If We Were to Sit Down for Coffee.......

If we were to sit down for coffee, I would tell you that the past year has been full of its ups and downs. I would apologize for not being present and hope you understand that sometimes, life gets in the way.

If we were to sit down for coffee, I would tell you that despite our current struggles, we are embracing all we have and trusting our journey.

If we were to sit down for coffee, I would tell you that I am more in love with my husband everyday and grateful to have moments like this.

If we were to sit down for coffee, I would want to talk about food. I am a foodie, and love all things recipe and food related. Call me lame, but I can't help it. Take this homemade sauce and meatballs for example. Making good dinners makes me happy. I won't deny myself the easy and little pleasures in life.

If we were to sit down for coffee, I would smile from ear to ear in regards to my three knuckleheads. They bring so much joy, laughter and slight frustration (I can't lie during coffee). Our home would be so quiet without these 12 little legged friends.

If we were to sit down for coffee, I would hope you are doing amazing and that all your loved ones are happy and safe!

If we were to sit down for coffee, what would you say to me?!

Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

I have spent the past six months on a journey to a healthier life. While I have not been perfect all the time, I have found many substitutes using healthier ingredients to make dishes that I can only describe as pure comfort.

I will also say that no matter what my journey, unless I am highly allergic- I WILL NEVER GIVE UP CHEESE! Especially if the end product tastes like a loaded baked potato! Just add a dab of sour cream, hot sauce and some crumbled bacon! Yum yum!

That being said, I bring to you my Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin!

Ingredients
1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into large chunks
4 oz of cream cheese, cubed
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
6 oz of shredded cheese (your choice)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place chopped cauliflower into sauce pan and fill with enough water to cover cauliflower. Boil cauliflower on high heat until just fork tender. Strain cauliflower and add back into pan. Mash with a fork or a potato masher to smaller pieces. Add cubes of cream cheese allowing to melt and mix with cauliflower well. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Spray a small sized baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Layer half of the cauliflower onto bottom of dish. Layer half of the shredded cheese on top and then add second layer of cauliflower, spreading evenly. Add remaining cheese to top of cauliflower. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Turn oven to broil for 3-5 minutes to allow cheese to become bubbly and lightly browned to perfection!

                                                                      Enjoy!

Six Months Later

I often have a hard time figuring out what I want out of the escape I call this blog. I think a huge part of that uncertainty is that my mind is currently all over the place. About 90% of my life is focused on a subject that I'm not quite sure I am ready to share with this world. I have a hard enough time sharing the emotional struggle with people I know.

I have missed writing though. I have missed documenting the wonderful life I lead. Struggles and all, I am happy.

I started this blog because I love to write. That doesn't mean I am good at it, but it's an outlet for me. Whether it be about my forever journey to be healthier, my love for cooking and baking, or to share the shenanigans of my life- it is my story to tell.

I don't know if even one person looks at this minuscule blog, and that doesn't really matter to me. I do it for me, and I need to make the time to continue doing this. It would be nice to look back in ten years and see all the wonderful things I have done. To have my words forever out there, for anyone to read and most importantly, for me to remember.