Welcome to the weekend, my friends. I’m struggling with words today. It’s hard to believe that this weekend marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
“One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.” – George W. Bush
ON THE BLOG this week: These one-bowl Cottage Cheese Pancakes are beautifully fluffy and loaded with protein. The recipe multiplies nicely for a family breakfast or brunch for a crowd.
Light, creamy, and a little bit spicy, this quick Cilantro Slaw is terrific as a side dish or topping for tacos.
What I’m CRAVING: These Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders! The recipe is a favorite from my first cookbook and my friend Shawn shared it on her website a while back. So, I’m linking you there for the easy recipe. I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve made these sliders and they never get old. Need an easy dinner? Party snack? You’re going to love them too.
My FAVORITE THING this week is my electric griddle. I’ve been using it for 18 months now and as promised, I’m giving you an update. This is a keeper, friends.
When my 10+ year old griddle finally died last year, I could’ve cried. I tried a few different electric griddles and they all left weird lines or unevenly cooked spots in the pancakes. This electric griddle? It’s fantastic. Perfectly cooked, golden brown pancakes, every single time.
What I’m READING: The Only Plane In The Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff. While there have been countless books written about the events of 9/11, this is like nothing else I’ve read. Graff has woven together the experiences of the people at the center of it all, from the International Space Station to the inside of the collapsing World Trade Center towers. So many perspectives that I’d never before considered.
As I read this book, I often had to set it down after just a few pages. This is neither an easy read nor a fast one, but it is a truly excellent telling of our history as the events unfolded. This book took me back. As I said, this really isn’t an easy read, but the emotions and the horror of the day are made real again in the re-telling.
Last year, when we talked about 9/11, one of my kids asked, “Do you remember that day? What was it like?” As much as we tried to explain it, it simply isn’t easy to convey the reality of it. I handed this book to my oldest son last week and we’ll be talking more about it when he finishes reading it.
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” – Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl
Wishing you a beautiful week full of little things that make you smile!
Mary
Rate & Comment