Cooking from the heart

First off, I apologize for the delay for my next food blog post. Time is the enemy sometimes and with a blink of an eye it flies by. However, as time went on I did have some time to think and reflect on some thoughts. What I found out is that I love cooking for those that I love and cherish. And simply put I just want to make delicious food that everyone can enjoy.

About 6 years ago I was heading to my school job as a Multimedia Specialist at IUPUI. Derik had called me and let me know he was on the way to IU hospital in Lafayette. His dad had suffered a massive heart attack. I talked to my bosses and they said I can go ahead and go. Long story short, his dad made a full recover and is doing very well now. Back then I remembered when I asked Annette, Derik’s step mom, if they needed anything. At the time Annette wasn’t sure but then it dawned on me. I then asked her what foods can Derik’s dad can and can’t have. So, I planned a weeks meal for them that was heart healthy and that was good for Derik’s dad new diet. They found the meals delicious and it was wonderful they didn’t have to worry about dinner.

Then about a month ago a dear friend of mine was going through a lot. I decided to say hey how about dinner is on me for you and your loving family. So, I decided to make her favorite dish, lemon chicken and some steamed rice. Life can be stressful but dinner shouldn’t have to be. And the best part of this meal all they had to do was reheat it.

Then a few days later another dear friend of mine was going through some stressful events. Her hubby was very helpful and told me her favorite meals and her diet restrictions. For her I made a classic and healthy spaghetti and meatballs. The challenge was to not use garlic, use both dairy free and gluten free products. At first I was a little worried but I decided to go on a hunt at Market District to find gluten free and dairy free products. Fortunately, I was able to find gluten free pasta and bread crumbs and dairy free cheese. Admittedly, I probably went over board on the amount of food I made but hey we Italians love feeding for the whole family and that is what I did. 😀 Surprising her with a big meal like was a wonderful almost like Christmas present happiness I felt. And the fact she was able to enjoy without missing the garlic, wheat, and dairy made me smile! (Be sure to check out my Spaghetti and Meatballs 2.0 Blog post coming out this Fall)

Then I went to visit my dear friend Veronica, her husband Brant, and their three boys. I showed her how to make chicken pot pie with homemade biscuits. It was great spending time with her boys and teaching how to make this wonderful classic meal. Best part was she had all the ingredients which makes things easier when she has three boys to take care of. Then a fellow colleague of mine I made her our favorite Japanese dish Katsudon because why not. Like she told me she would not argue without free food. 😉 And then a couple of weeks ago I found out another one of my dear friend of mine her daughter is expecting a baby. I told her when they are all settled to let me know when I can bring dinner for them.

I know days aren’t always rainbows and sunshines but it’s the kind little gestures like cooking up someone’s favorite meal that does brighten their day. And no matter what life throws at us we will always be standing. As my favorite Japanese proverb states, ‘Nana korobi, ya oki’ Fall down 7 times stand up eight. And whatever we are going through in life in the end we always end up standing. Now if you need a dinner/meal on me let me know 😉 Thank you for joining me on this wonderful and heart filled journey. See you on my next cheese adventure. 🙂