The start of a new year is such a bittersweet time, isn’t it? Change has never come very naturally to me, so I always experience a bit of heartache and sorrow upon bidding farewell to a year. 2013 was an especially difficult one to leave behind. It was arguably one of the most pivotal, life-changing years of my life, from start to finish, interlaced with beautiful milestones and memories which will be indelibly pressed into my heart and soul.
At the start of 2013, I had no clue what was in store for me. I was fearful, uncertain, and just plain scared. I had recently graduated, was working as a substitute teacher, living at home, wondering where my relationship was going, etc….(“winning” as many would describe it.) Sure, my basic needs were taken care of and I had a little income, but I was living in a constant state of fear. “Don’t worry Amanda…God has a plan!” Friends and family would encourage me, with the best intentions of course. However, in my head I was thinking, “Right, then why isn’t He doing something? Or at least hinting at what I should do?” I felt like God was some mystical apparition, a faceless stranger at the end of a 10,000 mile-long tunnel. Needless to say, I wasn’t trusting Him like I had during the “easy” times.
There came a point in time that I couldn’t take it anymore. The negativity and fear had taken their toll and I was missing my life…so, I threw up the white flag and surrendered. God pried the tight grip I had on my own plans for my life and I miraculously let him take control.
Crazy things happened.
One year later I am gainfully employed, married to an amazing, God-fearing man and I can’t help but wonder, why do we even fear in the first place?
So, as I look forward into this new year, my focus is not on “fresh beginnings” or what I want to change about myself, because that only results in tension. Rather, I desire that my focus will be on trusting the Lord and living a life surrendered, no matter the circumstance. When we live without fear, we free up so much time and energy worrying about ourselves and are better equipped to help others. I hope and pray that in 2014 this blog will bless you in one way or another. Whether you need a healthy, delicious way to feed a family, are learning to cook, or just looking for a little encouragement, I hope that Gouramanda can do all of that and more. Buen provecho and I hope you enjoy this super simple and delicious recipe, from my kitchen to yours! Happy New Year!
(Again, I apologize for the diary-esque nature of my post. I’ve been feeling a little sentimental lately. I promise I will get back to writing about my food on the next post!)
- 1 (2 lb) bag of new potatoes
- 2 Tablespoons truffle oil (truffle-infused olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmiggiano reggiano (parmesean)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Put whole, unseasoned potatoes on a cookie sheet and place in the oven to bake for about 45 minutes, or until very tender when pierced with fork.
- Let potatoes cool for about 10 minutes. Using the back of a wide knife, give each potato a thorough, swift smash. Drizzle truffle oil all over the tops, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and parmesan.
- Crank up the oven heat to a broil (about 500 degrees) and return potatoes for about 5 minutes, until golden and crispy (This step is not reflected in the picture, but they are definitely better with the twice-baking!)
- Sprinkle chopped parsley and serve hot.