Inauguration, Marches and Football, oh my!

It is already mid-January, 2017. Where does the time go? I mean, I feel like the older I get, the faster time flies. Harder to grab onto moments and hold them, even for a few seconds. I saw this on Facebook recently.

I have taken out the words attached and I don't know if this was staged in some way but I felt like this message was so loud and clear. In so many different ways. This is not just a comment on technology for me.

Many eventful moments have and will be taking place this week - MLK, Jr. Day, Inauguration, multiple marches around the nation, and lest I forget, NFL football playoffs. A peaceful transition of power. Peaceful demonstrations. And football (Go Patriots!!).

I know many, many friends and family (men, women and children) who will be participating in the marches around the country this weekend. No matter your political background, the fact that thousands upon thousands are gathering together to show strength, support and unite together is a powerful, amazing thing. At a single point in time, differences and similarities among us all in the nation are celebrated. The Mission and Vision statement from the website on the March in Washington is, "We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families - recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country." Take in these precious moments if you are attending and please be safe. I am proud of your courage and strength.

If reading that paragraph has been upsetting in any way, understand that the fact that we live in a country where these peaceful demonstrations can take place in multiple cities on one day is a freedom that I am so grateful to have in this country. A freedom that has been so generously and selfishly fought for and one that makes this country so special. This country is founded in part on differences of opinion and respect for those differences. Similarities make us comfortable, differences are what makes us unique. Respect and kindness are what bind us. Something we all need to remember.

Put on Ophelia by The Lumineers and get cooking! You might also listen to some patriotic songs - This Land is Your Land, The Star Spangled Banner, etc......A good week for that. I eat an extraordinary amount of cauliflower. For some reason I really love it. So when I saw this recipe, I leaped to make it.

Greek Chicken Stew With Cauliflower and Olives, Martha Rose Shulman, New York Times

2T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 large red onion, chopped (I used half)
2 to 4 garlic cloves (to taste), minced
6-8 chicken legs and/or thighs, skinned
2T red wine vinegar
1 28-ounce can chopped tomatoes, with juice, pulsed in a food processor (I did not pulse in a processor)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme, or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 small or 1/2 large cauliflower, cored, broken into florets, and sliced about 1/2 inch thick
12 kalamata olives (about 45 grams) rinsed, pitted and cut in half (optional)
1 to 2T chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 to 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (optional) (I used more)

Heat 1T of the oil over medium-high heat in a large, deep, heavy lidded skillet or casserole and brown the chicken, in batches if necessary, about 5 minutes, on each side. Remove the pieces to a plate or bowl as they are browned. Pour off the fat from the pan.  Add the vinegar to the pan and scrape up all the bits from the bottom of the pan.

 Add the remaining tablespoon of the olive oil to the pan, and turn the heat down to medium. Add the onion and a generous pinch of salt and cook, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pan, until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low, cover, and let the onion cook for 10 minutes, stirring from time to time, until it is lightly browned and very soft.

 Add the garlic and stir together for a minute or two more, until the garlic is fragrant, then add the tomatoes and their juice, the cinnamon, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and simmer 10 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the mixture is reduced slightly and fragrant.

 Return the chicken pieces to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated in the bowl. If necessary, add enough water to barely cover the chicken. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Add the cauliflower and kalamata olives and simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the chicken is about falling off the bone (I used boneless). Stir in the parsley, taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with grains, with the feta sprinkled on top of desired. I did it a little differently at the end as you will see below.

Enjoy and have a happy day, everyone!