(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

In watching the closing of the 2024 Olympic Games last Sunday it was difficult not to have tears in my eyes knowing it would be the last day of watching the Olympics until 2028 when the 34th Olympic game will be held in Los Angeles, Calif.

Not only the opening ceremony but also the closing ceremony was spectacular in every respect for all of you that were unable to watch the events. It was thrilling to see all the USA gold medalists at one time all together on stage the last day of the event … making everyone proud to be an American and achieving the most medals overall of all the countries taking part.

The positive thing is that the Olympic Games finished peacefully with no problems or casualties and good relationships between all the talented and gifted athletes from all over the world taking part. We must also give credit and be proud of all the athletes that took part in the various events even if they failed to win a gold, silver or bronze medal but still congratulating the winners and one another.

Actually this is the first time I have watched so much television and especially the Olympic Games these past two weeks. It is unbelievable now all the buildings and preparation and planning that will take place starting right away to prepare for the 2028 Olympics in California and all the buildings, roads, hotels, Olympic village, restaurants and so on … not to mention the enormous amount of money spent to host the Olympics.

I read where at the Paris Olympics there were 45.000 volunteers and they estimated thousands of tickets sold for the various events … plus millions viewing the games on television all over the world.

Congratulations to all the athletes and people involved in the successful 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Till next week.

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GOLD MEDAL CURRIED SHRIMP AND ZUCCHINI SHELLS

2 pounds zucchini

1 tablespoon minced onion

3 tablespoons butter

2 (8 ounce) canned shrimp or 1 pound peeled cooked medium shrimp

1 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup of evaporated milk or half and a half cream

2 tablespoons flour

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

Parboil, then split zucchini lengthwise. Scoop out center, reserve pulp. Saute onion in butter and add to pulp. Add shrimp and remaining ingredients. Stuff mixture into zucchini shells. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes, Serves eight.

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SILVER MEDAL MARINATED SQUASH

2/3 cup wine vinegar

1/3 cup of sugar

1/4 teaspoon celery salt

2/3 teaspoon onion salt

1/2 McCormick salt and spice

1/2 teaspoon oregano or 3/4 teaspoon Greek seasoning

1 small onion, sliced thin

9 small squash, sliced thin

Make dressing by mixing together the first 7 ingredients and stir until sugar dissolves. Pour over onion and squashes in slices. Marinade overnight or at least 10 hours. May be prepared three days in advance. Serves 12.

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BRONZE MEDAL SCALLOPED PINEAPPLE

4 cups fresh bread crumbs

1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained

3 eggs beaten

2 cups sugar

1 cup butter melted

Toss together bread crumbs and pineapple chunks and place in a greased 2 quart baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over pineapple. Baker at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

Casserole can be made up and refrigerated overnight before baking. Reheats well, good with ham, serves 8.