Chiara Talluto

Author, Wife, Busy Mom, A Woman after God's Heart.

Tag: catchthestory

There Goes My Ride (Catch the Story Podcast)

September 18, 2024 /

 

 

Take a listen to my latest “Catch the Story” podcast from Relatable Media Arts & Inspiration. Today’s session is “There Goes My Ride”. Click here.

Written transcript of the story, There Goes My Ride.

This is a reminiscent tale about giving up my 12-year-old red SUV. Now I know what you’re thinking, how is this story about giving up a car worthy of “Catch the Story”? Let me explain. Have you ever loved something so much, and I use the word, “love” loosely? It seems we love things and like people. Ah…I digress. We can talk about that another time—love versus like.

Anyhow, where was I? Oh yes, loving things, such as a house, a boat, your cell phone, I know a lot of people who are in love with their phones these days. Again, another topic for another day. But my red SUV has been with me for the last twelve important years of my family’s life.

It’s held my two precious daughters who are now teenagers. The many times we’ve ridden together traveling to and from doctor appointments, visiting grandparents, going to the zoo, the park, shuffling them and their friends to sports practices and games, and theater events, etcetera.

This car has taken me to Wisconsin, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky. It’s given me solace and peace as I flipped through the channels of my radio and listened to my favorite songs, or put on that rocking CD and cranked up the volume. And yes, I do have a CD player in this car. Gosh, I’ll miss that!

And oh, the conversations this cabin has held. If these windows could share what they’ve heard, and reflect it back (no pun intended), well, hmm… From tears to laughter, to frustrations and prayers. The best conversations are with your steering wheel. There are indentations of handprints all over the steering wheel from holding onto it so tight to prove it, anyway.

So to say that this vehicle has not only taken me from point A to B on many occasions but, it’s kept me safe. Years ago I named her Wonder Red. There used to be a cartoon on PBS called Super Why about four fairytale friends who go on magical adventures and become reading-powered super heroes. My daughters loved that show, especially this one character named Wonder Red.

Because my SUV was red, it was fitting. And, when my girls knew we were going out, they easily got into our Wonder Red, anticipating all the adventures ahead. It also has transported my parents and my in-laws, who are now elderly, to many family events. So to say that my SUV, Wonder Red, holds a special sentimental place in my heart, I can only say that it truly does.

But now it’s time to give her away after almost 90,000 miles of road life. For us, it’s time to downsize from an SUV to a car. Through all the oil changes, tire rotations, transmission fixes, and light bulb changes you, Wonder Red, have been my ride. I’ve realized that this hunk of metal has kept me safe all these 12 years. She’s older, but she still has some life left in her. It’s the memories of the journey that this old girl of mine, my wonder red, has provided. I was giving these wheels to do just that and I am grateful for what she has done. Whatever driveway and garage she’ll rest her Michelins, she’ll be good.

The moral of this little short story is to cherish the memories of your “things”: cars, houses, places of employment, vacations, etc. Life moves at a rapid pace. Things come and go. In the end, it’s who you have intersected your life with at the crossroads of time. And, those memories will be there until the good Lord takes them away.

I’m reminded through the scriptures that things will fade.

  1. Don’t store your treasures on earth where moths can destroy them, instead store them up in Heaven. (Mathew 6:19-21)
  2. Grass may wither, but God’s Word stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8)
  3. The world will pass away, but the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:17)
  4. The story of the rich man wanting to receive eternal life, but was unwilling to give up his possessions to follow Jesus. (Mathew 19:16-30)
  5. What does it take to follow Jesus? (Luke 9:57-62)
  6. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (Mathew 11:30)
  7. Avoid making idols out of your possessions. (Exodus 20:23)

As we get older, we get more wrinkles but God’s word is transcendent over thousands of thousands of years. So, this transaction that me and my family are going to do puts it all into perspective. Our time on earth is very short we don’t know what tomorrow’s going to bring, but we do know that as we journey through the adventures of life, we have God with us. God also reminds us to be where we should be, and that things that take us to where we’re going are ONLY here as a convenience. when you move, when you change employment, when you buy a new car or sell your old one, whatever the case may be don’t MAKE IT your idol, don’t let that be your gods but know that there is a greater God. So, goodbye Wonder Red. See ya on the road. If not, hope your metal is used for the good.

Thank you!

 

 

 

Catch the Story via Relatable Voice Podcast

November 30, 2023 /

Hello everyone,

I had an opportunity to participate in Lucia Matuonto’s Catch the Story via Relatable Voice Podcast. Catch the Story is where authors, speakers, and artists of all kinds get to share a story, a testimony, or anything inspirational and encouraging to audiences who love listening to podcasts. Another one of Lucia’s creative endeavors.

I wrote a little story called: “If the Roux isn’t good, then it’s the Pan!” Click here to listen to the podcast. After my story, you can listen to Linda Drattall’s tale.

