Saturday, August 31, 2019

Care, IP Adjustments,

I'm a bit gobsmacked at the moment, I contacted a company that help caregivers and was told I would be expected to have them twice a week for a minimum 3 hour visit. They charge hourly at $33 an hour. They must be joking. Or at least in my case. That would mean my bowling would cost me $211 a week. I thought these places were supposed to help not bleed us dry.

Friday night I cooked the Shrimp and Asparagus Linguine which I posted yesterday. I adapted it and
cooked it in the Instant Pot. I started by cooking the asparagus in chicken broth. I then saved that broth, topped it up to make a cup again and turned on the IP. I sautéed the peppers and garlic and added some basil (only had dried). I then added the broth together with the pasta. Turned on the Pressure Cooker for 9 minutes. I did a quick release then added the shrimp and hot sauce, turning the Sauté function on again. Once the shrimp was just about done I added the cooked asparagus pieces and served it. Delicious and the juices were worth either using a spoon for or getting some crusty bread. I went to the Victoria St. Market to get the peppers, they were very expensive, cost me over $34. Well, yes, I did buy Bienstich and Dobos Torte, some bananas, a cob of fresh corn and so on. I was thinking of buying some sirloin steak which looked really good, but didn't. Now I am thinking about going back tomorrow (Saturday).

Think ladydog and Zoey are coming over at lunchtime today, hope so.

Have a great weekend/

Friday, August 30, 2019

Our Thursday

Quiet day today, ladydog was coming over but was unable to in the end. Terrible, had to make our own lunch instead of her bringing it in. She was going to bring Zoey too so we missed seeing her as well.

I popped out to the liquor store in the afternoon, I had run out of sparkling wine (not allowed to call it Champagne as it was not made in France) I couldn't possibly have a Sunday without my fizz. On the way back I noticed our garage had gas at $1.15 which was pretty low for us lately, per litre by the way, so decided to pop in and fill up. Still cost me $40. I thought about getting a ticket for a car wash (they discount it when you buy gas at the same time) but forgot. However, looking at the car after the deluge it was in the other day, it looks beautifully clean for a change and all the dust has been washed off so maybe I will need  more gas before it needs washing.

The recipe I am posting today is from Campbell's and I thought I might make it for Friday night's supper. Out of peppers so will have to go get some up the road. Reminds me, ladydog said she had pickled peppers she would bring. I need them for the recipe I posted yesterday. As for the asparagus, I have some frozen in the freezer (where else?) and we ate some the other day, it was delicious. I won't be using Campbell's stock either, shush, don't tell Campbell's

Shrimp and Asparagus Linguine

Shrimp, asparagus & yellow peppers make for a tasty & attractive linguine pasta dish. Fresh herbs
add a boost of flavour!

8 oz linguine noodles, broken in half
2 cups asparagus cut into 1" (2.5 cm) pieces
2 Tbs olive oil
1 cup yellow bell pepper strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbs chopped fresh basil leaves
1 cup CAMPBELL’S® Organic Free Range Chicken Broth
1/2 lb large, peeled and de-veined cooked shrimps
1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce or to taste
1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

1. Cook linguine according to package directions, omitting salt, and adding asparagus during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat oil over medium heat in large skillet. Cook pepper strips and garlic for 1 minute.

3. Stir in basil. Stir in broth and heat to a boil. Add shrimp and simmer for 2 minutes or until shrimp is heated through. Remove from heat.

4. Toss with linguine, asparagus and hot pepper sauce. Sprinkle with cracked black pepper.

Servings: 4

Tips
Whole wheat linguine may be substituted for regular linguine,giving added fibre and a full wholesome flavour note.

Source: Campbell's

Have a great day
 

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Pianist, Shaving nick, Coupons,

If you were curious about the pianist I mentioned as being on Jeopardy, his name was Hershey Felder, thanks Denise. I couldn't find him, but she did. I spent a lot of time hunting but couldn't find the link. I was thinking Matt would enjoy a DVD with him playing but he doesn't seem to have made one. Lots of CDs but Matt likes to watch the players/singers, etc.

Had one heck of a day today. Just as our cleaner was leaving, she and Matt called me, he had somehow nicked his lip with his electric razor and there was blood all over the bathroom. We managed to stop it and I put a healing Elastoplast on his lip. A bit later it all started pouring with blood again (he wouldn't leave it alone) so I put a second Elastoplast on. Around supper time he decided to take the Elastoplast off against my advice, guess what, he started bleeding profusely once again. I finally called an ambulance and the Paramedics arrived just as Matt had managed to stop the bleeding by putting lots of pressure on the lip. I felt a bit of an idiot. However, as he had blood on his jeans, they realised it hadn't been a false alarm. Basically they said he didn't need a stitch which I had thought possible and told me several things to do in future. Nice couple. Needless to say the nick hasn't bled since. Of course Matt is on blood thinners which doesn't help.

I was pretty tired too as I hadn't managed to get to sleep til gone 2:30, not sure why. Had trouble staying awake through Jeopardy and fell asleep later. Hopefully I will be able to sleep soundly when I go to bed.

Forgot to mention yesterday, Chapman's who make the ice cream we both enjoy, sent me a $4 coupon which will buy us a block of one of them. Apparently they give away one coupon a year if you apply. It came in the mail. I'm all for coupons like that.

This looked right up my street, only trouble is I will have to invest in a few peppers to make the topping. I wonder if I can buy pickled jalapeños.

Pepper-Glazed Goat Cheese Gratin

This warm, sweet-spicy goat cheese dip is an easy alternative to a cheese plate

1 lb creamy fresh goat cheese, softened
6 Tbs apricot preserves
4 Peppadew peppers, finely chopped
1 pickled jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
2 Tbs minced cocktail onions
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp dry sherry
Pita chips and toasted baguette slices, for serving

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Spread the goat cheese in a 5-by-8-inch gratin dish in an even layer. In a small bowl, whisk the preserves with the Peppadews, jalapeño, onions, mustard and sherry. Spread the mixture over the goat cheese and bake on the top rack of the oven for about 5 minutes, until warm. Turn on the broiler and broil for about 2 minutes, until the topping is bubbling and lightly browned at the edges. Serve hot, with pita chips and toasted baguette slices.

