Trish Giordano: In Praise of the Lemon

Trish Giordano: In Praise of the Lemon: Lemon is my new passion. We all know how good a glass of lemon water (I like mine warm) is for you first thing in the morning. And, ...

In Praise of the Lemon

Lemon is my new passion.

We all know how good a glass of lemon water (I like mine warm) is for you first thing in the morning.

And, of course, lemon is such a good natural cleaner, will help whiten antique linens,  take stains out of clothing and just make everything smell fresh!

But, I am now incorporating lemon zest or juice in almost all foods I prepare! The lemon just brings all the flavors to a higher level.

Recently I served  Shrimp and Grits.  As I was completing the preparation of the grits, I finished it off with some fresh lemon juice.  Wow!!!  It truly tasted amazing.

I also made a bechamel for a spinach lasagne and, you guessed it!  Added some lemon zest and juice  to the sauce and, now, I will never make it without the lemon.

Lemon juice as the acid in a vinaigrette lightens it up considerably.

Fresh lemon juice is a great tenderizer for steak or pork chop marinade and some fresh squeezed lemon before the meat comes off the grill is sublime!

I also have been mixing in a bit of zested lemon to my meatball mixture!  Totally enhances the flavor!

When making chicken salad, I always add fresh lemon juice to the Hellman’s mayonnaise and it really is the best chicken salad ever!

Lemon zest is magnificent with fresh blueberries, strawberries and, what a bit of lemon can do to a peach!!

And I am now ending my day with a cup of Lemon Zinger tea and lemon slices to, hopefully, aid in a calm restful sleep!

Grandparents Day, 2020

 For most of us, this Grandparents Day will be unlike any other.

Many of us make great efforts to see our grandchildren often.  We enjoy their  company, partake of their activities, know their likes and dislikes, know their adorable idiocycrasies,  and immensely enjoy the family time!!

This year, however, is totally different with this Pandemic.  Due to travel restrictions, distances, health concerns.....many families have been apart for inordinate amounts of time and will not be able to have a dinner or celebration of this special day with their entire families.

Typically, I would be with the Grands now, helping out with those crazy schedules the first week of school.

I find myself having pangs of jealousy when I see and hear grandparents being able to be with their Grands. I wistfully think of the wonderful times I have had with my own Grands.

Since I am organizing photos in preparation of a photo gallery in the loft, this very well may be contributing to my sadness since I am perusing so many baby photos, first days at school, etc.

In lieu of being together, I am hoping the family can have a celebration via Zoom.  (Whatever would we do without this technical marvel?)  Of course, I won't be cooking a multi-course meal of favorites for the family, but hopefully I will be able to see and talk to them.

Rather than walk around with a heavy heart, I must focus my energies on productive projects.......like perhaps cleaning out the garage!!!