And More Fries.......

We were on our way home that afternoon from a family visit. I had not eaten that morning. Suddenly an offer of an ice cream cone was made. Sure, I responded. I'm a big girl. I can do whatever I want. As we motioned into the drive thru of the next McDonald's, another thought came to mind. "I'll have a medium fries with that - no salt". It just seemed to be the perfect duo, totally self-indulgent with no food value in sight. I knew the line I was crossing but no one but my husband and me knew how low I managed to go..

There would be no evidence of any wrong doing. Our children were grown and living on their own with children of their own. They would never know what mom was doing. I drink Chinese teas - oolong, green matcha, green, white and others. (I know a wrongdoing when I see it)  Then there is hibiscus, dandelion root and others, too numerous to mention but a reminder that I behave much of the time. I love salad and need it to be happy but not just now. I needed to do what I needed to do.

The ice cream cone was devoured in record time. It had to be. It could not wait. The french fries were waiting and I was not going to eat them warm or cold. Time was of the essence. They arrived perfectly done. They were delicious. My brain had been smitten by his momentary lapse of judgement. Ice cream and fries? Who does that? Me.That's who.

I knew what to expect with those fries here. The whole takeout process is regimented and timed carefully. When predictability is mandated, I know where to go - where the fries are perfectly cooked. There are food protocols in place. I knew what to expect - hot fries, golden in colour with no added salt. I was satisfied and truly comforted by it all. 

It has been two weeks since that afternoon's misguided decision to eat fries with that, a processed sugar dominated ice cream cone. All of this on an empty stomach, too. No one knew. It was our little secret and I felt fine. When I got home, a proper meal would be made. Since I love mashed potatoes that might be included. Locally grown potatoes with grass fed butter and organic milk. Organic when it makes sense. Grass fed butter, too. Greenhouse or NON/GMO helps in my decision making. Organic might be the standard but it is rarely available where you shop for groceries. And sometimes the cost is too high with low grade produce. Choices need to be made.

I'm sure I will do this again down the road. Since I do all of the cooking using an airfryer, pressure cooker, i deserve a change of pace. I knew the rules. I cook everything and try new things. Today I made coleslaw with pineapple. I learned about this recipe as a diet supervisor at the world renown Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto decades ago. Was delicious then. Still is today. Even my pierogy dough is better today using Italian 00 flour, a flour slowly dried and traditionally milled in Italy. I wrote about its importance in my diet years ago. 

The other day on my way home, I was a girl who cooked but wanted fries now, predictably satisfying and done right with no salt.  I'm o.k. 'cause today my passion is leftover homemade roast chicken with  lots of homemade stuffing.  No ice cream or fries in sight. I was happy again.... (Momsey's stuffing is mostly  diced organic celery, red onion/yellow, dill, saute'ed in olive oil,  with added poultry seasoning,  or sage, marjoram over diced or processed sourdough bread, mixed slowly with added water or broth as needed. An egg can be included into stuffing then into the chicken or turkey. Can be baked in a loaf pan, rolled in parchment paper on sheet or directly into the cavity. Different ways to cook stuffing making it available year long. Love my stuffing sandwich! No fries with that!)

Do you Need Fries with That?

Recently, we stopped at a New York Fries Booth at our local mall. I was getting hungry and there were no leftovers at home for two. I cast a glance at the simple menu. I loved it. I'm a simple girl with down to earth tastes. Hot dog and fries were on my list. Simple and cheap.

At some of the most prestigious eateries, where fish and chips are main features, the fries were over done -(unhealthy and undesirable) and arrived salty when the request for none was given. There was no uniformity at all.

I was joyously surprised when I asked the young man at the New York booth if the 'just golden' in colour and 'no salt' added was a tall order to fill. No, he said. Then I saw the menu listing hot dogs. Nice touch to my take-out food order. I ordered two. The excitement was palpable. If the hot dog was less than expected. I would not order it the next time, just the fries. But alas it was more than expected. The bun was flavourful, delicious with a tender crumb; the hot dog, perfect in every way. The fries, a golden colour with no salt, were delicious. ...Oh My!

A new destination was now on my dining list. We shared the fries. The meal was a hit with a reminder to return and for my husband to order his own. With an air fryer available, leftover fries can be reheated so easily, replicating my visit to NY Fries.

Salt is the silent killer in our vast processed diet with fries being the main target for its delivery into our bodies. No thank you. I will salt if needed but there is no need. Salt abounds all around us in the toppings, protein choices and other foods we eat. Now we have a 'new kid on the block'- seasoned fries, a euphemism, in my opinion, for salt, because it is. 

This new twist on fries has 'head office' making the decision that we need more salt, Enough already. No thanks. My choice not yours. Salt is the sneaky ambush in our food. The food landscape is awash with many types of cuisine and simple food ideas at unbeatable prices. Choices abound: online, on foot and in person! We are not children. I can meet any low standard required in my kitchen. But sometimes I want to escape without fuss or bother.  

My 6-year-old grandson makes breakfast often, I hear and does a mean pasta and pierogy. I love both, homemade preferred. The taste difference is remarkable and oh so delicious. No degree required.  Takeout, take note: the rebellion has started. A new generation is here. Get rid of the excess salt and I'm yours.