There are times when everything is going so well. Nothing in the world can stop me! Then the World raises its hand, and I say, "Yes, World. What would you like to add to this discussion?" There is a smirk from the World. This is not uncharacteristic, so I do not notice how evil the smirk is. Then the World answers with more adversity than I can possibly handle. I should have chosen to stick to my practice of not accepting raised hands in the classroom. WHERE IN THE HELL ARE THE POPSICLE STICKS?! I heard my mind scream and did not respond.
Do you know who answers the World now? My loving marriage, quiet home, family, friends, and golden retrievers answer the World with, "We've got this!" The World repeatedly tried tearing me down, and my support system raised its hands and paws. I called on them, and they answered!
The truth is I also called in reinforcements...my psychologist. I have names for him, but I normally call him my "copay friend." If you are a therapist, DO NOT be offended. My mental health has been tenuous my entire life. Actually, that is putting it lightly. I call him my "copay friend" because I need to make this mental health professional less of a threat to my mind. Sound dramatic? It is. When you have led a life filled with trauma you need a therapist who feels less threatening to your heart and mind. So this is how I do this. I call him my "copay friend."
My family health history is rife with mental illness. I am careful to make all of my appointments. I am not late; if I cannot make it, I will reschedule immediately. If a doctor wants to do an assessment, I say yes. I want to make sure I am well, and I am. Do you do this? Do you have a copay friend? I highly recommend this!
So what happened? Two seizures within 72 hours caused me to split my lip wide open, and a bump on my head that we think was caused by hitting my head on the metal headboard. Got a joke or smirk for that one? Yeah. The World does too. As well as a crude acquaintance, I will take a break from seeing or speaking to. Judge if you will, but having friends in your life should not require a hazmat suit to be around them.
So how did that happen? Stress. Lots of Stress and a missed dose of medication amongst the timeline of stress.
So what now? I have set alarms on my phone, and he has set alarms on his phone so that I do not miss a dose of medication. I gave notice at my job because I cannot drive 2 hours a day according to WA state law. The union had to help me with that. I am finishing some prerequisites for my Ph.D. and hoping to find a job closer to home.
So will this keep happening? It might. It might not. I have epilepsy. It will never go away. I cannot tell the future. I sure wish I could, though?
In response to all of this, I have been cooking and baking. Some of it has been terrible, but this one was FABULOUS.
You need:
Preheat the oven to the temperature indicated on the puff pastry box.
Puff pastry from Trader Joe's or a local bakery. Defrost them. Cut them into squares. This has 2 sleeves in the box, so it made quite a few. Cut them to the size you desire.
A jar of jam. My favorite jam is the one we make every year. This year it was strawberry rhubarb.
One tablespoon of powdered sugar waiting in a sif
A bag of frozen spinach, defrosted, and all of the liquid squeezed out
The zest of one medium-sized lemon
The juice of that same lemon
One lightly beaten large egg for the filling. Get the pasture-raised if you can and if you live in the country, drive around to see who sells them by their front door.
One large egg with a teaspoon of water lightly beaten in a separate bowl.
For the jam-filled pastry:
Set the pastry squares on a silpat or parchment paper
Put one tablespoon of jam in the center and spread diagonally. I used 2 tablespoons. You choose!
Pull up opposite ends of the pastry, pinch them together tightly, and roll the ends over. I did not pinch well. You can tell.
Brush with the egg wash around the pastry.
Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Check that puff pastry box for timing. Mine is an all-butter puff pastry. If yours is not, the timing may change.
The pastry should be medium brown and crisp to the touch when removed.
Let it cool, and then dust it with powdered sugar. Enjoy these with French-pressed coffee.
For the savory filled pastry:
Mix the spinach, lemon zest, lemon juice, feta, and egg together. Season with a pinch of kosher salt.
Fill the center of the puff pastry with the filling and spread diagonally. I like mine full of filling. It was about 3 or 4 tablespoons worth.
Pull up opposite ends of the pastry, pinch them together tightly, and roll the ends over. I did not pinch well. You can tell.
Brush with the egg wash around the pastry.
Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Check that puff pastry box for timing. Mine is an all-butter puff pastry. If yours is not, the timing may change.
The pastry should be medium brown and crisp to the touch when removed.
Let them cool, and then serve with a mixed green salad. We use a balsamic vinaigrette. We also drink a lemon San Pellegrino with lots of ice.
My husband reheats these in the convection oven. He also likes the jam-filled pastry with a slice of cold manchego cheese for tea time. I get it if you do not have tea time in your home. Who really has the time? Just eat it on the go!
Auntie Cheena
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