atHome with Marcia

atHome

with Marcia

“If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard. Because if it isn’t there … then I never really lost it to begin with.”

–Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz

How many of us, during the course of these two challenging years, have wished to hop on a plane or boat or car and go a land far-far away. But, of course, we know perfectly well that COVID, like our personal dilemmas, are inescapable. I tend to agree with Dorothy: there really is no place like home. But those of us with wanderlust can’t help but recognize that Dorothy didn’t learn this important lesson until she traveled outside her home to an exotic place called Oz. But wanderlust may not necessarily just be a desire to escape to exotic lands. Mirriam-Webster defines “wanderlust” as strong longing for or impulse toward wandering. Likewise, Robert Louis Stevenson in the book, Travels with a Donkey, writes, “I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” And after almost two years sequestered at home, we all want to just “go.” But, if wanderlust is a desire to just go a-wandering, can’t we also wander and rediscover our own backyards? Hmm, yes, that is a possibility! This holiday season, let’s discover the treasures in our own communities. Step away from the internet and step into the stores, restaurants and featured in the next few pages. Take a break from the news and visit a local museum or art gallery or local event. After all, there’s plenty in our region to satisfy our urge to wander and explore. What have you discovered in our region lately? Let us know on our Facebook page @athomemagazine.com.

Marcia

Wondering what to do with your bounty of zucchini? Make fries! Your family will love 'em! Ingredients

4 zucchini, quartered lengthwise 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan 1/4 tsp NHHS Thyme 1/4 tsp NHHS Oregano 1/4 tsp NHHS Basil 1/4 tsp NHHS Garlic Powder Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 5 Tbl MOV Tuscan Herb Olive Oil 2 Tbl chopped fresh parsley leaves Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a cooling rack with nonstick spray and place on a baking sheet; set aside. Toss zucchini in Tuscan Herb Fused Olive Oil in a bowl – set aside. In a small bowl, combine Parmesan, thyme, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste. Place zucchini onto prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with Parmesan mixture. Place into oven and bake until tender, about 15 minutes. Then broil for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired. Enjoy! For more recipes, visit our website!