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February 12, 2021

I took this picture in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Eastern Oregon. We were heading home from a road trip and the cloud formations in the sky were incredible. I came across it last night and decided to add a quote from The Road Less Traveled, which was a very important book for me when I read it at age 18. It taught me a lot and I felt validated by the opening sentence; "Life is difficult." 😉

As it turns out, the quote I found was indeed from M. Scott Peck, but not attributed to The Road Less Traveled so, without rereading it (which I intend to do sometime, but not right now), I have no idea if it's from the book.

The quote rings quite true to me. In this deeply uncomfortable time of Covid and politics, which shouldn't be the same thing but kind of are, I have done more searching and research than I have done in years. It's brought me sanity in an insane time, and it's led me to new voices and ideas that I can relate to and connect with.

I refuse to embrace fear so, for me, it was a natural thing to look for alternative "narratives" (forgive my use of the overused word) at the start of the lockdowns last spring. Nothing about it felt right and I had an immediate distrust of the media. It was made stronger as time went on by their unwillingness to report any good news or messages of hope. I went down countless rabbit holes until I found what resonated with me.

Searching for "different ways and truer answers" is my coping strategy. It's a good one. Don't get caught up in doing what you're told because there is never just one "right" way to think or act. Rely on your gut and your faith.

Have a happy Friday 💙

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April 15, 2023
Cookbook preview

If I had to ballpark a timeline, I’d say I should have my book, Living Legacy: Stories of a Restaurant Family ready for purchase by the end of May. 🤞 I was really hoping to have it finished in time for Mother’s Day but everything is taking longer than I anticipated. I’m self-publishing and I uploaded the pdf’s for the interior and cover today. Now I’ll wait to see if there are any issues with the files (fingers crossed I fixed them already!) and to receive a printed copy I can look over before I release it to the public.

It’s been a huge learning curve, but I’ve enjoyed (almost) every frustrating minute because now I know how to write and design a cookbook. I’m not sure what my next one will feature but it will definitely have some lighter recipes after fixing and eating all of the rich restaurant food, delicious as it was. I’m excited to get back into more recipe development of my own!

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November 18, 2022
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November 15, 2022
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When I got back from a trip this week, my garden had exploded and all my arugula bolted. So I made this: https://auntiechatter.com/recipes/sides-salads-and-soups/salads/arugula-salad-corn-avocado-tomato/

We had it with grilled chicken and polenta that I remembered I had in the freezer. The polenta soaked up the dressing and it was so yummy!

Molly, I hope you’re well!💗

August 15, 2023
Cookbook Launch!!!

Hi all. I'm excited to announce my cookbook, Living Legacy: Stories of a Restaurant Family, is available now at https://witandthyme.com.

Thanks for your patience and support through my writing and cooking journey 🧡 I'm really proud of how it turned out and can't wait for everyone to try the
recipes!

July 18, 2023
Back online!

AuntieChatter.com is back! 😅 ⁠
Thanks for your patience while the site was down. I am now in complete control of my domain (if not at home, at least on the internet 😂), so there should be no recurrence. Hot tip: If you sell a business, make sure your other domain names don't go along with it 🙃. ⁠

I'm greatly relieved to have it back since it's plastered on all of the Living Legacy cookbooks that are currently printing. That would have been super fun to deal with. ⁠

I'll get to work on a new post soon. Meanwhile, visit auntiechatter.com to find new and old favorite recipes! ⁠

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October 10, 2022
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Spice Mixes
Seasoned Salt, Italian Seasoning, Southwest Seasoning

I use one of these three mixes almost every time I cook! 

I think you will find it's a little more budget-friendly to take individual herbs and spices and combine them into a custom mix than it is to purchase premade mixes. They make great homemade gifts too. I used little jars of the Seasoned Salt as party favors for my niece's bridal shower a couple of years ago and, several months later, received requests for the recipe as the jars were empty and the people wanted more. I love it when that happens. 

Enjoy!

Seasoned Salt

Great for chicken, fish, salad dressings/dips, soups, eggs, etc.

1/4 cup kosher salt or sea salt

1 tablespoon ground black pepper

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon white pepper

1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried  thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried lemon peel

Combine all of the ingredients and store the mix in a small mason jar or similar container.

 

Italian Seasoning

Works well in pasta sauces, soups, salad dressing, and garlic oil, as well as on pizza and garlic bread

3 tablespoons dried basil

3 tablespoons dried oregano

3 tablespoons dried parsley

1 tablespoon dried rosemary

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon celery seeds

1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Combine all of the ingredients and store the mix in a small mason jar or similar container. If you have a mortar & pestle, grind the celery seed, fennel seed, and red pepper flakes first to release the flavors.

 

Southwest Seasoning

Use in tacos, chili, tortilla soup, dressings/dips, burritos, enchiladas, etc.

1/4 cup dried ground ancho chiles

2 tablespoons smoked paprika

2 tablespoons granulated garlic

2 tablespoons dried Mexican Oregano

1 tablespoon dried cilantro

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine all of the ingredients and store the mix in a small mason jar or similar container.

 

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