Servings: 8

Author: GRACE PARISI
Source: Food & Wine

Have a great day

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Family Stories, Pianist,

I was just reading a funny family story in an ezine and thought of one from my family. Before they were married, my father picked my mother up from her home and took her back to his flat (sorry apartment) whilst he changed to go out. He was hungry so suggested she make them a bacon sandwich whilst he changed. He came back to find her in tears because she didn't know how to make a bacon sandwich. This is especially funny to  my family as my mother became the greatest cook I have ever known and could cook anything you care to name although she couldn't pronounce half the names of what she cooked. I wish I could cook half as well as she did.

As most of you know, I am a devotee of Jeopardy and although they are featuring reruns at the moment, I am still there with my nose to the screen from 7:30 on. There was a Double Jeopardy category presented by a well known pianist but he was not well known to me I'm afraid and I would love to get a DVD of him playing, from what Alex Trebek said, he watched him playing a Beethoven concert which was wonderful. I thought that would be something we would enjoy if it is on DVD, but I don't know the name of the pianist. Yes, I know there are lots of good pianists but this one appealed to me.

We enjoyed our lunch at Mandarin today and it was nice to see our friends whom we haven't seen for a while. He has just had a cataract operation and wasn't wearing glasses. He looked like a different person, amazing what glasses do for a face isn't it? We  then went for groceries and back home. I can't remember if I mentioned how dusty the car was although I hadn't long ago had it washed. However,  today might have fixed the dust, it really chucked it down once or twice. Of course I should maybe have been out there with a cloth and, as our friend commented, now I needed a dryer.

I thought this looked rather yummy.

Leftover Pasta Frittata with Quick Radicchio Salad

Frittata

2 slices prosciutto or thick sliced bacon
5 eggs
1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 Tbs olive oil
4 cups leftover cooked spaghetti or other long pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Basil leaves

Radicchio Salad

1 head radicchio, torn
1 Tbs olive oil
Balsamic vinegar (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Cook prosciutto or bacon in a 10-inch heatproof skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat, turning once, until crisp. Set aside. Wipe pan clean.

3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with sour cream, and salt and pepper until blended. Toss in pasta and 1/3 cup of the cheese.

4. In same pan, heat 2 Tbsp of the olive oil over medium, add pasta mixture and cook without stirring, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1/3 cup cheese. Transfer to oven.

5. Cook until puffed and slightly jiggly, about 5 minutes. For a crispy browned top, broil 2-3 minutes. Top with tomatoes and basil, and serve with bacon/prosciutto (or chop in pieces to scatter on top).

6. Tear radicchio and toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar (if desired), garnish with shaved Parmesan.

7. Tip: Radicchio lettuce is slightly bitter and lends itself easily to a good olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese for the quickest and elegant weeknight salad.

Servings: 4

Tips
The centre will look slightly loose, puffed and jiggly, the hot pan will continue to cook the frittata with residual heat called carryover cooking.

Source: Food Network

Have a great day

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Book, Exercises, Mandarin,

A pretty quiet day, of course I was tired reading that book late last night. Finished it this afternoon. I really loved it. It finished really quietly, but I could hear the music all through the story. I loved it. I must check for other books by the same author.

Monday of course means exercise class. Can't go Wednesday as we plan to bowl. This morning on GMA they did some Tae Bo boxing exercises very much like we do in class. Bit faster mind you but they were younger people. Long ago are the days when I could move that fast.

Friends emailed me about going to Mandarin with the result we are going there for lunch tomorrow, Tuesday that is. My dieting doesn't get much chance really.

This recipe for radishes sounds good although I rarely see radishes with greens that are remotely edible. I tried them once and wasn't to keen, but will see how this recipe does if I can find some with fresh greens.

Roasted Radishes with Radish Greens

Gerard Craft came up with this clever recipe one year when his local farmer had an abundance of radishes. Craft tried roasting them. The result: warm, crisp-tender radishes with delightfully bitter
greens, which he finishes with butter and lemon.

3 bunches small radishes with greens attached
2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 Tbs unsalted butter
2 Tbs fresh lemon juice

1. Preheat the oven to 500°. Trim the radishes and wash the greens; pat dry.

2. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the radishes, season with salt and pepper and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the radishes for 15 minutes, until crisp-tender.

3. Return the skillet to the burner and stir in the butter to coat the radishes. Add the radish greens and cook over moderate heat until they are wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice and season with salt. Serve the radishes right away.

Servings: 8

Source: Food and Wine

Have a great day

Monday, August 26, 2019

A Skipper's Lament, Thames Barges, Book,

This is a blog I posted in 2007 -  after the war, my father bought Iota and had it converted to living accommodation down below. I was about 8 at the time.

In Memorium - Thames Barges

Having written about Iota, I remembered a poem I wrote very many years ago about
Thames Barges so I thought I would share it. This is actually one of two poems I ever had
published although I was a very prolific poet at one time. As the publishing was possibly
50 years ago, and I am the author anyway, I assume that it is OK to print it here.

Iota
A Skipper’s Lament

Ah, we used to know sailin’ in them days
Just the boy an’ me an’ sometimes the wife
T’were ‘ard work but very rewarding
I’d not ‘ave changed it for my life.