For transcript readers out there, you can find the written prose below. Enjoy!

***

Wisdom often comes through experiences. Whether those experiences have been good or bad, it’s what you do with that learning which propels you for failure or success in your next life adventures.

I say all that to tell you this: Winter is coming. A season filled with hot drinks and soups. We can’t control the upcoming season, but we can prepare our attitude and the direction to go.

A good French chef will always be very particular about their Roux when making such dishes as mac and cheese, potato leek, beef stews, gravies, lasagnas, gumbos,  bechamel, Creole, and Cajun cuisines.

A Roux (pronounced roo). France is often regarded as the birthplace of the Roux. It’s deeply embedded in the country’s gastronomic identity. From the elegant boulevards of Paris and moving across the Atlantic to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, roux has woven its magic, becoming an integral part of many culinary traditions. Understanding “how to make a roux” is more than just mastering a recipe; it’s about appreciating its cultural significance.

Our lives are like a Roux. You need special ingredients to take care of yourself, mentally, spiritually, and physically.

However, life throws you curves and sometimes things don’t always turn out like you hoped. For me and I’ll digress a bit. I can cook a meal, no problem. I actually enjoy cooking for my family. When it comes to baking, eh forget about it. For one, I know I have a problem with following cooking instructions. I grew up in an Italian household where you taste everything, and your palette is the measuring tool. So, you either put less salt, more pepper, or add a pinch of something else. With baking, well, it’s all about the measuring and that’s not me. I applaud you bakers out there.

Anyhow, back to the Roux. I did some research and found that making Roux requires precise measurements. Each ingredient has to be perfect. You also have to have the right utensils and a good pan.

At its core, a roux is a simple combination of:

  • Fat: This can be butter (most common), oil, or even animal fats like lard or duck fat.
  • Flour: Typically all-purpose flour, but variations can be used based on dietary needs or desired outcomes. gluten-free, cake flour, etc.

What makes roux universally appealing is its ability to:

  • Enhance Flavor: Beyond just thickening, roux adds depth and richness to dishes.
  • Provide Consistency: It ensures that sauces, soups, and stews have the desired texture.
  • Serve as a Culinary Canvas: Roux is versatile, allowing chefs to infuse it with various flavors, adapting to the dish’s requirements.

Now I know why dishes are so yummy.

Steps To Making A Perfect Roux

  1. Select Your Flour: All-purpose flour.
  2. Select Your Fat: While butter is traditional, don’t shy away from experimenting with different oils or fats such as Lard, bacon grease, duck fat, Canola, vegetable, olive, sunflower, and more
  3. Equal Parts: A standard roux requires equal measurements of fat and flour. For instance, if you use 2 tablespoons of butter, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of flour.
  4. Heat Mechanism: In a skillet, or saucepan, heavy-bottomed pan, cast-iron skillet
  5. Darn good whisker utensil in Flour: Gradually add the flour, whisking continuously to prevent lumps because it is your best friend.
  6. Continuous Motion – Some muscle

 Close your eyes and pretend to make a Beef stew using 1lb of Beef Chuck Roast cut in cubes, and an assortment of delightful vegetables. We start with the Roux. Adding 4oz of butter and 6oz of all-purpose flour.

But then, wait. Something goes wrong! The roux is lumping. Oh no! That’s a cardinal sin, and suddenly the roux is ruined. Maybe you should have added duck fat instead and less flour? So, you change your ingredients and start again. Same result. Hmmm ….. what’s going on? Finally, after some whisking soul searching per se, it dawns on you. It’s not the ingredients. It’s the pan!

You see, there are people that have stuck themselves in your pan. Stuck like week-old, caked grease. No matter how many times you’ve changed the roux ingredients, it always gets ruined. You change your life, get in shape, quit smoking, move to another part of the country, get a new job, etc. Whatever, you’ve tried to do to cut ties, and change for the better, as in the roux ingredients, you’re mixing your NEW roux with a tainted pan.

Ouch, I know that’s rough; I get it. We have to learn to move away from toxic relationships. Like changing your outfits when the seasons call for a sweater instead of wearing a tank top. So, what do you do with this sticky and greasy situation? Get rid of your pan. Clean out your pantry.

Your roux should not be ruined by the pan you’re forced to use.

Happy cooking! Live joyously!

 

References

https://www.authentichospitalitygroup.com/recipes/how-to-make-a-roux/

https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7889455/how-to-make-a-roux/#:~:text=A%20roux%20%28pronounced%20roo%29%20is%20a,and%20can%20help%20improve%20the%20flavor%2C&text=A%20roux%20%28pronounced%20roo%29,help%20improve%20the%20flavor%2C&text=%28pronounced%20roo%29%20is%20a,and%20can%20help%20improve

 

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