The Unique Qualities of Cornstarch

Is it misunderstood, underestimated, or simply taken for granted? Like salt and pepper, its cousins, cornstarch takes an exalted place in my kitchen. A little bit goes a long way into taking a dish to its rightful place in our meals. 

The staple in the kitchen cupboard has no rival. It's the cook's go to thickener for that clean, fresh appearance for blueberry or cherry pie or their respective tarts.I And it's gluten-free. Isn't that great? With a sluggish thyroid, there is no argument when  corn gluten comes calling 'cause it is not there. (The body cannot discern the difference between gluten and the thyroid hormone. Guess who wins?. Peace and tranquility is maintained throughout the dietary marathon when cornstarch is used..

Cornstarch is my ace for gravies. Mixed with cold water, this gluten free grain mixes easily and quickly. It is ready to be added to hot milk, oat milk or water for that clean look, again. Oh so yum. It is a great thickener when making puddings, too, alongside tapioca. Momsey loves tapioca and rice pudding

For that crispy taste from deep fried chicken pieces, it is an important ingredient. Crunch, crunch goes the delicious fried chicken pieces, by simply dredging the food in cornstarch and shaking off the extra before frying. Adding it to a yeasted dough seems to make the dough a fresher version of itself. It can lighten the flour load (gluten) when just a small amount is added to the dry mix when other flours are used. (It can improve recipes by allowing certain  flour modifications to occur.  Even altering flours in a recipe - with notations nearby- helps us use corn starch and other gluten free flours creatively) It would seem that cornstarch helps to liberate us in the kitchen. 

And finally, when crafting occurs, cornstarch can be made into a thick paste for those structures required of little children. And it's safe, a cost effective product, readily available for use whenever a mountain, hill or building is needed on the spur of the moment. It is quite the thing this cornstarch. It's a problem solver and taste sensation when cooked. A perfect mate, I'd say...Thank you, cornstarch, for making a difference. We need you!

The Ultra Processed Menace

Here we go again, Now we have ultra processed food.. The term referring to that very important process in our daily life called eating is now scaring us to another level of fear. More additives, preservatives, taste enhancers to increase the appeal of our food makes the act of eating frought with danger. Our bodies deserve better. When does it stop?

Medications to stop the illness and disease slowly descending upon us are becoming a way of life. Gaining weight begins to show us that too much food and the wrong type have descended upon us. Eating out can become a minefield of uncertain choices. We buy comfort meals in the frozen food aisle in the grocery store to give us a break from cooking while being reminded that 'real' cheese is being used in those products we buy. I should hope so!

Once upon a time, grocery shopping was indeed a fun experience. We bought real food, took it home. And that was that. Worrying about food did not enter our consciousness, not ever. We knew what we were buying and trust the companies making our food. Now, what's the gig? 

Food companies began the sinister trick of trying to get us to eat more of their  dubious products, many of them aimed at our children. (Hallowe'en seems everywhere in the processed food supply.) We have begun to crave more calories than our bodies require to function and the calorie type is now highly questionable. We are not food scientists but they are!

Eating vegetables should not be a struggle but can be. The other 'stuff' tastes better. And now we are in the land of ultra processed food, a game changer. Processed food seems so last year, 

“I can't cook”, some would say. Of course you can. It's a simple act of health. No one can keep us healthy but us. We have that power, every minute of everyday. A simple trip to the produce aisle will suffice on our way to health. Listen to your body.

Stay in the kitchen where delicious can happen. Sugar in all its guises within the processed category is a constant threat to our healthy choices. Starches, sugars, syrups and glazes) If I want them, I decide where and how much. Eating salads with a touch of healthy oil, herbs and lemon juice can begin the treck into a gourmet world of food.

Simple ingredients, fresh ones, too, can help reduce the ultra processed menace plaguing us when meal time is near. Eat slowly, chew well and listen to our bodies. Pay attention. Our bodies do not lie! Please listen as they speak to us. The micro biome is king.

The Rules of Onion and Garlic Use

There are rules in life that encourage us to follow the steps to success in the endeavour in which we are involved. In one instance Momsey has determined there should be rules of garlic and onion usage. Seems kinda of silly but why bother using these illustrious herbs if not to derive maximum benefit in these often used flavour enhancers, in cooking and salads.

Here I go.. Recipes interest me less than the ingredients used in them. Two or three cups of sugar, for instance, coupled with a corresponding amount of flour is preposterous in my opinion. Balance is key to cooking health.

We've been told sugar is an ingredient that harms us. Countries that export their homegrown sugar cane would be left struggling in a downward spiral economy if exports of their main product were to be forbidden. What then?

Turning our attention to onions and garlic would help restore our devotion to those 'foods' with other intentions in our daily diet. That's a thought! Garlic, I have learned, unleashes its greatest potency for health when left alone for 10 minutes before cooking etc. Chopping across instead of lengthwise the clove of garlic increases its health benefit to us in this regard.

