[Sun]

Good Morning!

So glad to wake up in a nation that has restored some sanity to our political process!

Ok I am sipping a huge cup of Espresso roast coffee and trying to recover from only getting 3 hours of sleep. Good coffee is something that I love and take very seriously.

I just want to thank you all for your stories and willingness to share them with us. This is the kind of thing that I love to read and learn from. This thread is only 2 days old and is already so rich in fabulous information and inspiration. So thank you!

How very cool for me that my love of Mexican and southwestern food is being indulged by you fabulous people as well. Surely many will enjoy reading these posts.

As my brain is waking up I can not help but be so happy for those couples in the states of Maine, Maryland and Washington DC, who can now marry legally. I am so glad that Minnesota defeated an anti marriage equality initiative that would change the constitution. I let all of my friends know that I expect to see wedding invitations arriving soon! After all that work there better be some great celebrations!

Canela I find it charming that tacos and cannoli can wind up in the same conversation. Love that. I also put lime on everything. Well, almost everything.

When I was a kid my Italian Nana would have me help her mix the cannoli filling then fill a pastry bag and pipe it into the cannoli shells. What I created was quite a mess but she was so charming and kind about it. Very patient with me and never seemed to mind. The filling is very simple but requires good riccota cheese that has to be beaten into a lighter consistency which occurs as air is incorporated. Sugar, vanilla, a little milk. Some add cinnamon. My family liked chocolate chips in the filling, me not so much. The shells can be made by hand but a lot of people just buy them from a bakery. Very rarely have I come across a sweet that so many people love so much. A platter of cannoli brought to the table at my Grandparents home always created such excitement. Sweet memory. Literally.

As much as I love to cook I am not enjoying cooking alone or just for myself. I had become used to cooking for my little family. That made the separation that much harder on my spirit. How I loved making dinner at home and having that time together to talk, check in about the day. Discuss homework or whatever went on at work for us. Sitting down to a meal together is so important to me. It is probably the most essential part of my day. Or was. This bachelor life is not so much fun. And my ex was a great cook. What a blessing.

So onward and into the future. I am eating a lot of raw vegetables these days and making a lot of simple soups. Rice and beans are a staple for me. As is fish. I'm always looking for new ways to grill and bake things. Marinating is a favorite technique to add flavor and its so easy to do.

Ok back to coffee and email.

I am so grateful for you all and for this thread that is turning out to be so much fun!

Good morning foodies!