Cooking With Purpose

Column Feature-Things to Do: Cooking With a Purpose

We laughed it off and resumed working, but I continued to think about it until wandering thoughts drifted to my happy place: a location where face masks are not required.

Once the requirement is lifted, one person is still going to keep theirs for use during cold weather. One lady said she has thought about painting a mouth on hers so she won’t need to buy lipstick ever again. Another plans to hang his on a tree and use it for target practice (he didn’t specify what caliber.) It’s not hard to figure out which method I prefer. However, I still like my original idea better. If sales are good for raffle tickets to see who gets to light the ceremonial flame, I could make a fortune. would I do with a windfall of these proportions? I have no idea, but I sure would like to find out. I’m pretty sure I could get used to a luxurious lifestyle.

What defines your idea of luxurious living? Indulgence in every single thing? Comfort? No Stress? Retirement?

expensive vehicles and servants are required. For others, living in luxury is defined by having electricity and running water.

Sadly, there are untold numbers of people who would be thrilled with food on their table plus groceries in the fridge and pantry. After all, when you have ingredients on hand, it’s easy to whip up any number of recipes. The selection for this month is one with a texture which really accentuates the sumptuous flavor. It is quick to prepare and has the added benefit of being versatile.

It can be used as a dip, salad or dessert. It is also an excellent way to use all those leftover candy canes from Christmas. Don’t let the name fool you; it is a delicious addition to any meal. If you choose to make it for Valentine’s Day, feel free to rename it. For that special occasion, I plan to call it Cupid’s Candy Crush.

PEPPERMINT FLUFF 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 tsp. powdered sugar

1 tsp. peppermint extract 1/4 c. finely crushed candy canes 1 (8 oz.) container non-dairy whipped topping optional: few drops red food coloring

With an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until well combined and smooth. Stir in crushed candy canes. Fold in Cool Whip until thoroughly mixed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Here are some ideas for ways to give it your own personal flair. For dip, add a jar of marshmallow cream and serve with chocolate wafer cookies. When planning this as salad, stir in some miniature marshmallows, coconut or chopped pecans. Serving this minty concoction in dessert dishes makes it especially festive. Garnish with coarsely chopped peppermint candies or sprinkle with red nonpareil sprinkles. If you can’t find any heart shaped sprinkles, try substituting red hots. Top with mini milk chocolate chips or to stick with the color theme, use white chocolate chips. Although this is not an expensive recipe to make, it has the taste and texture that equals the most indulgent mousse. It could even be described as pure luxury without the dieter’s guilt of a more decadent dessert.

With that thought, maybe I don’t need my life to be any more luxurious than it already is. I’m thankful for what I have. Admittedly, I need to say so more often. Over and over. It wouldn’t seem unusual these days because we are saying everything twice anyway. Even those with good hearing are constantly asking, “What did you say? I couldn’t hear you through your mask.”

Yes, like so many, I look forward to the day we can get through a meeting in half the time because without masks, we can hear each other the first time we speak. I believe doing so is especially important particularly when we are expressing gratitude, or saying, “I Love You.”

And that, my friends, is luxury!