food2hart

Live on Purpose

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 01:30:29 GMT

Welcome to My Table!

Live on Purpose

What are your plans for 2023? The doors are open for many new possibilities. Whatever you decide to do, be kind to yourself. This year has started a little rocky for our family but nothing we cannot handle. Maybe these rocky points are meant to serve as a guide for how to find a path and live on purpose. When you do something on purpose, you are doing it intentionally, not by accident.

My intentions for the new year include cooking, traveling, and enjoying each new day.

What are your intentions? Planning ahead allows you to live in the moment. The older I get, I realize the importance of planning. Whether you believe in the 66 days or the 21/90 day rule to form/create a new habit, the time is going to pass anyway. Let’s make 2023 count.

Here is one planning idea for 2023:

Maybe you can take some much needed time to clean out a drawer or closet and donate the items that you will not use. Do you have items that you are saving for a nice occasion? When we went through my grandmother’s house I remember finding nice new sheets in the drawers, but her bed was dressed in paper thin sheets (although they had been ironed). It was the same with her kitchen utensils and she was always cooking or baking something wonderful. Why do we save the new items for another day?

In the early 2000’s professional organizer, Peter Walsh, spent time with families on the show Clean Sweep emphasizing the importance of letting go of clutter and holding onto items with personal attachments. Fast forward to today, you can find organizers on Tik Tok, YouTube, and other streaming services. There is definitely a market for home organization even if it is just watching the program. Have you noticed how many videos there are of people cleaning their own kitchens, bathrooms, closets, etc.? I admit I have watched a few videos.

I am a life-long learner. That is why I like watching videos or reading books about organization. Maybe it is nice to know I am not alone. I know that 2023 is my year to start going through closets and drawers. Surely I have something to donate that someone else would appreciate. It would definitely be a great start with living on purpose.

It's Cookie Time!

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 18:31:53 GMT

Survey says.... Chocolate Chip Cookies are the #1 Cookie

According to a recent CBS news survey “82% of people say they enjoy baking their own cookies. And what's more, 35% say the classic chocolate chip cookie is their favorite. Other cookie flavors cited by respondents included peanut butter, brownie/double chocolate, and oatmeal raisin. Shortbread rounded out the top five.”

We can thank Ruth Graves Wakefield for the chocolate chip cookie (or cooky as it was called in the 1930’s). Although it is not definitive on how or why she created the chocolate chip cookie, most stories believe that while trying a new treat to be paired with ice cream for her restaurant she added Nestle chocolate. Ruth taught Home Economics prior to marrying her husband. It is believed that the recipe was not accidental (substituting for nuts or hoping the chocolate would melt) because she was well-versed in the kitchen. Regardless of how or why Ruth Wakefield created it, we are happy that she did. Here is the history behind the legendary Toll House Restaurant.

Ruth Wakefield and her husband owned the Toll House Restaurant on the outskirts of Whitman, Massachusetts in 1930. The original house was used as a toll house where passengers ate while the horses were changed on the way from Boston to New Bedford. By 1948, their business grew, serving two thousand guests a day. In the first year of the restaurant Ruth published her first cookbook Ruth Wakefield’s Toll House Tried and True Recipes . In my copy of the 1977 unaltered reproduction of the sixth (1948) edition, the Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is not the star of the book. You can find it on page 257. The only difference with the original Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookies and the Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chips yellow package Toll House Chocolate Chip recipe is dissolving the baking soda in a teaspoon of hot water.

What I have noticed about the chocolate chip cookie is that there are so many versions of this sweet cookie, there is something for everyone. I will provide several different recipes. I hope you find one that you will like. Enjoy!

Welcome to my table!

New Beginnings

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 01:58:03 GMT

New Month, What's Your Plan?

" The start of something new brings the hope of something great. Anything is possible. " Unknown

I welcome the beginning of a new month. New beginnings and new opportunities ready for the making. I did not always think this way. I believe I allowed life to pass by as if I had no personal involvement in how it could turn out. It was not until I heard the phrase - time is going to pass anyway, go back to school, start a new business - time is going to pass and 5 years down the road, you will be happy you made the change. I went back to school to finish what I started and graduated. I decided to continue my studies and graduated in 2019. Time passed and I kept busy. I do not regret going back to school and being the oldest student in the room. It allowed me to understand millennial thoughts and concerns about our world. This experience made me question why I fell into the thought pattern - that's just the way it has always been done, no questions asked. But, something wonderful happened, I spent time with people who questioned everything and I, too, learned to ask why. I learned to not just accept answers at face value but to research with reputable sources. This opportunity to ask questions also leads to new beginnings.