We’d ply the east coast and the rivers
With our mains’ls and mizzens well set
We’d manoeuvre in port with our tops’ls
They’d not installed engines as yet

The leeboards we lowered with winches
An’ we’d mouse the main block to the horse
Then we’d up with the fores’l and tops’l
An’ if need be the mizzen o’ course

Wi’ a strong wind we’d sail like a goods train
Our gunn’ls almost under the sea
But we’d batten the hatches and combings
An’ the scuppers’d keep the decks free

Too much an’ we’d brail up the mains’l
It goes back like a curtain on stage
But wi’ the right wind, up the stays’l
An’ she’d sail like ‘er were freed from a cage

We’d sail over sandbanks and shallows
Where most other boats couldn’t go
Feeling the way with our leeboards
If t’were a place that the skipper di’nt know

We carried all manner of cargoes
Like bricks from the old Kentish fields
An’ our red sails were seen in most weathers
Our faces were tanned leather shields.

But the age of the barge is now over
‘Cos its cheaper by railway or road
But you still see ‘em racing the barge match
Tho’ now most’re tarted wi’ gold.

Not to mention the white an’ the crimson
Their sails are clean; white an’ new
But we couldn’t work barges so pretty
Pitch and red ochre their due

There’s only a few on ‘em left now
Some Ev’rards and one or two more
But up an’ down England’s east coastline
There are hulks rotting beached on the shore.

Besides which, the skippers are lonely
No barge moving under their feet
They’re beached like the hulls as I told you
Ne’er seeing no rudder nor cleat

What’s left ‘as mostly got engines
An’ their skippers ain’t got the skill
For the age of the sailing barge’s over
Their time ‘as passed over the hill.

But I’ll never see sunset on Medway
Wi’out thinking of how it would be
With the barges settin’ off with their cargoes
Their hulls spanking over the sea.

In fact, I Googled Thames Barges and discovered that there are some barges left even now and some of them are being hired out for pleasure trips and such. But that isn't quite the same as when they were working the coasts with their cargoes. Unfortunately, Iota is one of the barges which is being allowed to rot along the beaches. A shame because we sailed all over the place, visiting France, Belgium and Holland although the nay sayers said we couldn't do it. First time I went to France was on Iota, same with Holland and Belgium, Holland being known as the Netherlands in North America.

The other day ladydog lent me a book which I must admit I wasn't sure I would enjoy although we do tend to enjoy the same stories. I started it on Friday and didn't have a lot of time to read it. Read it more on Saturday and today, Sunday, I can't put the damned thing down. It is called The Song Collector by Natasha Solomons. The background of the book is all about music and it is also a love story but with a very different slant to it.Thanks ladydog, I can see I won't be getting to bed all that early tonight. Until I have finished the book I can't really tell you more. Other than that it shifts from 1947 just after the war, to 2000 and back again which I didn't expect to like but it turns out to be OK.

Here is a recipe I found today which I liked the look of and might try soon. I would use English cucumbers which by the look of the picture is not what the author used.

Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe

Thai Cucumber Salad - easy and healthy homemade Thai cucumber salad recipe that is better than
your favorite Thai restaurants, guaranteed!

1 lb cucumber, cut into pieces
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 small red onion, sliced
2 Tbs chopped roasted peanuts
1 Tbs chopped cilantro
Dressing:
2 Tbs sugar
2 Tbs water
4 Tbs Thai sweet chili sauce
1 Tbs apple cider vinegar

1. Add salt to the cucumber, mix well and set aside in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. In the meantime, make the Dressing, by combining all the ingredients in a small sauce pan. Turn on the heat and reduce the Dressing a bit so it's slightly thickened. Let cool.

2. Drain the salt water from the cucumber completely. Toss the cucumber, onion, and mix with the Dressing. Top with the peanut and cilantro, serve immediately.

Servings: 3

Author: Bee
Source: Rasa Malaysia



Have a great day
 

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Saturday Recipe

Panna Cotta makes a delicious dessert. I made one a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Not sure why I haven't made it since.

Mixed-Nut-Milk Panna Cotta

These delicate custards are a great way to showcase the subtle, nutty flavor of homemade nut milk

2 tsp unflavored powdered gelatin
3 cups Mixed-Nut Milk
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tbs honey
1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
pinch of salt
Vegetable oil, for brushing
Crushed toasted hazelnuts, for serving
1/4 cup strawberry jam whisked with
1 Tbs water, for serving

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup of the nut milk and let stand until softened, about 5 minutes. In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 2 1/2 cups of nut milk with the sugar, honey, vanilla seeds and salt. Bring just to a simmer over moderately high heat. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the softened gelatin mixture until dissolved.

2. Lightly brush six 1/2-cup ramekins with oil and set them on a baking sheet. Carefully fill the ramekins with the panna cotta mixture and refrigerate until set, about 2 hours and up to 2 days.

3. Run a knife around each panna cotta and invert onto a plate. Top with crushed hazelnuts and serve with the jam.

Servings: 6

Author: JUSTIN CHAPPLE
Source: Food & Wine

Have a great weekend.
 

Friday, August 23, 2019

Blue Whales, Red Lobster, Brown Parcel,

I'm on a wildlife kick this week. I just saw some information about the Blue Whale. I knew it was the larges mammal on earth but did you know The heart of a blue whale is as big as a small car; their tongues can weigh as much as an elephant and they are as long as 3 school buses. There are some whale pix here if you are interested. I didn't know they were the biggest mammal ever to have existed. I live and learn. Would be wonderful to see one, if only. Mind you I would love to see whales at sea whatever their breed.

Today we went with ladydog to the Red Lobster and, as usual, I pigged out on crab. Delicious. Matt wasn't too happy about how long I was taking, but I don't often get the opportunity. ladydog was very patient about the whole thing. Matt and I bought a couple of desserts home with us, yes, Chocolate Wave cake. We ate the delicious ice cream whilst there. ladydog wouldn't try any she didn't want to get addicted otherwise she would have to travel to Peterborough where it is made - what's her problem, I would have gone with her LOL. They only sell it to the public in cones during the summer months I understand.

