#bolognese

Space.

Time.

Taking it.

Making it.

An overfilled refrigerator.

Full of foods both

expired and not.

Ma left them to rot.

I've utilized it for storage twice

since my electricity was shut off.

She never said it was a problem;

never mentioned it once.

"Take it with you."

Was what she said.

I explained we cannot.

Electric is out.

Can't store it.

Can't heat it up.

I told her we'd be by

to have it in the morning.

She seemed receptive;

didn't say anything.

I wish she did.

I like directness.

I like effective communication.

I came by to shower.

Filmed out in my car.

I put my pop in the freezer -

it was warm.

Dad came by to give me

a hard time,

when it first caught my eye:

Spaghetti by the sink.

Plastic wrap falling off the top.

Leftovers left to die.

Serving size of two or three.

A weight sat in my stomach.

I sat with disappointment.

I had been looking forward to it.

She said it had only been sitting there

for an hour.

I asked if she had any.

I told her yesterday that she could.

She said she hadn't;

she left it on the counter

to throw it away

since we didn't take it with us.

Mama, I do have a fridge to store it.

It must be nice to not worry

about food wasted.

It must be nice

to not have to worry

about when you will

next be fed.

With reality, she disconnects.

I told her we came to eat it;

I no longer feel comfortable to

since it was sitting out.

With that, I don't stand my ground.

I got Enoch's opinion;

we chose to eat it.

We were hungry -

had no money;

didn't know when we'd eat next.

We took it to go.

Blood was boiling;

heart threatening to pound

out of my chest.

I am not surprised that she would

not allow me to take up space.

She cannot say

it is because I do not live there.

I didn't have the luxury

when I did either.

Trust broken once again.

Communication as thin as

a slice of bread.

Written by aprilfool🐸

A hearty and tasty vegan bolognese made with vegetables, tempeh, and fragrant spices that is served over pasta. This dish only needs one pan to make it easy to make and great for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil. 1 small onion, diced. 3 cloves garlic, minced. 1 red bell pepper, diced. 1 carrot, grated. 8 oz tempeh, crumbled. 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes. 2 tbsp tomato paste. 1 tsp dried oregano. 1 tsp dried basil. 1/2 tsp salt. 1/4 tsp black pepper. 1/4 cup nutritional yeast. 8 oz pasta of choice. Fresh basil, for garnish.

Instructions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, saut until translucent. Add diced red bell pepper and grated carrot, cook until softened. Add crumbled tempeh, saut until lightly browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Once the sauce is done, stir in nutritional yeast. Serve the tempeh bolognese over cooked pasta, garnished with fresh basil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

A rich and hearty Bolognese sauce made with ground beef, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked to perfection for a comforting Italian meal.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef. 1 onion, finely chopped. 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 carrot, grated. 1 celery stalk, finely chopped. 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes. 1/2 cup tomato paste. 1/2 cup beef broth. 1/2 cup red wine. 1 teaspoon dried basil. 1 teaspoon dried oregano. 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Instructions: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink, then drain excess fat. Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery to the slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and red wine. Season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the bolognese sauce over cooked pasta of your choice, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 360 minutes