tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27739427453003652182024-03-13T13:25:39.587-07:00C'est DarciC'est Darci (pronounced "say Darci" and in French means "it is Darci") She is a Poulsbo, Washington foodie who explores, celebrates and cooks with local, seasonal and organically inspired ingredients whenever possible.C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-41473839805418389972013-11-03T21:08:00.003-08:002013-11-03T21:08:51.111-08:00Farm>Market>Table<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poulsbofarmersmarket.org/">Poulsbo's Saturday Farmers Market</a></td></tr>
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For many of us who don't live on a farm but love fantastically fresh, often natural and organic foods, the Farmer's Markets are such luscious connection from the purveyor's farm to our table(s)!<br />
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Their products are grown with pride and knowledge of peak seasonal flavors. Here are a few of the products purchased over the last few Saturdays at my local Poulsbo Farmers Market and how I prepared them at my home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackberries from Mt. Vernon</td></tr>
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My son and I made homemade blackberry jam together for the first time with these aubergene jewels! We had lots of fun with this process in spite of a minor burn (and subsequent first aid/drama) when the sugary concoction spit on my son's hand when he was stirring the final product. Hubby was pleased I <i>finally</i> used my <a href="http://weckjars.com/">Weck canning jars</a> I bought years ago at <a href="http://www.surlatable.com/">Sur La Table</a>. Son and I loved sharing the darling jars of purple goodness with neighbors, family and his teacher at school!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackberry jam in my Weck jars straight from the canner</td></tr>
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<br />Fall is full of richer more dense flavors in the Pacific Northwest like Chanterelle mushrooms. Cooking with them brings me back to my days as Sous Chef at <a href="http://cafejuanita.com/">Cafe Juanita in Kirkland</a>, WA. Then owner and founder Peter Dow, would use them in Pollo Chanterelle or Chanterelle Risotto. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chopped Chanterelles w/butter, shallots and nutmeg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasmine rice with fresh Chanterelle mushrooms</td></tr>
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For this meal, I used fluffy Jasmine Rice with chopped Chanterelles, sautéed in butter, shallots, nutmeg and sea salt. The rice is steamed in Chicken Stock for additional depth. This is a right of Fall passage dish in my life and I use it as a side dish most frequently. Feel free to add chicken or pork to make it a more substantial entree for a carnivore...like my boys.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.borrowedkitchenbakery.com/"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHOlhr6rq7P_MmA2b25NfUuZMOuly6CzQlcPCrYzItrjScHNXuTumLUVULfdh3bVyy2O7tVpacKrdM8KZhVdw9YMP-D5hKd04M7hB_wGnorfIh_SSYJSIlrWeKufDH2YbhLMVRA5L150/s400/IMG_6287.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.borrowedkitchenbakery.com/">Sourdough bread from Borrowed Kitchen Bakery</a></td></tr>
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This one's really decedent for our family as we don't choose to do white bread often but every blue moon, I weaken and buy some. For the record, no one at my house complains. We devour our favorite sourdough bread, this one from Borrowed Kitchen Bakery in nearby Kingston, WA. It was dense, moist, crusty and full of that tangy nature of sourdough that we adore.<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sourdough toast, poached eggs with Sriracha hot sauce and bacon for Saturday Brunch</td></tr>
