Soups:

Winter vegetable

Potato Leek with cheddar

Tuscan bean

Mushroom bisque

tortilla soup

Entrees:

Ravioli with asparagus, pine nuts, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and fresh parmesan and asiago cheeses

Chicken Marsala

Pulled Barbeque Pork

Thai peanut noodles with roasted chicken and snap peas

Smashed Garlic and white cheddar potaoes

Lentils with carrots and onions

Chile Mole- a spicy meat chili with three beans and a special mole sauce

Breakfast, February 6

Baked french Toast with orange marmalade syrup and sausage

Assorted quiches by the slice or whole

Fresh baked scones, croissants, muffins

House granola

In a culture and civilization that preaches we should love ourselves first and shouts examples of that to an extreme to the point of self-absorption and self-centeredness, there is an area in which we tend to think of ourselves last. We will spend hundreds of dollars on workout equipment, memberships, clothing, beauty supplies etc. without a second thought. However, fast food lines are always seemingly long, the prepared and robotic style food counters at markets and large chains are growing and the frozen food section at most stores occupies far more space than the fresh produce and meats.

What does it say? It says we will go to great lengths to take care of the outside of our body but not the inside. I think a huge part of that is because of fear and a lack of a true sense of self-worth. Loving someone is all about really tuning in and giving that person what they really need at the deepest level. We don’t love ourselves enough- sad but true.

I have spoken with many people in my cooking classes at the shop and one of the most prevalent reasons that they don’t cook at home is surprising. The reasons such as skill level and knowledge, money, convenience are all secondary to the answer…”it is just a lot of work for just me….” Whether these are single people or empty-nesters, most people do not feel they are worth the time and effort of a good home-cooked meal. All the other things which consume our time and finances are acceptable- but preparing a healthy and delicious meal and sitting down to enjoy it are not. How odd-

We need to break that way of thinking and begin at the start- we should care about ourselves, feel comfortable with ourselves and allow ourselves to treat our own selves and admit we are worth it. Buy a cookbook or go online and look at some of the things you really enjoy. Instead of ordering it at a restaurant or buying it prepared by someone else- do it as a gift to yourself. Instead of wandering the aisles that have package after package of pre-made foods or frozen entrees that at some point probably were actually food- stroll through the fresh produce aisles and meat cases and see for yourself that there is a step you have been missing. The journey from the farm, the stream or the ground does not go directly from there to your box, bag or microwavable container. It stops along the way, just waiting for someone to grab it and cook it into a delicious and healthy meal.

I realize that with today’s faster paced lives, there is not an ability to always sit down to a full meal at home every night- but there is time, and if not….make the time. You will not regret the decision.  Create a time for yourself to cook and relax and enjoy a nicely prepared meal for YOU! It is worth it- for so many many reasons.

You may find yourself repeating that “date” over and over again.

There was not a morning when I was growing up that my Mom didn’t make a full breakfast. The aroma of something cooking, waking me up even before my alarm clock did and the warmth of starting my day in such a caring way. Even now, when we visit her and stay in my parents home, breakfast is ready and waiting for us each and every day.

Breakfasts start our day- they offer a new beginning to look at the day in a fresh way and greet those you love as well as yourself with warmth and care. We should care about ourselves as much as we care for those we love- we should nourish the bodies and minds that will take us through our day, face challenges and make the most of that which lies waiting. Breakfast is like a security blanket, it stays with us and protects and comforts as we leave the warm covers and enter the cold reality of life outside that front door.

Breakfasts don’t have to be a four course meal- just healthy and nutritious. Our lifestyles unfortunately don’t allow for the joy of sitting down and sharing in those long and wonderful breakfasts-even on weekends. However, making the time to fit those in from time to time and when we cannot, at least having something quick and love-filled in the morning can make all the difference.

