Are you in control?
March 30, 1981, John Hinckley Jr, a man obsessed with the actress Jodie Foster, decided he would try to impress her by shooting Ronald Reagan. While that act was out of control, the Secretary of state made a huge blunder that inspired today’s holiday: National I am in Control day. Alexander Haig held a press conference addressing the situation. While something like this address traditionally goes to the national security advisor, Haig, rushed in front of the press to “reassure” Americans and the world that the situation was under control. When asked who was making decisions, he stated “I am in control here in the White House”. He became the laughing stock of the administration. And, those words: “I am in control” still elicit a chuckle and/or derision to this day. But, today’s holiday is about more than that, begging the question: “are you in control?
Haig overstepped boundaries in making that assertion. The chain of command goes from president to VP, to speaker of the house, to “president pro tempore” of the senate, then to Secretary of state. The VP was aboard Air force 2 at the time (not exactly out of commission). So, Haig really spoke out of line, claiming that since the VP wasn’t there, he was now in charge. While the whole scenario was a combination of funny, scary, and infuriating, the day inspired by it should be the exact opposite. Taken on a personal basis, “I am in control” makes a great mantra to embrace. People have a tendency to blame others for problems in their lives. They blame their shortcomings on external actions. As the good witch told Dorothy: You’ve always had the power, my dear. You’ve had it all along,”
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Ask yourself this: Are you in control?
Hate your job? Feel like the world conspires against you? Is the economy a mess because Illegal immigrants take all the good jobs? Did you start a war because someone else said it’s a good idea? Did you not get a peace prize because people ignored your bragging about ending 8 wars while you sent troupes into your own cities and bombed sovereign nations? Do you blame George Soros and radical left lunatics for everything that doesn’t go your way? Do you want your name on everything? Did you not get enough love from your father? Despite claims of stability and a desire for control, you are just the opposite. You can’t (or shouldn’t) try to exert pressure over others. While controlling others’ actions would be nice, the only one you truly have control over is yourself.
There are some things we can control. Others we can’t. Rush hour traffic is a constant. If you want to avoid it, change your schedule. Don’t like your job, find a new one. Don’t make enough money? Research ways to increase your income. Don’t like the weather? Move. It’s all a shift in perspective. Our natural tendency is to blame the circumstances we experience on external pressure. Denis Leary put it succinctly in his No cure for Cancer routine: Life sucks, get a helmet. And, he offers his revolutionary therapy: STFU. I’m not happy, STFU, next!. While his delivery is crude, the sentiment is correct. People whine they come from a troubled background, so they have no control. Well, quit the pity party, and do what’s best for you. We’re all guilty of it to some degree. Sometimes it’s self preservation. More often, it’s insecurity.
Change in perspective
Who we are depends on our perspective. Everyone has something they excel at. In my work I see a lot of people come and go who just aren’t made for kitchen work. One co-worker was a professor in his home country. He spoke 6 different languages, and could explain the workings of an atomic bomb. He sucked in the kitchen. Sometimes you just put yourself in the wrong circumstances. I don’t blame people for ineptitude in their job anymore. I just remember a poignant story. Albert Einstein was fired from his first job. There was nothing wrong with him. Today, we know him as one of the greatest minds the world has known. But, that job wasn’t right for him. People blame their boss for firing them. In Einstein’s case, it was the right move. He found his proper place.
When I was a teenager, I thought my parents were idiots. But, when I reached my twenties I was surprised at how much they learned in a few years. They didn’t change. I did. I saw the wisdom in their actions and reactions. Sometimes we need a guiding hand to help us see. But, just like Dorothy, we need to learn things for ourselves. And, spoiler alert: learning isn’t just for the young. Our lives and perspectives change constantly through our lives. Do you remember the song “I wish I knew what i know now, when I was younger”? When you’re a teenager, 2 years is a significant portion of your life. Not as much when you’re 60. At 14 your whole world changes with an influx of hormones and growth spurts. After 40, it all slows down. Teens don’t want to listen to adults, and vice versa.
