FOOD FOR THOUGHT: THE NEXT GENERATION

Food For Thought

The Next Generation

by Nancy DeRosa

This past Thanksgiving, for the first time in years, instead of hosting, I became a guest. My daughter Kelly insisted on having the holiday at her home. Initially I had resisted. I’ve always been the one to brine the turkey, mash the potatoes, make the cornbread, the gravy, the list goes on. Was I ready to pass the food torch over to my daughter? Maintaining traditions has always been important to me and I have always resisted change. I knew hosting this year was important to her, so I picked up some flowers and pies, now suddenly relegated to guest status, and headed over to my daughter’s home. Surprisingly, I loved being a guest and enjoyed myself so much that a new tradition was born, Thanksgiving at Kelly and Travis’s. I can’t wait until next year!

Kelly discovered her love of cooking from watching her Nana and I in the kitchen from a young age. Family dinners, and holiday meals, are her fondest memories growing up and she always loved coming home from college for some home cooked meals. She had missed our family dinners and appreciated them even

more as she got older. Whether it was steak pizzaioli, oven fried chicken, or a nineties favorite; Tuna Noodle Casserole; She knew there was always a surprise waiting for her at the dinner table. And yes, my Tuna Casserole was fierce! For her, preparing a meal means time spent with family and connecting to joyful moments from her childhood.

Kelly is fearless in the kitchen and will often experiment, creating new recipes as well as tweak a few of the tried and true that she had always enjoyed at home as a child. The kitchen is her favorite place to be and she loves taking chances, often making a recipe her own with a few added ingredients.

Kelly never met a noodle she didn’t like. She remembers waking up on the weekends to the delicious aroma of garlic and tomato sauce wafting into her bedroom and she would often associate that smell with a favorite Sunday meal spent with family. She knew from the first time she tasted; “Sunday Gravy,” as a toddler, it was her absolute favorite meal from the first bite, and she has never wavered from her passion for pasta!

Kelly feels cooking is such a needed break from working remotely. She looks forward to shutting down, taking out her pots and pans, the chopping board, a glass of wine at hand, she then gets busy with dinner. To her, it’s so satisfying to prepare, and of course

sitting down to sample her meal is the best part of the experience. She’s so excited to share her favorite pasta recipe; “Fusilli with Spicy Vodka Sauce and Shrimp,” with you, and she wishes all of you so much joy in creating your fondest memories in the kitchen with family and friends!

Traditions change, coming full circle, my little girl inviting me over for dinner, taking over a holiday meal, creating her own memories, and traditions. Sometimes those traditions may not include me, and yet, it just seems right. Change can be good, even if at first resisted, it becomes welcomed, a natural progression of life. Now I can’t wait to make new memories with my family, and I promise to always bring the pies!

Nancy DeRosa’s women’s fiction; “Food for Thought; First Course, Second Course, and Just Desserts, by Black Opal books are available wherever books are sold. Her cooking show, Food for Thought; “Home Cook for Home Cooks,” is premiering soon on Starbaby TV, and will be available on any Screen. You can check out a few of Nancy Dee’s cooking segments “Food for Thought”, on Foodytv, and Footprinttv.

www.derosabooks.com

8EMPOWERING BELIEFS TO LIVE BY

by Lynn DelGaudio

Our life experience is shaped by our thinking, and the meaning we attach to circumstances and events. Even obstacles and challenges have value when we can see it. And let’s face it, there are plenty of these to face in this world! But we can develop convictions that will help us feel happier and achieve more, regardless of the situation.

The following are some empowering beliefs that you can start using today to transform your life through the power of positive thinking.

The key: feel it when you think it! This sends a signal to the body that it’s happening or has already happened. This is how affirmations become manifestations. Try it! Empowering Beliefs to Make You Smile 1. “I understand my potential.” You can achieve amazing results when you put your mind to it. Feel excited about reaching your true potential. 2. “I count my blessings, big and small.” List each thing that you are grateful for and feel that appreciation in the body and mind. Include the smaller items, like warm socks or tart cranberries. Expressing your appreciation reminds you of how rich you are. 3. “I learn from mistakes.” You can make setbacks work for you by focusing on the lessons that they contain. Flubbing one job interview can teach you how to ace the next one. Imagine the satisfaction of the learning rather than dwelling on the mistake. 4. “I find meaning in adversity.” Tough times can be the most 34

rewarding phase of your life. Know that you can emerge from any challenge with greater wisdom and courage. Look back at the obstacles you’ve already overcome, and then feel the knowing that you can handle what’s ahead. 5. “I embrace change.” Accept that life is a series of changes. Focus on the present moment, and then prepare yourself to adapt to whatever circumstances come your way. 6. “I dream big.” Expand your wish list. Setting demanding but attainable goals will give you adventures to look forward to each day. Envision achieving the dream. What does it feel like? 7. “I practice forgiveness.” Lighten your load by clearing away any resentment you’re holding onto from the past. Set reasonable boundaries while you respond with compassion when others disappoint you. Pardon yourself too. 8. “I give generously.” Sharing your blessings makes you more powerful and joyful. Volunteer in your community and speak kindly to each person you meet today. Buy coffee for your co-workers or give your receptionist a flower. How does that make you feel?

An upbeat attitude increases happiness and productivity. Questioning old assumptions is key to being able to replace them with a new sense of certainty about yourself and your future. Adopting empowering beliefs will build confidence and prepare you for greater success. Start today. You’ll be glad you did!