I had a parcel to collect at the UPS store as I mentioned, ladydog kindly drove us there once I remembered whether we should have turned left or right. The parcel was large and fairly heavy so the girl at UPS carried it out for me and then ladydog saved my bacon by carrying it upstairs for me. I would have had to get the large shopping basket as of course I had a cane.

Later I started calling all the people who bowled last winter (I always help out doing this). Actually one or two not coming back, surprisingly. Later I was stuffed and Matt not particularly hungry so I did open smoked salmon sandwiches for supper. Tasty.

This sounds tasty too

Bacon and Tomato Potato Skins

6 large baking potatoes
2 tsp cooking oil
1 tsp chili powder
Several dashes bottled hot pepper sauce
2/3 cup chopped Canadian-style bacon or chopped, cooked turkey bacon
1 medium tomato, finely chopped
2 Tbs finely chopped green onion
4 oz cheddar cheese or reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup)
1/2 cup dairy sour cream (optional)

1. Scrub potatoes thoroughly and prick with a fork. Arrange on a microwave-safe plate. Micro-cook, uncovered, on 100% power (high) for 17 to 22 minutes or till almost tender, rearranging once. (Or, bake potatoes in a 425 degrees F. oven for 40 to 45 minutes or till tender.) Cool.

2. Halve each potato lengthwise. Scoop out the inside of each potato half, leaving about a 1/4-inch-thick shell. Cover and chill the leftover fluffy white part of potatoes for another use.

3. Combine the cooking oil, chili powder, and hot pepper sauce. With a pastry brush, brush the insides of the potato halves with the oil mixture. Cut the potato halves in half lengthwise. Return to the baking sheet. Sprinkle potato quarters with bacon, tomato, and green onion. Top with cheese. To make ahead, cover and chill for up to 24 hours.

4. Bake in 450 degrees F. oven for 10 to 12 minutes or till cheese is melted and potato quarters are heated through. Serve with sour cream, if desired.

Servings: 6

Source: Culinary Cafe

Have a great day
 

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Squirrels, Exercises, Stew,

Funny, I talked about squirrels yesterday and to night PBS showed a film about them. I didn't realise there were so many families of squirrels, nor did I realise that Prairie Dogs and Chipmunks were part of those families. Probably should have done. I knew they had clever brains, but one squirrel variety can increase the size of it's brain in winter and decreased in the spring so that it can recall the position of some 9,000 nuts it has secreted during the year. People say they forget the nuts they hide, but according to the documentary, it is more likely they didn't need the others. They bury some 10,000 every year. Another fascinating ground squirrel can confuse a predataory snake by first throwing dirt on it which allows it to listen to the rattle so it can estimate the size and danger of the snake, it can then pump extra blood into it's tail which it waves at the snake which is sensing the warm blooded animal and the increased blood in the tail makes the snake think it is much bigger than it is and changes its mind. I knew squirrels were clever, but it was fascinating to see this documentary.

I went down to exercise class this afternoon and the room was very warm, used to have two standing fans there but now there is only one. I managed fairly well I am pleased to say. I then came back into the apartment and just conked out. I am not sure how long I slept, but it seemed like forever.

Mind you, I made my Spiced Beef in Red Wine this morning. A lot harder work than I remembered. All the prep work was really playing havoc with my back. However, I have to report success. We ended up having it for supper although I had kind of thought of just doing it for the freezer. I still have close on 1 lb of beef to use up but am out of leeks. I was very pleased with the results though. Having checked a few recipes on line, I did flour the beef before I cooked it.

Just before lunch, ladydog called and said she was on her way. She thought we were going to the Red Lobster today instead of tomorrow. However, looking at my calendar tonight, I wonder if I goofed. I certainly intended it to be Thursday so I could go to exercises today, but I had written it down for today. Either way, we are definitely going there tomorrow. If I goofed ladydog, I apologise.

I thought this chilled soup sounded good although there is a lot more than just peaches and goat cheese.I think I might try this over the weekend.

Chilled Peach Soup with Fresh Goat Cheese

Chef Jason Franey of Seattle's Canlis makes this sweet and tangy summer soup by marinating fresh peaches overnight with dried apricots, honey, vinegar and olive oil and then pureeing the mixture.
Since peaches can vary in flavor, Franey suggests seasoning with vinegar to taste as you purée

3 cups sliced peeled peaches (about 4 peaches)
1/4 cup finely diced peeled seedless cucumber, plus thin slices for garnish
1/4 cup finely diced yellow bell pepper, plus thin slices for garnish
1/4 cup diced dried apricots
2 Tbs honey 3 tablespoons crumbled fresh goat cheese, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar, plus more for seasoning
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt
1 large garlic clove
2 cups diced baguette (1/2 inch)
Basil leaves, for garnish
Freshly ground black pepper

1. In a bowl, toss the peaches, diced cucumber, yellow pepper and apricots. Add the honey, 3 tablespoons of goat cheese, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Add the garlic. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

2. Discard the garlic. Transfer the contents of the bowl to a blender and purée. Add 1/4 cup of water and purée until very smooth and creamy; add more water if the soup seems too thick. Season with salt and vinegar. Refrigerate the soup until very cold, about 1 hour.

3. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add the diced bread and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the croutons to paper towels and season with salt.

4. Pour the peach soup into shallow bowls and garnish with the sliced cucumber, sliced bell pepper, goat cheese, croutons and basil. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, season with black pepper and serve.

Servings: 4

Source Food & Wine

Author Notes
Pairing wine with soup can sometimes feel like too much liquid at once, but in this case, a glass of Champagne gives a nice lift to this fruity soup. Pour a refreshing Brut like the NV Henriot Brut Souverain or the NV Gosset Excellence Brut.

