Flying solo

Before work yesterday I dropped Frank off at the airport. He got to Chicago just fine. He went with his dad for a follow-up doctor's appointment. He's recovering well. He needs to keep working on his breathing excises and walk around more. Frank will see that he does. They also discussed diet, and clarified the term moderation. That's going to be a tough one, Frank's mom is 100% Italian and she fits the bill to a T. When she's stayed with us all my reduced fat and low calorie options seriously annoyed her. If she wants father-in-law in good health she's going to have to make some changes. I put together a recipe book filled with healthy heart recipes, in hopes to make the transition a bit easier. Frank's enjoying the Chicago eats, but he misses Vegas already. It's going to be a long trip. At least, his brother, Bob, will come up this weekend. That'll help make the days a bit shorter. Friday night the whole family will get together for his mom's birthday. I'm sure that'll be extra special for her.

While he's away, I can go at my own pace. I can get a bunch done or be a lazy bum. The latter isn't too likely, but last night I took time for myself and chilled out watching dvr'd shows and a chick-flick, Definitely, Maybe. It was a better movie than I expected. It helps that Isla Fisher was in it, she's a girl crush of mine.

Since I'm flying solo I can try out a few recipes I know he'd be leary about. Last night's dinner was Brussels Sprout Spaghetti.

From baking/cooking

Brussel sprouts, cleaned and sliced - shredded would work well, too.
shallot, minced
1 tsp butter
thin pasta - I used Ronzoni Spaghetti
juice from half of a lemon
garlic salt and pepper to taste
parmesan cheese

Boil pasta. Saute Brussels sprouts and shallots in half the butter, until fragrant and browning begins. Add drained pasta to the Brussels sprouts and shallots. Add remaining butter and lemon juice. Season to taste and top with parmesan cheese.

I thought it was a good start. I felt it was missing something, it needed pizazz. Red pepper flakes or bacon as suggested could be quite good.