There is not much happening on any front these days. We’re still sheltering at home, venturing out to walk among the spring flowers or go shopping. Mom’s care facility is still in lockdown. It’s frustrating, but at least we know she is safe. At the senior living center across the road from her facility, they have lost 14 residents to the Corona virus. That certainly puts things in a sobering perspective. We are praying fervently for all the elderly who are at the greatest risk, both here and abroad.
The residents in Mom’s ward can’t be isolated one from the other. They need constant supervision. The staff seats them at separate tables in the main room during the day to isolate them from each other as much as possible; and they have changed their staff hours so that there are fewer shift changes. They are doing their best to protect the ward while sheltering in place.
I’m not sure how everyone else is feeling, but I go through periods of lethargy and even depression. That’s not to say there aren’t moments of joy. My daughter is home with us and our time together is precious (though she often wakes up after 2:00 p.m!).
In Israel, there’s been an easing of restrictions to allow some people to go back to work. After more than a month of major highways being all but empty, there were apparently traffic jams today. My husband has also returned to work full time. I’m happy for him that his routine has been resumed. And sad for myself that I am here in the same place with an unscheduled future.
I have been using at least some of my time wisely. I just made a video for AlzAuthors, the wonderful non-profit I’m part of. It features a website of authors who all write about Alzheimer’s—caregivers who have chosen to express themselves in published books and blogs for adults, teens, and young children; who share their experiences caring for their loved ones in the hopes of helping others. The essence is to bring together diverse authors who rise in harmony rather than sing a lonely song.
This month, AlzAuthors launched a YouTube channel with videos aimed at offering support and tips to caregivers during this strange time. I encourage you to visit the site and share these poignant and personal perspectives on caregiving in the time of Corona.
Meanwhile, on the home cooking front, I have bursts of energy in which I rush to make something new, and plain-out fatigue where I rely on minimum standard dishes. This Shabbat we’re preparing for our soldier son’s homecoming after more than a month on base by cooking some of his favorite dishes. It allowed me to sneak in a new quiche recipe that I requested from my daughter-in-law. And voila!
Sweet Potato Cheese Pie
This can be made with either goat cheese or triangle cheese. I like both options, but not everyone in my house enjoys the strong taste of goat cheese.
Crust:
2 cups flour
200 grams / 7 oz butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp salt
3 Tbsp cold water
Filling:
250 gram / 8.8 oz cooking cream
2 eggs
1 sweet potato peeled and thinly sliced
1 package 16 triangle cheeses of 15 grams / .5 oz each
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° F / 180° C. Mix flour and softened butter then add cold water, egg and salt. Pat into pan. Before placing in oven, to ensure the crust remains flat, either poke holes in it or weight it down with beans (really!). Bake for 15 minutes. Remove beans and cool for reuse. Peel and slice a sweet potato. Set aside. Mix eggs, cooking cream, oil, and spices. Pour into cooled pie pan. Top with potato slices patting them down slightly. Place triangle cheeses on top, as you like, flattening them slightly with a fork. You probably won’t use all 16. Bake for 30 minutes or until top of quiche begins to brown.