With age comes wisdom to see that " Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end" (Seneca). Also with age comes the season of losing friends and family to illness or accident. Losing your first best friend, family, or other classmates brings an emptiness and sadness. These emotions lead to new challenges. I can ask why a friend or family has left this world earlier than expected, but I may never know the answer. What I do know is that the challenges of living without our loved ones creates a new opportunity to reach out to friends and family to let them know how we feel about them while they are living.

A classmate reached out after our friend passed and asked to meet. I shared a wonderful memory of her from 40+ years ago. I wanted her to know how much she meant to me. You never know how your words resonate with others.

I hope that you will always look for new opportunities to make a difference. I am wishing you a lifetime of new beginnings and opportunities. May you also ask the questions to keep you informed. Love big, why hold back?

" Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don't fight them. Just find a new way to stand. " - Oprah Winfrey

Happy February 2022!

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 03:36:07 GMT

"If January is the month of change, February is the month of lasting change. January is for dreamers... February is for doers." - Marc Parent

February is one of my favorite months of the year. There are so many things to celebrate... Sweet Food, Oscar Contenders, Black History Month, and the 2022 Winter Olympics.

One of the common threads of all of the above is the sweet success after days, weeks, or years of hard work and determination. Whether people are working with a team to create content for a recipe, movie, experiment, or athletic achievement we are all better for their perseverance.

I love going to the movies, or in the last 2 years, streaming movies from the comfort of my living room couch. The beauty in watching Oscar contenders is that I may not have picked a movie to watch but watching things outside my bubble is the entire point of learning about different places and cultures. My mantra for 2022 is knowing is the enemy of learning. I will never claim to know everything but I will not learn unless I step outside of my comfort zone of what I already know. The world is big and full of so many things to learn. I invite you to step out of your comfort zone to reach out and learn about different cultures.

I have included several recipes from black cookbook authors to celebrate delicious sweets for this month. From Pineapple Upside Down Hummingbird Cake from Grandbaby Cakes by Jocelyn Delk Adams to ChocoCocoNutty Pound Cake from The Joy of Soul Food , by Pamela Holmes Chance (my husband’s high school classmate), I hope you find something new and exciting for your month of February. I love the stories about the recipes in Grandbaby Cakes.

You can find these cookbooks at local bookstores, Amazon, or other online sources. (I am not compensated for my recommendations.)

I hope you enjoy sweet treats all month long.

"February is short and very sweet." - Charmaine J Forde

Connections

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 21:02:07 GMT

“Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite o ne to stay .” - Maya Angelou

It has been a while since I have posted. The last couple of months have been unsettling. Have you ever had times when you were swept up and could not find your footing? It is the feeling of not knowing how or where you are going to land. The fear of the unknown has always seemed to knock me for a loop. I found that the beauty of normal activities in 2021 were being overshadowed by uncomfortable experiences of the unknown in a lane I had no exposure.

It is important to note that almost every experience that is new to you will not be new to someone else. The key is finding people around you who have experience and huddling with them to find a solution. My “lane” has been in the financial arena, communication, and of course, cookbooks. In April, I was plopped in the middle of a medical emergency for a family member. The medical field is not my lane and up until April, I have had little to no experience. But, little by little, having connections and sitting still long enough to get answers, things are becoming clearer.

Driven by hope and the possibility of what could be, the dust is settling. The journey is far from over. In fact, it is changing quickly. I am at the mercy of researching and discussing new possibilities. I know that I will not walk alone as long as I huddle with my wonderful connections. You know the saying… I know a guy/gal who knows a guy/gal….

The positive message from all of this is that we need to surround ourselves with wonderful contacts, friends, and family who will swoop in with the help of a phone call, a text, an email with the names of people they know. We were put on this earth to connect. If the COVID year of 2020 taught us anything, it is that we need to connect with people.

In 2021, I will continue to invite hope to stay. Fear takes too much energy.

Happy 1 Year!

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 18:00:42 GMT

“ The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you. ” – B.B. King

“ Try to learn something about everything and everything about something .” – Thomas H. Huxley

Happy 1 year! Food2Hart has reached the one year milestone. Throughout this past year I have enjoyed researching new recipes, tips, and quotes. I have enjoyed your comments and most definitely the family recipes you have shared. It was a fantastic year! I am looking forward to what 2021 has in store for all of us.

