I used to love pop. Some families would have pizza with salad. We had pizza with coca-cola! For variety I would have a sprite or root beer. When I moved to Montreal, I would always have smoked meat sandwiches with cherry cola. Occasionally I would have an orange pop.
Now, I rarely drink pop. When I do, I am surprised at how sweet pop is. I drink it for nostalgia, now, but remembered orange pop when I was in Crete, and Fanta was on the menu. I had heard of a Fanta flavour that was Blueberry, so when I saw Fanta blue on the menu in Skepasti. Turns out, it was the sugar free version, and not blue at all.
I looked it up when I got home. Fanta was a German company, named after Fantasie, German:(use your) Imagination, to substitute for Coca-Cola during America's trade embargo of Nazi Germany in 1940. Eventually Fanta was relaunched by Coca-Cola. The orange flavour started in Naples with local oranges. Over 90 flavours have been marketed worldwide. In Canada, we have orange, grape and cream soda.
I may have to wait until I visit New Zealnad to try the Blueberry and Strawberry Sherbet flavours.
Friday, October 26, 2018
Thursday, October 25, 2018
AN INTROVERT'S MANIFESTO
I am an introvert. Probably I am a shy introvert. But I have spent my career trying to live as the expected extrovert, and learning some very bad habits.
My job, like many in public service, puts me in contact with a lot of people. Professionalism does not allow me to avoid the very thing that takes my energy. I must talk to patients and staff and families, be interrupted from tasks to communicate and act. Sometimes it takes me days to recover.
But before this was my job, it was more acceptable to be a quiet observer and thinker. I was a student, after all, and spent hours every week in my own head, praised for my conscientiousness and careful work, and given hours of time to process and evaluate per hour of class interaction.
Back then, when I was asked what animal I most identified with, it was a deer. A lot has changed. If you ask me today what animal I most identify with, it is a shark.
So what has happened?
In the last twenty, maybe 30 or 40 or 50 years, our society has become obsessed with efficiency (because this makes things cheaper), and performance is often based on the appearance of efficiency. Those who act are valued over those slow to act. But reacting isn't the best solution long term. You need to create the way the world flows past you, not just be able to swim in the stream. Acting with purpose and forethought is how an introvent best creates a better environment.
So I have realized, after twenty five years of cultural indoctrination, that I have lost my skills as an introvert, but react with the best of them, living in a stress response state like a shark. I am almost never, even at home in my own family environment, acting in an unstressed introverted way. I have lost my skills to listen, consider, and even be conscientious. I am trying to find a way to express myself, and not be a doormat, but often speak up to even the "fairness" of the conversation balance, and find myself unskilled in turning into my words into something practical.
I am trying to rediscover these skills, and give myself time to recouperate. I am trying to be alone without feeling lonely. I am trying to resist the urge to believe my culture that I am not as good as someone who recharges around people and doesn't find themselves in their most stressed state most of the time at work. It's a work in progress; like most everything.
Sometimes I imagine a world where my boss schedules me with a day off every couple of shifts so that I recouperate my energy. Where my colleagues would think twice about interrupting for every single thought they have, considering that I was "thinking", and waiting until they had done their full assessment before asking me what was already documented. I wonder what it would be like if the doctor who led a trauma or a code who was quiet would be listened to, instead of being talked over or pushed aside. I wonder what a band of misfit introverts could do in our system if we had power and control over the budget. Keep dreaming.
My job, like many in public service, puts me in contact with a lot of people. Professionalism does not allow me to avoid the very thing that takes my energy. I must talk to patients and staff and families, be interrupted from tasks to communicate and act. Sometimes it takes me days to recover.
But before this was my job, it was more acceptable to be a quiet observer and thinker. I was a student, after all, and spent hours every week in my own head, praised for my conscientiousness and careful work, and given hours of time to process and evaluate per hour of class interaction.
Back then, when I was asked what animal I most identified with, it was a deer. A lot has changed. If you ask me today what animal I most identify with, it is a shark.
So what has happened?
In the last twenty, maybe 30 or 40 or 50 years, our society has become obsessed with efficiency (because this makes things cheaper), and performance is often based on the appearance of efficiency. Those who act are valued over those slow to act. But reacting isn't the best solution long term. You need to create the way the world flows past you, not just be able to swim in the stream. Acting with purpose and forethought is how an introvent best creates a better environment.