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At the our house, we prefer a simple,yet hearty breakfast/brunch on the weekends and this fresh sourdough toast was a decedent treat to our usual whole wheat faire.<div>
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For dinner this weekend, chopped fresh, local leeks were sprinkled on some natural, boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a baking dish. Drizzled the poultry with some of my favorite Gerard's Italian dressing, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper and placed into a preheated oven for 40 minutes on 375 degrees on bake. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh organic leeks</td></tr>
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The leek studded chicken thighs were chopped, and added to a drained pot of whole wheat penne pasta and tossed with an Alfredo sauce. The local arugula salad was a simple Dijon balsamic vinaigrette made by my son and lightly hand-tossed.<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken and leek alfredo with fresh arugula salad</td></tr>
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<br />For Sunday afternoon Seahawks Game snack, it was Jose's Famous Salsa and fresh tortilla chips! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.josesfamoussalsa.com/">Jose's Famous Salsa and tortilla chips</a></td></tr>
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<br />Jose Garcia and his fantastic wife Angie, their kids and some staff have built their Sequim-based salsa making company selling at local farmers markets in Sequim, Port Angeles, Poulsbo and others. They're expanding to groceries and also offer luscious guacamole, frozen homemade tamales, ready-to-eath tamales, and ceviche at their Farm stands. They also opened Jose's Taqueria in Sequim which is also simple, lovely, flavorful and authentic Mexican cuisine. Look for them and buy a quart of salsa and a dozen frozen tamales...I did! So far it's Sunday night and we still have some left-<i>barely</i>.<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last of the seasons tomatoes</td></tr>
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This kaleidoscope of tomatoes are such a treat this late in the season! So many ways to enjoy them and often it's the most simple for us; thickly sliced, drizzled with Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground sea salt and cracked pepper. Another option, we sliced them and made Sourdough sandwiches with roasted chicken, mayo and more Sriracha sauce. We like to "bring on the heat" at our house!<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rainbow of Fall pumpkins, gourds and squashes</td></tr>
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<br />These pumpkins couldn't be passed up, it was simply a choice of which size, shape and color...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My front porch with my seasonal gourds and pumpkins</td></tr>
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In time for Halloween and still good through Thanksgiving, the entry of my house showcasing my treasures from the Poulsbo Farmers Market. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoofing it to our Poulsbo's Farmers Market</td></tr>
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Each Saturday brings inspiration from meeting those who proudly grow, make, bake, weave, cook, carve, butcher and sell their goods for use in our lives.</div>
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Visit your local Farmer's Markets this week and what treats you can bring from the farm to your table!</div>
