I have been cooking a lot lately and keep finding Signature dishes and signature foods everywhere for me to create something new. For example, King Soopers has a Signature Marinara sauce that is really good for a bottled sauce. I fry up some mirepoix, garlic and other secret ingredients and spices in olive oil, pour the bottle sauce over them, and simmer for a bit while the pasta cooks. I add hamburger or chicken depending on what I want. This sauce is a good half-homemade sauce (or gravy as the Italians call it!). I made a terrific lasagna for Christmas dinner. There are also signature hot sauces, barbeque sauces, and Canes Chicken dipping sauce (yum!) to name a few.

There are signature dishes for every state. I found a few that I have tasted and loved:
Pennsylvania: The Philadelphia cheesesteak;
Massachusetts: New England clam chowder;
Virginia: Smoked country ham;
Nebraska: Runzas, or warm pastry pockets stuffed with ground beef, cabbage, and onions (sounds like a Michigan Pasty to me!);
West Virginia: Pepperoni rolls;
Illinois: Chicago-style deep dish pizza;
Florida: Key lime pie;
Idaho: Finger steaks; and,
Maryland: Maryland crab cakes
All of these sauces and foods are beloved by the locals, and you can enjoy them in every state. I could go on and on about food and its origins, but here is a fun substantial list for you to peruse:
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/each-states-signature-food/?srsltid=AfmBOoo4rx0ajU9zFv80vseOVQBIvaFQLtVvCkKpycGp1wErLQPUj_3p

But the gist of this post is all about how each of us is unique. We define ourselves in more detail as we age. We fill the gaps that are missing by studying and learning new things based on our unfamiliar environment. Each year brings a distinct perspective of who we are and how we fit in the world. If we stop the growth, we can no longer have that Signature Self. We are no longer interested in others, because we don’t think we have anything to offer another person.

If we stop learning because we fear something, or are uncomfortable in a situation, we stay in that enigmatic comfort zone state, thus fixing our mindset that nothing can be done about the ubiquitous it. Maybe we had some negative experiences in the past or fears about uncomfortable truths. Maybe we fear being judged by others (believe me that is one I have faced over and over again!) but human beings need to face their fears and motivate themselves to push their boundaries. We can’t let fear stop us. We can’t let the loud, awful people in the world stop us. We are a massive force that can make change. Our personality traits aren’t necessarily fixed in our lifetime. We can break out of those old records (tapes? CDs? streaming music?) and make a different, more cohesive noise – a noise for change and love in the world. It might be a little stressful at first. It might be demanding on your mind, but I am asking you to Rise Up! We can overcome anything if we learn from our past, and balance what we have with what we will be receiving in the future. Do something for someone every day, someone that needs you. Even if they don’t agree with you, you can make their lives a little better for a moment. I promise you will feel better about yourself. Love and Hugs to all tonight! Stay warm and cozy!