Heida Olin's blog

Getting adjusted to a new computer is my first excuse, the rest are too trivial to post. Having the computer crash was such a wakeup call. I am so grateful for a son who has the skills to avert my panic attack and capture all my files - translate RECIPES - into this little box that now sits behind my new computer. Fortunately because of Scott I didn't lose much. Unfortunately my husband finally got thru my stubborn head that I need to organize my info which, although not all that hard, is time consuming.

With the last week of school barreling down on me I have decided to put up a few extras so I can come home and crash instead of come home and cook. I made a huge pot of spaghetti and divided that down so I can do lasagna next weekend and I'm thinking calzones might be great to have on hand when the kids just want something they can carry out the door or a late night movie meal.

I hope every mother who reads Lee Magazine whether on line or in print has a wonderful day. It's always interesting to experience Mother's day at my house because, being the cook in the family everyone has to scramble to decide whether they plan to take me out, which can be tricky because I'm a bit of a critic in restaurants, or cook for me - equally hazardous. Mind you I would not criticize any food they would prepare for me I would simply suggest ways to make it easier, better, more palatable, ehem, maybe they should just let me cook.

We had to have a "pre-wedding" party at my house Sunday instead of the usual bridal shower because those two words generally send men running in the opposite direction with their hands covering their privates. I know this because that's the reaction of the three men in my house and they are of different generations. Since the party was at my house it was given by our church choir which consists of several men, so we included spouses, wings and beer and of course the men were comfortable.

Sunshine is back! I have tomatoes on one of my plants, and I'm planning a party to celebrate a couple of young people getting married.

I love to plan parties. I like to break out new recipes and put together trays full of goodies. I found some nifty little skewers at World Market on which I plan to stack squares of turkey sausage, melon and Havarti cheese.

Corned beef and cabbage are smelling up the households of many an Irish family tonight, but not mine. No, we are wafting in the aromas of fine chicken stew with jalapeno dumplings. Stew is Irish, nothing like putting everything into a pot and letting it simmer all day, OK, I didn't have all day so this is a little quicker version of stew.

Roasted vegetables are a staple in our house. They are so easy and so versatile. I'm never without root veggies, onions, and carrots so the base is always there. Last night I tossed a bunch of fresh asparagus on top of potatoes, onions, carrots, and red pepper to roast along with smoked sausage at the last minute (last 8 minutes to be exact) and it turned out scrumptious. I tossed all the vegetables with a little peanut oil for a simple change and used a Cajun seasoning for spicy interest.

I can honestly say I love to cook but more than cooking I like to talk about cooking. I love it when someone says they used one of my recipes from Lee Magazine and enjoyed making and eating the dish. Even better is when I suggest a recipe to a young lady and she can't wait to try it then raves about how good it was. I think I'll try sharing some recipes on these blogs that are delicious and simple. Salsa chicken is amazing and so simple you won't believe it could be as good as it is. It's great served with Spanish rice, or just over a nice green salad. Try it you'll be surprised.

March says Spring to me and Spring says time to start planting. Okay so this year March planting in Auburn might be a little iffy. Folks, I'm holding out for warmer weather to descend upon us very soon and we will all forget the cold bitterness of this winter. I'm ready for fresh stuff like salad greens and asparagus, with local eggs - doesn't that sound like a fritatta? Turkey bacon, sliced strawberries and what the school cafeteria calls orange smiles out of Mandarin oranges on the side. Now we're talking Spring!