Coffee Pot, Exercises, VSM,

Serve a slice of summer with a tomato and cucumber salad. The vinaigrette is made with salty soy sauce, but before serving, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to add texture to the fresh tomatoes.

Well, that's never happened before. When I got up this morning, I made a pot of coffee. I had been meaning to clean the coffee maker for a few days so once the potful was made, I started the cleaning routine. I added 6 cups of vinegar mixed with water as directed. Set it going and nothing happened. The machine kept making explosive noises but no liquid came through. Eventually I topped it up with more vinegar and let it sit for a bit, I then turned it back on and the same thing happened. I kept on like this for a while letting it sit and then turning it back on. Sometimes the explosive noises were a bit scary. I started this at around 8:30 this morning. It finally ran right through, I then ran another mix of water an vinegar through it and now, at almost 3 in the afternoon, I am running clean water through the system. I guess it was thoroughly clogged, but I have never known a coffee pot to do that before. Especially as it had made a pot of coffee earlier. I will make sure to clean it sooner next time. I was beginning to worry it wouldn't clean at all at one point. Mind you, coffee pots get a lot of use round here. Matt doesn't drink coffee but I drink nothing else during the day. Decaf of course otherwise I guess I would be totally wired!!

Can't remember if I mentioned it, but I typed a list of the exercises and now I am not called to come and help any more. Makes a difference, I can get on with stuff whilst the PSWs are with Matt. Including trying to clean the coffee pot. Of course I have to do the exercises at night, Matt doesn't remember what to do and would always skip them anyway.

I want to go to Victoria St. Market but don't want to deal with the road works. Guess I will have to brave it as I am out of Italian sausages and flank steak. The sausages, in particular, I use for a favourite Instant Pot dish. I try not to cook them too often, but I do enjoy them. Matt wouldn't know how often I feed him with them luckily. Reminds me, have to print the recipe again as I gave the other one away.

I love tomatoes and I thought this salad would be delicious.

Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

1 lb tomatoes, thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 cup thinly sliced English cucumber
1 Tbs soy sauce
1 Tbs rice vinegar
2 tsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
2 medium scallions, dark green parts only, thinly sliced
1 medium serrano or jalapeno chile, thinly sliced crosswise
2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1/4 tsp flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
1/4 tsp black pepper

Arrange tomato and cucumber slices on a platter. Whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, and sugar in a small bowl until sugar dissolves. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of dressing over tomatoes and cucumbers, and top with scallions, chile, and sesame seeds. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with remaining dressing.

Servings: 6

Source: SOUTHERN LIVING

Have a great weekend, stay well, stay safe.