So I have realized, after twenty five years of cultural indoctrination, that I have lost my skills as an introvert, but react with the best of them, living in a stress response state like a shark. I am almost never, even at home in my own family environment, acting in an unstressed introverted way. I have lost my skills to listen, consider, and even be conscientious. I am trying to find a way to express myself, and not be a doormat, but often speak up to even the "fairness" of the conversation balance, and find myself unskilled in turning into my words into something practical.
I am trying to rediscover these skills, and give myself time to recouperate. I am trying to be alone without feeling lonely. I am trying to resist the urge to believe my culture that I am not as good as someone who recharges around people and doesn't find themselves in their most stressed state most of the time at work. It's a work in progress; like most everything.
Sometimes I imagine a world where my boss schedules me with a day off every couple of shifts so that I recouperate my energy. Where my colleagues would think twice about interrupting for every single thought they have, considering that I was "thinking", and waiting until they had done their full assessment before asking me what was already documented. I wonder what it would be like if the doctor who led a trauma or a code who was quiet would be listened to, instead of being talked over or pushed aside. I wonder what a band of misfit introverts could do in our system if we had power and control over the budget. Keep dreaming.
A TIPPING POINT (OF TIP DIPPING)
Sometimes what is done for years even decades makes no sense. I might notice. You might notice. But most people don't until one day something happens and it changes everything. Your knowledge didn't make the change. The people didn't make the change. But something happens, and it all changes.
I noticed today at Skate Canada, which I was privileged to attend thanks to a friend's friend's complimentary ticket, a few skaters with ombré hair. They looked nice. For years and years, peers and hairdressers have suggested that I should get highlights. I have always hated them. In my middle age group, it looks too obvious, and within days the roots show even if it was perfectly executed on the day of the hair appointment. I have seen twenty year old women highlight their hair, and look middle aged. I have never seen a highlighted hair that didn't look fake. To me it made no sense. But many many people relied on this. Spent a fortune getting them, and manically tried to maintain them. It never made sense to me.
Enter the recent trend of ombré hair. Back in the 80s men were getting their hair tips done, usually blond. It was laughed at later, but it was never applied to the permed highlight hair of women until the last decade. And it has changed everything. No longer fighting the growing hair, it could grow with the hair. Young women looked sophisticated and their age. Older women didn't have to worry about "growing the highlights out". It was enough to break the trend of highlights, much to my relief. But it came from a tipping point unrelated to sensibility. It was based on aesthetic, and took more than one generation to change it. It wasn't chosen, but it happened nonethless.
So, if something doesn't make sense, and you wish it was otherwise, sometimes it has nothing to do with convincing others to agree with you. Sometimes it just needs a different, hopefully better idea to replace the former one.
I noticed today at Skate Canada, which I was privileged to attend thanks to a friend's friend's complimentary ticket, a few skaters with ombré hair. They looked nice. For years and years, peers and hairdressers have suggested that I should get highlights. I have always hated them. In my middle age group, it looks too obvious, and within days the roots show even if it was perfectly executed on the day of the hair appointment. I have seen twenty year old women highlight their hair, and look middle aged. I have never seen a highlighted hair that didn't look fake. To me it made no sense. But many many people relied on this. Spent a fortune getting them, and manically tried to maintain them. It never made sense to me.
Enter the recent trend of ombré hair. Back in the 80s men were getting their hair tips done, usually blond. It was laughed at later, but it was never applied to the permed highlight hair of women until the last decade. And it has changed everything. No longer fighting the growing hair, it could grow with the hair. Young women looked sophisticated and their age. Older women didn't have to worry about "growing the highlights out". It was enough to break the trend of highlights, much to my relief. But it came from a tipping point unrelated to sensibility. It was based on aesthetic, and took more than one generation to change it. It wasn't chosen, but it happened nonethless.
So, if something doesn't make sense, and you wish it was otherwise, sometimes it has nothing to do with convincing others to agree with you. Sometimes it just needs a different, hopefully better idea to replace the former one.
Monday, October 15, 2018
VEGETARIAN (NOT SPICY) TOM YUM SOUP
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
BUTTERNUT SQUASH QUICHES
 |
| Bought puff pastry, 400 F 15 minutes with 5 minutes oven off, cheddar at the bottom, then squash, then 5 eggs to 1/2 cup milk, 30 mL of flour, salt and pepper. Overfilled, crisp bottoms (most not soggy) but terrible inconsistency! Would not get by the Great Canadian or British Baking judges. Extra balls in sugar and cinnamon. Butternut squash purée with milk and extra sugar and cinnamon for dessert. Filling and satisfying. |
LANTERNS AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
La grue= The crane
In Chinese culture, cranes are symbols of good fortune and longevity. They are often depicted as celestial mounts for the Immortals and the Dead. The phoenix and the crane are the favorite birds of Chinese painters. The expression, " A crane among hens", refers to an individual who stands head and shoulders above the crowd, both literally and figuratively.
