Just a short recap on Easter Sunday.  I did get to attend mass at my church on Easter and Palm Sunday.  It was the first time I had attended services at my church in a long while.  

 

I have been attending church at home on EWTN and although I did enjoy it, it was great to be back in my home church.  I had almost forgotten how beautiful my church is.  All of my family had dinner at 

Leslie’s and she really out did herself.  It was great to be with everyone.  We all left with take outs and had leftovers all week.

 

Somehow, I have subscribed to a magazine, Real Simple.  I had never heard of it before, but it is really a magazine I look forward to every month.  

 

Recently when I was visiting Leslie, she showed me an iron skillet that she had purchased.  It was a new one and I was so surprised that she would want one.  Immediately I thought of all the iron skillets that Fray’s grandmother had and that my mother had.  I really was not too fond of them and was so happy when I could equip my kitchen with new shiny skillets.  My sister use to tell me that the skillets would somehow release iron that you would eat with your prepared food and that it was thought that it might contribute to dementia. I have never been able to substantiate this and so I forgot about it.

 

Well, getting back to my magazine. Recently there was an article about iron skillets. It said the biggest perk about these skillets is that they can get blazing hot.  This makes them excellent for searing.  They are very tough and are great for using a metal spatula.  There is only one item to shy away from cooking and that is tomatoes. Because the sauce is highly acidic, the iron may give it a metallic taste.

 

Most new pans come pre-seasoned, but if you have an old one you will have to season it to keep it from sticking.  A light layer of oil will start the seasoning process.  The more you use it the more seasoned it becomes.  Once seasoned a quick rinse and a wipe with a towel will clean it.  Do not let it air dry.  When not in use rub a little oil on the pan’s surface and store it with a paper towel on top.  If you want to switch to iron skillet cooking, remember new ones in all probability will not need seasoned.

 

Now that Spring is here it is time to reconnect with ourselves.  Remember to get the bird feeder out, fill it up and watch the birds.  I even get to watch two little squirrels who like to invade the feeder.  Get your pots ready for flowers or vegetables. If nothing else have spot of fresh basil for your tomato salads.  Get out your patio furniture and maybe even buy new cushions to brighten up the patio.

 

I hope the quarantine will soon be over and we can enjoy each other’s company.  Take care, stay healthy and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”