Maison Rustique

@Smithy I feel like I could have written that post. For me it started a couple of years ago when my husband's dementia began getting bad. He got odd about food and stopped eating much aside from sandwiches and sweets. Then when he went into memory care, I mostly ate crackers from a baggie in the car as I was going back and forth to see him. Then, my hip started giving out and my subsequent hip replacement. I'm still not really back to normal and am using a cane most of the time, so not cooking yet. I lost entirely too much weight and have started force-feeding myself but that is mostly canned soup and frozen dinners unless my family is here and they drag me out to eat. I honestly don't know if I will ever feel like cooking again.

I like it, too, but haven't even heard it mentioned since I left Boston. I recall having it grilled once and it was delicious.

Had half a burger for lunch (a lot more than usual) so didn't want much for supper. Nuked a bag of popcorn--ate half and a hunk of cheese for supper.

My sis and BIL are here helping me. They treated me to dinner at local favorite Osteria Bianchi. No pix. BIL had duck, sis had taglietelle and I had my favorite mortadella pizza which is my favorite pizza and I'd been craving it.

I'm not sure that fish chili would have occurred to me, but why not? Makes me think of an old online acquaintance from the days when I sold on eBay regularly--anytime I'd mention having fish tacos, he would throw a fit. Could not imagine how anyone could ruin tacos by putting fish in it. He's probably turning over in his grave looking at this. Ha!

Yesterday's fine meal. Doctored with butter and cheese. A friend brought me some of her famous chili (She developed it for PBS' Great American Recipe), posole, cornbread and toppings yesterday. I did not dive right in as my system was feeling a bit off and I didn't think spicy would be good. Will play it by ear today.

Here is the Tomolive recipe. Whoever I got it from was the person who had them at Temple Bar. Tomolives If tomatoes are larger, cut in half or quarters. If small, make a couple of holes or slits in them so the brine gets inside. Pack the tomatoes snugly into a jar. Add 4 cloves garlic and a tsp of pickling spice. Bring ¼ c. salt, a pint of Heinz white pickling vinegar, and a pint of water to a boil. Pour over tomatoes, let cool, and store in the fridge. The Temple Bar in Manhattan served an "old South martini," garnished with tomolives, which is where I first had them. They're also great in bloody marys.

@Smithy No, neither of those. I'll see if I can find it on Facebook. My Medicare provider sends free meals after you've been in the hospital. Just tried one. They arrive fresh but you can freeze for longer storage. I am impressed with the varieties they sent. Just had this one. Was it great? No but it wasn't the worst thing ever either. Broccoli was crunchy and flavorful. And it was more than I could eat!

Pretty sure I posted a recipe here at some point for Tomolives--little brined green tomatoes. I believe I got the recipe here years ago. They taste just like olives. I'm still hunting for my recipes since my PC burned up or I'd share it again..

Have been really sick for a couple of days (doc feels unrelated to hip) so I have had nothing but ginger tea and bone broth for a couple of days. Will ease back into trying to eat today. Doc says low fat and no dairy for 2 days. I can't even look at food pix right now but will catch up on your delicious meals later.

[Host's note: this post was split from a spam-flagged topic, hence the abrupt start.] My problem is that I have friends who bring me food all the time but I never know when. My sister didn't believe what a problem this is until she came to stay with me during recovery. If you go shopping and plan a meal, someone will show up with 3 different entrees, 2 bags of salad and fresh produce that need to get used right away. I end up tossing so much food because I just can't keep up with it. I have occasionally told one friend that I appreciate him bringing xyz, but right now my freezer is full and I already have 3 things that need to get used right away. But I hate to do that too often because I honestly do appreciate what is gifted to me and especially since I can't care for myself right now. I don't want the food gifts to stop, but it makes it terribly difficult to plan meals.

Did not take pix, but last night my sis made me meatloaf, mashed taters and roasted baby carrots. It was wonderful to have some real food. I even had a tiny taste of wine, but not much as I think pain pills and wine are frowned upon.

@Tempest63 That looks and sounds delicious. I need to hunt for a recipe.

I had a chopped salad with Saltines and butter--didn't have any bread. I'd forgotten how much I love Saltines with butter.

I love this idea, but the last time I checked there were no participants in this area.