Have a great day
 

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Wildlife, Shopping, Dust, IP Experiment

I have seen  documentaries about how wildlife is adapting to towns and seen many pictures of foxes living in towns. Then I have recently been wondering about the park outside our windows and wondering what, if anything, other than squirrels of course, lived around it. Then today, we were coming home passing another park area close by here and be damned if a fox didn't cross the road in front of us. I was quite excited to see it bearing in mind that the best we have seen before was a mother Canada Goose with her string of goslings feeding on the grass verges. We have a lot of black squirrels here, I thought they were a separate breed, but somehow they have apparently mutated from grey squirrels. Used to love watching squirrels in NC, we put corn out for them and they would sit on the wooden platform and eat from the cobs. Think I have a picture somewhere. We used to have lots of birds feeding or nesting in our yard too. I miss that.

We went for a haircut this afternoon and then went to collect groceries. Between us we got the
shopping cart which seems to be on loan from a local store (although we have two again somehow) and filled it up. They are very heavy and I can hardly push them empty let alone manoeuver them through the doors. We don't have electronic buttons, we need them mind you. Matt pushed the trolley and I opened the doors - 5 not counting the elevator. Got the shopping to the kitchen and then took the trolley back (the store does know we have  them apparently although they usually only leave us one) and I parked the car in the underground parking lot. I said to Matt, is this worth $15. We decided it wasn't, but I'm, not so sure. Pushing the carts round the store might be OK, but not round this building.

Talking of the parking lot, the car is dusty as anything from being down  there. Didn't have this problem before they cleaned the garage!! I cleaned the car quite recently and really don't want to have to shell out again because of the dust, but I guess I am going to have to, I could hardly see out of the rear windshield. Whilst waiting for our groceries I cleaned it with a Kleenex, not very successful, but...

Oops, I have just realised they tried to deliver something to us from Costco and we weren't here. Gotta go. OK, panic over, they left a ticket and I can pick up "round the corner" after 1. Phew.

I have never been a devotee of stews as such or maybe I really mean stewed beef, not sure. Anyway, I found this Nigella Lawson recipe some years ago and have made it several times, it is ideal for freezing and keeps really well. However, in comes my Instant Pot. I have endeavoured to adapt it, the present quantity is way too big for my little pot, but I must be careful how I cut things down. Leave the spices alone Josephine. We will see what happens and I will be sure to let you know. So, below is the original recipe - for a start I have cut the beef back to 1 lb. and will go from there. From what I have been reading, it is a good idea to leave out the flour when cooking and add cornstarch when it is all done. So, here goes, wish me luck..

Spiced Beef in Red Wine

There is nothing to stop you from serving spiced beef in red wine at a dinner party, but proper
cooking should not be undertaken only for company. I make a batch of the beef and, when it is cool, bag it up in single portions and put it in the freezer. It makes a great warming supper for nights when you are lazing on a sofa watching television. Just because it's Wednesday, you need not have to resort to a bagel or grilled cheese for dinner.

2 slices bacon, roughly chopped
2 large onions, roughly chopped
2 large leeks, white and light-green parts only, roughly chopped
3 medium carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
½ cup fresh parsley
1/3 cup flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 ½ lbs chuck steak in 2-inch cubes
2 Tbs vegetable oil, or more as needed
pinch ground cloves
1 ½ cups red wine
2 cups beef stock or canned beef broth
2 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
3 star anise
1 Tbs light brown sugar

1. Working in batches in a food processor, process bacon, onions, leeks, carrots and parsley until finely chopped. Transfer mixture to a large bowl, and set aside. Place flour in a freezer bag or other plastic bag. Season with salt and pepper. Add steak cubes, seal bag, and shake until cubes are well coated.

2. Place a flameproof casserole dish over medium heat, and add 2 tablespoons oil. When hot, add beef in batches, turning until well seared on all sides. As beef is browned, transfer to a plate, and set aside.

3. If casserole dish is dry, add 1 tablespoon oil. Place over medium heat, and add bacon and vegetable mixture and ground cloves. Sauté until softened, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine wine, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, star anise and brown sugar. Place over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. When vegetables have softened, pour liquid over vegetables.

4. Return beef to pan, and stir well. Bring to a boil, partly cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently until beef is tender, about 2 hours. Serve hot. If desired, stew may be cooked and then covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for a month.

Servings: 6

Author Nigella Lawson.

Have a great day
 

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

New York Cantors, Tom Lehrer, Tuesday,

Not much to do Monday night so, having watched Jeopardy, I turned on to PBS coming from Buffalo broadcast by WNED and tonight it was the Three Cantors. Just thought we'd see what it was like. We were both blown away by the marvellous voices of these three young men, we were both in tears at one point, they were absolutely fabulous with incredible tenor voices. I have ordered a copy of the DVD so we can listen to them whenever we wish. Matt knows so much more than I do about singing having been a top boy soprano, but even in my ignorance I was astounded listening to them even if I basically didn't understand most of what they were singing. Here is a sample of what was in the programme.


The concert took place in the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam, quite a beautiful setting. Except, being in Holland, or the Netherlands as it is usually known over here, made me think of Anne Frank which didn't help my tears.

On a more mundane level, they went on to show a concert of Tom Lehrer's in Denmark. Not many people will remember him, I only knew him because my first husband  had one of his records. Vinyl in those days of course. I think he is hilarious even today, but Matt kept looking at me as if I was nuts. Maybe he didn't understand much of it.

Tomorrow, hair cuts, Matt has been nagging me for days and later shopping. Hopefully we can manage it between us. It was never the driving I needed, but the help getting it upstairs. But, sorry, that is not worth $15 a week to me.

Sadly no bowling this week unless maybe we go to Victoria Bowl instead - always assuming they too are not doing their lanes. Matt doesn't like the lanes there, they are synthetic, but I love them.

I love good tomatoes, and this salad's picture made me drool. I would never have thought of adding plums.

