I haven't been much of a drinker the past seven years. Not that I don't enjoy a mixed drink before dinner or a glass of wine with dinner. And there were fun times when I got a bit tipsy during a night on the town with the girls. It is just that when my husband died, I became worried about being the sole provider for the boys and concerned about possible DUIs so I limited my drinking when I was out to only one and always with food. Then of course, I wasn't socializing that much anyway.
I suppose I could have indulged at home but I always felt that I needed to have as many of my wits about me caring for the boys 24/7. The last couple of days, however, I've had a craving for a glass of wine in the evening. Maybe it is that the days are getting shorter and colder. Or that I want to feel a bit more relaxed and mellow even beyond what my anti-depressant and anti-anxiety meds are providing.
So I took the big step and picked up a bottle of my favorite red, Cabernet Sauvignon at ALDI for the big cost of $2.99 a bottle. NEVER in my life have I purchased such a cheap bottle of wine but I see a lot of people buying it and there is a cute winking owl on the label which is the name brand.
Got home all excited about trying my cheap bottle of wine with my cheap comfort food dinner. This is what I always make when I need a comfort food dinner: mix a can of cream of chicken soup, 1/3 cup sour cream, cooked frozen vegetables and chopped cooked turkey or chicken in a baking pan. Top with prepared Stove Top Dressing and bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees. There is never any left when I make this and the cost = about $3.50 total, only about $1.25 per person!
But after all the big build up, I couldn't find my cork screw! So the taste test is delayed until tomorrow when I can run to the dollar store for a new one. I will provide a rating.
I suppose the other insight from this post has to do with how much widowhood changes us. Habits we used to engage in regularly vanish from our lives. Widowhood truly impacts and influences us in so many ways at so many levels. My wine drinking habits, just a minor example - sometimes it blows my mind how my widowhood has so deeply affected me. Finally, buying this inexpensive bottle of wine is something I did for myself - a small measure of self-nurturing and care.
Oh my gosh, I had to laugh when I got to the end of your post and you couldn't find the cork screw! Well, just proves the point that maybe you should treat yourself to a nice glass of wine a little more often!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
--ARB
First, I want to say that your recipe sounds delicious and simple to make -- MY KIND OF MEAL!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the wine -- it's funny that you mention having a craving for wine. My husband and I were not drinkers -- partly because of our faith, partly because my husband grew up in an alcoholic home -- it was a decision that was right for our family. I don't know the first or last thing about alcoholic drinks, wines, etc. I never thought about wine; but in the past year or so, I have craved wine also. So once in while in the evenings when I know I won't be going anywhere, I treat myself to some "cheap" wine. Nothing huge, not habitual, but when I feel that craving, I have some and it just helps to take the edge off at that moment. I get the small little four packs with the screw on tops -- no corkscrew necessary! :]
ARB - I am glad I gave you a laugh!
ReplyDeleteBeth - I usually get the four-pack little bottles too because I figure one isn't too bad of an indulgence. They're not too bad are they?
I am going to try out your recipe on my kids. It sounds wonderful, and I love comfort food. I just ate some fettucine and cheese last night, and the comfort it gave me.
ReplyDeleteI always get a craving for a drink, but it is usually while I am at work (after working with an extremely difficult student). I don't drink on a regular basis, so I find this a rather entertaining thought.
When my husband was alive, I did buy wine from time to time for us to relax and enjoy. However, by the time, we got to open it up and drink it, the wine disappeared faster than I could relax/enjoy. Too many hands in the wine bottle, I'm afraid.
So, now, I may pick up a bottle, and see if it helps. While, I am doing that, I will toast all my new friends along the way, and remember the good times.
Thanks!!!
Jeanne - I still haven't gotten a cork screw yet but when I do I will also make a toast to all of you too!
ReplyDelete