Thursday, August 2, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Jake
You know what I used to be so embarrassed about but at the same time adored was my Grandma's need to talk to strangers when we went anywhere. She might make a comment on a piece of apparel or just ask them how their day was doing. She could and did, talk to anyone.
The older I get the more I realize how similar I am to her in many ways, the talking to strangers is one of those similarities. Last night Gaz and I went out to the Everett Library. Firstly, this is an incredible building - all craftsman style with a touch of modern, and the most sensational view to Port Gardner. They also have a terrific little coffee shop in front Bookend Coffee Company. They had 50c off chai lattes.... https://www.facebook.com/#!/BookendCoffeeCompany If you are in the hood or even want to drive I'll meet you there (this invite is ESPECIALLY for Alex, Verna, Riley, Callum, Les, Lauri and Shona, though I know its a long drive. If you arrive on Wednesdays we can look for the coffee cat together (to get a 25% discount) AND get a con panna espresso to die for.
If we are really lucky Jake will be there - he is a divine gentleman I met there last evening (I know, FINALLY I am circling back to talking to strangers... Jake was wearing very appealing apparel so, like Nan I had to tap him on the shoulder and tell him how much I admired his rainbow emblazoned top. He was so sweet and even invited Gaz and I to an upcoming fundraiser for Snohomo. How could we resist Jake, and his invitation to Bingo called by Ethel Merman impersonator?
The older I get the more I realize how similar I am to her in many ways, the talking to strangers is one of those similarities. Last night Gaz and I went out to the Everett Library. Firstly, this is an incredible building - all craftsman style with a touch of modern, and the most sensational view to Port Gardner. They also have a terrific little coffee shop in front Bookend Coffee Company. They had 50c off chai lattes.... https://www.facebook.com/#!/BookendCoffeeCompany If you are in the hood or even want to drive I'll meet you there (this invite is ESPECIALLY for Alex, Verna, Riley, Callum, Les, Lauri and Shona, though I know its a long drive. If you arrive on Wednesdays we can look for the coffee cat together (to get a 25% discount) AND get a con panna espresso to die for.
If we are really lucky Jake will be there - he is a divine gentleman I met there last evening (I know, FINALLY I am circling back to talking to strangers... Jake was wearing very appealing apparel so, like Nan I had to tap him on the shoulder and tell him how much I admired his rainbow emblazoned top. He was so sweet and even invited Gaz and I to an upcoming fundraiser for Snohomo. How could we resist Jake, and his invitation to Bingo called by Ethel Merman impersonator?
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Autumn
As you know, dear reader, I am a fall/winter addict.
Yes, yes. Those of you in the Washington area will be all up in my grille insisting I stop such blasphemous talk. Basically the last two summer have been a complete wash save a few days. Which I am happy as a clam about. But still...I yearn, for the fall, for the crunch of leaves, for the chill of winter. And so, as I have been dreaming, I also have been thinking...about winter stews, about generally cooking and hibernating and I cannot wait. And thus began the search for winter "stick to your ribs" recipes. Just check this out. (of course I wanted to pot a scrumptious looking food photo with it, but wouldn't you know it, this was posted with RAW CHICKEN BREASTS. Come-on dudes at http://www.grit.com/food/recipes/chicken-stew-recipe-zkcz12zsie.aspx . I like your easy recipes, but you gotta update your photo. I am imagining this served with some crusty bread, heavily buttered and perhaps I am wearing sexy flannel owl or cowboy print PJs. Sigh
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (14.5 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons water, divided
2 sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 pound cooked smoked sausage, such as kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
1 bunch (about 1/2 pound) collard greens, rough-chopped into 2-inch pieces
Hot sauce
In large bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons flour, salt and pepper. Add chicken and toss gently to coat.
In 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes, or until golden brown, turning occasionally. Transfer chicken to plate.
Add remaining oil to pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until translucent and just beginning to brown.
Increase heat to high. Add chicken broth and 3/4 cup water. Scrape up any browned bits. Return chicken to pot, and add sweet potatoes and smoked sausage. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Make paste with remaining flour and remaining water.
Uncover pot and whisk in paste. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through, potatoes are tender, and liquid has thickened.
Stir in collard leaves and simmer for additional 2 minutes. Serve immediately, with hot sauce on the side. Yields 4 servings.
Yes, yes. Those of you in the Washington area will be all up in my grille insisting I stop such blasphemous talk. Basically the last two summer have been a complete wash save a few days. Which I am happy as a clam about. But still...I yearn, for the fall, for the crunch of leaves, for the chill of winter. And so, as I have been dreaming, I also have been thinking...about winter stews, about generally cooking and hibernating and I cannot wait. And thus began the search for winter "stick to your ribs" recipes. Just check this out. (of course I wanted to pot a scrumptious looking food photo with it, but wouldn't you know it, this was posted with RAW CHICKEN BREASTS. Come-on dudes at http://www.grit.com/food/recipes/chicken-stew-recipe-zkcz12zsie.aspx . I like your easy recipes, but you gotta update your photo. I am imagining this served with some crusty bread, heavily buttered and perhaps I am wearing sexy flannel owl or cowboy print PJs. Sigh
Southern-Style Chicken Stew Recipe
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (14.5 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons water, divided
2 sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 pound cooked smoked sausage, such as kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
1 bunch (about 1/2 pound) collard greens, rough-chopped into 2-inch pieces
Hot sauce
In large bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons flour, salt and pepper. Add chicken and toss gently to coat.
In 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes, or until golden brown, turning occasionally. Transfer chicken to plate.
Add remaining oil to pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until translucent and just beginning to brown.
Increase heat to high. Add chicken broth and 3/4 cup water. Scrape up any browned bits. Return chicken to pot, and add sweet potatoes and smoked sausage. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Make paste with remaining flour and remaining water.
Uncover pot and whisk in paste. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through, potatoes are tender, and liquid has thickened.
Stir in collard leaves and simmer for additional 2 minutes. Serve immediately, with hot sauce on the side. Yields 4 servings.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Argghhh
At work today, its Saturday. Im feeling very stange today - no sleep last night apart from a new minutes here and there and yesterday was spent in bed all day with a migrane.
I really wish I was with my family - they are at an Instagram meet down in Seattle. We are all IG addicts in our family and so it should be an uber fun day.
I really wish I was with my family - they are at an Instagram meet down in Seattle. We are all IG addicts in our family and so it should be an uber fun day.
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