March marks the celebration of women's history month. I am excited to share a new book, Glamour - 30 Years of Women Who Have Reshaped The World (2021) . I received this beauty as a gift from my boss this week to celebrate women throughout the past 30 years. It is hard to believe how far we have come. When I share a story with my daughter of what it was like when I started work full-time back in the day, it is hard to imagine just how much has changed since that time.

But, that is the great thing about life. We feel uncomfortable so we learn something new and evolve. Learning and trying something new should never be frowned upon. One of my favorite quotes from Maya Angelou says to do better when we know better. Most of the wonderful benefits we now enjoy began as an uncomfortable situation whether in the workplace, home, or school. I am grateful for the change makers, leaders and pioneers, and visionaries using their voices to help all of us to evolve.

This month, take a minute to research at least one female who has made a difference in our world. From athletes, actors, musicians, politicians, teachers, students to writers, there is so much we can learn from others. May their voices inspire you to live your best life. Enjoy!

" Learn to say no, but have no fear in saying yes." - Nicole Kidman, Glamour Woman of the Year 2008 and 2017

Healthy Cooking and Eating in 2021

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 00:13:05 GMT

“Laughter is brightest where food is best .” - Irish Proverb

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live in.” - Jim Rohn

What does healthy cooking and eating mean to you? According to the world wide web, healthy eating means consuming a variety of foods full of nutrients needed to maintain your health, feel good, and have energy. These nutrients include protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins, and minerals. Nutrition is important for everyone. When combined with being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight, eating well is an excellent way to help your body stay strong and healthy.

Healthy cooking is defined as cooking techniques that eliminate most saturated fats used in frying - such as butter and lard, which are high in saturated fats. Some healthy cooking methods include:

Air Frying which circulates hot air around the food using the convection mechanism cooking the food at high speed and producing a crispy layer. It has the benefits of fried food without the excess oil.

Baking which does not typically require adding fat to the food.

Braising which involves browning the ingredient first in a pan on top of the stove, and then slowly cooking it covered in a small quantity of liquid (water or broth).

Broiling and Grilling which exposes food to direct heat and allows fat to drip away from the food.

Poaching which requires simmering ingredients in water or a liquid (broth or wine) until they are cooked through and tender. It is best to use a pan fitting the size and shape of the food which will require less liquid.

Roasting similar to baking but typically at higher temperatures. Roasting uses the oven’s dry heat to cook the food. To maintain moisture, cook foods until they reach a safe internal temperature but do not overcook.

Sautéing which works with relatively small or thin pieces of food. Use a good quality nonstick pan to cook food without fat.

Steaming which is one of the simplest cooking methods. To add flavor, use a flavorful liquid or add seasonings to the water.

Stir-frying which cooks small uniform sized pieces of food while being stirred in a wok or large nonstick frying pan using a small amount of oil or cooking spray.

One way to add flavor to your food is to create meals with herbs and spices without adding salt or fat. The Mayo Clinic had some ideas to add flavor to your food. Here are a few ideas:

Fresh herbs . Choose herbs that look bright and aren't wilted, and add them toward the end of cooking.

Dried herbs . Add pinches of dried herbs in the earlier stages of cooking. But avoid prepackaged seasoning mixes because they often contain a lot of salt.

Dried mustard . Used sparingly, dried mustard adds a zesty flavor while cooking.

Vinegar or citrus juices . Add them at the last moment. Vinegar is great on vegetables, and citrus works well on fruit such as melons.

Marinades . Try a low-fat marinade for foods that you broil, grill or roast. To make your own marinade, use 1 part oil to 2 parts vinegar or citrus juice, and add herbs and spices as desired.

Fresh hot peppers . Remove the membranes and seeds first, and then finely chop the peppers. A small amount goes a long way.

Dried vegetables and fruits . Some vegetables and fruits — such as mushrooms, tomatoes, chilies, cherries, cranberries and currants — have a more intense flavor when dried than when fresh. Add them when you want a burst of flavor.

As I began searching for healthy recipes to start out the new year, I realized that it is more than a cookbook titled “Healthy Recipes.” Healthy cooking involves techniques used and flavor added that make healthy and tasty food. In the last several months I have been trying to find ways to take familiar recipes using healthier ingredients. It is possible. In the next few weeks, I will add recipes that I have found that may add some “healthy” to your menu. Some recipes will include healthier cooking techniques and some with healthier ingredients. Whatever way you decide to cook or flavor, cooking and eating healthier foods help us to enjoy those little treats in moderation.

I found this quote below that definitely has some truth to it. Enjoy!