Heirloom Tomato and Plum Salad

Juicy, ripe plums and heirloom tomatoes are a natural pair in this salad from chef Norberto Piattoni of
Metta in Brooklyn. Shaved persimmon and sesame seeds add texture, while shiso and purslane, greens with a distinct savory character, balance the fruit

2 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs red wine vinegar
2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 lbs heirloom tomatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 lb plums, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
8 fresh shiso leaves, thinly sliced, divided
1/2 Fuyu persimmon, shaved crosswise on a mandoline (optional)
2 Tbs small purslane sprigs, stemmed, or 1 teaspoon fresh lemon thyme leaves

1. Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add tomatoes, plums, and half of the shiso leaves to oil mixture; toss to combine. Transfer to a platter. Top with remaining shiso leaves; persimmon slices, if using; purslane; and sesame seeds.

Servings: 8

Source: Food & Wine




Have a great day
 

Monday, August 19, 2019

Saturday Dinner, Risotto, Movie.

Saturday night I cooked a Sirloin Steak. Never had one before, cooked sirloin roasts but not steaks. It was pretty good. I made a shallot in red wine sauce and served it with a mushroom risotto made in the Instant Pot. First time I have done a risotto in the IP and I was trying not to cook too much so it ended up a tad to liquidy, so next time I had better use more rice - I had cut down everything, but still had too much liquid. It still tasted very good even if a bit runny. I had been to the Victoria St. Market again, to get bananas (we eat one every day) and, as usual, bought other stuff including the Bienenstich I bought before. We both really like it. Yes Birgit, if you are reading this, you were right with the name. It was even displayed this time. Later - duuh, I have just realised it is Bee Sting Cake and I am almost positive I published a recipe for it once before, will have to check it out. Yes, I did, in November 2016, I even called it Bienenstich which I had forgotten, but not the name Bee Sting.  What a lousy memory although I did remember eventually I guess.

Sunday night I decided to try a risotto again, just a simple one without mushrooms, well I didn't have any left anyway. It worked, it was very good.

I watched Sabrina on Sunday night, one of my favourite movies. They have been playing Audrey Hepburn movies all day today. Wish I had realised. I have always enjoyed her movies. Saw the last few minutes of My Fair Lady when I turned on. I was tempted to watch the next movie but it wouldn't end til after I normally go to bed. I always enjoy Humphrey Bogart movies too.

Anyway, for those of you who are baking enthusiasts, here is a recipe for the cake"

Oma's Bienenstich Recipe (Bee Sting Cake)

Cake Layer Ingredients:
2 eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cup flour, all-purpose
1 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
½ cup milk
1 Tbs butter

Topping Ingredients:
¼ cup butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ Tbs honey
1 Tbs whipping cream
1 cup almond, slivered
½ tsp vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients:
2 cups whipping cream (minus the 1 tbsp in topping)
2 Tbs granulated sugar
2 Tbs instant vanilla pudding powder

1. Cake Layer Instructions:

2. Preheat oven to 350 °F.

3. Into large mixing bowl, mix eggs and sugar until thick and creamy.

4. Stir flour, baking powder, and salt together and stir into egg mixture.

5. Heat milk and butter to just about boiling (I microwaved for about 30 seconds), stir, and mix into batter.

6. Pour into greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for about 20 - 30 minutes until firm to touch and wooden toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

7. Meanwhile, make the topping!

8. Topping Instructions:

9. In a small pan, melt butter over low heat. Add sugar, honey, and whipping cream, stirring continually.

10. Bring to boil, and boil gently for 5 minutes, stirring continually.

11. Stir in almonds and vanilla.

12. Set aside to cool slightly and carefully spread topping on cake immediately as it comes out of the oven.

13. Set oven to broil

14. Broil cake for a few minutes until the top is nicely browned being careful it doesn't burn!

15. Let cake cool on a wire rack. Remove outer ring from spring-form carefully.

16. Filling Instructions:

17. Whip cream, sugar, and instant vanilla pudding powder until stiff.

18. Cut cake in half when cold.

19. Spread filling on bottom layer.

20. Place top layer on top of filling. To make it easier to serve, cut this top layer first into wedges and then place on top of filling.

21. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

 . HINTS:

1. If the topping gets too thick before spreading on cake, add an extra tablespoon of honey and/or cream and reheat.

2. Place the outer ring of the spring-form pan back around the bottom layer in order to neatly put the filling on the cake. Place the top layer into the pan. Let sit in fridge until needed. Then remove the outer ring. Nice and neat!

3. Bienenstich with the "chewy" topping can be difficult to cut through neatly without the cream filling squeezing out. It really is best if you cut the cake into 2 layers, cut the top layer into serving size wedges before you place them neatly on top of the filling. Makes for neater serving.


Have a great day
 

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Community Workouts

As Alex suggested, I went to the Community Support exercise class today. Thanks for the extra boost Alex. Until the bowling season starts again, I will try and go all three afternoons in a week. Once the Winter League begins, it will just be two afternoons a week.

By the way, has anyone been having problems with Google Chrome, when I use it to write my blog it keeps messaging me (Not responding).

I published a Paella recipe yesterday but then this afternoon (Friday) I decided to look for an Instant Pot version, what a surprise!! This is what I found and what I cooked. It was very good. Next time I might try adding some Italian sausage as well. Today (Saturday) I think I am going to cook one of my lamb recipes.

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Shrimp Paella

Make this Pressure Cooker Shrimp Paella in your Instant Pot for an easy and quick dinner. With only
5 minutes of pressure cooking time, this recipe is perfect for any night.

1 lb jumbo shrimp, shell and tail on frozen
1 cup Jasmine rice
4 Tbs butter
1 onion chopped
4 cloves garlic chopped
1 red pepper chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup white wine
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 pinch saffron threads
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup cilantro optional

1. Set Instant Pot to Saute function. Add butter to pot and melt. Add onions and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for about a minute more.

2. Add paprika, turmeric, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and saffron threads. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. Add red peppers.

3. Add rice and stir. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add chicken broth and white wine. Deglaze your pot by stirring to ensure that there is no food stuck to the bottom of the pot.