It was a night in extreme contrast to the year before. The last time we went, it was also dusk, but the weather was unseasonably warm for September and the masses were incredible! This year, they had the forsight to sell tickets by a time slot, but by 6 pm it was pouring rain. We were well dressed, and had an umbrella and rainboots, but the paths were rivers and the tour was not easy, despite it being nearly deserted. Still, although I didn't take as many pictures, it was an incredible experience to see the sun set and the lanterns glow. The twinning of Shanghai and Montreal remains a great joy to me. My friend from Wu Xi said the stones are from her home town. The Japanese Garden has a twin too. Montreal and Hiroshima share that honor, and the story of the rejuvenation of that city was inspiring. I was able to share the story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes with Princess Pirate. She is Japan's Terry Fox, and the story came out in 1977, with Terry's Marathon of Hope in 1980. Both are legends to my generation, and, I hope, a continued inspiration to my daughter's.
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| Pumpkin decorating contest never fails to impress |
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| Last day for the lotus seed moon cakes. I feel like I didn't miss the autumn festival after all! |
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| The He Luo You was the centerpiece of the show this year. This creature was born in Inner Mongolia, in a tributary of the Yellow River, and has one head, 10 bodies and barks like a dog. It can turn into a bird, but is terrified, and hides, when it hears thunder. (Unless it is coming from the neighbouring Indigenous gardens!) |
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| Rainbow phoenix, my spirit animal |
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
FORTIES AND FAILING IT
My daughter came home from school today, upset. She had been working hard at a poster project, and her teacher criticized that it was too little in so much time. In 50 minutes she had drawn an oval and two hands. This is not uncommon, but having her teacher call her out on it was. She felt like a failure.
I did my best to re-frame the day. She admitted that it was a pretty great day otherwise. I told her I loved her, and that I had never seen her fail yet, and that the only way she would fail is to give up now. I asked her how she felt when I "failed" the triathlon, placing in the bottom 1% and she had to admit that she was proud.
But tonight, when she said she was ready for bed, I walked through the house to her bedroom and saw everything that I asked her to take care of every day done badly or not at all. Her clothes from tonight and this morning were on the ground. Her bookbag was stuffed with loose crushed papers. Her coat was on the floor instead of the empty hangar. Her shoes were knotted from when she removed them. So instead of being the mom that I wanted to be, I took every careless act as a personal insult, and I felt ashamed. Ashamed that I let others take advantage of me. Ashamed that I let her have playtime after school instead of doing chores, because I think she needs it, but maybe I'm not completely okay with. Ashamed that I can so carefully explain the simple rules I ask to be honoured over and over, and to be completely ignored. So I freaked out, and made her correct all these "failures" before she went to bed.
They say that the forties is when you know who you are, and have the confidence to be who you are. Some of my friends have things organized: menu planning, house routines, time to paint and run 10 k and something of value to teach others. I feel like I am constantly made aware of my failings, but I have never been more disorganized. I can't seem to set a routine and keep it, whether in menu planning, housework, work work. And instead of having an ally of 15 years and share stories of the same timeframe, I am gun shy, anxious, and way oversensitive to shame.
I guess I'll have to listen to my own advice, and try again tomorrow. Here's to hoping that in my fifties, I will finally feel comfortable in my own skin again, and, even before, not overreact so strongly to laundry on the floor, and next time, like the politician's advise, trust but verify.
I did my best to re-frame the day. She admitted that it was a pretty great day otherwise. I told her I loved her, and that I had never seen her fail yet, and that the only way she would fail is to give up now. I asked her how she felt when I "failed" the triathlon, placing in the bottom 1% and she had to admit that she was proud.
But tonight, when she said she was ready for bed, I walked through the house to her bedroom and saw everything that I asked her to take care of every day done badly or not at all. Her clothes from tonight and this morning were on the ground. Her bookbag was stuffed with loose crushed papers. Her coat was on the floor instead of the empty hangar. Her shoes were knotted from when she removed them. So instead of being the mom that I wanted to be, I took every careless act as a personal insult, and I felt ashamed. Ashamed that I let others take advantage of me. Ashamed that I let her have playtime after school instead of doing chores, because I think she needs it, but maybe I'm not completely okay with. Ashamed that I can so carefully explain the simple rules I ask to be honoured over and over, and to be completely ignored. So I freaked out, and made her correct all these "failures" before she went to bed.
