baste not, want not

I often hear the phrase, "waste not, want not".  I had a general idea of what it meant, but wanted to know more, so I looked it up and found a clear definition:  "If we don't waste what we have, we'll still have it in the future and will not lack (want) it."


I usually heard this phrase over a meal, and it is often referenced to having too much left over food on the plate creating waste.  This is something that is often found in our house, especially since we have children.  Getting them to eat everything on their plate can at times be trying, and at other times, impossible.


There's nothing that grates me more than waste.  Throwing things away, to be exact.  I always have the notion that if  you spent hard earned money on something, it better be used to it's fullest, so nothing was wasted. Or at least save the remaining portion to be used at a later time.  But after a two hour excursion at Whole Foods, looking deeper into this phrase, I realized that it's the quality not quantity that needs to be re-examined.  Spending more money on smaller portions of quality food meant every bite counted (and costed), so every bite better be quality, and it forces you to eat what's on your plate.


I think "waste not, want not" however, also applies to other things in life other than food.  I think it applies to the quality in love and friendships too.  It means not taking for granted the things people do for you.  Like making an early breakfast to go or having a hot meal ready at when you come home from work. Or taking a break from your busy schedule to just sit with a coffee and an ear (or a shoulder).   Or an out-of-the-blue acknowledgement and compliment about work you've done.

So on Family Day today, enjoy spending time with those who've put love and effort into the quality into your life. In this world of time constraints, it's about the quality of time, not quantity of time that matters.  So make every minute count, and don't waste those treasured relationships you have....if you appreciate them, they will still be there for you in the future.   

Herb Butter Basted Chicken

(inspired from this Thanksgiving recipe)

I re-used a great herb butter recipe that was from our Thanksgiving turkey for this chicken.  It's really tasty and simple to make....that can be re-used over and over again, on various poultry, whole or in pieces.


Ingredients

• 5 tbsp. butter, room temperature
• 1 tbsp. each chopped fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley
• 2 tsp. garlic, chopped
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 whole chicken (or approx. 4-6 pieces of breast, leg or thigh)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in the lowest position. Make herb butter: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons butter with chopped herbs; season generously with salt and pepper.
• Loosen skin and rub the herb butter under the skin. 
• Rub with remaining 3 tablespoons of herbed butter. 
• Season generously with salt and pepper. 
•  Roast 1 hour, then baste every 20 minutes with pan liquids.

Enjoy.