THEY CAN’T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME – BUT TAKE AWAY THIS!

Eleanor Powell

Rogers & Astaire from "Shall We Dance". She eventually accepted his invitation

“There are many, many crazy things”….the opening lyrics to a song, the title of which I borrowed for this post.  I’ll return it as soon as I’ve finished with it.  I very seldom borrow, but on the rare occasions I do, I always promptly return what I’ve borrowed.

 "They Can't Take That Away From Me"

There are many, many crazy things
That will keep me loving you,
And with your permission
May I list a few?
The way you wear your hat
The way you sip your tea
The memory of all that  

No, no - they can't take that away from me.
 

The way your smile just beams
The way you sing off-key
The way you haunt my dreams
No, no - they can't take that away from me
We may never, never meet again
On that bumpy road to love
Still I'll always
Always keep the memory of...
The way you hold your knife
The way we danced until three
The way you've changed my life
No, no - they can't take that away from me
No, they can't take that away from me

The song was co-written by the legendary lyricists and composers, George and Ira Gershwin; two brothers who left a legacy of memorable songs and musical shows. Songs that will remain long after I’ve ceased treading the boards!

This particular song – “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” - was originally performed by Fred Astaire when he sang it to Ginger Rogers in the 1937 film, “Shall We Dance”.  Rogers didn’t accept his invitation in that instance, but from then on she did.  I think she might have been a little jealous of Eleanor Powell, one of Astaire’s dance partners.  Powell was a brilliant dancer in her own right, known for her expertise as a tap dancer.  Eleanor Powell was one of my mother’s favourite dancers.  Powell and the actor Glenn Ford were married for 16 years.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94XNnIXe2zE

George Gershwin died from a brain tumour two months after the film “Shall We Dance” was released; he was only 38 years old.

However, after that one time of declining Astaire’s offer to dance while on a fog-engulfed deck of a ferry (the rocking of the boat probably put her off, more than Astaire’s offer) Rogers accepted Astaire’s future invitations; and what a grand pair they made. They co-starred, danced, loved and laughed together in 10 films.

Later, other greats such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Tony Bennett and Sarah Vaughan, to name only a few, put their stamp on the song; not by stamping on it by their feet, but by their voices. 

Frustratingly and unfortunately, there are many, many crazy things going on in our world today. With your permission may I mention not a few, but one?

An article and survey conducted a few weeks ago by the “Sunday Mail”, - a Queensland newspaper that, obviously, is issued on Sundays – was based on take-away foods. The article was about the cost of takeaway foods as against home-made versions of similar tucker. 

It doesn’t, or shouldn’t, take the mind of an Einstein to figure out home-cooked/prepared is cheaper; but it became apparent in many cases the mind of an Einstein is required for some; for too many, sadly.

The question asked was whether the surveyed participants believed buying takeaway food for the family is cheaper than doing the cooking one’s self.

The answers given by most floored me. They declared it probably depended on how many people were being catered for. Many of those surveyed believed if catering for a crowd it would be cheaper ordering in!  

My mouth fell open in disbelief!  How can people be so dumb?  I find it incredible there are people who think (and act) this way.

 

Perhaps I was brought up in a parallel universe; maybe I’m still living in one. I quite like it over here, by the way. I intend remaining where I am.

I’m no Einstein, but I can’t, in my wildest, craziest moments imagine catering for a crowd by ordering from a fast-food outlet instead of preparing the food myself. (Be assured - or be warned - I’ve had more than my fair share of crazy moments; and no doubt will have a few more - I hope I do).

I’d be still paying off the loans if that was the practice I’d adopted when I threw dinner parties and the like. 

As well as wandering aimlessly around this parallel universe with purpose in mind, I must be old-fashioned; making me an old-fashioned, old wanderer who prefers doing her own cooking when catering for a group of friends.  Once upon a time I entertained frequently at home.  I was always hosting dinner parties, luncheons etc., and more times than not for groups of six or more guests.

I no longer host dinner parties or parties of any description or size; I gave up doing so around five years ago; but I know, emphatically, I could cater for a group far more cheaply doing the job myself from fresh produce prepared in my little, not fancy kitchen, than grabbing a pile of take-aways from Maccas, KFC and the like. I won’t let them take away my dollars!

Without blowing my own trumpet (I don’t own one…so it’s makes trying to blow one very difficult), my homemade food would be a lot tastier and far healthier, too. 

Anyway, even if I had a trumpet to blow I’d be off key. I can’t whistle a tune – not Dixie, nor even a Gershwin melody! 

Back in the early Nineties when I was cooking at Lorikeets’ Restaurant in Glenden a young couple with a toddler purchased all their meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner – seven days and nights a week from the local takeaway shop!

Towards the end of the husband’s pay period he'd run up a credit with the shop owner. Each fortnight on pay day he’d settle what he owed, only to begin his take-away cycle all over again. Not a healthy habit to get into whichever way you look at it.  

I’ve often wondered what happened to the young family and their children…I imagine they added to their brood. Bringing up kiddies on take-away food…junk food...is not the way to go.   

I wished someone had taken the wife-mother aside to set her straight on a few important facts of life.  The sad thing is, the children most probably perpetuated the bad habits they learned throughout their childhood.

Once in a blue moon take-away is okay. Please don’t misunderstand me.  I love a good feed of fish and chips once in a while; not that I treated myself accordingly for a long time, now I come to think about it!   