“The key to eating healthy? Avoid any food that has a TV commercial .” unknown

2021 - 365 New Days

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 17:04:43 GMT

“It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life. For me. And I'm feeling good.”
"Feeling Good"

Song by Michael Bublé

I am a big fan of sunrises and sunsets. The world is the stage presenting the beginning and end of a day. I welcome the gift of a new day. I am grateful for each new day. It’s an opportunity to begin again. It’s also an opportunity to make a difference. As I spend a "moment" looking back on last year, I know that 2020 is nothing like I expected. Nothing. We experienced no travel, no big celebrations, and most importantly no hugs. Everyone has been impacted by 2020, whether it was losing a loved one, a job, or a business, or living in isolation to protect those we love. We can all agree that we were forced to be braver than we could ever imagine. I understand how it feels to be brave and afraid at the same time.

In keeping with my parenting mantra - “Don’t Look Back, You are not going that way” I pack up the good, learn from the lessons of 2020, and move forward. Life has a way of teaching us new lessons. I have found that the lessons will continue to follow you until you meet them head on, acknowledge and accept them, and write our own ending. Brené Brown says it best, “ When we have the courage to walk into our story and own it, we get to write the ending. And when we don’t own our stories of failure, setback, and hurt - they own us. ” There is power when we realize that we can write our own story.

As we usher in a new year, each new sunrise is even more important. We have 365 new beginnings on a blank canvas. We cannot change anything that happened in 2020, but we can adjust our sails and make the best of new day and new year. We have the opportunity to help those who are hurting while helping our own hurting. We need to summon the courage to face a new day. “ Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver, and our world could stand to be a little kinder and braver, ” (Brené Brown).

I am wishing all of you the happiest new year. May you have a year of courage, bravery, and hugs. We can all make the best of each new day. Enjoy the beautiful sunrises to start your day. At each sunset, know that you did your best. Learn the lessons of each day and keep moving forward. Some days will be better than others but in the aggregate, I hope you are “feeling good.”

“ A new day: Be open enough to see opportunities. Be wise enough to be grateful. Be courageous enough to be happy. ”

Dr. Steve Maraboli

Spark Your Joy

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 20:28:32 GMT

" They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack ." - James Earl Jones, Field of Dreams (1989)

“ Ray. People will come, Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. "Of course, we won't mind if you look around", you'll say, "It's only $20 per person". They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack. And they'll walk out to the bleachers; sit in shirtsleeves on a perfect afternoon. They'll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they'll watch the game and it'll be as if they dipped themselves in magic waters. The memories will be so thick they'll have to brush them away from their faces. People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good and that could be again. Oh...people will come Ray. People will most definitely come .” - James Earl Jones

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I love the movies. It was my treat when I went back to school. It was an outlet to take in all that the magic screen would offer. Stepping out of our lives to better understand others is a reward.

It seems we spend so much time looking for inner peace. The above quote is one of my favorite movie quotes from the Field of Dreams (1989). I am also a baseball fan so I can definitely relate to baseball’s memories. I do believe that you do not need to be a baseball fan to appreciate this metaphor for life. People tend to show up for things that excite them. Whether it is a sporting activity, holiday baking, shopping, or meeting up friends (even virtually), we are reminded each time what once was good, could be good again.

When I started blogging in March at the beginning of the pandemic, I was hoping it would be better by the end of the year. It is not. However, we can find the little sparks of joy in the everyday. Little acts of kindness go a long way. Spark your joy by being kind during this holiday season. Mask up and make cookies for your neighbors. People living alone need your little act of kindness. Check in on your friends and family. Tell people you love them. Do what is right especially when no one is looking. If we follow these small steps of kindness on a daily basis, we will find the peace we lack.

Dip yourself in the magic waters of what makes you happy. There is so much good in our world.

Let’s shine our light on the good.

What Makes a Great Leader?

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 03:59:02 GMT

“If you think you are leading and turnaround to see no one following you – then you are just taking a walk.” - Benjamin Hooks

In January 2017, I started graduate school with a class in organizational communication. Right out of the gate, I was charged with finding an original source reading discussing a communication theory. I chose leadership specifically transformational leadership because I believe leadership steers organizations through conflict and success.

In 1978, James MacGregor Burns wrote the book, Leadership. It is striking the amount of research that he painstakingly reviewed to write about the theory of leadership. His research included years of successful leaders and followers in the business, political, and military arenas. This was just the beginning for me. For the next 2-½ years, I would review hundreds of research articles, books, and business articles on leadership eventually landing with the importance of women in leadership. Leadership in any form is important. Viewing leadership throughout history provides an understanding of how we got here in 2020.

