Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Cartoon, Book, Barrie's, Health.

The following cartoon really tickled my sense of humour. It was in Monday's edition of How to Geek. It took me a second to really see the funny side.

I have just finished reading Uprooted by Naomi Novik. I enjoyed all her Temeraire books about the fighting dragons taking part in the Napoleonic wars, the first book being Her Majesty's Dragon. Great story telling. However Uprooted is a different departure and more in the tradition of the story tales of old Europe. It sure didn't end the way I expected. In fact I found very little about the story to be predictable. One knew right from the start that she, Agneieszka, the heroine, would be chosen by the wizard known as the Dragon that was obvious from the blurb. But after that, nothing went as I expected. I enjoyed the book so much that I bought the Kindle version. The one I was reading was from the library. I really can't praise it highly enough, I was having trouble putting it down and going to bed. Made a nice change from some of the books I have read lately. Only trouble is, once you get to the end, you wish you hadn't.

I went, Monday afternoon, and got my very last batch of asparagus. I bought myself an extra large batch. I may well freeze some more of it although it isn't as good, it's better than nothing. For some reason I have never been able to buy frozen asparagus round here. Used to get it in the States. I was going to buy some liquid honey too to save myself a journey later on, but they were out. If you get fresh honey there is a terrific difference to that which you buy in the grocery store.

I forgot to mention, my doctor said I can't drive at the moment because of my carotid. Matt drives most of the time anyway. I should also emphasize that I am not unwell, apart from that apparent fainting fit and the odd dizziness which doesn't happen very often and could be caused by anything.

This is the recipe I was going to post the other day and then couldn't find the picture for. I have now discovered how to export pictures from my cookbook file!! You may now find me in a corner crying my eyes out because the asparagus season is ended. Yes, I have bought store asparagus before now but only in extreme emergencies. But since I discovered Barrie's Asparagus Farm I have rarely used anything else, there is such a stupendous difference between farm fresh and store bought. For those of you who also like asparagus, I hope you have enjoyed this recipe journey. It, and my recipes, will be back next year. From now on we will be into more mundane foods.


Asparagus in Bed

Source: Asparagus Growers'Marketing Board

1 lb Ontario asparagus, trimmed
8 eggs
1 Tbs vinegar
2 Tbs unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbs fresh lemon juice
8 slices prosciutto
freshly grated pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 450º F (230º C). Steam or simmer asparagus just until tender-crisp, 3 to 5 minutes; drain well. Fill large skillet with water. Add vinegar and bring to simmer over medium heat. Slip eggs, one at a time, into simmering water; cook until whites are firm and yolks are just set. Remove eggs with slotted spoon and carefully blot dry with paper towel. (Eggs may be poached several hours in advance; transfer to bowl and cover with cold water. Drain well before proceeding.) Divide butter among 4 gratin dishes. Divide asparagus among dishes; drizzle with lemon juice. Drape proscuitto over top. Arrange 2 eggs on top of each prosciutto. Season with pepper to taste. Sprinkle cheese over top. Bake for 3 to 4 minutes or just until cheese melts. Serve immediately.

Servings: 4



Have a great day
 

26 comments:

  1. Sorry that the fresh asparagus has come to an end Jo. But you've had a great run with those recipes. I wonder what veggie you're going to highlight next. Or
    Keep us posted re your op. My mum had it done and it affected her mouth for awhile, strangely. :-)

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    1. Yes Denis, I guess I have. If fresh asparagus was available all year, I probably wouldn't go so nuts about it. Nothing will be highlighted particularly now.

      Interesting your mum had the op. I assume she is OK now?

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  2. The book sounds interesting....although I admit I bum hard when authors feel the need to give their characters hard to pronounce names. It slows my reading down as I stumble over them. Recipes sounds awesome! Although with just the two of us I'd have to cut the recipe in half.

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    1. The name of the character is Polish as the author is of Polish origins JoJo and she is reflecting her heritage. She tells you how to pronounce it at the end.

      I have to cut some of my recipes in half too or make them and freeze some. Couldn't freeze this though.

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  3. Can't get frozen asparagus? That's odd.

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    1. It is isn't it Alex. Don't see frozen corn either and I love that for the barbecue.

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  4. Your recipe looks delicious... will give it a go.
    Jo, take care of yourself. Carotid artery blockages are serious,,,,, as you well know. Strange, I also had a carotid u/s last week. Have not heard back yet, so no news is good news.

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    1. I hope so Patricia, I would call the doc and check just in case. It is a coincidence isn't it?

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  5. Cute cartoon :) Must be sad to see the asparagus season end locally. Wise not to drive until everything is worked out health wise.

    betty

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    1. I love the picture of the monkey trying to bat away the drones.

      I don't drive a lot anyway Betty, as Matt prefers to do so.

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  6. I'm thinking prosciutto might be difficult to find here - the good stuff, at least. Glad you better, sorry you're not driving yet. Haven't read Uprooted - sounds good.

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    1. I can get prosciutto easily here Dixie. I was never really ill just the one day. Now waiting on the specialist.

      It is a good book.

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  7. Hey Jo - I'm here to play catch-up and I see something about your artery. Glad you are not un-well but I also hope there is something to be done to help.

    Asparagus are crazy on sale here right now.

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    1. No sales here Ivy, but the farm sells them up to the end of tomorrow and that's it

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    2. We have lots of stores near by, where local farmers can sell their stuff at as well. It's nice. The only store that doesn't do that here, is Wally World. Because they don't give a rat's ass about local farmers or fresh produce.

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    3. We don't have a WM with a grocery store Ivy. I only buy asparagus direct from the farmer although there are a couple of good farmer's markets here but they are always too crowded for me.

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    4. I am not a fan of Wally World. It's a crap store and they don't care about local farmers. But the other stores near me, always sell local stuff in-season. Then we have farms and Farmer's Markets.

      Love that.

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    5. Me too Ivy, best to go straight to the farm if one can.

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    1. You've come in at the end of asparagus season J. Phill. I have been posting asparagus recipes since early May.

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  9. I love that cartoon-hahahaaa. The season is almost done I guess but, you are right, I have never seen frozen asparagus and I wonder why? Glad you are feeling ok and on top of things, health wise

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    1. I'm glad somebody else finds it funny Birgit. I don't know why we don't get frozen here.

      Yes, but concerned, with Canada Day in the middle, how long it's going to take to hear from the surgeon.

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  10. I love the picture of the baby crying over the end of the asparagus season. I've never been into fantasy books even though I love the Game of Thrones television series. I don't like romances either. I guess I'd have to say my preference is contemporary psychological thriller. Not being able to drive is a pain :( Stay well.

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    1. That's me now Pinky. I watched some of Game of Thrones but didn't like it. Read the books.

      Yes, I don't drive a lot, Matt does most of it these days, but....

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  11. Sorry for you loss of fresh asparagus. And I hope they fix the artery problem soon. Be well!

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    1. Yes, a sad loss Yolanda LOL. Me too, being a holiday today it may delay things though.

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