4. Add shrimp on top. Turn off Instant Pot and cover. Make sure valve is set to sealing.

5. Set Instant Pot to Manual Mode and set a 5 minute timer. When done, quick release.

6. Remove shrimp from pot and peel if desired. Serve with Cilantro.

7. Notes

8. Make sure there are no dry bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This could result in that annoying "burn" signal some pressure cookers give off. Once you add your broth (but before you place frozen shrimp on top), stir with a wooden spoon to ensure there is no food stuck to the bottom.

9. This recipe was prepared in a 6qt Instant Pot. Please adjust accordingly for 3qt and 8qt models.

Servings: 4

Source: My Forking Life

Have a great weekend
 

Friday, August 16, 2019

Lunch, Weight, Morse,

Been a pretty quiet day today. I didn't even have to do any cooking as I had chili from last night.

However, ladydog came at lunchtime bringing not only lunch, but her dog Zoe who I haven't seen since she was a puppy. Not a puppy now. Delightful dog. She is an Australian Sheepdog which are not Australian at all but bred in California. She was very obedient and when she found Matt's chocolate, one word and she left it alone. I hadn't even thought about it. Wouldn't have left temptation in her way. Our last doggy visitor wasn't tall enough. Poor Zoe is also missing her companion as much as her owners I think.

Lunch was subs and Subway keep having a sale on, 12 cookies for $6 and ladydog keeps buying  them even though she isn't eating them herself. I need to cut back too, I am not being very resolute about this and have got to be severe with myself. I lost weight in 2013 and kept it off until the last few months, now I not only put back the 20 lbs I lost in the hospital, but I am putting some of the 50 lbs back too. One half of my brain is saying what does it matter, you are 80 the other is saying do something Josephine. Got a feeling I wrote the same thing the other day, too lazy to check, so sorry, but I have to give myself a good talking to.

One thing I need to start doing is going back to the workouts provided by Community Services. Most of the year I can only go one of three afternoons because of bowling, but I really need to go to the other two classes. Mind you, in the last few months there have often been medical appointments clashing with the classes.

Thursday is my night for watching British shows on TV. They have brought back Inspector Morse which I used to enjoy - the original one with John Thaw as Morse. In fact John Thaw died in 2002 which shows you how old these shows are, but I still enjoy them.

This recipe is from Campbell's. They come up with some good ones - obviously using their products. I liked the sound of this one. I just might have a go at this tonight. No seafood medley of course, but I have the sausage, shrimp and chicken thighs so I am sure I can adapt.

Seafood Paella

1 tsp olive oil
2 andouille sausage, sliced
1 cup red onion, diced
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, medium diced
1 cup frozen mixed seafood medley
1 Tbs garlic, chopped
8 saffron
1 Tbs Cajun seasoning
1 tsp paprika
2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes with liquid
2 1/2 cartons CAMPBELL’S Stock First ® Chicken stock
1 tsp lemon juice
1 Tbs fresh cilantro, chopped

1. In a large ovenproof sauce pan,heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sausage,onion,pepper and chicken and garlic and sauté for 4 minutes or until the chicken and the sausage is golden brown. In a separate bowl soak saffron threads in chicken stock for 3 minutes.

2. Add the mixed seafood,garlic,Cajun seasoning,paprika and rice to the sauce pan and continue to sauté for 2 minutes. Add the diced tomato,chicken stock with soaked saffron and remaining chicken stock and bring it to a boil.

3. Remove the pan from the stove,cover with a lid or aluminum foil and place in oven for 25 minutes or until the rice is properly cooked.

4. Remove from oven,add lemon juice and cilantro and mix well.

Servings: 4

Source: Campbell's

Have a great day
 

Thursday, August 15, 2019

EFT, Bowling, Shopping,

Our cleaner came in this morning and I have started paying her by electronic transfer. Easier all round. Only trouble is, she has to answer a question I set. We agreed on it, but unfortunately, I used all lower case for the answer and she used a capital. The result being she couldn't get the money. I never realised it was that sensitive. We will know in future.

Sadly, it was our last day of summer league bowling and today was purely for pleasure, it didn't count for anything except possibly personal satisfaction. The latter applied to me, I bowled pretty well and ended up gaining another 3 points on my average. If I had had longer this season, I just might have got back to where I was before my little hospital jaunt last year. Our winter league doesn't start til after Labour Day and hopefully I will be able to keep it up. Matt, however, didn't bowl at all. Said his legs were too painful. I'm afraid I can't get him to move around, he needs to do some walking but won't and it's damn sure he won't do it if I tell him to. Even if I got one of  the Community Support exercise people in, I suspect he wouldn't participate. Pity. Must admit my legs were killing me when we left.

On the way home I had to call in at the grocery store for peaches and canned black beans. The Chili recipe called for the latter. I had to walk a long way in the grocery store. Could have taken a motorised cart I guess, wish I had. Then dropped in at the liquor store and finally home. I have  mentioned before what a long walk (for me) it is from our parking spot to the exit so by the time I finally got into our apartment my legs were  really complaining. Then I had to make the chili - oy vey. However, turned out to be worth it, the chili was very good. I had to divide it in the end, a lot more than my poor little Instant Pot would take. I now have chili coming out of my ears LOL. Three more meals anyway.

Silly, I know, but my mother would have been 106 on the 15th. I plugged it into my calendar just as a matter of interest some years ago.

I am always looking for different things to do with vegetables and Kevin Lynch has come up with a good one here. Only ever tried zoodles once, they aren't bad.

