Anne McAlpine: April 2, 2020

Note: Anne McAlpine’s daughter, Allison Sladin, is writing this column for the time being.

With many of us staying home, we are getting used to a new daily routine. For some it will be how to work or learn from home; for others it is how to keep everyone happy and occupied. No matter what you are doing, remember that you are doing your part to minimize the spread of COVID-19. We are all in this together and we need to work together. We got this!

I must say that I am lucky in that my husband, Sam, cooks a lot of our supper meals. I consider myself his “sous chef” as I chop vegetables, grate cheese, spice, and mix to help. However, now that we are all home, I find myself looking for some simple supper recipes the family could make together. Who doesn’t love spaghetti, let alone spaghetti made in an Instant Pot? I must admit that I am still a novice at using the Instant Pot, but I am gaining confidence with each recipe. Making spaghetti in an Instant Pot is a one-pot, less-mess way to making a great supper.

The double chocolate chip muffins were a request from my 13-year-old son, Dominic, as he knew I would have all the ingredients on hand. When looking for a recipe, most recipes called for sour cream or yogurt; both items are being rationed at our house. Then I found the recipe for double chocolate chip muffins. Dominic preheated the oven, got all the ingredients, and topped the batter with chocolate chips while I did the measuring and stirring. Dominic always warms his muffins for 10 seconds in the microwave to get that “just out of the oven” taste.