They say that the forties is when you know who you are, and have the confidence to be who you are. Some of my friends have things organized: menu planning, house routines, time to paint and run 10 k and something of value to teach others. I feel like I am constantly made aware of my failings, but I have never been more disorganized. I can't seem to set a routine and keep it, whether in menu planning, housework, work work. And instead of having an ally of 15 years and share stories of the same timeframe, I am gun shy, anxious, and way oversensitive to shame.
I guess I'll have to listen to my own advice, and try again tomorrow. Here's to hoping that in my fifties, I will finally feel comfortable in my own skin again, and, even before, not overreact so strongly to laundry on the floor, and next time, like the politician's advise, trust but verify.
SIMPLE SUPPER
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| A roasted butternut squash has gone a long way. Tonight, it was reheated and mashed with margarine to creamy deliciousness. Spaghetti with leftover PC roasted garlic tomato sauce and Yves (meatless) veggie meatballs. My go-to apple celery salad. A perfect fall meal with little fuss. |
Saturday, October 6, 2018
GIVING THANKS FROM THANKSGIVINGS PAST
“Gottselig: Blessed of God"
I am so thankful all those years [growing up] to have an ally. He was my encyclopedia, my atlas, my defender, my playmate, and my hero for many years! I am so grateful!”
I am so thankful all those years [growing up] to have an ally. He was my encyclopedia, my atlas, my defender, my playmate, and my hero for many years! I am so grateful!”
GRANDPA
1997-08-04 Montreal
My grandpa was a farmer. I got a bit of a skewed view because for as long as I could remember, he and grandma lived in town. But for many of his farming years he lived out on the "old homestead" as my mom and grandma called it. My mom was born out on the farm, in "the old house". It had been abandoned for a number of years and vandals had hastened its decay. To my mother it must have been a tragic sight, to see her home destroyed over the years, without being able to do anything about it. But for me, it was just another site for adventure. The farm was a place of safety and warmth, because it reminded me of my grandpa, and my grandpa was safe and warm.
My grandpa had the best hands. To this day I judge a man by his hands, but never have met up to my grandpa's hands. They were the widest, strongest fingers you ever saw. Almost always they were filthy - stained with oil from the never ending repair of farm equipment or just plain old dirt from the day's work. But they were gentle. They could hold an injured bird with the utmost care. They could brush away a tear, hold you oh so tight, or guide in a polka around the living room floor.
Editor's note:
October 10, 2018
My mom reminded me that she was born in the Regina General Hospital, but that Grandpa had indeed been born in the old house.
My grandpa was a farmer. I got a bit of a skewed view because for as long as I could remember, he and grandma lived in town. But for many of his farming years he lived out on the "old homestead" as my mom and grandma called it. My mom was born out on the farm, in "the old house". It had been abandoned for a number of years and vandals had hastened its decay. To my mother it must have been a tragic sight, to see her home destroyed over the years, without being able to do anything about it. But for me, it was just another site for adventure. The farm was a place of safety and warmth, because it reminded me of my grandpa, and my grandpa was safe and warm.
My grandpa had the best hands. To this day I judge a man by his hands, but never have met up to my grandpa's hands. They were the widest, strongest fingers you ever saw. Almost always they were filthy - stained with oil from the never ending repair of farm equipment or just plain old dirt from the day's work. But they were gentle. They could hold an injured bird with the utmost care. They could brush away a tear, hold you oh so tight, or guide in a polka around the living room floor.
Editor's note:
October 10, 2018
My mom reminded me that she was born in the Regina General Hospital, but that Grandpa had indeed been born in the old house.
I WAS ALWAYS A LOVER OF BEAUTY
18-05-1995 on return from my "dream year"
"I am a lover of beauty. But more than that, I love the wonder that beauty instills. I am thankful that I am simple enough in intellect to be amazed every time I look at the prairie sky or gaze at a familiar mountain range or ponder the intricacies of the human body. I live in wonder...
"I am a lover of beauty. But more than that, I love the wonder that beauty instills. I am thankful that I am simple enough in intellect to be amazed every time I look at the prairie sky or gaze at a familiar mountain range or ponder the intricacies of the human body. I live in wonder...