Teach yourself
Life changes will happen. But, many don’t learn from them. People complain about being stuck in a rut. That’s us not learning or adjusting. For some, doing the same old same old everyday is welcome. Everyone appreciates a routine. It answers today’s question: Are you in control? Still, it becomes monotonous after a while. There’s something liberating about trying different things. Because we enjoy change, we seek new things. That’s why we take vacations. The daily monotony gives us daily control. And, the vacations and changes of scenery provide control over the boredom. Yet, we didn’t know it was boring until we spent time doing it. Even the most exciting jobs lead to boredom over time. While, sometimes, I miss the rush of working a restaurant line, catering allows me to make something different every time I go into the kitchen.
A lot of people hire therapists, take classes, or adopt mentors to help change perspectives. That’s fine; however, with a little focus you can see things for yourself. Although, sometimes it takes an external pair of eyes and ears to help guide us. I saw a therapist, at one point, who asked me what was wrong. I explained that I knew exactly what I needed to do; but, couldn’t do it. His answer was: just do it. Hello? That’s why I’m seeing you. How about some strategy to break the mental block? I figured it out myself. While that was frustrating, it was a learning moment. Some therapists are more suited to different patients. And, that’s a life lesson we all need to learn. Just like Einstein’s job, there’s a match for different personalities.
Does your spouse ask are you in control?
People talk about soul mates. Even if it’s not a lifelong commitment, different people suit each other. This applies to spouses, friends, colleagues, etc. Somehow, we just mesh. We work together better with some than others. Consequently, we have BFF’s, friends, associates, and co-workers. Because we have differing personalities, we vary in our needs and control levels. If we trust someone, we allow them to influence our thoughts and actions. This is a relinquishing of some control. But, be careful not to turn over too much control. And, be sure whomever you allow access to you is worthy of that. Your spouse and BFF may have influence because you share common bonds. Politicians and the guy selling you a dicer, slicer, furniture polish, dessert topping should not have that kind of access.
Everyone has an agenda. Politicians and salespeople have agendas that don’t line up with your needs. Sure, they speak in universal language, and appeal to broad themes. But, only your closest allies, the people you choose as confidants truly know your best interest. Even there, though, only you can decide 100% what’s best for you. Although, if your decision making is questionable, please, seek outside help. Dropping mentos into a gallon of rum and coke, then chugging it down with a bag of pop rocks may not be a great idea. But, accepting assistance is not the same thing as relinquishing control. You have the power to decide for yourself. If your decisions aren’t the best, though, listening to others may help.
Believe in yourself
As Carolyn says in American Beauty “You cannot count on anyone except yourself”. While this is true. It’s also isolationist. There is a whole world out there. We live in a society. There are people who can help, and, others, who hurt. Meanwhile, there are millions who have no impact one way or the other. As a human, we are equipped with an innate desire to help each other. In fact, numerous studies demonstrate that the best psychological impact comes from helping others. Whether you rescue animals, donate to charity, or just have a kind word for strangers, the best thing you can do is help yourself by helping others. Last month, we celebrated Four Chaplains day. These were 4 Army chaplains of different denominations who saved dozens of sailors when their ship was sunk. They gave of themselves in the ultimate sacrifice.
So, if you want to be happy, help others. And, if you’re in need of help, don’t be afraid to accept it. Are you in control isn’t a question of absolute isolation. We all participate in society to one degree or another. Helping others and accepting help aids in solidifying control over your personal and shared environment. Giving and receiving are participatory events. While we can control all aspects of our lives, the actions and reactions of others is beyond our control. But, if we make a concerted effort to engage with others in a productive manner, we all benefit from a more controlled environment. Yes, we need pur personal space. We, also, need interaction. So, accept others and believe in your own ability to deal with them. You’ve got this.
Are you in control? Try Cooking.
One of the easiest and hardest things to control is your diet. You have the ability to prepare and eat healthy food. Unfortunately, fast and easy serve food is all over. Most of it is overly processed and loaded with things that are bad for us. You could eat carrot sticks or an apple. But, that bag of chips is so much more appealing. Besides, the kitchen is pure chaos. Perhaps. But, it’s controlled chaos. After spending a little time in the kitchen, you learn to multi-task. Have a pot of rice cooking, sauce reducing, and a roast in the oven while you cut vegetables for the next task. Even chaos has a rhythm. The kitchen is a dance you can control. And, cooking for yourself, you can season things to your liking.
