It’s back to school time for students for all ages.   The carefree days of summer enjoyed by the young and young at heart have come to an end.   Kids are looking forward to rejoining friends and making some new ones.  Some parents can’t wait for just a little peace and quiet and others are rejoicing at the return of structure and normal bedtimes. There are even parents who are sad to see their little people spending more time at school than at home.  There is still another group of parents, probably suffering in silence, heart-strings pulled tight and red rimmed eyes.   The empty nesters.   

Teach them independence, confidence and self awareness, they said.  Give them roots and wings so that they grow into competent and contributing members of society,  they said.   Job well done!   But what they didn’t say, or no one said to me, was that releasing one of your own into the world, can be a gut wrenching part of the parenting process.  

Yes, the laundry load is lighter, mostly due to a steep drop in bathroom towel usage.  Yes, there is a chance there may even be some gas in your car, and yes, the grocery bill is cut in half.   But the absence of that nearby presence – the quick chats full of laughter, the shared treats, the late-night movies or the deep grounding hugs- that’s what truly aches.  

What to do?   Well, since this is a food column and meant to be warm and uplifting, we should eat!  Planning dinners becomes an entirely different process.   Adding back foods that your ‘nest fliers’ wouldn’t eat.  Making something sinful –  nachos ARE a food group.   Setting the table with candles and enjoy a quiet dinner like you’re eating at your favourite restaurant.   Whatever your self care methods are, know that you aren’t alone.   Here’s a recipe that uses zucchini spirals that are so delicious and have such a close pasta texture, that you may not go back to spaghetti.   

We’d love to share your favourite recipe & story!  Send any questions or comments:  tbayflavourfiles@gmail.com.   

Zucchini ‘Noodles’ 

•  2 medium zucchini run through a spiralizer or a veg peeler
•  ground turkey or chicken or Italian sausage – ½ lb
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 fine diced red pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
• ¼ cup basil leaves or 2 tsp dried

1. Brown your chosen meat in a medium pan with olive oil and salt and pepper – don’t drain unless using ground beef 
2. Add garlic and red pepper – sauté for 3-4 min
3. Add zucchini noodles and tomatoes with another bit of olive oil if needed. Sauté for 5 min only. Just until zucchini is tender 
4. Add parmesan and basil and some red pepper flakes for heat if desired 
5. Salt and pepper to taste, top with more Parmesan and enjoy!