This was a new recipe weekend. It was definitely one of my less visually appealing attempts. It tasted ok, but it could definitely be better.
I made Tex-Mex Calzones: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=653363. I couldn't find thin pizza crust, and I think it was really important to have thin crust. The thick crust kind of took over so the flavors of the meat and cheese didn't come through enough. I think the filling needed more color - the salsa verde probably added some flavor, but the color just blended into the meat. I think if I try this again, I will use a regular salsa along with the salsa verde. I might also add some cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture too.
Part of the point of the new recipe day is to have some less successful attempts. If all of them turn out great, there is no risk. So this was part of the package. The friend who joined me was very gracious about the less than stellar meal. And the conversation was wonderful, so it all worked out. Hopefully, he'll be willing to try new recipe day again.
One of the things we talked about was how we all end up where we are supposed to be, and that things really do work out for the best. The conversation reminded me of something I read once in Ann Landers or Dear Abby or something similar that really stuck with me. It was a letter from a reader and it was about raising a developmentally disabled child, but I think it is a good analogy for a lot of things in life. She said that having a disabled child was like planning for a trip of a lifetime, dream adventure in Italy, only to have the plane diverted to the Netherlands and then being told you will never make it to Italy. At first, you are bitterly disappointed that you will never experience the museums and art and shopping and food that you expected, and angry about being stuck in the Netherlands, so close to where you want to be but still so far away. But eventually, you start to appreciate the Netherlands - there are beautiful flowers and quaint windmills and nice people. It is not the exciting adventure of Italy, but it still a very nice trip.
I am not where I expected to be or wanted to be, and no amount of positive thinking will make this the life I planned. But where I am is not bad, and that IS positive. This is a good place and it has been a good experience. There are days when I a realize that I am very close to happy. Very close. So close that I am a little scared.
I made Tex-Mex Calzones: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=653363. I couldn't find thin pizza crust, and I think it was really important to have thin crust. The thick crust kind of took over so the flavors of the meat and cheese didn't come through enough. I think the filling needed more color - the salsa verde probably added some flavor, but the color just blended into the meat. I think if I try this again, I will use a regular salsa along with the salsa verde. I might also add some cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture too.
Part of the point of the new recipe day is to have some less successful attempts. If all of them turn out great, there is no risk. So this was part of the package. The friend who joined me was very gracious about the less than stellar meal. And the conversation was wonderful, so it all worked out. Hopefully, he'll be willing to try new recipe day again.
One of the things we talked about was how we all end up where we are supposed to be, and that things really do work out for the best. The conversation reminded me of something I read once in Ann Landers or Dear Abby or something similar that really stuck with me. It was a letter from a reader and it was about raising a developmentally disabled child, but I think it is a good analogy for a lot of things in life. She said that having a disabled child was like planning for a trip of a lifetime, dream adventure in Italy, only to have the plane diverted to the Netherlands and then being told you will never make it to Italy. At first, you are bitterly disappointed that you will never experience the museums and art and shopping and food that you expected, and angry about being stuck in the Netherlands, so close to where you want to be but still so far away. But eventually, you start to appreciate the Netherlands - there are beautiful flowers and quaint windmills and nice people. It is not the exciting adventure of Italy, but it still a very nice trip.
I am not where I expected to be or wanted to be, and no amount of positive thinking will make this the life I planned. But where I am is not bad, and that IS positive. This is a good place and it has been a good experience. There are days when I a realize that I am very close to happy. Very close. So close that I am a little scared.
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