There is a great deal of history that I did not learn in school, specifically the progress that women made throughout history where they did not receive credit or men took the credit (for whatever reason).

The beauty of going back to school at my age was the opportunity to be a learner of the past with millennials who were also viewing this history at the same time. I found it refreshing. I will forever be inspired by their motivation to make the world a better place. I believe they will be the leaders needed to inspire and motivate in the future.

Check out our Positivity/Inspiration page for the importance of inspiration and motivation in leadership.

Sharing Favorite Moments With Recipes

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 14:44:37 GMT

"The people who give you their food give you their heart." - Cesar Chavez

Throughout t he years of collecting cookbooks I have found that recipes that are frequently used may have started with a written recipe but evolved into a specialty. Since I started this website, I have found numerous ways to make a chocolate chip cookie. In most cases I believe it was started as a family recipe or the back of the chocolate chip bag.

Recipes are personal. My grandma’s recipe collection credited the women who shared the recipe. I wonder in many collections if it became a healthy competition to give a shared recipe the extra “touch”. Some dishes just taste better when someone else makes them. Who knows, maybe it is the extra love, or sugar? Food brings memories of creating, sharing, and eating. People remember where they were or who they were with when they have specific foods. I hope you try something new or enjoy something you have not tried in awhile. Enjoy creating and sharing.

Thanks to your generosity, I have uploaded the many shared recipes. I can also say that throughout the years, I have probably taste tested the majority of them. Many of the recipes brought back wonderful memories. I hope you will try at least one of the 164 shared recipes. Just like church suppers or family gatherings, the dessert section outnumbers the main event. My daughter, quoting her favorite movie line would say, “What’s the matter with that?” I tend to agree, not one thing is wrong with that.

Happy cooking and sharing!

" I'm just someone who likes cooking and for whom sharing food is a form of expression ." - Maya Angelou

Eat Well, Travel Often

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 14:22:50 GMT

"Love is the food of life, Food is the dessert." - Amanda Jane Sturges

I love to travel. My father would plan two week vacations each year. He highlighted our journey each summer on his giant Rand McNally Atlas*. I still have a great affinity for road maps. Florida became a popular destination. My mother loved the beach. We would spend all day at the beach and then get dressed up for dinner. One of my favorite memories includes seaside dining where we could watch the dolphins while eating shrimp. I find it is important to eat the local fare. What better way to understand new places and cultures.

According to Classic Fares, there are five reasons why travel is important in life.

1) Experience new cultures

2) Gets you out of your comfort zone

3) Make friends from across the world

4) Taste new cuisines

5) Happiness from travel is infectious

My father has passed, but my love of travel remains. My husband and I love to travel to new places. Tasting new cuisines is important to us. When we travel, we never eat at a chain restaurant. We often use Yelp or any other local guidance to eat where the locals eat. We are also extremely fortunate to meet friends during our destinations who are some of the best cooks. In the last few years, we have traveled with friends who planned our journey. It is a great treat to have your own personal tour guides. We also enjoy the conversations and the experiences. Traveling the beautiful state of California has created wonderful memories.

One of my most recent favorites is an incredible restaurant, Della Santina’s Trattoria in Sonoma. The highlight was a dish with Petrale Sole, which is not on the menu, but it is incredible when it is available. I have been twice - once in the summer, dining on their beautiful patio and once in the winter, dining by their fireplace. I encourage you to take a peek at their restaurant on-line and visit if you are in the area. I recently watched a documentary on Chef Jeremiah Towers. In his early days, he wanted to promote everything California and Petrale Sole was a dish he prepared in his restaurant. I had not heard of Petrale Sole living in a midwestern state, but travel provided me the opportunity.

Michigan is another one of my favorite spots. My Michigan friends have guided us to great places that will forever live in our hearts like my favorite Frankenmuth, Traverse City, Mackinac Island, and Sault Ste. Marie. My friend of 40+ years is an incredible cook. I have brought back so many great recipes from her house.

I had never been to New York City before 1991. It holds a special place in my heart because we were engaged in Central Park. Once again we had friends who took us to the great places. A quaint restaurant, The Three Bears, located in a beautiful wooded spot in Connecticut, to celebrate our engagement. Sadly, The Three Bears closed in 2009. It had been a Westport Landmark since the early 1900’s. On our subsequent visits, Steve’s cousins have provided great experiences with Sardi’s, Chinatown, SoHo, and the New York Subway for transportation.