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Chow for now my friends!</div>
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C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-71173375367026590332013-10-01T12:04:00.003-07:002013-10-01T12:11:21.087-07:00A little "slice" of heaven in Poulsbo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sluy's family owned bakery opened in the late 1960's</td></tr>
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Some shops are a "must-stop" in a town and I've found that in our new-to-us town, that shop is Sluys Bakery!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the "must-stops" in Poulsbo</td></tr>
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I even remember visiting there as a very young child in the early 1970's, salivating at all the choices of baked goods they offer daily. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgPb2hBjG-PuPJUCg18QkToUBZSqHKIB_J6ORItZWsKSmy8bc2Ol95Wml_EORP-1mZyXyLtMe37UY-O4vTQFEbr3u37ZD0j0SLubCdy9cTsjgnWyE9lccwlSpRxeMe8pNhlsM2qCiLjQ/s1600/IMG_6191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgPb2hBjG-PuPJUCg18QkToUBZSqHKIB_J6ORItZWsKSmy8bc2Ol95Wml_EORP-1mZyXyLtMe37UY-O4vTQFEbr3u37ZD0j0SLubCdy9cTsjgnWyE9lccwlSpRxeMe8pNhlsM2qCiLjQ/s400/IMG_6191.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The street sign to mark the entrance-in case your nose missed it!</td></tr>
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<br />It's still the same today, many freshly baked morsels, loaves, cakes and pies to select from on a daily basis.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shelves of freshly baked bread right through the front door</td></tr>
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The bakery is smack in the middle of Historic downtown Poulsbo, <i><u>such</u></i> a fun treat to grab, walk down and ponder our after school or weekend morning treats.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookies of all shapes, sizes and flavors</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bars, cakes, Scandinavian potato pancakes and assorted beverages</td></tr>
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Freshly baked goods are one of my life's simple and sometimes guilty pleasures. We luckily live about 3 blocks away from the bakery, an easy walk.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old fashioned sour cream donut</td></tr>
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As a housewarming gift, my parents dear friends gave us a Sluys gift card and a dozen of their sticky, sweet cinnamon rolls-SHUT THE FRONT DOOR they were good! This generous gift card was such fun. Thanks Ward and Judy, we truly feel "thankful for our daily bread" and welcomed to Poulsbo.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our ticket to the heavenly baked goods</td></tr>
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Today, my son and I felt like maple bars. Maple bars were my Grandma Jessie's favorite and I think of her when I eat them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of soft, butter, maple goodness bars</td></tr>
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We enjoy seeing families come in together on the weekends, during early morning walks with friends or a afternoon treat. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Instagram collage of sugary splendor</td></tr>
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Everyone leaves with a smile and a bag or box of their lovelies in hand.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bag of treasure</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happny blogger and her son after a visit to Sluys</td></tr>