I’ve only ever had one McDonalds; "burger", and probably only twice have I had their chips/French fries.  As for Kentucky Fried chicken – in my life I’ve only ever had it three times. The third time was in 1996 or 1997 and after taking one bite I tossed the rest away. It was inedible.  An oily mess of gross-tasting nothingness!

I admit I do enjoy a good hamburger, but only if made by a individually-owned local vendor/store owner. 

Even then, I can’t remember the last time I had one.  It would have to be seven or so years ago. Time to get my act together and treat myself to a feed of fish and chips, to be followed a week or three later by a well-made, healthy burger from the same shop.   

Husband and wife team, John and Margaret who own a local take-way store here on the mountain make wonderful fish and chips, and burgers.  It’s so long since I’ve entered their shop they probably think I’ve died!  Actually, I ran into John in the supermarket a couple of years ago and he said similar words to me!   I must…I must pay them a visit!!

I can’t imagine catering for a crowd, or raising children on take-away food. No wonder people complain all the time about being broke!  For God's sake, it's time they woke up to themselves!

Forget about being able to afford to feed the madding crowd - I couldn’t afford to feed myself if I only ate take-away (take-out for the folk in the Northern Hemisphere)!

Junk food should be taken away from kids before the kids are taken away!

Falafel Burgers:  Process 2c chopped parsley, 3 large garlic cloves, 2-1/2tbs lemon juice, 1-1/4tsp cumin, pinch or two of turmeric, a pinch of salt and pepper; add 420g can rinsed, drained chickpeas; pulse until still slightly chunky. Transfer to bowl; add ¼ to 1/2c ground walnuts/pecans/almonds or oat flour; mix to loose dough - firm enough to handle. Form into 4 or more patties, ½-inch thick. Place on lined baking tray; chill 15mins.  For extra crust, heat oil in pan; add falafel; flip once; return to tray; place in 190C oven; bake 30-40mins, turn once. Serve warm on pita or buns, topped with hummus, tomato, lettuce onion etc.  

Mustard-Crusted Beef with Horseradish Cream: Trim and tie a 2kg whole eye fillet. Season with salt and black pepper; then rub over prepared mustard, coarsely chopped garlic and chopped fresh rosemary. Cover and chill overnight. Bring to room temp. Wipe off garlic. Heat oil in pan; add beef; brown all over; place in centre of 230C oven; roast as desired.  In bowl whisk 2c crème fraîche, 1/2c horseradish and grated zest of half orange; season; serve beef as centerpiece when catering for a group.  Freshly-cracked black pepper, herbs and mustard make for a great crust, too.  Anything that your heart desires...within reason, naturally!!   

Cheesy-Chicken Pasta Bake:Preheat the oven 200C.  In salted water boil; add 1-1/2 to 2 cups pastine pasta, or Orzo or any other small pasta; cook until just tender; stir occasionally. Drain into large bowl. Meanwhile, put 3tbs olive oil in pan over med-heat; add 2-1/2c 1-inch cubed chicken breast or thigh meat; cook 3-4mins; add 1c diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves; cook until onions are soft and chicken cooked through. Add chicken mixture to pasta; add 2 cans of diced tomatoes, un-drained, 2c shredded mozzarella, 1/2c grated parmesan, 1/2c chopped flat-leaf parsley, Italian herbs to taste, sprinkle over some powdered chicken stock; add some cracked pepper; adjust seasonings to taste. Place mixture in buttered/oiled baking dish/es.  In bowl combine 1/2c dry breadcrumbs, ½ parmesan; sprinkle over top of chick/pasta mixture; dots top with small pieces of butter; bake until top is golden; about 30mins.  Adjust the quantities, up or down, naturally, according to numbers you’re cooking for.


Buttermilk Chicken: Preheat the oven 200C. Place wire rack in baking tray; spray or oil. Mix together 2c buttermilk, juice of half lemon, 1tbs hot sauce (Worcestershire or chilli), ½ onion sliced, 5 sprigs thyme, 3 smashed garlic cloves, salt, and pepper, to taste, in a large bowl. Add  8 chicken pieces; well. Cover chill 3hrs or overnight.  Mix 2c crushed corn flakes, 3/4c parmesan and 2tsp chopped thyme together; season. Remove chicken from marinade; let the excess drip off, dredge in corn flake-Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere. Place on the wire rack in baking tray; bake 45mins until golden and crisp. Again, increase quantities for increased numbers.


Baked Oats Brekkie: Spray 9x13 baking dish. Combine 2c rolled oats, 1/3c light brown sugar, 1tsp baking powder, 1/2tbs grated orange zest, 1-1/2tsp cinnamon, 1/2tsp salt, 1/4 c chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/2c sliced strawberries and 1/6^th cup choc chips. In a bowl whisk together 2c milk, 1 large egg, 3tbs melted butter and 2tsp vanilla. Pour dry ingredients into baking dish; spread evenly. Top with 1/2c sliced strawberries, 1/4c chopped walnuts/pecans, 1/6^th cup choc-chips and 1 ripe, sliced banana. Pour milk mix over top; ensure all is covered; bake 35-40mins. If you like, sprinkle a little brown sugar over top during last 5mins.

I wrote this article a few weeks ago in readiness to submit in the near future as one of my weekly articles I write for the little local rag here where I live. After reading and being inspired by River's last post, I thought I'd post my article here, too.  I've added a little to my original script...here is the bloated version!