READY~ SET~ GO!

Today is the day I start my battle.

I will be starting my chemo & radiation treatments today and they will go on for 6 weeks.
An operation will follow sometime in the summer along with more chemo, but I am taking one day at a time! Remember"This moment in time!"

It is a relief in some ways to get this started. I think I have gone through every test they can possibly think of and then some!

My spirits are good and every night I think of just how lucky I really am.

My life is lived day by day. I have a positive outlook and I am a happy person. I have so many wonderful people in my life and that includes not only my family but everyone I have met through my catering and cooking classes & culinary tours! The support and good wishes that are being sent my way is paving a wide bright future for me. I love you all!

I see the good side of this experience. I realize that my life has been touched by so many people.
Now I will have the opportunity to slow down for a little while as I concentrate on beating this. I know my healthy outlook and my exuberance for life will shine through.

I realize just how many people are out there that I know! Some of you have my cookbook or have been to my classes. But I know that you are cooking good food and living your life with gusto!

So remember to live your life today~ be kind to yourself and others... what you put out there surely does come back to you!!!

AND~I don't want to preach but GO GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY!!!!!

You need to take care of yourself!! don't delay ~don't wait.. it doesn't get better on it's own.. you have to take a pro-active stance with your health... your health is everything!!! nothing else matters if you are not feeling well!!

Take care of YOU!!! you deserve it!
love to all!!!
Susan

CANCER

It is hard to even come up with a title to this blog.
Should I say shocked? stunned? surprised? can I say it is almost unbelievable to me?

I am sure that is what most people would say.. how many of you would describe the news?

CANCER .. a hard word to say if it pertains to you.
A word, a phrase~ I thought I would never hear in my lifetime ... You have cancer.

Me, healthy.. eating the Mediterranean diet before it was even called that.. me, a person who has exercised most of my life, no high blood pressure, no high cholesterol, low pulse, active, happy,
a positive outlook on life, laughter everyday. A wonderful family life. No history of cancer in my family.
ME~how? why?

Well folks... there is no answer for any of that.
Cancer strikes without warning. Cancer doesn't pick favorites. It just is.

I am coming to the realization that it is everywhere. Once I started talking about it I am hearing it everyday from someone.

It started with a colonoscopy... something I did NOT want to get done~silly me!

I just read a phrase that stuck with me ... it said "No one should die of embarrassment" how true that is! SO~ GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY DONE!!!!!!!
The colonoscopy was nothing.. but it was the beginning of this journey I am on.

I am choosing to view this as a journey through CANCER. I have always said that you can't chose what happens to you but you can chose how you react towards what happens to you and now I have the chance to put my philosophy to work!

I see CANCER in all capital letters now. It is a formidable opponent. It is a scary word but to tell you the truth ~ there is a good side to CANCER. Blessing that comes with it.

The PEOPLE!!! My family, for one. This didn't just happen to me ~ it happened to everyone who I love, it happened to my whole family.
Everyone is dealing with this their own way. I have so much support it is sometimes overwhelming to me.
My friends, neighbors, my clients, people in my cooking classes,the family run business I deal with everyday, so much support and love.
The nurses, doctors and all the health care professional I have met are so kind so compassionate, so helpful.

The people who are in my life are a gift to me to help me get through this.

I am so grateful for all of them. All the notes, flowers, emails, food, offerings of help and support I have received. It is unbelievable to me.

I have just started this journey. I am in the midst of testing to come up with my treatment schedule. I have spent more time in doctors offices and hospitals than I have in my whole life. It is quite an eye opener.

I am optimistic. I am looking forward but I am also taking it one day at a time.
"This Moment in Time" is my favorite phrase. Just concentrate on the now. That is all we really have anyway... NOW!

As I go through this time in my life, I will be writing my blog. I would love to hear from you.
I love all your thoughts and prayers and white light. I am thankful for my life and those who are in it.

So remember to live your life today, with gusto, with love, with laughter, with compassion for yourself and for others.
Life is so very precious and we sometimes forget that!

A day to honor the Women in your life

I posted this story a few years ago but since tomorrow is a Day to Honor all women I thought it might be nice to read it again ... so here it is!

IN THE COMPANY OF WOMEN

I have always been interested in bettering myself so with that in mind I have been buying self~ help books of one kind or another for the past 30 years .. recently I started to clean out my attic and was shocked to find hundreds of books on how to be better, abundant , prosperous , healthy , serene, how to stay focused , create money , meditate ,the rules of money , the law of attraction , how to be a millionaire .. the millionaire's mind ... how to make laughter the best medicine.. reduce stress .. looking at all these books I realize that if I saved all that money I might be a millionaire today!! & not have stress!!!

One lesson I hear over and over again is about mentoring .. find someone who you admire, who you want to emulate and find out how that particular person got to where they are today.

My life so far has been in search of that one person .. but the realization came one morning at 3 AM ~ it is not just one person .. there are many people in my life who I admire .. for any number of reasons.

There are teachers I've had in school , friends I have just met and life long friends .. women in business .. women I met in cooking classes .. the one common denominator: women

I am surrounded by strong, brave, fearless women ... women who lost a loved one and have to go on ~ as painful as it may be .. women who follow their dream ~no matter how scary it may seem at times ... women who run a business, family , school , household with strength & determination.