- Tonight I sleep with my window open for Gerdien. I did situps in Tracy's memory. I say, "Yeah!!" for Fran and "Yup" for Uli. I stare at the face of an acquaintance in wonder as I see another's personality, and marvel at a personality so familiar, yet known in a different habitus. Amazing!
- I long to express this beauty, this wonder but am satisfied with the ability to wonder and to see this beauty.
- I am 23 and still don't know what the purpose of my life should be. Wonderment? Help? Mourning? Which or how much of each?
A HOME
Rummaging through a box of old papers, I found a single lined looseleaf paper with this list. Some are simple. Others are lofty. Not too hard to put together, except maybe the ten foot ceilings, and a piano. I have proved for over 2 decades that I can live without either and still feel at home!😂
This was the exact order:
-couch
-garbage and kleenex in every room
-bathroom deodorizer
-bubble bath, specialty coffee or hot chocolate or russian tea
-alarm clock with snooze
-bedside lamp
-fulllength mirror
-10 foot ceilings if possible
-fireplace
"library" (bookshelves)
-piano
-slippers, blankets and pillows
-plush rugs in the bathroom (bedroom, living room)
-books
This was the exact order:
-couch
-garbage and kleenex in every room
-bathroom deodorizer
-bubble bath, specialty coffee or hot chocolate or russian tea
-alarm clock with snooze
-bedside lamp
-fulllength mirror
-10 foot ceilings if possible
-fireplace
"library" (bookshelves)
-piano
-slippers, blankets and pillows
-plush rugs in the bathroom (bedroom, living room)
-books
Friday, October 5, 2018
FIRST FORAY INTO A MEAL PREPARATION PICKUP: EVOILA5
EVOILA5, a chain of pickups with : 5 bags, 5 recipes, 5 generous meals
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| Amazing organization - count A to E |
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| Meal A: Suprising amount of plastic. Not impressed. |
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| Thai Meatballs and cabbage salad. Fabulous flavours! Not used to no carbs though. 3-4 were enough. Added more raisins than provided for a little needed balance. |
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| Meal B: Out of bags. Not vegetarian friendly, but popular with Princess Pirate |
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| Should have covered - remove and cut if goal is anything short of well cooked , and double time or slice to cook faster |
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| Canned peas was a warning, so I made acorn squash mashed potatoes, as the rice provided was not popular. Heavy but delicious cream cheese sauce. Very filling, and a happy meal with roasted parmesan acorn squash as an appetizer, while waiting for the meal to cook. |
PARTY TRICKS I AM PRACTICING
3.14
15 (one more)
92 ( add the first digits and reverse: 1 + 1 = 2, 4 + 5= 9; 29<=>92)
65 (age of retirement norm)
35 (age of last pregnancy)
89 (grad year, Berlin Wall fell)
79 ( -10)
3238 (watch for the mirror)
46 (current age)
26 (-20)
43
3832 (mirror closes)
79 (repeat)
50 (half a century)
28 (the perfect age)
84 (LA Olympics)
1971 (YOB)
69
39 (-30)
93 (mirrors 39)
75 (3/4 of a century)
TWO EVENINGS MEALS: TWO DICHOTOMIES
Last night I went out with some colleagues after work that had begun at 7. It was in part to have time with colleagues that I don't usually have a chance to hang out with, and part to check out a Notre-Dame restaurant called Liverpool House for $85. Turns out it wasn't going to be that easy.
First, a few of the group were smoking out front, and then out back, over and over again. Some were greeted with squeals of delight, and others were ignored or greeted tepidly.
Second, while everyone else started with cocktails ( a lot of whisky sours), I was saving my glass of wine for dinner.
Third, the food was diverse and phenomenal.Very carnivorous. Very fat. Steak and f There were two slices of cake to share among the four of us to end it all. It was worth the splurge! Here are a few pictures:
Fourth, next was a bottle of reisling from Alsace in the longest bottle I had ever seen, and then a red with the fattest squatest bottle. A bottle of cognac was brought out and left. At last minute, a couple people drank a lot of it in short order. I had one glass of white and one of red. The white was cold and the red was oaky.
Fifth, we had a good time, laughing and talking shop and reminiscing and looking forward.
Sixth, the price was announced at the end, split among those of us "drinking". This was a record, and at first I thought it was a joke. My splurge went from $85 plus tax, totally worth it, to $380, wait, WHAT?! Someone was taking advantage, and it wasn't me!
