bought a pound of their Lemon Chive Angel Hair Pasta.

A few days later I found myself rummaging about in my pantry trying to decide what to make for my dinner. A boiling, salted pot of water later, a few drizzles of olive oil and some shavings of fresh parmesan and I was in heaven.

If you are a pasta lover, want to become a pasta lover, think pasta is over rated or are bored with your grocery store's offerings, run, walk, google, click, do whatever you have to do to experience this eating nirvana. Pappardelle's offers a wide assortment of flavored orzo, dried pasta, fresh pasta and sauces in addition to a gluten free line. I promise on my name "The Good Cook" you will not be disappointed. Like I said (with my mouth full) OMG.

And this is how I know I will be okay. Not only will I be okay, I will survive. I have friends, I have family, I have a love in my heart that death cannot steal. And I have my passion for truly exceptional food back.

Bon Appetite.

A Cook's Notes: Pappardelle's did not pay me or offer me any compensation for writing this post. IN FACT - they don't even know I wrote it. Their pasta is just that good.  Look for more recipes in the future as I develop, taste and whisper thank you to the pasta gods more recipes featuring Pappardelle's Pastas.

Farm Living and Chicken ala Mayzie

My best friend Michele lives on a farm in Upstate New York.

Michele has one of the best senses of humor on the planet and going to visit her is always an adventure for this somewhat citified Good Cook.

On Windswept Farm you will find all the usual farm fixtures.

Horses. Check

Barn. Check

Plow. Check

Fields of Plenty. Check

Chickens. Check

Cats. Check

A Dog named Mayzie. Check.

Did I mention chickens?

Click on the picture of Mayzie to get a better view of the chicken....

Unlike Mayzie I prefer my chicken cooked. But to each his own.

Chicken ala Mayzie: (feeds 4 people with leftovers for the dog)

3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 egg white

1 tablespoon flour

1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese

Spray type oil

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Split each chicken breast horizontally so you have 2 thin pieces. Cut these 2 pieces in half. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Toss all the chicken in a plastic bag with the flour and shake to coat.

Set up your breading station. One pie plate with egg white, one with parmesan cheese.

Shake off excess flour and dip the chicken pieces in the egg white, then roll in parmesan cheese. Set on plate to "dry". Repeat until all chicken is coated with cheese. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.

Generously spray a rimmed cookie sheet with cooking oil spray. Arrange chicken pieces on sheet and spray tops of chicken.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until nicely golden and crisp on bottom. Turn, bake for an additional 10 minutes.

A Cook's Notes: This recipe is a low carb treat. Not too high in fat either, so make enough for leftovers to pack cold in your kids' lunches. Add a little BBQ or Sweet and Sour dipping sauces and you just may break the McNugget habit!

PS. If you're looking for a great weekend getaway in Upstate New York, Windswept Farms has a lovely B&B - check it out at Windswept Farms.

And yes, that's me on the home page, on the left in the brown coat (scroll down) cross country skiing in the vineyard with Michele and Andy - your hosts at Windswept Farms. Tell them The Good Cook sent you!