My role models are all around me .. I just have to look and I can see how I can be better .. I can look inside me and find the answer .. I am in the company of great women who inspire me to do better and live a full life and smile more!

In the beginning of March , in Italy there is a day where all women are honored.. it is called "LA FESTA DELLE DONNE" On that day every street corner and tiny flower shop in overflowing with bright yellow flowers called mimosa.. they are given to women as a sign of respect and appreciation .. for all that women do in everyday life .. for mothers, daughters, girlfriends, for all the women in your life ..

I love that day .. I have been lucky enough to be in Italy a number of times and I always feel special when I see the beautiful , elegant women of Italy carrying around those bright sprigs of yellow flowers.

That simple custom makes me realize how important it is to appreciate the women in your life .. . so I salute you .. all the women who work hard to make a difference .. to make everyday count .. to lead a full & happy life .. I give you the bright , happy yellow MIMOSA!!!!!!!

Working out

I am embarrassed to say it has been quite a while since I've worked out regularly. I tried a few things over the years yoga, Pilate's, walking, treadmill, just to name a few, but I've always come up with a excuse or two to keep me from doing anything on a regular basis.

Too busy.. too tired... too achy... but lately I haven't been feeling like myself and I knew I had to do something. All roads lead to an exercise program.. but what to do?? what would make me feel strong and fit and good?

Marty's of course. Marty Feldman is a trainer .. a trainer of boxers, of women, of men .. he is old- school and reminds me so much of the Rocky movies. He gets results .. he is a mountain of knowledge, with years and years of experience. His work- out gets my blood flowing and my heart rate up and my muscles responding~ in just one week!!!

I feel the difference already. I am standing up straighter.. I feel strong, I feel my muscles, my body responding. I am sleeping better at night and eating right.

What took me so long? is what I am thinking!!!
Regular exercise is the best thing for you. Not only your body but your heart and your mind and your soul. It is time taken for you. Maybe just a hour a day but wow what a difference it makes.

I am so happy I took that initial step to do something for me, to make my life better, to put a smile on my face and a bicep in my arm.

Take some time during the day for you! you deserve it!
A little regular exercise will change your life for the better!

Here's Marty info, he might be the guy for you!!!
Marty Feldman
LADIES TONE UP
Marple sports Arena
610 690 0997

SCRIPPLE SOUP

Everyone has a favorite food. It could be a something you just had at holiday time or for Sunday dinner. The aroma alone can bring back a flood of memories.
If we are lucky, a recipe was passed down to you and you can still enjoy the flavors that brought you joy as a child.

I am lucky indeed to still have my mom living 1/2 block away. She is still the greatest chef I know, and even if I cook the same exact thing .. her version always taste better to me.

She prepares a soup from the Abruzzi region of Italy.
It is a simple soup but time consuming to make. Therefore it as always served during the holiday.. whether it be Easter of Christmas, or Thanksgiving for that matter. Scripples made an appearance on our dinner table.
If we were lucky we could request it for our birthdays.I want to share this wonderful, simple, delicious recipe.It is not hard to make but it does take some time. It is a very thin egg crepe that is served ladled with hot chicken broth. More yummy that I can even explain. I taught this recipe in one of my classes recently and everyone was surprised at how really very good it was!
I hope you give it a try!


SCRIPPLE SOUP
3 eggs
3 tbs. water
3 tbs. grated parmesan cheese
3 tbs. flour
salt
~combine in blender or food processor, ladle onto buttered small skillet, drain off extra, just coat the bottom of the pan,cook until set and flip to the other side for a minute, remove from pan and roll into log, cover with hot chicken broth and sprinkle with cheese to serve.

A Birthday Celebration

Grace, Stephen, Susan with Mom & Dad
Tina & Dominick with Grandpop & Grandmom




Born In 1926, on a cold winter day, 2 months premature, my Dad is a survivor.

He was born in the little town of Giulianova in Abruzzi, on the farm his family leased from the Catholic Church.
His grandfather, Sabatino, fearful that this tiny little baby, his first born grandson, would not survive the cold harsh winter, ran to the Church situated below the farmhouse and dragged the priest from the vestibule as he was preparing to say mass, so he could come and baptize his grandson.
The priest, knowing and loving the family that plowed the land up on the hill, readily complied, shedding his garments and rushing to the farmhouse high on the hill.

My father was baptized in the kitchen of that house. It was the warmest room of the house. A big fire burned in the fireplace that was used to cook the food as well as heat the house.

As he grew up, Sabatino would take that little boy, Armando everywhere he went. He became his shadow. Grandfather & grandson became inseparable.

My father learned so much from his grandfather. He learned the lay of the land. He learned to respect the land and the people who worked it . He learned about good honest food. His grandfather was somewhat of a gourmand in those times, visiting the local little trattorias or family owned restaurants that flourished in the hills of Abruzzi, my father by his side.