Onion powder is the result of onions cooked one way then the product, dried. Different flavour here. Then we have raw onion and boiled onion, different flavour enhancers again. While watching a food show I learned the vlaue of using different types of onions in cooking. Onions can be boiled or roasted thus changing the flavour being imparted into the food being cooked.

In the decades momsey has been cooking in love with this super food - onions- I was not aware of its clever potential in our diet. ..... It does pay to stop, look and listen every so often. Experts in all fields of endevours know one important reality: we do not know it all!

Water.Coffee.Tea.Milk

We are made of nearly 70% water, a drink that was rarely given priority in my childhood. Milk was. And cow's milk was it. How times have changed. We now have oat, almond, cashew, goat, and coconut milks, to name a few, occupying exalted positions in our multifacetted diet.

As a teen, I began drinking tea, Red rose tea, the only tea available on the grocery shelves in 'those days'. Mom drank senna tea and black coffee and nothing else. Both brewed drinks were laced with lots of sugar and cream or milk. For me in the rare instance I drank tea was with orange juice. It seemed to be the only way enjoy the benefits of the one and only tea I drank.

Nothing seemed amiss. Choice did not exist. For me,milk was never added. It just seemed wrong. (At the grocery store, even dog food was in limited supply, occupying only half an aisle.) When I left home. I became a dog owner to a rescue about whom I have written. Why I wonder was glucose-fructose in the hamburger- like packages of Dr. Ballard's dog ' dry food? Why? Sugar belonged somewhere, I guess, but not in the main diet of humans and our pets. Would cats tolerate that? They are smarter human beings.

Coffee is number one for many of us. Not for me, however. I cannot drink it though it was a family favourite, a constant throughout my childhood. ... It is a hot drink commonly offered at parties, conferences, events, the office and of course weddings. Tea is available upon request. Whenever my mom and I shopped I was in charge of grinding a bag of coffee beans, twice, on 'very fine'. I loved the aroma as I closed the bag on its second round. Drinking it was not possible, however.

Tiramisu is a favourite dessert of mine, an Italian delicacy. Why I adore it I do not know. Coffee is laced in the lady fingers of this delicious dessert. I crave it whenever it is offered. Black coffee which my husband loved is a healthy drink, he was reminded, often. hoping he would continue drinking it. I offered to make it whenever. Millions of people around the world who drink coffee must know something. Recently I discovered that the addition of milk to tea or coffee cancels the benefits of these century's old hot beverages. Lemon juice is my  noteworthy add-in, a recommended choice all around.

With tea, I have found my elixir..Mixing different types for different reasons aids in health. Why eat or drink anything long term if there is no health benefit? Seems reasonable to me. When it is pop time, I drink the healthiest available, a few sips till the food is gone. Sugar is a better choice than other substitutes, lauded by the companies that use them....

Hibiscus and dandelion root, as well as black, green and white tea all factor into my menu planning. Hibiscus for reducing high blood pressure is the latest along with dandelion root. A slow introduction into the diet helps my taste buds become acclimatized to these new tea sensations. A 2-3 bag limit in my mug happens regularly. The more the merrier.

Minor changes in the liquids we drink and the foods we cook and prepare at home can result in major changes in overall health. Lemon juice, no excess salt or soy sauce added are simple changes that can help. And cooking at home is the body's biggest health secret.

Tea, coffee and water are formative tools in our daily diet. Much to learn about these clear drinks. If milk is wanted, drink separately. Choose the milk that benefits. Small changes with dramatic results  can occur. Simple, clear and clean. Timely reminders for every day health.

Overwhelming Grief....

When life changes, new routines begin. Grief is a profound emotion fraught with unexpected 'spells', small in nature but oh so real. Surrounded by family keeps these moments of remembrance in check. A phone call is a ray of sunshine from grandchildren or a friend. The card in the mail is another loving measure from loved ones, a reminder that imprints on us forever.

A new chapter begins. It must. The former loved one is no longer with us. We must forge a new path, a brighter future or the conclusion of another path begun with 'them'. Crying happens as often as it does, a component of the grieving process. When your pet suddenly collapses, while you are coping with another medical crisis, grief is multiplied. Your failure to help your precious pet adds to the immense emotional toll. Pet owners understand. 

Decades ago, when it seemed that we might not be able to have children, adoption came to mind. I wondered, could we love another child not of our making? Then I laughed. What a ridiculous thought. I love my pets as though they are people. Then I knew. Eight dogs and one cat later filled our lives with happy, funny moments. The life expectancy of dogs made our choices both easy and difficult. But they needed homes.Our  adult children followed in our footsteps. Everywhere I looked, a replacement fill my heart with the love that has been lost. Pets are critical to Momsey's grieving process; my heart a little less heavy with each passing day. They are miracle workers in my heart..  

Each passing day helps to bring new experiences and maybe new people. Cooking for one keeps leftovers smaller than usual. Forging deeper relationships with grandchildren because my 'compass' is gone forever leaves family to fill the role. He was family the moment we met. Fifty-four years later a chunk of me is gone forever. Sadness happens. But there are too many reminders of life, laughter and kindness and a brighter future filled with the family we created. I am lucky.