There was a time when all three of my kids were in a flurry in the morning- showers, gathering homework, running out the door to catch a bus. Then came all driving in different cars and going different directions and I saw very quickly that our routine had to change. For years they all sat shoulder to shoulder at the kitchen counter waiting for their breakfasts from the short order cook named Mom. Feet barely reaching the stools foot rest and pj’s with hockey players on them and kittens and puppies. Hair everywhere and precious faces waking up slowly. They still have hair going all directions, pjs are now sweats and t-shirts and feet touch the ground. In the summer and on weekends, the short order cook returns and the kitchen counter has customers. However. like most families, breakfasts have evolved into a quick on the run meal. I still bring breakfast to them occasionally and make that extra effort to see that they have something to start their day but for the most part- it is caught on the way through the kitchen to the laundry room or shower.

So, what is the answer? Having great choices available and when able, making the time to sit down and start the day together. Start the day with those you love, share the warmth of good food, prepared with love and put on that security blanket. I am a firm believer that there are some things we never have to give up when we grow up- ever.

**To The Last Drop offers breakfast to go each and every Saturday from 8 a.m.- 11 a.m. Each week there is a special entree and quiche to go by the slice or ordered ahead to take home whole. Fresh baked croissants, scones, muffins and our house granola. Take home warm and fresh for your family- all you have to do is call them to the table! If you prefer, you can eat at the dining room tabel at the shop….if there is room! Complimentary coffee is available and cocoa when it snows. Come in and feel the warmth, feel the best way to start your day…..you can even bring your own security blanket and slippers are welcomed!

Soups:

Winter Vegetable

Vegetarian Split Pea

Tuscan Bean

Chicken Noodle

Potato Cheddar

Tomato and Roated Red pepper

Entrees:

To The Last Drop Meatloaf

Empanadas:

**Beef with yukon gold potatoes, onion and a cilantro pesto

**Black beans, rice, sweet peppers and onions

Pork Tenderloin with dijon mushroom sauce and wild rice

Chicken Parmesan

Baked and Baked Again Potatoes

Tabouleh

Caprese Salad

Signature Chicken Salad

Curry Chicken Salad

Fresh baked goods: croissants, scones, baguettes, cookies and cookie bars

House made granola

This last week has been a particularly difficult week. There have been losses at every turn it seems and challenges to keep a tight hold of hope. People far away from our world here are suffering, asking why tragedy has come upon their lives and doing all in their power not to lose hope. Here in our community, we struggle in the loss of a young life and a loss of his hope for his future. We look into our own hearts and look for the hope in what can be taken from this to again instill hope for his loving family, his friends and our youth. In our own personal lives we struggle with hope which has been taken and disappointment- perhaps in others, perhaps in ourselves.

Yet, hope is resilient. It teaches us that although lives may be taken, dreams shattered or hearts broken- we can continue and move forward. That which seems unbearable becomes a mountain we can climb. That which threatens to break us apart, pulls us together. That is hope. One of my favorite sayings is by Oscar Wilde:

“What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise”

To remain hopeful allows us to see those blessings. I wish that for the many many people that have been struggling with hope this week- hold tight, hold fast.

Claudia

Soups:

Split Pea (vegetarian)

Tuscan Bean

Potato Cheddar (vegetarian)

Chicken noodle

Tomato/Roasted Red pepper

Chicken Wild rice and mushroom

Entrees:

Ellie’s Lemon Chicken

Ravioli with pine nuts, asparagus, sundried tomatoes and mushrooms in parmesan, white wine and cream sauce

Fresh Pasta with Bolognese Sauce

Thai peanut Noodles with Roasted chicken

Spaghetti Squash

Signature chicken Salad

Felafel with hummous, olives marinated tomatoes and cucumber sauce- with pita points

Fresh baked croissants, scones, muffins, cookies

I have been thinking a lot about transitions this past week- mostly because I have about ten going on simultaneously in my own life. Some by choice and some thrust upon me. I have come to the conclusion that either way, they feel the same. Those by choice have a bit more forewarning and come a bit more slowly unlike those that appear and suddenly knock the wind from your sails- but both insist upon change.

