PASSA DA PASTA AND PASSATA FASTA PLEASE!!!

I’m wondering what those people who have been hoarding all the pasta...those who have wiped out Australia’s stock, and elsewhere throughout the world ...are making with their hordes of pasta. It’s past a joke! Are they using their noodle? 

Have they thought to buy the ingredients needed to make the sauces to go with the pasta? 

Surely they aren’t adding their stash of baked beans to the spaghetti, macaroni, tagliatelle, rigatoni, penne etc! 

At least our much-maligned cows and bulls will have Greta and her mob off their backs for a change. 

Bessie, Molly Moo-Cow, Angus Bull, Ferdinand, and their mates won’t have to shoulder the blame for methane emissions now humans are devouring baked beans by the truckload.  Finally able to graze peacefully, collectively they’ll be chewing their cud without having to look over their shoulders. 

There will be nothing moo-t about the subject discussed; human behaviour will be the focus of their conversations. 

It’s blatantly obvious who now are full of hot air!  It’s those who are devouring baked beans for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are the ones responsible for methane gas emissions, putting an end to blaming our bovine friends.  

The latest baked bean craze has replaced smashed avos on toast.  That’s toast!  Avos are safe!

Here we are!  It’s Easter...(Easter Eve...Easter Thursday...as I write and post....)

For many, because of the present circumstances, their Easter plans have been altered. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing.   

Now people just have to decide where to go. Hmmm!  Will it be to the bedroom or the lounge room?

Somebody said ages ago, perhaps in a fortune cookie...“Plans are made to be changed”.  

US President Dwight D. Eisenhower had his own versions – “Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable”...as well as...”Plans are worthless, but planning is essential”; which means, of course, you can expand where to roam during the weekend...head off to the kitchen, as well. Some of that load of pasta needs cooking. 

The bathroom will have to be the least visited...of course.  Are further details necessary?

A perfect plan is to show consideration and sensitivity towards others.  

Christmas isn’t the only season to be jolly, nor is it the only time to spread goodwill. Every day should be filled with goodwill. 

Nowadays there appears to be too many self-centred people, thinking only of themselves.  An awakening, rude or otherwise, is required for such a person to become aware of the fact he or she is not the most important person in the world. 

Presently we can’t reach out and touch others physically; but kind words, spoken/shouted, or written, and a smile to express empathy aren’t forbidden. Let others know you care.

 If someone innocently, involuntarily, reaches out to wish you well when you're doing essential shopping at your supermarket don’t turn into a frenzied banshee, nostrils flaring, eyes filled with venom, while snarling viciously through clenched teeth for them to not touch you.   

Spontaneous, heartfelt actions are natural to most folk; old habits are difficult to break. 

Sadly, at the moment, for some time to come, we have to sit on our hands, so to speak, and curtail our natural reactions.

An impromptu, not-meant-to-be offensive gesture doesn’t deserve a savage reaction.

  

Smile...don’t snarl...

In worrying times, laughter is excellent medicine.  Laughter doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription. 

There are many kind, thoughtful, caring folk who go quietly about their business... about their lives...acting generously towards others, not asking for recognition or front page headlines.  We don’t hear enough about the good ones, but they are here, there, and everywhere.   

Thanks..our heartfelt thank you to all those on the front lines - in many fields..those who are selflessly putting their own health at risk...to serve others.  

Being confined to quarters is not so bad, you know!  Spare a thought for those far worse off. Sadly, there are many who are.

  

Share smiles, and “G’day!”...”Hello!”, or..."I hope all is well with you!  Take good care!”...even if shouted from afar.  

Obey the rules...respect the restrictions....

Be thoughtful. Be sensitive, not ignorant, towards the situation of others. Play nice...be nice.  Be aware...take care.  

Don’t be a Henny Penny or Chicken Little...the sky isn’t falling!  The Easter Bird has just upturned her basket full of Easter eggs...that’s all!!

Because I’ve just stuffed my face with Cherry Ripes I’m incapable of saying anything else other than........

“Happy Easter everyone!  Spread the love around, not germs!”  

Cherry Tomato Sauce: Place 500g halved cherry tomatoes on baking tray; drizzle with 2tbs olive oil; sprinkle with Italian herbs; season. Roast in 180C oven, 20-25mins, until collapsed and lightly caramelised. Heat 110ml olive oil in pan over med-heat; cook 6 garlic cloves, sliced, 2 finely chopped, long red chillies (or chilli flakes, to taste) and 1 finely-chopped medium onion. Cook pasta al dente; toss with sauce; add juice of 1 lemon and 1/4c finely chopped Italian parsley; sprinkle over grated Parmesan.

Spinach, Pumpkin, Walnut Sauce: Coat 2c cubed butternut or jap pumpkin in 1tbs olive oil; season. Bake in 225C oven, 40-50mins, until pumpkin turns soft, lightly caramelised. Heat 2tbs olive oil in pan. Fry 2-3 finely diced garlic cloves gently on a low-med heat, stirring frequently. Add ½-1tsp chilli flakes; cook 1-2mins. Cook 200g spaghetti for a minute shorter than you would normally. Mash half the pumpkin to a smooth texture. Put mash and whole chunks into pan with chilli and garlic. Add drained pasta and 100g washed spinach leaves into pan; incorporate them well into the pumpkin. Season to taste with pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, and additional salt and chilli, if needed. Serve immediately, sprinkled with 30g finely chopped walnuts and lemon zest.

Avocado Sauce: Process until smooth,  1 garlic clove, 1/4c basil leaves; add 1-2tbs lemon juice, to taste, 1 avocado and 1tbs water If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more oil; season to taste.  Stir through hot, drained, cooked pasta of choice; top with lemon zest.