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Come by on your next visit to old town Poulsbo, it will become a tradition, a simple and sometimes guilty pleasure. Sluy's doesn't dissapoint. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sluy's historic storefront mural </td></tr>
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Chow for now my friends!<br />
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C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-88405376409814261782013-09-09T15:36:00.001-07:002013-09-09T16:00:57.993-07:00I'm baaack!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Welcome to Poulsbo!"</td></tr>
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Hello foodie friends, I've missed you...missed sharing my thoughts with you. Life and business have brought me back and to our new family home in Poulsbo, WA. It's a little Scandinavian seaport town on the Puget Sound and fairly close to Seattle. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of Poulsbo's Marinas</td></tr>
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We live above the old town part of Historic Poulsbo...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic District in Poulsbo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of small shops, restaurants and a few bakeries line the streets of Old Town</td></tr>
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and love the sea air, the sounds of the seagulls shrieking in the morning fog,<br />
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the Lutheran Church around the corner, who's bells chime on the hour and play music everyday at noon and 6pm for 20 minutes or so, flooding our air with songs<br />
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We're meeting some great families, exploring the local shops, unpacking, renovating our 50 year old home, going my son's new school, my husband's job and I'm looking for a new job...no biggie!<br />
Good thing our new home town is a quaint mix of serenity, scenic vistas and fun!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poulsbo Yacht Club in the early morning</td></tr>
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I'm so glad to be "back in the saddle again"my friends. We'll be in touch weekly now...<br />
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Chow for now!<br />
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C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-51696320582385826342012-05-01T12:57:00.001-07:002012-05-01T13:16:06.741-07:00Many thanks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm back now...been missing blogging but life was asking for other things of me. </div>
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Wanting to touch in with some images of things I'm thankful for. Simple things that make me smile and warm my heart. My family living out our dream of owning our own company. Barns of various shapes and sizes, this one lives across the street from my house and is owned by some dear people who love her. I like to visit my neighbor Susan and her lovely barn I admire. My son who constantly fills me with such pride in the young man he is with his love of life, compassion, sense of adventure and love of family. My mother in law who is treasured for <i>her</i> sense of adventure and love of family and the fresh crab they catch with my Father in law. Buttermilk biscuits and margaritas...two of my fav's in life...but not usually served together at my house. My husband makes the best margaritas I've ever had with the exception of the <a href="http://www.chowfoods.com/five/">5 Spot</a> in the Queen Anne district of Seattle, WA. My husband is closer so he wins! The ocean, I love the smell, the vitality she offers us. I like being near her the older I get to hear her varied sounds and explore her shores.</div>
