Goodnight, Moonlight Ladies

My oldest is home. When she arrives, she's more often than not, with someone else... either her girlfriend, or some roommates, or someone cluster of college kids. No matter, I get my daughter, I'll take the luggage, too Tonight, I only get a little time, until the head out...

so, when they dropped their clothes in their rooms, we all met for a quick catch up chat, and some cooking. First, I had her roommate dice and chop some onion. Into the pan with olive oil...


My daughter's girlfriend, I trust more, so I had her do the garlic. Grab a few cloves, and then, place the knife flat on top of the cloves, and with your heel of the hand, slam it. the first slam makes it easy to peel, then dice the garlic
Also into the pan with the oil. Brown the onion and garlic.


Outside, I sent my daughter with kitchen shears, to collect some chocolate and regular basil!

Chop the two kinds of basil. Save it for a bit...

I added the ground turkey to the pan, and started to brown this. One thing I strongly encourage them to do, is to season the meat. Meaning, add spices to the meat, whole it is cooking. It's much more flavorful. Oregano, Basil, Parsley, and Garlic Powder.


In the slow cooker, I added two cans of crushed tomato, and a small can of tomato paste.

While the meat is browning, I added more spices to the tomato started in the slow cooker. Again, Oregano, Parsley and basil.

Add the meat, into the slow cooker and let it simmer for 8 or more hours. Again, for me, I add spices. See the top image, and that's when I add the fresh herbs: Oregano, Parsley, and two kinds of Basil.

At this point, one is stirring the pot with tomato sauces starting, one is stirring the pan with meat browning. The other has started cleaning up after us. There's the noise of the water running in the sink, and then hiss of foods cooking, so each is talking loudly, and laughing. One thing I love, is that, since they all live together, this cooking together thing feels normal for them.. and I can hear a normal conversation. I've melted into the kitchen background... just another part of the background... so, they continue talking about their week, classes, stresses, friends, and more, as if I am not there.
It's a way to hear the goings on, without judging or input. No questions, just a relaxed atmosphere. At times, I am convinced, kids need to just talk. Talk out loud, without their parents interrupting. if they can be distracted, while cooking, or some other common task, so much the better...they won't notice what or how much, they are saying in front of dad.