My father became well known for his adventurous spirit as well as his creativity. He was bold & kind. He was around to help those who needed assistance with the harvest of grapes for wine or olives for pressing oil. He was a inventor. He was a mavrick. Ahead of his time, and well liked by everyone.
To this day, we have cousins and family who visit my Dad here in the US just to see Armando again. They tell us of his story, of his childhood, of his kindness , of his brilliance for new ideas.
He has remained close to everyone.

This man who came to the United States by way of France. Working in the foundries for 3 years to earn passage here. To start anew in a country who promised all to those who worked hard and had a dream.

My Dad is 84 . It was his birthday on January 28. We celebrated this man . His family gathered round. A role model for me, for everyone.
Family & friends called from Italy to wish him well. He is still remembered as a man with an adventurous spirit. A man who had a dream and followed it. A man who has the wisdom and kindness that we can all learn from.
A man ahead of his time.

Happy Birthday Pop !!! We love you !

Winter Days

Coming back from a private cooking class last night, the wind was howling. It was bitter cold. I realized that I wanted to crawl into my warm bed and stay under the covers until the chill I felt in my bones went away.

It is winter. The end of January. Cold, bitter and bare.
The trees outside my window are stark against the sky. Not a leaf in sight!
Even in my house with the heat on, I am cold. I look for warmth everywhere.

Where do I find myself keeping warm?
Well~ in front of my stove, cooking!
With the burners on simmer and the pots bubbling & boiling , warmth is there. I am finally happy.
Cooking makes me happy.
Cooking makes me warm. Cooking is a satisfying & rewarding experience for me each & every time.

Stew, soups, oven- roasted meats, pasta sauces, comforting desserts. I have my little hands in everything, whipping and whisking away.
I call my family for dinner. I send quarts of soup to my friends. I pack my fridge with a variety of foods. I am content in front of my stove.

It is a well worn stove, twenty four years old and wearing the memories of each meal, my stove gives me comfort. My stove keeps me warm. My stove is a haven for me.

I find myself in my kitchen even if I do not have a catering job or a cooking class.
It is where I am happy, busy creating, busy cooking , busy stirring with the wonderful aromas all around me. I know I can make something taste good. Feed someone who will appreciate my food.
This is what keeps me warm during these cold winter months.

Here are some recipes to keep you warm and well fed.


PASTA WITH MUSHROOMS & SUN DRIED TOMATOES

2 tbs melted butter
3 tbs olive oil
1 tsp chopped garlic
1 chopped onion
1 cup sliced sun dried tomato
3 cups sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth (or more)
1/2 cup grated locatelli cheese
1/2 cup pasta water
1 lb cooked pasta
~in saute pan cook garlic & onion in butter & oil until translucent, add sun dried tomato & mushrooms , cook until golden brown, add wine. Let wine evaporate for a few minutes and then add chicken broth & pasta water. Bring to a simmer and then toss with pasta & cheese.

PASTA WITH ASPARAGUS & SHRIMP IN A BLUSH SAUCE

1 lb asparagus cut in small diagonal pieces & cooked in water until tender
1 lb shrimp split in 1/2
2 tbs melted butter & 3 tbs olive oil
1 tsp chopped garlic
1 tsp old bay
dash hot sauce
1 quart marinara sauce
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pasta water
1/2 cup grated locatelli romano cheese
1 lb cooked pasta
~in oil & butter cook garlic, add old bay & hot sauce, cook shrimp in this mixture until done , add asparagus, marinara, pasta water & cream.
toss with cooked pasta , top with cheese.


ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
1 cup chopped carrot~~~~~~~~~~~ 2 lb butternut squash,peeled, cubed
1 cup chopped celery ~~~~~~~~~~~~~& tossed with 3 tbs olive oil,roast
1 cup chopped onion ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ uncovered @ 350 for 45 minutes
3 tbs melted butter
2 tbs olive oil~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2~46 oz can chicken broth
salt & pepper

~saute carrot, celery, onion in butter & oil until soft , can add chicken broth to speed the cooking process.
Combine with roasted squash and puree in batches in a food processor until thick , add broth as you go.
Heat in soup pan for 20 minutes

PASTA WITH CHICKEN & SPINACH IN A CREAMY CHEESE SAUCE

3 tbs melted butter & 2 tbs olive oil
1 tsp chopped garlic
1 lb boneless chicken breast cut into small strips
Salt & pepper
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup pasta water
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated locatelli romano cheese
1 lb cooked pasta

~in butter & oil, saute chicken strips until brown & cooked , add garlic and cook until fragrant
~put spinach in big bowl and toss with drained , hot pasta. Mix until spinach wilts. add cooked chicken, pasta water, cream & cheese.

BOLOGNESE MEAT SAUCE

3 tbs melted butter
2 tbs olive oil
1 tsp chopped garlic
1 small onion chopped
1/2 cup diced carrots
1 1/2 lb ground mix ( beef, pork, veal)
1/2 cup red or white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 quart marinara sauce
1/2 cup pasta water
1 lb cooked pasta
~in oil & butter saute garlic, onion, carrot until caramelized add meat and brown well~ add wine & broth and cook until it evaporates. Add marinara sauce and pasta water , toss with cooked pasta.( hot pepper flakes optional)