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Many thanks, many blessings. My cup runneth over and I'm so grateful to be back on the scene again.</div>
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Hope your day offers you a chance to discover your blessings too!</div>
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Happy May day to you all.</div>
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Chow for now my friends.</div>
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~Darci</div>
<br /></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0Sequim, WA, USA48.0795365 -123.101843748.0371025 -123.1808077 48.1219705 -123.0228797tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-24678337320416877742012-04-04T09:15:00.001-07:002012-04-04T09:21:29.486-07:00Spring Break in the Desert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh2079LV_HFG8Rb9GmvFlpn7FmZfVrDLNp-QLSkxmrMqmJx8YnPJXKwiLtSH1zypNQYNJsve6Kry9gAQ4cVV2kasu42wbgXHAc80MTOqpP6K-RWtgBRBJkpT96pOSS7BWkkqNMdPe9iY/s1600/IMG_3640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh2079LV_HFG8Rb9GmvFlpn7FmZfVrDLNp-QLSkxmrMqmJx8YnPJXKwiLtSH1zypNQYNJsve6Kry9gAQ4cVV2kasu42wbgXHAc80MTOqpP6K-RWtgBRBJkpT96pOSS7BWkkqNMdPe9iY/s640/IMG_3640.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, poolside, within an hour upon arrival!</td></tr>
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I'm up before sunrise today and the house is quiet. My Dad, the early riser is already off to the gym and has made coffee for us before he left. I slip out quietly to the living room, as to not wake my Mom and son. We're down in Palm Desert, CA visiting my parents on his Spring Break. It's been <i>such</i> a treat to warm up again after our fairly damp and cold Spring in Sequim.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Z_XzFs4iOFgQT9VTS2jI26NHqb852nTQOln-3bANCtrJ9ndFwGhu9VeaFZkXiL96WEUCWIBAEgVuqbWTIUGYuDyM-RD7-CmjPi2crhubIZkIGBIS14yFtiln3FPGT9q-FPbicqy2KME/s1600/IMG_3643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Z_XzFs4iOFgQT9VTS2jI26NHqb852nTQOln-3bANCtrJ9ndFwGhu9VeaFZkXiL96WEUCWIBAEgVuqbWTIUGYuDyM-RD7-CmjPi2crhubIZkIGBIS14yFtiln3FPGT9q-FPbicqy2KME/s640/IMG_3643.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents and my son ready for our workout</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ei0JHfErZyAuZLurhhVTKC2_iRR-0gk_SOSvVMKAF6suSqAeqJVsDYJcvJi3-gIkbiKTZEgRKolFWyNTuwonL5XXbwP2eHKv2YrbnbiSWT6x9xXHkTSdkcMyBVJwED9MZWCEcO8qV6k/s1600/IMG_3652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ei0JHfErZyAuZLurhhVTKC2_iRR-0gk_SOSvVMKAF6suSqAeqJVsDYJcvJi3-gIkbiKTZEgRKolFWyNTuwonL5XXbwP2eHKv2YrbnbiSWT6x9xXHkTSdkcMyBVJwED9MZWCEcO8qV6k/s640/IMG_3652.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blooming fauna along our walk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More vibrant colors</td></tr>
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Life is easier when you're on vacation of course because the schedule you keep is your own; when to eat, what to eat, what activities to fill your day with or not! This process is easier yet for me when there is heat and copious amounts of sunshine involved; there is no need for long johns, Gortex or gloves down here, at least not to someone used to the 40-50 degree weather in Sequim, WA this Spring!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpehb6ZX2pIoq-TSPVNKumoNJeCzjUpm9XDZc43bY120kM2d7r4fhmmKEiYf5Z8t5fiG7eISKqi6yU1OkAjOREY0gvRGJJAZ4-wz1SXOhHelaaz7nzw1gwbrLhq58RksWn79kaxOCK64/s1600/IMG_3645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpehb6ZX2pIoq-TSPVNKumoNJeCzjUpm9XDZc43bY120kM2d7r4fhmmKEiYf5Z8t5fiG7eISKqi6yU1OkAjOREY0gvRGJJAZ4-wz1SXOhHelaaz7nzw1gwbrLhq58RksWn79kaxOCK64/s640/IMG_3645.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My turn to have a photo with my Dad and son Alan</td></tr>