Crispy Honey Lemon Cauliflower on Chili and Garlic Stir Fried Zoodles

After recently making the crispy parmesan cauliflower bites I could not help but think that crispy cauliflower could be used in other recipes and the thing the that stuck out in my mind was using it to replace the meat in a Chinese style dish like honey lemon chicken. Normally when I am making a
Chinese style dish where the meat is coated and fried until crispy I take a lighter approach and use simple sauteed meat but since the meat in this case is actually cauliflower I thought that it would be alright to indulge a bit and go with the crispy coating. The honey lemon sauce is super quick and easy to make starring, you guessed it, honey and lemon along with some other Chinese style sauce staples including soy sauce, garlic and ginger. You will definitely never miss the meat in this dish as the crispy cauliflower is absolutely amazing in the tasty honey lemon sauce!
I served the crispy honey lemon cauliflower over a bed of zucchini noodles stir fried with some garlic and a touch of chili heat to keep things nice and light

For the crispy cauliflower:
1 medium cauliflower, cut into bite sized florets
1/2 cup flour (gluten-free for gluten-free)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free for gluten-free)
oil for frying

For the stir fried zoodles:
1 Tbs sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
3 medium zucchini, cut into noodles
For the honey lemon sauce:
2 Tbs honey
2 Tbs lemon juice (~1/2 lemon)
2 tsp lemon zest
2 Tbs reduced sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/4 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 tsp chill sauce such as sambal oelek or sriracha
1 clove garlic, grated
1 tsp ginger, grated
1 Tbs water
2 tsp cornstarch
For the meal:
1/4 cup green onions, sliced

1. Working in batches dredge the cauliflower florets in the flour, dip into the eggs, and coat in the breadcrumbs before frying them in oil heated to medium-high (~350F/180C) until golden brown and setting them aside on paper towels to drain.

2. For the stir fried zoodles:

3. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the garlic and cook until just fragrant, about 30 seconds, add the zucchini noodles and saut?© until just tender, about 2-3 minutes.

4. For the honey lemon sauce:

5. Heat a pan over mediumh heat, add the mixture of the honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, broth, chill sauce, lemon zest, garlic, ginger and the mixture of the water and the corn starch and cook until the sauce thickens, about a minute, before adding the crispy cauliflower and tossing to coat.

6. For the meal:

7. Serve the cauliflower immediately over the zucchini noodles garnished with green onions.

Servings: 4

Author: Kevin Lynch
Source: Closet Kitchen



Have a great day
 

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Pictures, Bowling,

Today I received some pictures from Lisa plus an assurance that they were safely back home.


This was taken by the restaurant manager at the Charcoal Steakhouse.Matt and I on the left, Lisa and Geoffrey on the right.


Lisa and I finishing off our wine.


Matt giving treats to their dog Boney (Bonaparte) for whom we both fell like a ton of bricks. Such a cute little dog and so well behaved. We do miss having a dog but not possible these days. I wouldn't mind a cat but Matt is not a cat person.

Lisa, Matt and I - and Boney of course. He doesn't look very happy does he? The dog I mean.

Wednesday we will be having lunch at the bowling alley as it is the end of the season.

I just found a new recipe blog called Melanie Cooks and I thought I would try this recipe tomorrow. Only trouble, I will have to get some black beans. Odd, I usually have some in my pantry, but none there right now. Oh well, I need to go back to the store as they forgot my peaches today.

Easy Instant Pot Chili


Prep time
Cook time
Total time
This Instant Pot chili is amazing! Just dump all the ingredients in the Instant Pot and have this mouthwatering chili for dinner 25 minutes later! EASIEST CHILI EVER!
Author: 
Recipe type: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup water
Instructions
  1. Put all ingredients except water in the Instant Pot. Mix with a spoon until the meat is broken up and all ingredients are combined.
  2. With a spoon, make a well in the middle of the meat mixture so the bottom of the pot is exposed, and pour ½ cup of water there.
  3. Close the Instant Pot and turn the valve to a Sealing position.
  4. Press the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" button and set the time to 20 minutes on High pressure.
  5. When the Instant Pot is done cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release (QR) the remaining steam.
Notes
If using frozen ground meat, dump all ingredients in the Instant Pot and skip the step of mixing them (since you can't mix a frozen solid block of meat). Add 5 minutes to the cooking time. After the chili is cooked, break up the meat into small chunks and mix everything together.


Have a great day
 

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Monday,

This morning we had our tootsies (feet) done again, and our foot nurse brought her granddaughter with her. We usually see her at least once during the holidays. Like all kids, she was quite content to sit and play games or listen to music. We got to talking about movies and when talking about the Lion King none of us could remember the name of Simba's girlfriend, I had to Google it, Nala. I really must get to see that film although I do agree with a movement that Disney ought to put some of their profits towards saving lions who are being slaughtered.

Got a nasty shock this evening, I am being charged a lot more money for my shopping trips than I was originally told - looks like I will have to be cancelling them. I believe they put up their prices but this is ridiculous.

Rest of the day was quiet. Bit of cooking, bit of reading, found myself a book I am really enjoying, it is called Edge of Valor by Josh Hayes, its a Military Sci Fi Thriller. Just realised it is book 1. Oh dear, means I will have to get the rest of them. I wonder how many there are.

Having found a source of scallops at Victoria St. Market, here is another recipe for them.

Scallops with Warm Tomato-Basil Dressing

1 tsp coriander seeds
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 Tbs fresh lemon juice
2 tomatoes—peeled, seeded and diced
2 Tbs finely chopped fresh fennel
1 Tbs chopped chervil or tarragon
1 Tbs finely shredded basil, plus baby leaves for garnish
Salt and freshly ground pepper
16 jumbo sea scallops (about 1 pound)

1. In a saucepan, toast the coriander and fennel seeds over moderate heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes; transfer to a mortar and let cool. Pound until coarsely ground.

2. Warm the 1/4 cup of oil in the same saucepan. Add the spices along with the lemon juice and let stand for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, chopped fennel, chervil and shredded basil; season with salt and pepper.

3. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Brush the scallops with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the scallops over high heat, turning once, until browned and just firm, about 4 minutes. Transfer the scallops to plates and spoon the warm tomato dressing on top. Garnish with basil leaves and serve.

Yield: 4 first-course servings

Source: Food & Wine


Have a great day