Taking time to relearn....

I am slowly taking time to relearn some things. Sometimes, I bite off more than I should.  I am recognizing that...so I am careful to not say anything about plans just in case it doesn't go well.
Back around Christmas I decided to attempt cookie making and decorating with royal icing.  It did end up being quite the job.  I was so thankful my daughter was around and wanted to jump in help.  I just could not remember any memories beyond needing a thicker icing for borders and a thinner icing for flooding and it really wasn't very difficult.  I just didn't remember the bending over and fatigue or the muscle strength needed in hands and forearms... Both of which have declined substantially since the accident.
But hey! we did it.  And they were yummy.

So I worked up my courage and attempted these guys a couple of months later to suprise the kids with... Baby chicks around here are not an option, so I hoped they would enjoy these cuties.

Trying something new in my crockpot!

Ms. Scarlett, is a very faithful companion in my kitchen.  (She is known by other names: crockpot, slow cooker.) She is a blessing regardless of her title.  This past week, it was brought to my attention of another beautiful skill she has.

She can brown hamburger!

This tip just made my day.  There are days, I just know the dinner hour is going to be difficult.  Knowing this ahead of time is half the battle.  Then coming up with solutions to reduce the number of steps in getting to the table is the other part of the battle. Mrs. Scarlett saves the dinner hour frequently.  She warms up soups for lunch or dinner.  She has made lasagna for me on days, I can't be home to slip it in the oven at the right time. She makes so many delightful dishes.  I just never considered she had this blessed talent.

While this is not an extraordinarily difficult chore, it does sometimes require planning and effort on what could be very busy, exhausting and chaotic days.  She doesn't do it quickly.  But that is okay.. quickly done isn't always necessary.  A friend of mine whispered this gem of knowledge to me via text.  I was flabbergasted and excited all at once.  She told me her personal assistant helps with Taco Tuesdays.  At lunchtime she delegates the browning of hamburger.  Hamburger + 1/4 cup of water + seasonings.  A few hours later she gives it a stir and breaks up the hamburger and by dinner time, viola! All that is needed is the sides and maybe the adding of some beans to stretch the meat/protein of the night.

I am so excited because today, is one of those days, where I know I am going to need a little extra help later in the day.  Sometimes cutting one 10 minute task off the to do list is all it takes to reduce the stress load of crazy family schedules.

Dinner adventures

Just Can't Reveal Names here.  

But there are people in this home that have a thing about food.  They LOVE it.  It is a critically important aspect of their life.  To get specific, meat is especially important.  So right on top of that list is STEAK.  

So when presented with a steak option for dinner, the best way to cook it around here is unanimously on the grill.  I have been relearning a lot around here this past year. 

One of the things, noone is to quick to "allow" me to learn is to grill.  

Grilling requires "babysitting"  and "attention"

My ability to stay focused is somewhat challenged,
 since the accident and the cooking adventures I have experienced,
while comical, have left my children protective of the grill.
 
The risk of my getting distracted and burning something is great.  

So our resident "STEAK" lover, (worship-er) volunteered to grill.  

Unfortunately, the cook, had not grilled steak before.  A 5 minute break was taken to run inside.