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We have several traditions when we come down however, like going to the pool almost daily,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4KMHVuqg_NgSc7-esWBhwcuVPu16IY4-R_FnUqEytO7zpx04SGd-slAU4xo_q_hyphenhyphensvB0qRQT1kfnl0eM6LFgU9r6JjvT0CfMlVdvYAi_KL0eq-yOIEx8XVyY-6LuJ5Xfc6-v68-Gzjs/s1600/IMG_3641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4KMHVuqg_NgSc7-esWBhwcuVPu16IY4-R_FnUqEytO7zpx04SGd-slAU4xo_q_hyphenhyphensvB0qRQT1kfnl0eM6LFgU9r6JjvT0CfMlVdvYAi_KL0eq-yOIEx8XVyY-6LuJ5Xfc6-v68-Gzjs/s640/IMG_3641.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big "Hello"from son Alan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>going to the College of the Desert Street Fair which runs every weekend,</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0rSH3M24ojGZgAQczqIBFJBIuSvYPhROcyap3Nuqh7blA-FikDsoz_Q27TgOzUV4w4D9qUitPPXWL8ZKjKp4faepcQIWbIOZWXQc3Lf7rW5If8SjEQf2bqYki3jEQgEa6B24fbfIhhw/s1600/IMG_3677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0rSH3M24ojGZgAQczqIBFJBIuSvYPhROcyap3Nuqh7blA-FikDsoz_Q27TgOzUV4w4D9qUitPPXWL8ZKjKp4faepcQIWbIOZWXQc3Lf7rW5If8SjEQf2bqYki3jEQgEa6B24fbfIhhw/s640/IMG_3677.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom & Alan under the palm at the Fair entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uvLEufjCK0QYjY7Tn350WuqCQpnpfXTrAPIQZ93dNteT-lGK6vBHUneBQvUurmN8a-qm44Zo163t9EhlAxhV03Kd0NSWBISp_IHV4ioFwa1tMUHm78oxlbpGnVfzY8YDO5maK4WCLf8/s1600/IMG_3678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uvLEufjCK0QYjY7Tn350WuqCQpnpfXTrAPIQZ93dNteT-lGK6vBHUneBQvUurmN8a-qm44Zo163t9EhlAxhV03Kd0NSWBISp_IHV4ioFwa1tMUHm78oxlbpGnVfzY8YDO5maK4WCLf8/s400/IMG_3678.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Protea en mass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KajWfZS7v3TnnyByQM3ud5M3WXc39vqUjF_6vZC-tAeQFT4eZNo9bmcEseATaI6BRh7jGkPLGdzMSV6ZebV6Hy5hHbGOry0DWj1TQGpl0eZ3W2Jbv9lLqUUOLzGCBE8TbdeM_ZZT7_M/s1600/IMG_3679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KajWfZS7v3TnnyByQM3ud5M3WXc39vqUjF_6vZC-tAeQFT4eZNo9bmcEseATaI6BRh7jGkPLGdzMSV6ZebV6Hy5hHbGOry0DWj1TQGpl0eZ3W2Jbv9lLqUUOLzGCBE8TbdeM_ZZT7_M/s640/IMG_3679.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flower stand at the Fair entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xAQU3F9FKHOJfwncbS8gpno394-gwmKWdHwoIa6W_WbNK5xSqmtw4DAjC4v0hME08r_JmEXy0OaudDgBva1AMriVqslFQiNOcalrCuIY6ryrc94ACEzltysSHtQdoASVZmZA9vcGkU0/s1600/IMG_3685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xAQU3F9FKHOJfwncbS8gpno394-gwmKWdHwoIa6W_WbNK5xSqmtw4DAjC4v0hME08r_JmEXy0OaudDgBva1AMriVqslFQiNOcalrCuIY6ryrc94ACEzltysSHtQdoASVZmZA9vcGkU0/s400/IMG_3685.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A comedic pair of vendors with Alan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
my personal favorite vendor booth is Deborah's Of Course Jewelry where I get a faux bobble or two every year,<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TXge2otiJPz9e_5a0U0tqx_puCl5beh-AD_Z-5uKgEGdAqbGg0dEds-3gWnPdNXdcG4LIFLKAjt4krAzRXsj6zHoJXhAjHaH70ug291uP3b8-eTkTemickX2y5kuLOjshT6v5o4QCG8/s1600/IMG_3691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TXge2otiJPz9e_5a0U0tqx_puCl5beh-AD_Z-5uKgEGdAqbGg0dEds-3gWnPdNXdcG4LIFLKAjt4krAzRXsj6zHoJXhAjHaH70ug291uP3b8-eTkTemickX2y5kuLOjshT6v5o4QCG8/s640/IMG_3691.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My heart rate quickens at just the sight of this sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLRJNlEzHxHhLojt9geKwksBuFIAyaQjgk6_HScyx6Mt2T0rf3N941wbGgdQJhEZqA0OAM4CbDReItiVWEjqnXwsANyvr4xAHis5yX8kuPo87PvWAxnr71CzqyuQKmYTREd6nmf56jTw/s1600/IMG_3692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLRJNlEzHxHhLojt9geKwksBuFIAyaQjgk6_HScyx6Mt2T0rf3N941wbGgdQJhEZqA0OAM4CbDReItiVWEjqnXwsANyvr4xAHis5yX8kuPo87PvWAxnr71CzqyuQKmYTREd6nmf56jTw/s640/IMG_3692.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ever gorgeous and bedazzled Deborah with me</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
