Saturday afternoon

 I decided to make some Italian lentils, basically lentils with Italian seasoning in tomato sauce.  Ron and I were poor pretty much our whole time with the exception of about 5 years a while ago.  Back in the early 90's the grocery budget was horrible and Ron suggested I cook beans.  I didn't really know how.  

So I did what I do and I went to the library, and checked out a bean cookbook.  One thing it said was never, EVER, add tomato or any sort of acid during the cook, add it at the end when it's done and then cook it down a little.  He liked pintos (I don't, and I detest cooking them).  He didn't want any other bean so I developed a pretty intense (and unreasonable) hatred of pintos.  

When I cook beans now I make lentils, they cook much faster and I like the size.  So I am cooking the lentils with the spices only, then I will add the tomato sauce later and then cook it down a little.  I don't like soupy lentils any more than I like pintos.  

I have some grated sharp cheddar I think will go very nicely with them.  It will be a change of pace for me.  Complete protein with the cheese.  

I love that I have a kitchen window.  I never tire of it.  I saw the mailman going up the driveway next door carrying a huge box and an "I HATE my job" expression on his face.  My route, a lot like my department at work, has a very high turnover I have been through countless carriers in my 20 years here.  

So I did something nice for him, doesn't matter what.  Then I went back to my cooking.  

That is the sad thing about delivery, someone has to BRING it.  Something to think about.  

That from the lady who wants a large stockpot for Christmas and maybe a anti fatigue floor mat.  I am buying myself a good kitchen knife, that is a given, but I could use those.  I need to put the mat on my Amazon wish list, I'm going to go do that now.  

Done.  #6 has some rare time to himself.  He likes to play loud music and putter.  So I turned up my music.  

Lentils are done.  Green chili stew is started.  I don't want a lot of appliances but I am glad I have the "big" (5 quart) crock pot as the bones wouldn't fit in the smaller one.  I got the value cut pack it was only $1, odd shapes but consistent thickness and plenty of meat and fat.  

I just need to do the stir fry.  I love the taste of garlic but I am allergic - that manifests, for me, with a vicious day-after headache.  Would it be worth it?  Just a little?  I need to think about it.  I also need to look at my ginger root situation.  

Well the lentils are done.  I used a total of 2 t Italian seasoning, 1 t salt, half a clove of garlic, and 16 ounces of Italian tomato sauce.  And you know what?  It tasted absolutely nothing Italian.  Whatever it is, it's good.  I like it.  I will absolutely eat it.  But what the hell?  

Some of my cooking is like that - I attempt one thing and end up with another that tastes even better.  I know what I did so I can do it again.  Huh.  

It is interesting to be home all day with the cats.  Cleo has spent the day in my bed, on my pillow.  Biscuit is laying around various places.  He had some lap time earlier.  

That's it for now!