Aging Observations

I was at church last Sunday and about to attempt kneeling.  My knees hate it!  It is not something I do well on a good day and if it is a bad day well, I might as well not even try.   I noticed the ladies in front of me and they have gray hair.  The lady next to me has gray hair.  Heck I have gray hair.  All of the Knights of Columbus have white hair if they have hair. 

So back to my attempt. The kneeler is down.  My right knee is touching it.  My left is screaming no way kiddo, so I rest my buttocks on the pew and half kneel half sit.  Yes, I looked around and I wasn't the only one in this predicament.  When did we get so aged?  When did genuflection include holding on to the pew so the I could get back up?  Three fourths of the Eucharistic Ministers had to use a handrail to make it up to the alter.  Two had to use the handrail and a cane to make it to the alter.  I wondered, was the slick polished marble floor a good choice?

There were a couple of young families in attendance, but most of us were old.  My guess is that the majority are retired. 


I joined a Book Club.  I am the youngest member.  I joined a writers group and I may not be the youngest, but it is aged.  The Genealogy Society, you got it; old people.

But this is how I really know that I am getting older...I have lived long enough to see the third version of Charlie's Angels on TV and a movie!  Dallas is back on the TV and the music of my youth now sells retirement plans and is played in elevators.  The peasant blouses of High School are back in fashion.  If they bring back elephant bell jeans with platform shoes then I will be sure that I am old.

But I am NOT old.  My body that I have abused and not taken care of is aging.  My mind is still sharp and I have a variety of activities that I love and still participate.  I am still sometimes surprised by the reflection in the mirror, but I am YOUNG at HEART and that is what counts.

Cooking for a Few People

Hungry Girl Cookbook

One of the things I hate is trying to cook for less then six people.  Most recipes are written for more than two people.  You can cut down recipes, but somehow it just isn't the same.  I have been on the look out for a cookbook that has smaller portion recipes and is a calorie friendly recipe.  Enter....Hungry Girl Cookbooks.






 
Lisa Lillien is winning me over.  Her cookbook, Hungry Girl 300 under 300, caught my eye the other day and so far I have prepared 3 of her recipes.  We have loved them all.  They are easy and she even suggests ideas for leftover items.  Plus most of the recipes are for 2 or 4 people.  Exactly what I have been searching for in my quest for tasty repast.

8x8 Pan

Here is the recipe for Takes-The-Cake Ziti Bake.
5 oz ucooked whole-wheat or high-fiber ziti or penne pasta
1 cup thinly sliced onion
2 cups chopped brown mushrooms
1 Tblsp chopped garlic
2 cups fresh spinach
3/4 cup light or low fat ricotta cheese
2 Tblsp chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomates
1/2 cup plus 2 tbls shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
2 Tblsp reduced fat Parmesan-style grated topping.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Prepare the pasta al dente according to package directions.  Place in a bowl and set aside.

Meanwhile, ring an extra-large skillet spray with nonstick spray to medium heat on the stove.   Add onion and, stirring occasionally, cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.  Add mushrooms and garlic, and raise temperature to medium high.  Continue to cook, stirring often, until mushrooms are soft, about 3 minutes.
Add spinach to the skillet and stirring often, cook until spinach has wilted and excess moisture has evaporated, about 8 minutes.

Transfer contents fo the skillet to the bowl with the cooked pasta.  Add tomatoes and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.  Toss gently to mix.

Spray an 8 inch by 8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and carefully fill with the contents of the bowl.  Evenly top with Pram-style topping and remaining 2 Tblsp mozzarella cheese.
 

One serving

Bake in the oven until entire dish is hot and cheese on top has melted, about 15 minutes.  Allow to cool slightly, and then serve and enjoy.

Makes 4 servings.

We all loved this meal.  It was easy to make, tasty and for the three of us, enough for dinner and one serving for lunch the next day.  I can highly recommend Hungry Girl.

Thanks Lisa!