sometimes we do lunch at the Fair also,<br />
<div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBDQ9eAICxcvyhnDOWhGVpUpb_Zd5zyi-0k1FzwZva_sCurqVldscQHYSp35c9ATC2-RToMQ9MP4trRbYMPE1qvI4Q40MAxRW_YGHL79Ag_m0JTclnTWA9qhzBDf9F2GAYpQMhyphenhyphenpMMuA/s1600/IMG_3689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBDQ9eAICxcvyhnDOWhGVpUpb_Zd5zyi-0k1FzwZva_sCurqVldscQHYSp35c9ATC2-RToMQ9MP4trRbYMPE1qvI4Q40MAxRW_YGHL79Ag_m0JTclnTWA9qhzBDf9F2GAYpQMhyphenhyphenpMMuA/s640/IMG_3689.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan had fresh chicken tamales and a lemon slushy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv6WUQZKtePmL5kDJqDTd2I9ypAqRaQZLcOeiJ2kELIHI0HzLw_ZTnimQhWq26gjMqhyCRSzRC7CbDBratEch8sZF0AozDhwyeFtRyuF_liOrht-6OXOkHnyfNHi-xRyGAYX6zLaIiOw/s1600/IMG_3690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv6WUQZKtePmL5kDJqDTd2I9ypAqRaQZLcOeiJ2kELIHI0HzLw_ZTnimQhWq26gjMqhyCRSzRC7CbDBratEch8sZF0AozDhwyeFtRyuF_liOrht-6OXOkHnyfNHi-xRyGAYX6zLaIiOw/s400/IMG_3690.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A date shake for my Mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
and we ALWAYS go to Mamacitas Mexican Restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner! It's a small, family run business with a casual atmosphere, which caters to the local crowd. They make their own salsas and the food is VERY authentic Mexican cuisine. This time we went for breakfast.<br />
<div><br />
<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8x_Z-GDvHi-bBM_V2m7d3St9-yWCc9t-XgYGZuk81Xyukyy_VbZvaYY550VdtQ0t5glaEEjU9jBhRjnvkXsMOWkaIgfCzhJBVScibj5QXTwNVV65gtzIz0fAJt21NnY9EVQGZqQBtjyk/s1600/IMG_3712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8x_Z-GDvHi-bBM_V2m7d3St9-yWCc9t-XgYGZuk81Xyukyy_VbZvaYY550VdtQ0t5glaEEjU9jBhRjnvkXsMOWkaIgfCzhJBVScibj5QXTwNVV65gtzIz0fAJt21NnY9EVQGZqQBtjyk/s640/IMG_3712.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining alfresco at Mamacitas</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRhXYOhmaiafKkTrx-QoXzDksHqdaqabzqcYRN8Vj662-R9O3DfdWY2MG7qRDPg3wTqvbUb70ODZDUFkYzOCYWOFiofnqi5L7kWLyghyLChKTiBl1LZCi9MlE1bc3Hmnc99kmanuWEHE/s1600/IMG_3718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRhXYOhmaiafKkTrx-QoXzDksHqdaqabzqcYRN8Vj662-R9O3DfdWY2MG7qRDPg3wTqvbUb70ODZDUFkYzOCYWOFiofnqi5L7kWLyghyLChKTiBl1LZCi9MlE1bc3Hmnc99kmanuWEHE/s640/IMG_3718.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Huevos Rancheros</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My choice was Huevos Rancheros; poached eggs on a tortilla, smothered in a mild enchilada type sauce with a few chilies and some melted cheese. These glorious eggs come with sides of rice and beans. Delicious as ever!</div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRIk2hvstMAxch-zkuPtIjH6qXtAqqF2WPECUalvhPhdV8w5lQBezzfyCvijn5d2avueU0M3LliWkYX9k9gSApKKeQzY3f4I1sMcRa-PFd4HoXG6aI8GUeKc8iXpwweKYK-06KyEns_g/s1600/IMG_3719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRIk2hvstMAxch-zkuPtIjH6qXtAqqF2WPECUalvhPhdV8w5lQBezzfyCvijn5d2avueU0M3LliWkYX9k9gSApKKeQzY3f4I1sMcRa-PFd4HoXG6aI8GUeKc8iXpwweKYK-06KyEns_g/s640/IMG_3719.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan's Carne Asada Tacos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My husband couldn't join us on this trip so he asked us to order Mamacitas' Carne Asada and think of him while eating it. Our faithful son did just that and pronounced them "Delicioso!" as well. He also took a picture of the dish and sent it to his Dad's cell.