Saturday, May 11, 2013

Pollen, International Space Station, Miyoko Shida Rigolo

What a change in the weather today, we have had lovely spring days with lots of warm sunshine and the blossom is well on display. However, today it rained buckets, not constantly, but quite frequently Pollenand there is a lot of pollen and blossom on the ground. At least I think it will be safe for me to open my bedroom window tonight, I have been nervous about an allergy caused by the spring pollen. I never used to get allergies, but I remember when we first came to Ontario people used to say it was the allergy capital of the world. Luckily in our area we don’t get it as bad as some places. Further north we were staying in a motel once and the next morning our blue car was green. Same thing used to happen regularly in North Carolina.

Saw a report on the news that today they will be doing a space walk on the International Space Station to repair what is described as a “serious leak in the cooling international-space-station-nasasystem”. The article states that the EVA is likely to take 8 hours but that they are all prepared for this space walk. I watched a fascinating video recently talking about the change in perception experienced by astronauts once they had been in space and their feelings about earth having seen it from space. It seems to have made them realise how very fragile earth is and how we should make every effort to take care of it. I would love to go up into space but sadly it will never happen, I sure can’t afford the trip being offered by Virgin.

This is, without doubt, one of the most incredible things I have seen in many an year, do watch and enjoy. Do watch it to the very end, it is quite fantastic.


These looked fascinating to me, plus nice and crispy. For any vegan friends they are ideal as well. One problem, round here I have never seen fingerling potatoes.

Accordion Potatoes

Contributed by Kay ChunAccordion Potatoes
SERVINGS:4 to 6

A showstopper, these crisp, smoky potatoes are actually super-easy to make.
  1. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  2. 1 tablespoon pimentón de la Vera or other smoked paprika
  3. 1 pound new fingerling potatoes
  4. Kosher salt
  5. Fresh black pepper
  6. 1 bunch small fresh or dried bay leaves
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil with the pimentón.
  2. Using a sharp paring knife, slice each potato crosswise at 1/8-inch intervals, cutting down but not all the way through the potato. Transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet. Drizzle with 5 tablespoons of the pimentón oil, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Roast the potatoes cut sides up for 20 minutes. Insert one bay leaf into each potato and roast for about 20 minutes longer, until the potatoes are golden, crisp and cooked through. Transfer the potatoes to a platter, discard the bay leaves, drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of pimentón oil and serve.
Have a great weekend
Jo_thumb[2]

21 comments:

  1. I watched that same video and found it most encouraging. I can't think of anything that would be more exhilarating than a space walk. Skydiving might come close, but I'd choose space if given the choice.

    And yes, NC pollen can often be horrendous.

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    1. Did you watch the video on this blog Jeff, you should, its incredible.

      Yes, I'd like to go on a space walk.

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    2. I did. That's how I want my life to be...in perfect balance.

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  2. Hi Jo .. exploration into space is amazing isn't it .. and the earth is definitely SO precious and fragile ..

    Loved the video here - as you say watch to the end - so worth it .. incredible ...

    Thanks for highlighting this to us .. cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary, yes its really fragile and worth looking after.

      Hubby and I were both enthralled by this video.

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  3. I hadn't heard that about the space station. Interesting!

    I've made the bigger version of those potatoes. I think the name is hasselback potatoes, or something similar? They are so incredibly good. I'll have to try the fingerling version.

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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    1. I like the idea of the fingerlings I must say.

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  4. Incredible video - so glad I watched to the end.

    We have hasselback potatoes regularly.

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    1. Isn't it? I wonder how long it took her to learn to do that.

      I have heard of hasselback now I think about it. Kind of like roast potatoes which you don't see here much, don't think I have ever eaten them that I recall.

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  5. I've been struggling with allergies for the last several weeks. Until the rain washed it away yesterday, our streets were covered with pollen. One of my friends thought it was a dust storm when the wind was blowing until her husband told her it was pollen.

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    1. I'm not surprised Denise, it seems to have been particularly bad this year. It looks a bit like a dust storm doesn't it?

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  6. Amazing video - hope she doesn't suffer with hayfever, could be catastrophic if she sneezed!

    I love the look of the potatoes and have just Googled Hasselback potatoes so will be trying them soon

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    1. Trust you to think of that Sue.

      Me too

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  7. I would love to go into space. But wont either I guess. I had seen that womans video once before it is quite amazing. Also about the fingerlings...we have them in our more organic markets ...they tend to be sold in big bins and unpackaged. they come in red, russets, golds and purple(whatever those ones are called). Want me to send some to you? I would be happy to.

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    1. I don't know where you live Zoe, but don't imagine they would travel very well. thanks. I guess I need to check my local markets too.

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  8. That video is absolutely extraordinary. I can't even imagine the control required.

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  9. My kids and I watched that video with wide eyes. Truly amazing.

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    1. We did too Elise, one wonders how she achieved it, but I was most fascinated by the ending.

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  10. My Engineer and I really enjoyed that video. Incredible.

    LOve anything space, so thanks for the additional info.

    Fingerling potatoes are available all over Colorado, but I think we're the "weird and unusual produce capital of the midwest". We certainly have the organic tree hugger thing sewed up...


    Tina @ Life is Good

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it, we certainly did. I too love anything about Space.

      Never seen them here, but never really looked either. Will do so this week.

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