I have loved everywhere I have traveled. I have seen the beauty of 40 states. I am hoping that 2021 will bring the experience of at least three new states including Maine. One of our guilty pleasures has been watching Maine Cabin Masters on DIY. I cannot wait to enjoy the sunsets on one of the many lakes. It looks beautiful.

Until then, I will search through cookbooks from new places and create new experiences until I can see and taste the beauty firsthand. Life can be truly amazing if we take part.

*A little bit of trivia - The first full-color Rand McNally Road Atlas premiered in 1960.

The best traveler is one without a camera. - Kamand Kojouri

20/20 Vision

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 04:44:38 GMT

" What we see depends mainly on what we look for ." - Unknown

I do not know about you, but I had high hopes for 2020. Just the thought of looking clearly at the year ahead of no school and an international trip planned for the summer felt like a great adventure. Instead of watching baseball, eating crumpets, and hugging people, my daughter and I walked in our neighborhood with no car traffic, I learned how to be a Zoom participant while eating a breakfast prepared in my own kitchen, watched several series on streaming services, made masks for my family using a sewing machine given to me by my grandmother, and published a website. I worked from home for several weeks which was unimaginable before 2020.

This year has not been anything that I would have imagined, but what if the year happened how it was supposed to be? What have we learned along the way in the last three months? For one thing, kindness is always in stock (unlike paper products). We cannot go back to the beginning of the pandemic, but we can start today and change the ending. What will you do to make the best of the upcoming months? I think whatever our answers will be, I hope we will always lead with love and live with intention. Life is too short for regrets.

Summer is a great season for friends and family. Reach out to people. A tailgate in the driveway (social distancing) would be a great way to share fun times and great food. I have added some summer recipes to add to your collection. I hope you enjoy your time with friends and family.

Always remember, this season has a purpose. Make the best of yours.

“ Appreciate where you are in your journey, even if it is not where you want to be. Every season has a purpose.” - Author unknown

The Importance of Communities

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Sat, 23 May 2020 01:16:25 GMT

“ Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious .” ― Ruth Reichl

According to Jean Vanier, “One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn't as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing.”

Community as defined is a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. What happens when you combine community and food? Bringing friends and family together for celebratory events or community gatherings provides more than just a meal. Enjoying food with others can create great memories and may be good for your health as well. Human connection is important to all of us and benefits our well-being.

Is it possible to live a healthy and happy life to age 100? The answer, according to Dan Buettner, is living in areas around the world he considers the “blue zones.” Some of the smaller characteristics of the blue zones include living in communities where people check in on one another, have a sense of purpose, lead healthy energetic lives, express gratitude, and eat with family and friends (pp. 19-20). This type of communal eating includes sharing the abundance of plant based foods. I am not a cookbook critic, but Dan Buettner’s book, The Blue Zones Kitchen , is definitely worth the read. I have included several recipes from his book under the recipes section.

Communities play an important role in bringing people together. Whether it is a church gathering or school event, we have an opportunity to create a welcoming experience. Have you ever compared the size of the dessert tables at fundraisers to the entree table? The combination of people’s talents of cooking and eating work great for community events. People love to eat.

I have included a couple community fundraiser cookbooks. I love local cookbooks. You usually find the best of the best. And, they are a labor of love. I have included community fundraiser cookbooks from my daughter’s elementary school, Habitat for Humanity, and OATS, in honor of my grandmother. She worked the fundraisers so she could pay for the many trips she took around the United States and Canada.

We will be able to make and share meals very soon. When people get together, let’s feed them!

"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about ." – Margaret J. Wheatley

Look for the Innovators....

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 19:27:26 GMT

“Innovation: Imagine the future and fill in the gaps.” — Brian Halligan

“Innovation: Imagine the future and fill in the gaps.” — Brian Halligan

At the beginning of 2020 when shopping for paper products on fully stocked shelves, I typically bought the same brand of toilet paper or paper towels at the price point that met my budget. I never gave it much thought. That all changed a few months ago as the scarcity of toilet paper was reminiscent of a forecasted snow storm where the ingredients to make french toast fly off the shelf. I imagine this a “brand” nightmare because when toilet paper and paper towels are readily available at some point this year, I may not necessarily choose the same brand because I will be satisfied with whatever is for sale. Sometimes you learn to love what’s available. But, when you look at the opportunity for brands that are not common, this is their time to shine by filling in the gaps and perhaps grabbing some of the market share. This can also be applied to other products as possible shortages or threatened shortages occur.

Have you ever thought “we have always done it this way” or “this is the only way” without giving any thought to the innovation of new ideas? During this period of quarantine, when I look for the good in the world, I do not need to search too far. I am happy to say there are people who are not settling for the status quo. Many medical research companies all over the world are searching for new treatments for Covid-19 including a vaccination for the virus in a race to find a resolution.