My son went back to college and I am also preparing to send off my second child as we speak….applications, graduation plans, special trips this summer to gather as much of “family” time that I am able. Changes and transitions- I suppose it is best to just dive in because they will come anyway.

I had a transition at the shop last weekend and one that will continue to come on slowly as this one was planned. The Saturday morning breakfasts have been an idea for awhile so I saw it coming and it is a great addition. I am looking forward to next Saturday already- a change in routine, an extra chance to do what I love to do which is cook for others, and a nice transition to a new part of my business. I hope you will stop by some Saturday for a warm breakfast to go- it is a cozy start to your day and I would love to share it with you.

This comfortable transition will undoubtedly help with all the others going on- perhaps in your life as well. Sometimes that comfort food, a warm cup of goodness and a smile can do wonders!! Winter months can be cold as can change- but they too shall pass! Saturdays at To The Last Drop may be a small ticket on that road!

Soups:

Chicken with Orzo

Butternut Squash

Chicken Wild rice mushroom

New England Clam Chowder

Tuscan Tomato

Italian Tortellini

Entrees:

Ellie’s Lemon Chicken

Stuffed Shells

To The Last Drop Meatloaf

Pork Tenderloin/wild rice with shallots and dates in a balsamic reduction

Thai Peanut Noodles with Roasted Chicken

Signature chicken Salad

Curried chicken Salad

Spreads, breads, assorted salads

Whole quiches

Here we are, another year ahead and the many experiences awaiting us all! I always look back and try to reflect upon all the many new people, experiences and discoveries I have made over the past year. It is always a very humbling experience as I make to “plan” and organize my life and time. I love to get out my fresh datebook, clear of my scribbles, scratch outs and notes and begin filling in dates, trips, birthdays…. For some odd reason, it gives me a good feeling and I sit back thinking I am in control. That is usually the last moment of the New Year that I feel that way!

Soon, life creeps in and what I thought was a plan becomes a blur of new scribbles, notes and for the most part, anything but control. It is usually then that I take the time to reflect upon all that I didn’t see coming in the past year that surprised me unannounced and made its way into my datebook. While there are a handful of the unfortunate, the heart breaking or the “rug out from under you” moments and events, for the most part, all the surprise and unplanned entries in my datebook are ones that I would never trade away or erase if they were by chance “penciled in”. I realize that those are what brings life into the days of the week as they trudge by, they bring a reason for thought, laughter, discovery and human realism.

So, I start this year as I do every other one- with high hopes, with a trusting heart, a clean slate and ready to fill in the blanks of my datebook and days.

Hope to see you in the shop, hope to perhaps mark you down in my datebook and will look forward to all the entries this year!

Soups:

Cheddar Potato-vegetarian

Butternut Squash-vegetarian

Chicken with orzo and Veggies

Italian Tortellini

Clam Chowder

Salads:

Signature Chicken Salad

Curried Chicken Salad

Roasted vegetable and Couscous salad- vegetarian

Entrees:

Meatloaf and white cheddar garlic smashed potatoes

Ravioli with sundried tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms and pine nuts

Pork Tenderloin with dates, balsamic reduction and wild rice

*****Don’t Forget to st9p by on Saturday Mornings from 8 a.m.- 11 a.m. for our home cooked and ready to serve breakfast to go!

Each Saturday….. baked fresh scones, croissants, muffins and quiche by the slice. You may order whole quiches ahead as well- just call the shop by Wednesday and order for pick-up on Saturday. We will also have one special entree each Saturday!!

January 9th- Baked French Toast with Orange Marmalade syrup and sausage

We will carry homemade granola, assorted juices and have coffee available for you to sip on while you wait! If there is room at the dining room table, sit down and relax and enjoy the smell of house fresh breads and entrees cooking for your home from ours!

Hope to see you this week!