BARBECUE SEASON IS UPON US IN FULL SWING

 Not able to eat out and only order in, I really appreciate a BBQ at one of the girls' houses.

As a single I am allowed to be with one other household.

So outdoor barbecues work for distance, fresh air and a certain amount of safety for all.

My favourite is BBQ steak.

My last BBQ went in the garbage last year as it was falling apart. So I depend on others for my BBQ needs.

How about you? Do you like outdoor eating and BBQs?

#BBQ#steakonthebarbie#outdooreatingissoulful#barbecuesworkforcovidtimes#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

CONTINUING GRANPA'S FRIDAY NIGHT TRADTION

 Cooking for one sucks.

So last night curb side pickup from Mr. Greek at Rutherford and Bathurst.

Kalamari with potaotoes and some garlic bread.

Can't wait for patio dining again.

But take out works for me for now.

#mrgreek#curbsidepickup#kalamari#garlicbread#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

ORGANIZING THE BLOG PICTURES AND RESEARCH

 It takes lots of photos and research to keep a blog going.

So today I reviewed all the photos and previous writing for this blog.

Anticipating some jaunts to farms over the summer, I want to be ready to continue some posts on this site.

Meanwhile it was exhausting so am having a strawberry homemade sundae tonight to help with the mood.

Not Italian cooking but fun eating.

#strawberrysundae#eatingforfun#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

EASTER TRADITIONS ARE FAMILY TRADITIONS

 We always included a blend of Canadian and Italian traditions at Easter.

A homemade pasta dish. Could be fresh egg noodles with a ragu sauce or lasagna.

Lamb with rosemary potatoes. Ham with pineapple slices. Sausage. Chicken breasts

A variety of vegetables. Rapini, carrots, corn, veggies and dip

Desserts with a bunny, easter theme.

An egg hunt for the grandchildren. Easter treats and a little money for them.

This year will be no Easter hunt due to COVID lockdown. Not a big gang at the table. Going to one home as I am allowed because I live alone.

Adolph always loved his canascione. Sonya made it for him last year. She has been trying many of her Dad's recipes. He loved it.

This year she is making his homemade lasagna. Natasha is making some cookies and cupcakes.

So like any traditions they change as we go along. But mostly they are connected to family.

We make and eat food that our family members love.

#eastertraditions#cancscione#lamb#hamwithpineapple#lotsofveggiesforafeast#makingItalianfood#makingcanadianfood#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

WINTER EATING BRINGS WARMTH

 Soups.

Roast with potatoes and gravy.

Muffins using up items in the fridge or freezer. Just made some with blueberries and apple!

Homemade sauce frozen to use in one person portions of a pasta dish. Tried some dried gnocchi lately but not as good as homemade then frozen ones. 

Hot coffee or tea with the ability to warm one's hands.

With March coming in next week, starting to see the tail end of winter or not.

Sometimes the Spring weather takes its time to find us.

I seem to like veggies more than fruit anyway. So fresh veggies or frozen add to a meal. I find if I can roast them with my oven meal makes for less work. Also roasted, more vitamins are maintained.

Veggies go well with an oven frittata! Nice hot meal with lots of nutrients.

Adolph's favourite.

So warm cooking continues unless busy with a project then a quick sandwich for dinner. Last night had liverwurst on rye bread with grape tomatoes. Hit the spot.

So has is your winter eating going?

#wintereating#barbcooksforone#usingitemsfromthefridge#homemadesauce#hotdrinkskeepthehandswarm#likingveggiesmorethanfruit#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#barbaradimambro#keepingthebloggoingwithoutAdolphisaloveproject

GRANPA OFTEN OBTAINED IDEAS FROM COOKING SHOWS.

 Adolph liked simple cooking and regular menus.

However, he would get ideas from cooking shows as well.

Especially with seafood dishes. He liked new ways to cook it.

Usually though he would make a comment that he was not going to try something.

I enjoyed any new ideas or dishes. 

For me I just really miss his cooking.

#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#tryingnewideasfromcookingshows#seafooddishes

FESTIVE EATING AT NEW YEAR

 New Year's Eve.

Chinese food with one family. 

Dessert with another family.

Wearing masks. Physical distancing.

New Year Day.

A platter of sandwiches. Finished my peppermint/chocolate ice cream. Some little cupcakes.

Well I needed the energy as I undecorated the house and put away all the Christmas decorations.

Left the outside lights up. They come down after Epiphany!  

I put away the new boxes of goodies on a high shelf. They will come in handy with mid-winter blues or if the little grandchildren can come by for a visit.

Cold weather brings the need for soup and stews and roasts with potatoes in the oven.

So good eating is still here.

#wintereating#chinesefood#dessert#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#eatinghealthy#savinggoodiesforwinterblues