Since this is I am in control day, it’s a perfect time to step into the kitchen and make something you truly want and/or that’s good for you. Take a run to the market, or order for delivery. Then, you’re set to gain control. As you cook, you see how control in the kitchen can transfer to the rest of your life. You control the temperatures, the cuts, the texture, and taste of everything in your domain. The same applies to your life. You don’t have to overstep boundaries like Alexander Haig to show you are in control. So, let’s get to it. To get started, here are some recipes to prove you are in control.
Mexican Chorizo and Corn Empanadas with Cumin Chili Sauce
Ingredients
- For Dough:
- 3 cups Flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 5 oz Melted coconut oil
- 1 cup water
- Filling:
- Avocado oil for cooking
- 4 oz chopped chorizo sausage
- 1/4 cup diced sweet onion
- 1/2 tsp chopped fresh garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh tomato
- 1/2 cup cooked corn, removed from the cob (preferably fresh, we grille ours)
- 1/4 cup Shredded cheddar or jack cheese
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Sauce:
- Avocado or olive oil to cook
- 1 cup fresh diced onion
- 1 tsp chopped fresh garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh jalapeno or chili of your choice
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 each 28 oz can of crushed tomato
- 1 can water (the can from the tomatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the dough: Either by hand or in mixer, using dough hook, combine flour and salt. Add in oil and water. Mix until a smooth dough is formed. It should be very pliable, but not wet or sticky. If too wet, add more flour. If too dry add more water. Lightly flour the dough and set aside, covered with plastic for about an hour. The gluten needs to relax.
- Make the sauce ahead of time as it takes a while to cook. Heat oil in a heavy pot, over high heat.. Add in garlic and onion. Cook and stir until translucent. Add the jalapeno and stir. Then add the tequila. Cook off the alcohol. Then add the remaining ingredients. Stir and bring to a boil. Then cut the temperature back to low to medium. You want a light simmer. Allow to simmer at least an hour, stirring occasionally. It should resemble pasta sauce when done.
- Make the filling: Saute the onion and garlic in heated oil until translucent (stirring occasionally). Add in the chorizo, and allow it to brown. Stir as needed. Add the spices and mix well. Remove from heat and add in the rest of the ingredients. Fold together until the mix sticks together. You should be able to make a ball of the mix.
- Make 8 to 16 balls out of the dough. Press them in a tortilla press or flatten by hand. Place a little bit of the filling in the center of each disk of dough. Then fold up the sides to create a half moon and crimp the edges to seal in the filling. Place them in a flat pan lined with parchment and spray with pan spray or use a silicone non stick pad. Place in a pre-heated 400 degree oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. They should become golden brown. Serve hot with the chili sauce.
Caramelized Onion and Wild Mushroom Calzone with Vegan Cheese and Romesco Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Typo 00 flour
- 1 Cup Warm Water
- 1 TBSP Yeast
- 2 TBSP Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 TBSP Olive Oil
- For Onions and Mushrooms:
- 4 Cups Thin Sliced Sweet Onions
- 3 Cups Sliced Assorted Wild Mushrooms
- 1/4 Cup Sherry
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Thyme
- 1 tsp Chopped Fresh Garlic
- 1 tsp Truffle Oil (optional)
- 2 Cups Vegan Pizza Cheese
- Olive oil for cooking
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- For sauce:
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Sweet Onion
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Fresh garlic
- 1 Cup Red Wine
- 1 Cup Roasted Red Pepper
- 1 Cup Ground Tomato
- 1/2 Cup Vegetable Stock
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Basil
- 1 tsp Chopped Oregano (fresh or dried)
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Almonds
- olive oil for cooking
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Romesco Sauce: Saute the onion and garlic over medium high heat in a thin layer of olive oil until translucent. Add red wine and reduce by 1/2. Then add the remaining ingredients, except salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and taper back to a simmer. Cook down until it is about half the original volume. Add more stock or water if it is too thick. Add seasoning and Blend until semi smooth.
- While the sauce is Cooking, Cook the onions in olive oil. Start at high heat to get some color, then drop down to medium. Allow the onions to caramelize slowly, stirring as needed to prevent burning. When they have a golden brown color, add the garlic and mushrooms. Cook until soft. Then, add the sherry and increase the temperature. Burn off the alcohol, and cook off the extra liquid. You want it as dry as possible to prevent soggy dough. Season and add the thyme. Set aside to cool.
