Category Archives: Food

21st Century Victory Gardens

Although not being quite old enough to have actually experienced the phenomenon of the victory gardens in WWI or WWII, the concept came to mind with regard to the current pandemic.  During war time, Americans were called on to grow food in whatever space they had.  To quote an article in the New York Times:  ‘that idea resonates as trips to the grocery store become fraught with fears of coronavirus exposure…’

Unknowingly, I had a victory garden of sorts underway….using kitchen scraps.  Weeks ago a sprouted Bermuda onion from my kitchen was the first contribution.  Next, potatoes that had begun to sprout were added,

along with some garlic cloves,

then a beet.

Finding that some loose peas had sprouted in the crisper, I dug a shallow trench for them.

 

I’ve recently done the same with tomato seeds.

Watching, what would have otherwise gone to compost, take root and sprout new life, is satisfying in its own right.  Being engaged in a productive activity which may yield food to be shared helps give purpose to these days of isolation.

Please share what is helping to give meaning and purpose to your life as we weather these days together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed under Art, Food, Garden, Inspiration

Day in LA…part 1

Los Angeles is rarely my destination of choice…however….a friend, a concert and the promise of an Italian meal tipped the scales.

the restaurant

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housed in a former bank building, the juxtaposition of grand architecture and contemporary decor…arresting

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open kitchen, pantry, and liquor cabinet…all fascinating.

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Intrigued by the design elements, I neglected to get a picture of the best lemon pasta ever!!!!

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Filed under Exteriors, Food, Interiors, Travel

One bowl

Always loving bowls; stacking, collecting, displaying…

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coming late to the trend – now embracing one bowl meals!

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satisfying the daily requirements:  taste, texture, tone

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limited only by imagination and the contents of the pantry!

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Filed under Food

Indian Summer…Santa Barbara

enjoying the harvest

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precious times

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Filed under Family history, Food, Garden, Seasons

a Boston wine bistro

Aquitaine

recently renovated

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mussels

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shaved brussel sprouts lyonnaise

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salmon with shared pommes frites

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grapefruit, raspberry, passion fruit sorbet

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 so reminiscent of L’Isle Sur la Sorgue……..

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Filed under Food, Travel

Eggplant

TABLE DECOR

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WATER COLOR SUBJECT

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DINNER

 …though not vegan or vegetarian; I’m inspired, nonetheless,  by ‘Love and Lemons’ – pure food, clean, minimalist photos…

eggplant sliced and salted

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let rest while making:

basil, arugula, walnut pesto

toast the walnuts,

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pulse together walnuts and one clove garlic,

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add two large handfuls fresh basil,

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one large handful arugula,

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juice of 1/2 lemon,  sea salt, freshly ground pepper, pulse again; add 1/4 olive oil, pulse to desired consistency.

Drizzle eggplant slices and tomatoes with olive oil, grill over medium-high heat, sprinkle with fresh cracked pepper,

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toast bread slices drizzled with olive oil,

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spread bread with pesto, add eggplant, tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, top with additional pesto.

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The eggplant:  attractive, useful, and delicious!!!!!!!!!!

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Filed under Art, Food

Kale

So GREEN!!!

having mixed it occasionally with other, lighter greens; an experiment – with trepidation –  using kale solo

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recipe for kale success:

remove all the stems

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sprinkle with coarse sea salt

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massage

(probably everyone knows to do this – I didn’t)

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use ingredients that balance kale’s bitter, musty flavor:

figs, cheese, green onions…

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dress with olive oil, balsamic, a drizzle of honey

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 result:  deliciously earthy…and healthy!!!

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Filed under Food

Postcard from summer…

yellow water melon – honeydew – mystery squash

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will they be as tasty as they are beautiful???

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Filed under Food, Postcards, Seasons

Garlic harvest

Crop diminished by the drought, blooms and heads smaller;

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flavor still excellent!!!!

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Filed under Food, Garden

‘Portlandia’ Part 2

 colors from the Portland farmer’s market

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although not dressed as colorfully as some, this ‘Portlandian’ has a heart of gold

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he treated my two cousins and me to this last piece of the best almond cake on earth!!!!

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According to the proprietor he treats someone each week – if you are in the right place at the right time……….!!!!

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Filed under Food, Travel