During past pandemics where the population was isolated, innovation of new ideas were in full display. The 1918 Spanish Flu took an estimated 675,000 Americans lives. Even in those dark days, innovations continued. For example, legend says that David Jung invented the fortune cookie in 1918. Jung created the “fortune” cookie which contained an inspirational Bible scripture because he was concerned with poor people walking outside of his San Francisco noodle company and wanted to provide them with inspiration.

In 1919, the following innovations made life a little easier: the pop-up toaster was invented by Charles Strite which eliminated bread from being manually turned halfway through cooking; the early short-wave radio; the flip flop circuit which was later used for code-breaking in 1943 by the British; and arc welding alternating current was invented by C.J. Holslag. WWI created a large demand for armament production. Companies sprung up in America and Europe to manufacture welding machines and electrodes to meet the demand.

What will 2020 and beyond look like to us or those who follow us? It is clear that technology is creating new opportunities to “socialize,” work from home, web-conference, or binge-watch programs. Imagine what this isolation period would have looked like in the 1980s, 1990s, or even 2000s? I am grateful for the innovators, as there is only so much you can “tape” using your VCR machine and three channels. In addition to the lack of privacy with a home land-line attached to a cord.

I say all of this because it is important to always remember that the resolve of people all over the world is much greater than the current moment of isolation we are facing. I am fond of the saying - this is just a speck of time in the big scheme of things. It’s only a tiny dot on our timeline. We have been given a great opportunity to use this down time to regroup, restart, and reapply all of the things we want for our future. In the words of Thomas Edison, “There’s a way to do it better - find it.”

Until next time, always be kind.

What Matters Most?

Sun, 05 Apr 2020 04:21:04 GMT

“One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest.” - Maya Angelou

Everyone has potential. The potential to be courageous, kind, merciful, and honest. I often wonder how many times we have been reminded to “be kind” during the past few months. We are in a different time, definitely out of the norm. But, what if we start a new norm? A new norm where we have the courage to live with mindfulness.

Our life has been changed. We are a sports family. We no longer turn the channel to sports when we turn on the television. No sporting events, no social interaction involving sports or no sports related events. We are experiencing a much slower lifestyle. Some days anxiety fills the empty void. The what ifs cloud our minds. We are conditioned to jump in the car and stroll through our local stores without giving it much thought.

Kindness is important during this time of self-quarantining. There is a new focus on being still. How are you filling the empty void? It takes courage to follow the guidelines to keep us safe. It will take even bigger courage to start our new norm when this is over. May we never take the little things for granted; a hug, gathering, happy hours, neighborhood parties (just to name a few).

I have seen many different ways to spend time during this “time-out,” including taking walks, cleaning closets and drawers, cooking, baking, and home-schooling to name a few to-do items.

At the end of this long road, what will matter most is how we treated each other. Find the courage to be the best you can be. Peace be with all of you.

Being Creative in a World of Social Distancing

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 02:17:37 GMT

Look for the helpers...

“ When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” ― Fred Rogers

As I write this we are entering a new phase in the United States. We are finding ways to distance ourselves from others, not to be rude but to protect each other. I am not currently working from home because I work in an essential business. I am helping through phone calls, no personal contact.

I do want to talk about the medical field, janitors, grocery employees, food truck drivers just to name a few. It is hard not to find the beauty in their selfless acts of showing up. They are the people who are helping. This pandemic will not last forever. It is my hope that when it is over we find a way to help the helpers.

Maybe we can treat the many wonderful helpers with a loaf of bread, a plate of cookies, and/or a bottle of wine with a gift card for something special. I am adding a few different recipes for chocolate chip cookies that may be nice (once this is over and safe to share). We can keep practicing until we get the recipe just right. I cannot think of more deserving people.

Please note that if I am trying a recipe for the first time, I follow the recipe exactly as printed. After my first trial, I can add or subtract any ingredient(s), that is the beauty of home cooking.

I started this site to share the positive and inspiration around us. Who inspires you? Whether it is sidewalk chalk with beautiful designs or messages or smiley faces in the windows meant to bring smiles to the families taking a family stroll in their neighborhoods during the stay at home restrictions, what positive event has left you speechless?

Stay well my friends. We are in this together.

Progressing in a new virtual world...

janetloher@gmail.com (Janet Loher) — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 02:17:32 GMT

Welcome to the "virtual" community until this passes...