It was timely that a colleague was leaving west and offered me a ride home.
Fortunately my shift today started at 9 am, so for the second evening after work, I went out with colleagues.
First, when our chosen restaurant for the best Indian food was closed for a water main closure, my friend came to pick us up and we drove the second best restaurant called Indian Curry House in the city together. We greeted each other in equal enthusiasm, and laughed from the beginning to end.
Second, we all poured each other water in goblets from a generous pitcher and passed on alcohol all evening. It was perfect!
Third, the food was diverse and phenomenal! My friends allowed me to chose a palak paneer, then ordered the tester butter chicken, and we balanced it out with aloo gobi and the showstopper lamb korma. There was no time to take pictures!
Fourth, we all had a naan, and a lentil soup and rice, and still had leftovers.
Fifth, we had a good time, laughing and talking shop and reminescing and looking forward.
Sixth, the bill came and my friends both tried to pay for it. A even took all three cards and transparently tried to line up to pay by lying that he would split it for us. Of course he couldn't, and we called his bluff, and we split the bill 3 ways. With tax and tip, it came to $23.30. No one took advantage, and I wished I had more time with these two men I am proud to call friends in our perfectly MAD little club.
I vow to avoid people like the former and eat more with the latter. Eat within my budget. Eat with my friends. Eat more vegetables. Drink a glass of wine, but next time only when I know the price!
Editor's note:
I asked the cohort what was up with the bill after the fact, and a colleague offered to pay $300 of my bill. That made the evening a whole lot nicer. He apparently adored the wine a lot!I initially declined, because I still don't see why someone didn't own up to the mistake, but he was adament that he felt it was fair, and I was happy to be reimbursed!
First, a few of the group were smoking out front, and then out back, over and over again. Some were greeted with squeals of delight, and others were ignored or greeted tepidly.
Second, while everyone else started with cocktails ( a lot of whisky sours), I was saving my glass of wine for dinner.
Third, the food was diverse and phenomenal.Very carnivorous. Very fat. Steak and f There were two slices of cake to share among the four of us to end it all. It was worth the splurge! Here are a few pictures:
 |
| Oysters from the maritimes with seafood sauce, lemon and horseradish |
 |
| Razorback clams with Romanesco broccoli, mayo and roe. The showstopper! |
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| Fall salad with pepitas, parmesan and the sweetest tenderest greens |
 |
| Foie gras and skillet cinnamon brioche |
 |
| Lobster and cod |
Fourth, next was a bottle of reisling from Alsace in the longest bottle I had ever seen, and then a red with the fattest squatest bottle. A bottle of cognac was brought out and left. At last minute, a couple people drank a lot of it in short order. I had one glass of white and one of red. The white was cold and the red was oaky.
 |
| 2007 was the year apparently! The tall bottles of Germany and Alsace are called hock and they contain riesling and gewürztraminer |
 |
| The culprit: a magnum of Brunello di Montalcino |
Fifth, we had a good time, laughing and talking shop and reminiscing and looking forward.
Sixth, the price was announced at the end, split among those of us "drinking". This was a record, and at first I thought it was a joke. My splurge went from $85 plus tax, totally worth it, to $380, wait, WHAT?! Someone was taking advantage, and it wasn't me!
It was timely that a colleague was leaving west and offered me a ride home.
Fortunately my shift today started at 9 am, so for the second evening after work, I went out with colleagues.
First, when our chosen restaurant for the best Indian food was closed for a water main closure, my friend came to pick us up and we drove the second best restaurant called Indian Curry House in the city together. We greeted each other in equal enthusiasm, and laughed from the beginning to end.
Second, we all poured each other water in goblets from a generous pitcher and passed on alcohol all evening. It was perfect!
Third, the food was diverse and phenomenal! My friends allowed me to chose a palak paneer, then ordered the tester butter chicken, and we balanced it out with aloo gobi and the showstopper lamb korma. There was no time to take pictures!
Fourth, we all had a naan, and a lentil soup and rice, and still had leftovers.
Fifth, we had a good time, laughing and talking shop and reminescing and looking forward.
Sixth, the bill came and my friends both tried to pay for it. A even took all three cards and transparently tried to line up to pay by lying that he would split it for us. Of course he couldn't, and we called his bluff, and we split the bill 3 ways. With tax and tip, it came to $23.30. No one took advantage, and I wished I had more time with these two men I am proud to call friends in our perfectly MAD little club.
