The smell of garlic slowly cooking in butter is only improved by the addition of shrimp, lemon and parsley. You could substitute 1 tbs of olive oil for 1 tbs of the butter if you wish – or use all olive oil. But we don't (usually) eat a lot of butter, so we indulge in this recipe. And, as long as all that lovely garlic is sizzling, we might as … Continue reading →
My local supermarket had cranberries yesterday. They looked a little long in the tooth – as if they’d been shipped from store to store, frantically looking for some one to buy them before they went totally toes-up. I declined. On principle, really. I mean, if you can’t get them on the shelves in a timely manner…. Besides, I’m done with the holidays, and cranberries are definitely ‘holiday’ to me. I … Continue reading →
Exciting times, chez nous. Mon mari is cleaning the barn / his shop. The first wall is done, built and even plastered! The inside of the room is for cool storage, wine, winter vegetables, and such. But on the outside he put up lots of shelves to store all of his bits and bobs. He really is (normally) a very neat, organized guy, but we’ve had everything so jammed in … Continue reading →
Done! In case you don’t remember…. this is the before. taken right after we had windows put in. This was taken this morning: A little different. The balcony is finished, a light installed above the door And, of course, a bit of trim: Lest you think that light was easy – remember, he had to drill the hole for the wire through 24″ thick stone blocks. (23.5″ (60cm) actually, I … Continue reading →
There are 2 kinds of people in this world: Those of you who are always prepared, had your homework done before you played and are always early for appointments. Those of us who put on make-up, make meeting notes and talk on the phone whilst speeding done the motorway, late, yet again. I am not the one in my seat 15 minutes before the curtain rises; I'm the one running … Continue reading →
Summer is all about salads. Big salads, small salads; pasta salads, barley salads and green salads. There is a plethora of main course salads around, on and off the internet. I’ve posted my share, and there will be more to come. For the most part, main course salads are meant to be made just before eating. Summer is also about easy. That’s when we turn to side salads. A big … Continue reading →
Alliums (onions, shallots, garlic, leeks, scallions, chives, etc) are good for us. They contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They offer cancer protection, anti-inflammatory benefits and support for bone and connective tissues. They add flavor and interest to savory foods. They can be hot, sweet or pungent…. Sometimes all three depending on cooking method. Speaking of which – can you imagine cooking without them? Leeks are coming to an … Continue reading →