I am now thinking of interviewing the newer generation to get a glimpse into who they are and what they want. Benefits arise through this real life face-off. Smart phones, not invited. The intellect of these young children: 4 boys and 4 girls, are gems to take notice of. digital devices are not welcome. Why worry, after all. The human mind is the greatest computer or digital device in the world.

Turkey Dinner for One

Downsizing the ritual of turkey dinner has succeeded. Cooking for two has been a daily ritual for The Momsey for many years. In the beginning it was a large turkey. Then buying two birds to increase the number of legs for those wanting them. Now I am cooking for one, on a regular basis. My thinking has begun to change.

Last week my thoughts of dressing, gravy and mashed potatoes took on a new look. There is no turkey small enough for me to buy so that I am not eating it forever. Being the only one wanting this special meal, size does matter.. I do not want to be eating turkey and all its fixins forever or freezing the leftovers for another future date, only to be forgotten. After awhile, turkey can lose its lustre for me. Waste is not in my vocabulary.

Homemade cranberry sauce using frozen cranberries with maple syrup is made. It can be used as a spread for breakfast or with the main act: turkey dinner.

Stuffing for the meal for one is downsized easily using a small fry pan for its inital preparation. This tactic helps to contain the celery, dill, parsley, salt and pepper, thyme, poultry to a reasonable quantity,easily. Once completed, the homemade dressing is gingerly encapsulate within the skin of the split turkey breast, bone and skin intact, in a 330 degree oven. Size will determine length of time. Basting juices form to easily coat the 'roast' in flavour and moisture.

A small footprint in the oven in a covered porcelain roasting pan serves as a perfect delivery system for roasting the turkey for one, with dressing and any vegetables desired. Basting the contents is a delicious reward. And a funny thing can happen. Sufficient food can be created for unexpected company.

In these days of simple and clean eating, unexpected dinner guests can be accompanied easily. A salad wilth help deliver that extra nutrient punch along side the roasted meal that has been cooking in the oven. There might not be any leftovers when company visits but repeating the task of a meal for one trains us to eat less and appreciate diversity. What is next?. Soup is a great meal using leftovers and giving the body is change of pace while perhaps widening the festing window in between. Yum. Yum.

With friends or family nearby, another occasion for another meal for one can excite us all. The question that bears asking: Shall Pirogies or cabbage rolls for 'one' be next? Perhaps that requires a different approach for invited guests. How many are you willing to make?

"I love You More Than I Thought"

I was caught off guard. The comment so resonated with me that I asked my grandson to repeat what he had just said. “I love you more than I thought.”, he remarked. We were all in disbelief.

At the time, I was in their kitchen, (visiting yet again), for a couple of days during a family medical crisis. I had been emptying the dishwasher, making myself useful. In the beginning, when the voice of another child had greeted me on the phone with a “Baba, do you want to sleepover?” I was surprised by both the invitation and young voice calling but happy to accept a most gracious invitation, a grandmother visiting her daughter-in-law, son and grandchildren.

Today's out-of-the blue statement by a four-year-old left me speechless. He smiled and corrected me when I used the word 'like' instead of love in my attempts to repeat to mommy and daddy what he had said.. His correction was one of surprise, too. His parents had been listening.

Christmas would soon be here though the magic of the holiday season has permeated the air for awhile. With family within reach, the feelings of love, joy and comfort are all around. On December 24^th, my husband died. He had been in hospital since the summer resulting from many medical issues facing him. Whenever he 'rallied', as he lay in the ICU, he would shock his medical team. Those moments gave his family hope. But alas it was not to last.

Being with family during these heavy times buoy us all as we grieve the loss of a life held dear. But those who have lost a child bear the deepest loss of all, a loss that can change the DNA of those left behind. I am grateful for having been chosen by him in the early years. I wasn't looking. He had been.I was simply working, going to school, changing careers and cities with him by my side. When children arrived, my new path was chosen. His career began.

“I love you more than I thought” came out of nowhere that day. His mom and dad were nearby. A new generation of kindred spirits seemed to be building in this grandson, one of many. Soon we will have 8 grandchildren: 4 boys and 3 girls, and one, soon to-be-announced. My world will begin to take shape once again but this time without him. I'm 'unbalanced' rfor the moment, doing everything and hoping I know what I'm doing. It 'ain't easy easy', made harder without my special boy, Mr. Wiggles who left us in early Sept. created joy in our lives. Ella fills that void now whenever I visit and hopefully a new sidekick will appear in the new year.

Wishing you all a happy new year with love – in all its forms – arriving in abundance. Thank you for reading the MomseyBlog. It is an honour that anyone reads what I have to write. I am not on Facebook or other social media platforms that showcase our busy lives. Time taken to illustrate my boring life is a waste of time - yours and mine- taken away from the precious lives we engage with children, grandchildren and other loved ones and pets. There is a trade off.