I vow to avoid people like the former and eat more with the latter. Eat within my budget. Eat with my friends. Eat more vegetables. Drink a glass of wine, but next time only when I know the price!
Editor's note:
I asked the cohort what was up with the bill after the fact, and a colleague offered to pay $300 of my bill. That made the evening a whole lot nicer. He apparently adored the wine a lot!I initially declined, because I still don't see why someone didn't own up to the mistake, but he was adament that he felt it was fair, and I was happy to be reimbursed!
Monday, October 1, 2018
FALL COOKING MEANS ROASTING SQUASH AND MAKING SOUPS
It's been a week since the temperature dropped and it has officially turned fall. The house has been warm at 20-21 degrees but this doesn't seem warm anymore, and I am in the mood for cooking soups and baking again. That means when I go grocery shopping, I come home with squashes and fat unique looking sweet potatoes that beg to be roasted and transformed.
I have made from perfect onions, carrots and celery a mirepoux and my favourite lentil soup. I have been considering what to do with an acorn squash when I realized that it was labelled a pepper squash. I can't tell the difference, but it did inspire a couple of searches and some really great leads to recipe blogs that I am having a hard time leaving to get on with the business of life today! Wikipedia confirmed I am right. Acorn squash is pepper squash which is also known as Des Moines squash. Ironically, I only think of them in the fall and winter, but they are actually from the family of summer squashes!
Martha's roasting of acorn squash is perfection. 425 degree oven. Cut in half, seed, and trim flat to sit open for serving, but roast face down on buttered baking sheet (silpat ideal) , 20-25 minutes. Turn up and season, baking another 25-30 minutes until tender and golden. 1 T butter and 1 T brown sugar, or 1 T butter and 1 T parmesan, or bake two and make dinner and dessert!
Caroline's blog is beautiful and inspired by travel. Her recipes are organized by her inspirations, and many I share with her, so I am in love!
Another lead is 20 Acorn Squash Recipes from Country Living. Both of these sites have a lot of distracting ads, so this is the ad-free jist of it if you don't like the link:
1. Stuffed with spiced mexican beef (garlic, onion, cumin, cayenned pepper), rice and beans. Garnish with cilantro, fresh tomato, grated cheese and green onion. Serve with avocado, tomato, or green salad.
2. Bake sweet: maple butter and pecans (blue cheese sparingly if desired).
3. Roast in crescents (Microwave whole squash 4 minutes to make easier to cut, then half and cut 1/2 inch slices and bake, brushed with oil, at 375F for 20-25 minutes), and serve with cranberries, goat cheese and a balsamic glaze (reduce 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 T glaze). Sprinkle with rosemary, salt and pepper to taste.
4. Curried coconut squash soup. Saute 1 onion and 1 carrot. Add 1roasted squash, half a diced apple, 1 t ginger, 1 t turmeric, 14 oz of coconut milk, 1 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
5. Stuffed with wild rice, sausage and cranberry and served as "boats"! Prepare rice and sausage, and add to sautéd onion and garlic. Mix in dried cranberries, pecans and parsley, and season to taste. Bake at 400F for 10 minutes until heated through.
6. As another vehicle, this time for spinach parmesan artichoke dip.
7. Drizzled with maple-bacon and rosemary.
8. Stuffing on your choice. (In this case: leek, Swiss chard, garlic, breadcrumbs, raisins, pine nuts and feta.) Buttery spiced brussel sprout dressing or turnip carrot bake works too!
9. Puree with pear, ginger, sage, allspice and cream, and serve with sugar and butter glazed almonds.
10. Make it paleo: onion, garlic, sausage, coconut oil, apple, spinach, rosemary and thyme.
11. Roast as a crescent snacks with parmesan and garlic salt.
12. Gratiné: Brown sausage with onions and red peppers, and bake covered in shredded cheese.
13. Filled with cranberry walnut quinoa stuffing. I don't think I'd bake this, but just serve warm. Make quinoa in broth, sauté with onion, garlic, and finely chopped mushrooms. Season with sage and thyme, salt and pepper.
14. Breakfast food!(?) Fill with granola, yogurt and sprinkle with dried fruit and seeds.
15. Roast in patatas bravas size with rosemary and garlic, and serve like home fries. Stongly suggest, as with potatoes, to boil briefly, then roast for best results. 475F 10-20 minutes until golden.
16. Lasagne!
17. Mushroom and quinoa stuffing with pomegranate and fresh basil and balsamic vinegar garnish!
18. Roasted apple onion acorn soup. Roast even chunks in a pan at 400 F 30-40 minutes. Blend with 2 cups stock. Quick and easy!