In the beginning…

The Betty Crocker Cookbook (1961) provides tips for the 1960's homemaker (p. 53). I can appreciate the history behind the everyday terms we use in the kitchen. For example, did you know?

Appetizers originated in Europe. Romans ate celery before they began their feasts. Russian noblemen enjoyed caviar, cold meats, vegetables, and small filled pies. Scandinavians created the smorgasbord. And in France, food prepared in art form was called Hors d’oeuvres meaning “outside the work.”

The pages are filled with tips for homemakers to create good food that is pleasing to family and friends. I actually find it very informative. It helps me to understand the progression of food and its importance to different communities.

Betty Crocker has continued to provide tips for home cooks. I have so many of their updated cookbooks including their gluten-free cookbook. I am grateful for their progression of food preparation for all.

I noticed on Amazon that you can purchase the 1961 edition of the Betty Crocker cookbook as well as new versions of cookbooks. Right now we are a captive audience with the recent "stay at home" COVID-19 precautions. Maybe we can stockpile some recipes to treat the wonderful women and men who are on the front lines of this pandemic. I'll make sure to add a few cocktail recipes to the list because we may all need a little something extra during these trying times.

I hope you will try them out. I have included a few of my favorite recipes that my mom prepared including chocolate pudding and chocolate chip cookies. Enjoy and stay well!

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=betty+crocker+cookbook&crid=1GU82RF6O8PV5&sprefix=%2Caps%2C180&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_0

We've Come A Long Way Baby....

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 01:36:49 GMT

Happy Women's Month! Here's to strong women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them. - unknown

I am inspired by my mother. She moved several hours away from her family as a newlywed in the late 1950’s. My grandmother and aunts were incredible cooks. My mom held onto her most prized possession, the Betty Crocker Cookbook . I still remember the torn, stained pages due to her frequent usage of the book. The cookbook is full of caricatures of women dressed in fancy 1950’s dresses and wearing heels serving their husbands and children (who are sitting nicely at the table). This portrayal of women was “normal” at the time.

I wanted to start with this cookbook for the first recipes because even with the gender specific roles depicted in the book, it played an important role in how my mother (and other women) presented themselves for years to come. Research has been conducted on gender portrayals of occupational and marital roles during the past forty years. Studies show that female characters are likely to identify in marital roles whereas male characters are depicted in occupational roles. Even when women are in the workplace in television, their roles are typically domestic and interpersonal roles.

It is important to note that history may not always be what we witnessed on television. For instance, when the movie Hidden Figures was released, I was incredibly sad that I had no idea about these incredible “human computers.” I had watched the moon walk which was historical. Who knew that women were behind the mathematical calculations? Imagine how many more women would be involved in STEM if they knew science and mathematics were meant for girls, too.

In the words of Maya Angelou, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."

Let’s make sure we find out the many ways women are making a difference and promote their good works. We can do this!

food2hart

Live on Purpose

Welcome to My Table!

It's Cookie Time!

Survey says.... Chocolate Chip Cookies are the #1 Cookie

New Beginnings

New Month, What's Your Plan?

Happy February 2022!

"If January is the month of change, February is the month of lasting change. January is for dreamers... February is for doers." - Marc Parent

Connections

“Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite o ne to stay .” - Maya Angelou

Happy 1 Year!

“ The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you. ” – B.B. King

Healthy Cooking and Eating in 2021

“Laughter is brightest where food is best .” - Irish Proverb

2021 - 365 New Days

“It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life. For me. And I'm feeling good.” "Feeling Good" Song by Michael Bublé

Spark Your Joy

" They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack ." - James Earl Jones, Field of Dreams (1989)

What Makes a Great Leader?

“If you think you are leading and turnaround to see no one following you – then you are just taking a walk.” - Benjamin Hooks

Sharing Favorite Moments With Recipes

"The people who give you their food give you their heart." - Cesar Chavez

Eat Well, Travel Often

"Love is the food of life, Food is the dessert." - Amanda Jane Sturges

20/20 Vision

" What we see depends mainly on what we look for ." - Unknown

The Importance of Communities

“ Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious .” ― Ruth Reichl

Look for the Innovators....

“Innovation: Imagine the future and fill in the gaps.” — Brian Halligan

What Matters Most?

“One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest.” - Maya Angelou

Being Creative in a World of Social Distancing

Look for the helpers...

Progressing in a new virtual world...

Welcome to the "virtual" community until this passes...

We've Come A Long Way Baby....

“It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life. For me. And I'm feeling good.”
"Feeling Good"

Song by Michael Bublé