- While those 2 are cooking, make the dough. Or you can make all the ingredients ahead of time to assemble on the day of service. For the dough, Put the sugar, yeast, and water the bowl of a mixer. make sure the water is warm, not hot. Stir in the yeast and allow it to bloom about 10 minutes. Then, add the remaining ingredients and use a dough hook attachment to knead the dough. You may need to scrape the sides to aid the dough in forming. When it takes shape, remove the bowl from the mixer. Coat the dough with Olive oil and cover. Allow it to rest about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 550
- While the dough is resting, fold vegan pizza cheese into the onion and mushroom mixture. Also, add a touch of truffle oil if you want to boost the flavor.
- Roll out the dough, preferably by hand into a long Wide rectangle. You could also do smaller pieces of dough for multiple smaller calzones. Place the filling down the middle of the dough and paint the edges with olive oil. Roll the calzone up like a cigar. Fold the ends over to keep the filling inside. Poke a couple small holes in the top, to allow steam to escape.
- Preheat a pizza stone or an inverted sheet pan in the oven. Sprinkle cornmeal on the pan or stone to prevent sticking. Place the calzone on the stone or pan and brush with olive oil, salt, and fresh cracked black pepper. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until perfectly browned,
- Remove the calzone to a cutting board. Allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes. Then cut it into manageable pieces. Serve with heated romesco sauce on the side.
Notes
Baby kale and Spiced Apple Salad
Ingredients
- For Cranberry:
- 2 Cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
- 3/4 Cup Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Neutral Oil, like canola or soy
- For Apples:
- 1 Large Apple Cut into 12 to 16 wedges
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- Neutral oil for cooking
- For salad:
- 1 Pkg baby kale or similar hearty greens
- 1/4 Cup Pine nuts
- For Vinaigrette
- 1/4 Cup Honey
- 1/2 Cup Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Cider
- 1 Cup Neutral Oil
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300
- Toss the cranberries in a light coating of neutral oil, toss with sugar and spread out on a sheet pan with a non stick liner or sprayed parchment paper. Pop in the oven and allow to slowly roast. Check them occasionally. You want them to be wilted, firm, and maintain their shape. This can take 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the consistency of your oven. When done, set aside to cool.
- Place the pine nuts on a sprayed Sheet Pan. Toast them in the oven until golden brown (About 8 to 10 minutes). Set aside to cool.
- Mix the sugar and spices for the apples, Cut the apples and toss in the spice mix. Heat a thin coating of oil in a saute pan over high heat. Carefully, place the apples in the hot pan. Cook one side and then flip to the other (about 1 minute per side). They should have a golden brown caramel hue when done. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- make the Vinaigrette: Place all ingredients except the oil in a blender. Turn it on at low speed and increase to medium/high. With the blender running, drizzle in the oil until an emulsified dressing forms.
- To serve, start with the Kale. Toss all the ingredients in a bowl or carefully arrange on plates. You can serve the dressing on the salad or on the side. We're easy here.
Cinco Spring Avocado Asparagus Salad
Ingredients
- 1 Bunch Fresh Asparagus cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 large Avocado
- 1/2 Cup Julienne Fresh Spring Onion
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Garlic Scapes
- 1 Large Lime, just juice and zest
- 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp Coriander seeds
- 1 tsp Chopped Fresh Chili
- 1/2 Cup Grape Tomatoes, cut in 1/2
- Avocado oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- baby greens (Optional)
Instructions
- Heat a saute pan over medium high heat. Put the coriander and cumin seeds in the pan to bloom the flavor. Toss them around a bit to lightly toast and bring out flavor and aroma. Grind them in a spice grinder roughly. Place them in a bowl.
- Heat a little avocado oil in the same pan, Add in the spring onion and stir. Cook for about 30 seconds. Then add in the asparagus, chili, and garlic scapes. Cook until the color of the asparagus is very pronounced. The vegetables should yield, but, not be overcooked. Place in the bowl with the spices. Allow to cool.
- Cut the avocado into strips or cubes. Toss with the Asparagus, etc, add in the tomato, lime, oil, salt, and pepper. Coat all evenly. Adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve as a side dish or with greens as a salad.