I entered a foody video contest today. For those of you that aren’t aware, not only do I write this column but I include it on the internet and I’ve gathered a fairly sizeable following of about ten thousand. I’ve never entered a contest before and I’m going to say the usual sentiments that most people say which is I had fun even if I don’t win. But really, I did have fun because it was a brief etched out moment of time wrapped in the laughter of a crazy mom and her boy who, to his credit shares in my optimism that anything is possible and worth trying once. 
I love that about him–that at any given juncture in my life–wacky or otherwise he will drop everything and join whatever adventure at my urging.
Our cat found our activities so intriguing that in the midst of me saying my lines while filming, he would pop his curious head up in the most peculiar places. If it wasn’t me flubbing my lines, it was the big cat head impeding our attempts to make the most perfect video entry. With panther-like movements, smooth and silent, our cat scoured quietly the scene, which was my office. His presence was almost unnoticed until there his big head appeared in between my legs. The bloopers were many and the giggles were body wrenching.
I was asked the other day how I managed to raise two boys who don’t roll their eyes at me and look at me like I’m stupid when I instructed them about life’s unfailing and unforgiving choices. Though I only had a few simple ideas that worked for me, I realized her question was coming from a broken heart and somehow I did not think it would serve her or I well if I tried to conjure an educated-how-everyone should respond reply. But really my method was very simple and absent of any real know-how and I definitely made some mistakes. I can only believe spending one on one time relating to them and respecting their thoughts as I asked them their opinions–really taking time for them not just showing up at their games or school functions but really getting to know them and who they are somehow forged a direct pathway to their little minds making the instructions and consequences a little sweeter because I wasn’t just there to tell them what to do but was someone who treated them as though they mattered. I love making deposits in our memory bank like this video adventure. It’s so simple. When the boys were little I always cooked with them. There were times like everyone else most likely has experienced when they would pull up a chair to help in the kitchen the inward battle of thoughts would emerge. I’d think to myself, “Oh geez, I don’t want to make this a production.” But then the mother determined to put “tying heart-strings” first would always retort, “This little moment will go a long way when I want to teach them something useful about life.” I’m so thankful I stuck to the task at hand. They are young men now and there is no greater feeling than when we can look at each other and just smile.
This recipe is so easy, your child can make this alone. If you want to sneak in some fresh peas, it can be an excellent vehicle for adding some green healthy vegetables. And your babes will be none the wiser. This is even better the next day served cold.
Pesto Pasta Recipe
By Published: April 5, 2011
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Prep: 10 mins
I entered a foody video contest today. For those of you that aren’t aware, not only do I write this column but I include it on the …
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. pasta angel hair cooked
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves heavy packed
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup olive oil
Instructions
- In a food processor combine the basil, garlic and lemon juice and puree’.
Slowly add the olive oil. Add this mixture to your pasta and stir.
Top with extra cheese and torn basil leaves.
