Saturday, June 9, 2012

New Lamps for Old, Triple Crown, Birthday, Prince Philip.

lampFriday was what you might call, a day of vicissitudes. One of the main parts being that the night before the the tree lamp, which we have had for years, and which is my primary source of light when I read, having been somewhat overhandled, decided to quit working properly. So today, having found a lamp repair guy in the next town, we went there, then couldn’t find him. It turned out he was tucked in behind the stores on the main street. By the time we finally discovered that I had done a lot of walking which, for me, is somewhat painful to put it mildly. To get to his workshop one has to descend some steep steps without much in the way of swag lamphandholds. The upshot of all this, he figured the lamp wasn’t worth repairing and said he could build me a new one which would only cost a little bit more. Have to go back this afternoon to get it. He wanted a deposit, but as we don’t carry cash or cheques, he decided we were trustworthy looking. This picture is the nearest I can find to our old one. I guess it doesn’t owe us anything, we have had it a loooong time. In fact these apartments are fitted up with hooks for swag lamps which went out of fashion at least 30 years ago. Pity in a way, there is a hook right above where I sit and read.

another-belmont-withdrawsSuch a pity, there is a horse called “I’ll Have Another” which was all set to win the American Triple Crown – the last race of which, the Belmont Stakes takes place this weekend – but has now got an injured leg. In fact I now read that he won’t ever race again, what a disappointment having won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes and being all set to win the final jewel in the crown. The last time there was a Triple Crown winner was in 1978. The vet said he had the start of tendonitis in the left front tendon. Doubtless he will now be put at stud and earn a lot of money for his owners. Just had a thought, the Queen is a great racing enthusiast, I wonder if she follows American racing?

Talking of Her Majesty made me wonder when the Trooping of the Colour will Royal Guardtake place. This happens to celebrate her official birthday in June, this year June 16. Her actual birthday is in April. Once upon a time The Queen attended this ceremony on horseback, these days she sits in an open carriage. This is a busy month for her with the Jubilee celebrations and her birthday as well. We hope Prince Philip will be able to join in, its his birthday this weekend too. I have just read a report saying that it is actually unknown just how ill he is and that he may not be out of hospital for his birthday. The Queen is hosting a garden party at Sandringham next week but it is not known if he will be there either. There has been lots of protest because the Royal couple were left standing in the cold and rain for 4 hours last week, but as far as I am aware, that would not induce a bladder infection.

I had some leftover fresh salmon steak (we didn’t do a whole salmon, but the steaks were huge) from my supper the other night and then Food and Wine kindly posted a good recipe for using it up. I had to adapt somewhat, didn’t have any bacon and I used lettuce although I bet watercress would have been delicious, but next time……

Grilled Salmon Sandwiches

Contributed by Tim Love

SERVINGS:4

Grilled Salmon SandwichesOne of the great things about roasting a whole salmon is that there are usually leftovers. Love uses any extra fish in his exquisite riff on the BLT, layered with bacon and watercress. The sandwich would be equally good with another roasted fish, such as bluefish or cod.

  1. 8 slices ciabatta or peasant bread
  2. 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  3. 12 slices of bacon (about 3/4 pound)
  4. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  5. 1 1/4 pounds leftover salmon (about 3 cups)
  6. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  7. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  8. 1 bunch of watercress (6 ounces), thick stems discarded
  1. Light a grill. Brush the bread on both sides with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and grill over high heat until toasted on both sides, about 2 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderately high heat until crisp, about 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  3. Spread the mayonnaise on the toast. Divide the salmon between 4 slices of toast and top with the bacon. In a medium bowl, mix the lemon juice with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add the watercress and toss. Mound the watercress on the bacon. Close the sandwiches, cut in half and serve.

Have a great weekend

Jo

5 comments:

  1. Hi Jo - hope the light is fixed. Prince Philip - thanks for the 'warning' .. I haven't heard - but no point 'worrying' - wait and see ... like you just hope he's fine. Fresh Salmon is delicious isn't it .. cheers Hilary

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  2. I do love sandwiches! Everything from P&J to beef dip to breakfast sandwiches. Never had a salmon sandwich before. I'll have to try that.

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    1. Sandwiches are somewhat different on this side of the puddle to what I was used to in the UK. But I very much enjoyed my salmon sandwich, a little bit short on salmon. I occasionally treat myself to a smoked salmon sandwich, delicious.

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