1. Today’s Recipe: 

I am roasting veggies like it's going out of style.  My current favorite is Charred Romanesco with Lemon. I cut my romanesco into bite sized pieces and then toss it in a bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper, the juice of one lemon, and the zest of one lemon. Once well coated I transfer it to a baking sheet. If possible there should just be a single layer on the sheet. Put it in the oven set to 425 and leave it alone for a good 20-25 minutes.  You want it to get dark brown and almost crunchy around the edges before you stir it. You may need more of the oil and lemon mix half way through the cooking process if it looks too dry.  I usually keep my romanesco in the oven for about 45 minutes. Try to not eat the whole tray as it comes out of the oven, it's not easy.

I took this picture the day after I had roasted these so the colors aren't as vibrant, but the romanesco is bottom right, along with some broccoli, and a mix of sauteed red peppers, purple onions, and zucchini that I top with eggs and hot sauce.

My other favorite go to meal is my take on a Quesadilla.  It's dairy, gluten, and grain free. I know, it sounds boring or perhaps even terrible to you, but it's soooo good. I am a HUGE fan of Siete products.  Everything they make is grain free, dairy free, and gluten free.  I especially love their Almond flour Tortillas. And I hear their Queso Blanco, made with cashews, is delightful.

I start by sauteing a huge batch of kale, shiitake mushrooms, sliced onions, and sliced red peppers until cooked down and soft.  I then use butter or ghee and "butter" one side of tortilla and put that face down in the pan.  I add a huge helping of my sauteed veggies and top with fresh cilantro and lots of pickled jalapenos.  Close that puppy up and let it get golden brown before flipping. Pair it with your favorite salsa and guacamole.  Bam-quesadillas that you do not need to feel guilty about- a win/win!  And that Poblano Farm Chipotle Salsa is spicy and delish.

2. Top Song Picks:

Right now I am loving the new Dixie Chicks song, Gaslighter. Other than that I have my normal rotation of The Avett Brothers, more Dixie Chicks, T Swift, Phish, Post Malone, Shakey Graves, JJ Grey & Mofro, Billy Joel, rando country songs, oldies, The Beach Boys, I've been listening to the La Bamba soundtrack- I am all over the map musically.

3. Good Kid-Friendly Activity:

Dylan and I have been walking outside in the woods with our dog, Ozzy, every day for miles in the morning. In the afternoon or evening when Chris gets home from Lahey he and I walk the dog and Dylan rides her bike.  We are also playing a lot of board games!

4. Proud Moment:

I am so proud of Dylan and how responsible she has been getting her assignments done for school.  Homework time is not usually our favorite time of day, but she has shown such maturity over the past week when it comes to getting her school work done on time.

5. Not-So-Proud Moment:

Eating half of the pizza that I made for Dylan's birthday dinner.  I wish I had a picture of that beauty.  It was all gluten and all dairy and damn, it was fantastic. Really didn't need that last slice, but it was soooo good I just couldn't help myself!

6. Whatcha Reading: 

I am revisiting Dan Brown's books.  I started with Angels and Demons and just start The Davinci Code.  I loved it years ago and wanted to read it again.

7. Great Adult Conversation:

I have had so many great interactions with friends and clients over the past week.  In these uncertain times, it's nice to know that someone is thinking of you.  We always wait to say hello because we think we can do it tomorrow.  Just do it today, make someone's day.

8. Who was the Helper in your Community Today (Inspired by Mr. Rogers, of course!):

I was the helper today. While I am practicing social distancing, today I had to break my rules and help my neighbor. My neighbor is an adult who lives alone, but has some issues that prevent him from working or driving. He has help from the state, but no family to pitch in with his day to day needs. Today he needed to get to the food pantry in order to have enough food to get him through to March 1st when his EBT card is replenished. Beyond getting a few staples, I helped him pick items that I can use to create meals for him to keep in his refrigerator or freezer. I will cook them and drop them off at his door in the coming days. It takes a village. There are alot of people out there who may not have the ability to get to the store. Check in on them.

9. Movie/Show Recommendation:

Currently it's just the Food Network. We love The Kids' Baking Championship, Restaurant Impossible, and the new Vegas competition with Ann Burrell. Other than that if you have something to suggest please send it my way. I need a good series to binge watch!

10. Excellent Outdoor Activity:

Walking, hiking, biking, running, or even taking a drive. We love the trails at Gardner Hill Conservation Area in Stow, MA; Mount Misery in Lincoln, MA; and I think that we are going to hike Wachusett this weekend.

11. Blog or Website You Are Clicking On:

I'm not much of a blog person. I am following a ton of people on Instagram and love all of the workouts and healthy recipes people are posting. My sister created a group of Facebook where people can post their sweaty selfies, recipes, etc. Her goal was to keep people feeling motivated and accountable while at home over the next few weeks.

12. Any Advice You Want to Share:

MOVE! Make sure that you are keeping up with your exercise routines.  If you don't have one, there is no better time to start one.  Get outside, take a walk, breathe in the fresh air.  I am very lucky to have a Peloton bike at my house. If you have one too, follow me at #BB1975 so we can ride together. Peloton is offering a free 90 day trial of their app. Click here to check it out! On there you can access so much more than cycling classes. There are full body strength workouts, running workouts for all level, yoga classes, guided meditations, and more. If you are an avid cyclist and it's raining so you can't get outside there are rides led by pro cyclists that you can do on your bike set up on a trainer.

13. What’s Going on Around Town:

We really haven't been outside of our house or neighborhood except to drive to trails and help our neighbor, but I did pick up Dylan's favorite sandwich and mocha at Serendipity for her birthday lunch. I was really happy to see a big stack of gift cards being mailed out to people. If you don't feel comfortable with takeout right now you can still help by buying gift cards from local businesses that you will visit once precautions are lifted.  

We would love to hear from you all as well! The more we engage, find humor, share encouragement and challenges, the stronger we can come out of this!!!

Stay safe and be well- signing off- "DJ' Beth