19. Gnocchi! This gets my daughter's vote today on Election Day and led me to Caroline's cooking. 1 lb of potato=1 lb of squash, 1 egg, 1 cup flour. Roll and boil or flash freeze separately.
20. Molasses cookies
I'd better go make some lunch now! Turning on the oven to roast that squash!
I have made from perfect onions, carrots and celery a mirepoux and my favourite lentil soup. I have been considering what to do with an acorn squash when I realized that it was labelled a pepper squash. I can't tell the difference, but it did inspire a couple of searches and some really great leads to recipe blogs that I am having a hard time leaving to get on with the business of life today! Wikipedia confirmed I am right. Acorn squash is pepper squash which is also known as Des Moines squash. Ironically, I only think of them in the fall and winter, but they are actually from the family of summer squashes!
Martha's roasting of acorn squash is perfection. 425 degree oven. Cut in half, seed, and trim flat to sit open for serving, but roast face down on buttered baking sheet (silpat ideal) , 20-25 minutes. Turn up and season, baking another 25-30 minutes until tender and golden. 1 T butter and 1 T brown sugar, or 1 T butter and 1 T parmesan, or bake two and make dinner and dessert!
Caroline's blog is beautiful and inspired by travel. Her recipes are organized by her inspirations, and many I share with her, so I am in love!
Another lead is 20 Acorn Squash Recipes from Country Living. Both of these sites have a lot of distracting ads, so this is the ad-free jist of it if you don't like the link:
1. Stuffed with spiced mexican beef (garlic, onion, cumin, cayenned pepper), rice and beans. Garnish with cilantro, fresh tomato, grated cheese and green onion. Serve with avocado, tomato, or green salad.
2. Bake sweet: maple butter and pecans (blue cheese sparingly if desired).
3. Roast in crescents (Microwave whole squash 4 minutes to make easier to cut, then half and cut 1/2 inch slices and bake, brushed with oil, at 375F for 20-25 minutes), and serve with cranberries, goat cheese and a balsamic glaze (reduce 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 T glaze). Sprinkle with rosemary, salt and pepper to taste.
4. Curried coconut squash soup. Saute 1 onion and 1 carrot. Add 1roasted squash, half a diced apple, 1 t ginger, 1 t turmeric, 14 oz of coconut milk, 1 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
5. Stuffed with wild rice, sausage and cranberry and served as "boats"! Prepare rice and sausage, and add to sautéd onion and garlic. Mix in dried cranberries, pecans and parsley, and season to taste. Bake at 400F for 10 minutes until heated through.
6. As another vehicle, this time for spinach parmesan artichoke dip.
7. Drizzled with maple-bacon and rosemary.
8. Stuffing on your choice. (In this case: leek, Swiss chard, garlic, breadcrumbs, raisins, pine nuts and feta.) Buttery spiced brussel sprout dressing or turnip carrot bake works too!
9. Puree with pear, ginger, sage, allspice and cream, and serve with sugar and butter glazed almonds.
10. Make it paleo: onion, garlic, sausage, coconut oil, apple, spinach, rosemary and thyme.
11. Roast as a crescent snacks with parmesan and garlic salt.
12. Gratiné: Brown sausage with onions and red peppers, and bake covered in shredded cheese.
13. Filled with cranberry walnut quinoa stuffing. I don't think I'd bake this, but just serve warm. Make quinoa in broth, sauté with onion, garlic, and finely chopped mushrooms. Season with sage and thyme, salt and pepper.
14. Breakfast food!(?) Fill with granola, yogurt and sprinkle with dried fruit and seeds.
15. Roast in patatas bravas size with rosemary and garlic, and serve like home fries. Stongly suggest, as with potatoes, to boil briefly, then roast for best results. 475F 10-20 minutes until golden.
16. Lasagne!
17. Mushroom and quinoa stuffing with pomegranate and fresh basil and balsamic vinegar garnish!
18. Roasted apple onion acorn soup. Roast even chunks in a pan at 400 F 30-40 minutes. Blend with 2 cups stock. Quick and easy!
19. Gnocchi! This gets my daughter's vote today on Election Day and led me to Caroline's cooking. 1 lb of potato=1 lb of squash, 1 egg, 1 cup flour. Roll and boil or flash freeze separately.
20. Molasses cookies
I'd better go make some lunch now! Turning on the oven to roast that squash!
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