Quarantine Cooking

The girl needs a project. Really needs a project. Resurrecting "The Taste of the Teagues."

The realization is this. Joyful culinary pursuits continue to inspire and nurture me ; especially during the pandemic. Building the pandemic pantry became an artistic endeavor and a challenge. Planning. Procuring. Organizing. This is anything but the "same old." Instead, the pantry is "Behold...all things new." New ingredients yes; but also seeing all things anew. New Fears. New Uncertainties. New Disillusionments...New Possibilities. New Meaning. New Aspirations. The pantry, fridge, and freezer represent panic and possibility. 

The need for nourishment and comfort during these days seems common ground for all humanity. 

A look back to around April 2020...

Online shopping challenges led to finding new ingredients, flavors, and products. The last really big grocery runs I made were on March 19, 2020. While I have been back inside the store for the occasional Trader Joe fix, I must admit that I am grateful that Whole Foods and Harris Teeter offer splendid service with curbside pickup. Interesting new finds are possible with the online product search. Becky from Let It Grow Produce delivers beautiful local freshness right to the deck with the added bonus of getting to chat with her a bit. 

I wasn't necessarily "afraid" to enter the stores. It's just that I did not "have to" and I have come to prefer the convenience and dare I say that I spend less! Of course, all these outings to pick up my treasures are about 5 minutes from the house so I usually take the long way home, wandering some new streets. Yes, I am that slow poke driver with the cute dog hanging out the window.

"Exhibit A" - Early Pandemic Refrigerator Situation

"Exhibit B" Cataloging Ingredients - The Early Pandemic Way

This is a practice I have maintained for many years and it continues to serve me well since the pandemic began. It is from a master list that I plan menus and keep inventory. Once a librarian; always a librarian. This long-standing practice helped me feel that I had some control over an important aspect of life while the swirling uncertainties "out there" threatened to seize peace and joy. This settled me down. By the way, this photo was taken before I added the typical colorization that so relaxes me.

"Exhibit C"  Let It Grow Still Life Art

Until the next post..."Be Nicely Nourished!"