Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Travelling Butterflies, Wall-E, Bowen Therapy

Last night we watched a fascinating programme about the migration of Monarch Butterflies. A lot of it I knew about, such as their 2,000 mile flight from Canada and the Northern States to Mexico. Apparently a lot of the area where they spend their winter in Mexico is being destroyed by illegal logging. One day there may not be any more Monarchs. They use the large trees on which they congregate for warmth; less large trees, less warmth. Then they set off in the spring and make it as ar as Texas where they mate, lay thousands of eggs and then die. The Texas butterflies then head north once they are hatched and stop again to mate and lay. They do this about 4 times with the last hatching taking place in Canada and the Northern States. These then start the cycle again, flying back to Mexico in one hit. An incredible story. If you want to check on the Nova site click here where there is some video from the programme. The village in Mexico close to the mountain areas where they winter, depends on the influx of the butterflies to make a living by attracting tourists to see the huge swarms of the insects (see picture, that's butterflies not snow). I remember, years ago, a woman I met, telling me she had been in one of the forest areas and when the butterflies all lifted from the trees, she had been quite scared. I forgot to mention, yesterday, that I had rented Wall-E on Monday. I watched and enjoyed it, but not enough to purchase the DVD. Matt, having decided it was kid's stuff, went and played a game on the computer! I thought it was a cute movie. Of course I like movies about little robots with human characteristics. One thing I wasn't too sure of, he had a pet cockroach, sorry, me no likee cockroaches. I went to have Bowen Treatment yesterday too, it is so relaxing apart from anything else. I think my hip is somewhat improved, I was certainly walking a bit better last night. I have another appointment next week, but as I am supposed to bowl Thursday, Friday and Monday, I think I may be giving it a miss. Especially as I am having wrist (carpal tunnel) problems as well. The Let It Heal clinic had a go at that too. It is better, but again not yet 100%. I'm really in the wars this week. Another recipe from Food and Drink magazine. This again is actually an advertisement for Real Cream, but I thought it looked cook. I love scallops and when we lived in North Carolina I used to buy a gallon of bay scallops every year, split them up into meal sized portions and freeze them. Seared Scallops with Baby Spinach and Potatoes Scallops make a stunning centrepiece for a special meal yet they're very simple and quick to prepare. The light cream sauce provides a lovely finishing touch. 12 baby red or white potatoes 1 1/2 lbs. large sea scallops (about 16) salt and pepper 1 tbs butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 cup 35% whipping cream 3 cups fresh baby spinach Pierce potatoes all over with a fork. In a saucepan cover them with cold water; bring to a boil over high heat. Add 1/2 tsp salt; reduce heat and boil gently for about 20 mins. or until fork tender. Drain; cut potatoes into thin slices, keeping the shape intact. Keep warm. Meanwhile, rinse scallops and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and swirl to coat pan. Add scallops and brown for about 2 mins. per side, turning once. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Reduce heat to medium-low; add garlic and sauté 1 min. or until fragrant. Add wine and simmer; stirring, until reduced by about half. Add cream and return to a boil, stirring. Boil gently, stirring often, for about 3 minutes or until slightly thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Return scallops to pan; turn to coat in sauce. Simmer for 1 minute or until just slightly firm at the edges. Fan 3 potatoes in the centre of each serving plate; top with spinch. Arrange scallops around spinach; drizzle with sauce. Cooking Tips: Be sure not to over-cook scallops to keep them nice and tender. They should be well browned and firm just around the edges. You can substitute 18% table cream whisked with 1 tbs flour for the 35% cream if desired. Have a great day

8 comments:

  1. Jo --

    Scallops are a favourite of mine -- coquille saint jacques. I will therefore certainly try this recipe of yours.

    Marilyn

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  2. I'm scoring well with you lately as far as recipes are concerned. Scallops are a lot cheaper over here than in your neck of the woods (going by UK prices anyway).

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  3. We have Monarch butterflies here in Oz as well. I wonder if they blew down from the Americas?:-)

    I hope your aches and pains are only temporary, Jo, and that they go away soon.

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  4. Where do your butterflies travel to Satima, do you know? I assume its a built in trait or instinct. We have a butterfly conservatory here and I was wondering what those butterflies do, they can't fly anywhere.

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  5. Actually, no, I have no idea what they do. Perhaps they fly north for the dry season - our winter, when the north of the country is dry and south is wet - and breed up there. Or vice-versa!

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  6. We should ask Glenda, Satima, I bet she, or her hubby, would know.

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  7. The Oz monarchs are the same species, although we used to call them Wanderers. I believe they move from inland to coast in winter - and do wander a lot looking for the right plant foods. They are NOT native to Oz, though!

    I do know that once when I was walking the Hungarian steppes, I kept being passed every few minutes (humiliation!) by a Red Admiral butterfly going in the same direction.

    My guide said they were on migration. They go around the Mediterranean to Africa! They migrate to Europe including UK in the summer. Incredible to think such fragile things can travel so far.

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  8. Thanks for the input Glenda. I knew you would know something about it. I still wonder about the butterflies in the conservatory though - I should visit again and find out what happens there. I think they live and die in the conservatory.

    As you say, it is incredible that such delicate critters can travel so far.

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