<![CDATA[CRUZSTYLE - Food for Thought Blog]]>

<![CDATA[CRUZSTYLE - Food for Thought Blog]]>Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:34:53 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Petey: A Love Story]]>Tue, 15 Feb 2022 02:23:00 GMThttp://www.cruzstyle.com/food-for-thought-blog/petey-a-love-story

Valentine’s day is upon us, and thoughts naturally turn to those we love. Over the years Lisa and I have been fortunate to love and be loved by more than a few dogs and cats. While each was and is dear to us, one dog in particular has a very special place in my heart.

A little over eight years ago Lisa learned about a rescue group in central Minnesota that had a red and white (Blenheim) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Petey who needed a home. We lost our Henry (also a Blenheim Cavalier) a year earlier and I was not sure we should add another dog to the pack of two we already had. Henry's loss was very sudden and very hard on us. Lisa suggested that it might not be that we needed another dog, but that he might need us.

So I made arrangements to go up the next day to meet Petey. On my way north to the Brainerd area I received a call from the rescue – Petey would not be able to be adopted that day. The shelter had just learned that Petey was diagnosed with mid to late-stage congestive heart failure and was going to need to be evaluated by their veterinarian prior to any decision for his future. The folks from the rescue apologized and said they understood if I was no longer interested. Petey might not be around for very long due to his heart condition. I told the rescue that I still wanted to meet Petey and continued my drive.

It was a beautiful warm October day and the fall colors were at their peak in central Minnesota. I entered the shelter and I was led to Petey’s kennel. The staff asked if I would like to take Petey for a walk outside. Of course I would. I led Petey out to the brilliant sunshine and we made our way to a large fenced enclosure surrounded by colorful fall trees. I unleashed him to allow him to run free. Petey never left my side – not even for a moment. He threw himself at me and wouldn't stop barking. It was as if he was trying to tell me something. The only way I could calm Petey down was to scoop him up in my arms and hold him tight. He stopped barking immediately and I could feel his whole body relax against me. We sat down in a chair together. I petted Petey and time just stood still. It was such a profound and beautiful moment. I can still vividly remember the dappled sunlight streaming down upon us through the fall leaves and not wanting the visit to end.

I reluctantly led Petey back to his kennel. He barked and cried incessantly. I asked the team when I could take Petey home. They looked at me in disbelief. They advised me again that Petey might only have months to live. I understood. But I also understood that we were meant to be together. I was prepared to take Pete to a cardiologist right away. Once the staff realized I was serious about Petey, you could see they were moved. I wanted to be with him and was willing to make his last days his best.

The shelter still wanted to consult with their vet about Petey. We agreed that I could come back the next day to get him as long as their veterinarian was willing to sign off on my plan. Leaving Petey behind that day was so hard. While I knew I was returning shortly, he did not know that. I gave him a hug then drove back home to Saint Paul, missing him the entire trip home.

The next day I could hardly wait to make the two and a half hour drive back to Petey. Pete was absolutely elated to see me. It was apparent to everyone at the shelter that Petey loved being with me. I had a calming effect upon him. Petey settled right into the passenger seat of my car like he was meant to be there. There were a few times he insisted getting in my lap just to be closer to me. I adjusted and tied up his harness and leash for his safety and we headed home.

From that day on we spent as much time together as possible. We did not know how much time he would have – but appreciated each and every day we had with him. We were able to have two wonderful years together – much longer than Petey’s original prognosis.

We have adopted many dogs before and since having Petey in our lives. Regardless of how long any of them have lived, it is never long enough. Petey and our other animal family have taught me something very important – it’s not about how long you get to love someone but how much you get to.

Frank and Eddie are thriving and very much loved. Frank is constantly in trouble so loving him can be a challenge!

]]><![CDATA[Sweet Summertime - S'more Cupcakes Please!]]>Wed, 03 Jul 2019 21:14:57 GMThttp://www.cruzstyle.com/food-for-thought-blog/sweet-summertime-smore-cupcakes-please

Simple summer pleasures are always the best, don't you agree? Hanging out by a bonfire, noticing the flickering light of fireflies appear and fade, cramming an entire s'more cupcake into your mouth!

This is how to eat a cupcake! Must..fit....the...whole...thing...into..my..mouth!

Way to go Mitchell!

Happy and safe Independence Day wishes to You and Yours!
See you on the water, a hiking trail or in studio! :)

Greg

Greg Cruz
Food Stylist

]]><![CDATA[No winter lasts forever...]]>Wed, 20 Mar 2019 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.cruzstyle.com/food-for-thought-blog/no-winter-lasts-forever

They say that no winter lasts forever. It sure seemed that the last half of our winter in the upper Midwest was destined to take after the Energizer Bunny. It just kept going, and going, and..you get the idea! Today is a new day. I can triumphantly proclaim that today is the first day of spring! And the weather outlook looks much warmer. Thank goodness!

Yesterday I needed to come up with an idea for dinner that embodied the spirit of spring - full of possibilities plus feature a seasonal ingredient. It also needed to come together quick as I did not have much time to prep. I had a beautiful bunch of fresh asparagus in the refrigerator ready for action. Its arrival in the grocery stores is a welcome sign of spring if ever there was one.

Being a little adventurous I surveyed the refrigerator and came up with a plan - asparagus, mozzarella, ham, Parmesan, a pizza dough ball, what more did I need? Well, perhaps a little olive oil plus salt and pepper, and I had the makings of a quick, casual feast to help usher out winter and to welcome in spring. I also needed a hot oven; around 500 degrees.

Here's what you need (in order of construction):

1 refrigerated pizza dough ball (or thawed from frozen is good). They typically can be stretched/formed for a 14-inch diameter crust.
2 plus cups grated mozzarella cheese (Thanks Crystal Farms! Left over from a recent photo-shoot)
Approx. 1/2 lb. (approx. 18 medium-diameter spears - like a man's pinky-finger) of ribboned or thin-sliced asparagus. You can shave the asparagus like you are sharpening a pencil with a knife. Hold the woody base of the asparagus in your hand and lightly shave shards of each spear away from you. Compost the woody ends or place them in your yard for the bunnies to eat. You can also try your hand with a vegetable peeler. I kind of prefer a sharp knife for this though. Toss the asparagus shavings with a tablespoon of olive oil.
1 to 1 1/2 cups of diced smoked ham
1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese (or an Italian cheese blend)
Kosher salt and coarsely-ground black pepper to taste

Stretch your dough to form a round crust, drizzle 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil on a round pizza pan, place your dough, and add toppings in the above order. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 500 degrees for 15 minutes.

You might think that a pizza with asparagus and no sauce might be bland and somewhat crunchy. This was not the case! The thinly-sliced roasted asparagus was tender and developed caramelized notes while retaining its fresh flavor. Combined with toasted smoky ham, gooey mozzarella, salty/tangy Parmesan, and crunchy-chewy, yeasty crust, it was the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Lisa, my taster and better-half, after finishing a slice proclaimed, "This is a winner!" I replied, "Winner! Winner! Last day of winter dinner!" Technically, winter's not over until later today but yesterday was, indeed, the last full day of winter so I think I can get away with it.

I don't know how to top that other than to say, "Hello spring!"

Warm spring wishes to You and Yours!

Greg

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