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSw5Xu8FDdxF_Rsw0d7ntmCBgL2AKOBMUWDfRVCsPzVze2zblq05M074vGeJztsEAQVPqdShimwnH871FNf46TPNSV227m1A1STkH1HzEnNPTk32Md1vUd23R0nHEl7V3KbRaIEUNcAvY/s1600/IMG_3720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSw5Xu8FDdxF_Rsw0d7ntmCBgL2AKOBMUWDfRVCsPzVze2zblq05M074vGeJztsEAQVPqdShimwnH871FNf46TPNSV227m1A1STkH1HzEnNPTk32Md1vUd23R0nHEl7V3KbRaIEUNcAvY/s640/IMG_3720.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom's Huevos con Chorizo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My Mom ordered a dish that I would definitely try again; scrambled eggs with sautéed Chorizo sausage. It was a little zippy, cheesy but with the eggs still a part of the dish.</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsFzyTU9io2kkIQKjTyVGX4koCV5oumjzg2gSbjZhPizZMKimk0e-1j5pI6TordW3wYYuwE2RG176NOqvYF9v3MsLxUO0AuazlUHhTnYRL4Vjd0EqebmTjGDlilppCqZMLtHTILmSeQc/s1600/IMG_3714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsFzyTU9io2kkIQKjTyVGX4koCV5oumjzg2gSbjZhPizZMKimk0e-1j5pI6TordW3wYYuwE2RG176NOqvYF9v3MsLxUO0AuazlUHhTnYRL4Vjd0EqebmTjGDlilppCqZMLtHTILmSeQc/s640/IMG_3714.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Mamacitas wall art</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAUCgZFc8MlZyvt4179YxU65YSckjhLzjARVXFyli-YoELpFJvrP7BOqzOToVY9P2yaSNolebryo5ObcZMz1zfmPY6asxPYXechT6fLLIfeZ_DGdC-7M9RJJ3RU_SI7gP1hyP3QQ-u58/s1600/IMG_3715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAUCgZFc8MlZyvt4179YxU65YSckjhLzjARVXFyli-YoELpFJvrP7BOqzOToVY9P2yaSNolebryo5ObcZMz1zfmPY6asxPYXechT6fLLIfeZ_DGdC-7M9RJJ3RU_SI7gP1hyP3QQ-u58/s640/IMG_3715.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior of Mamacitas</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4i9IveBaEmvwELcfFjFNxptnXFZrka15DbWk9FJH8HBbMedj4hnDv0EcYanLc52nK5j8gVNBMgBJKaqKiQ0CfdSs1-xf_SEZwXeqRBxQUQ6r2COid3LJYmP3L8R1tyeUxRIoLiHkh0g/s1600/IMG_3717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4i9IveBaEmvwELcfFjFNxptnXFZrka15DbWk9FJH8HBbMedj4hnDv0EcYanLc52nK5j8gVNBMgBJKaqKiQ0CfdSs1-xf_SEZwXeqRBxQUQ6r2COid3LJYmP3L8R1tyeUxRIoLiHkh0g/s400/IMG_3717.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance plaque which greets patrons</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
With full bellies, we leave Mamacitas' Restaurant with full intention to return again this trip for more authentic Mexican yumminess!<br />
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</div><div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOUrjGQbbpgjWyrPUKteHThdspqurGUitQGWxd67TahsioYq2hIRWYm8tixmfNKjicsEjX81fmD_curU6rPNX4ppDkIJqO7O0pjuCwVcOEaJf3n6zb6PDBwBNk5zsRAUPAYsdHZxhGTU/s1600/IMG_3642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOUrjGQbbpgjWyrPUKteHThdspqurGUitQGWxd67TahsioYq2hIRWYm8tixmfNKjicsEjX81fmD_curU6rPNX4ppDkIJqO7O0pjuCwVcOEaJf3n6zb6PDBwBNk5zsRAUPAYsdHZxhGTU/s640/IMG_3642.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glistening cluster of palms </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFp7yfKS3WvdSvQDTewh2sUT3wJkUgD8E3ArM95DGS-6Rx1kKfYQaChJeTOQavANc76AcIZM73JzUHqkgViq5A2yohyphenhyphen2QxGi8f7Lnk3GCOjGyzM_57h-XFm3hXazqd2jeNda2C2_c3GE/s1600/IMG_3654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFp7yfKS3WvdSvQDTewh2sUT3wJkUgD8E3ArM95DGS-6Rx1kKfYQaChJeTOQavANc76AcIZM73JzUHqkgViq5A2yohyphenhyphen2QxGi8f7Lnk3GCOjGyzM_57h-XFm3hXazqd2jeNda2C2_c3GE/s640/IMG_3654.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottle brush bush in flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaA59wYQeS1IYSUzv4Pf7GBS1YLtQDeqiGuTqwHm5sNT2TFOwAO_kOXL8kwhPehkRFEdRHPkEwBCwg4rlQOWVkloK8SpqHH3MBlOpJXW9uQYfoM4EdrkLSGEsZ3Oo0DqFR84rSZmxTJRI/s1600/IMG_3656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaA59wYQeS1IYSUzv4Pf7GBS1YLtQDeqiGuTqwHm5sNT2TFOwAO_kOXL8kwhPehkRFEdRHPkEwBCwg4rlQOWVkloK8SpqHH3MBlOpJXW9uQYfoM4EdrkLSGEsZ3Oo0DqFR84rSZmxTJRI/s640/IMG_3656.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cactus in bloom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPY15YsCvZGGVISAVv5yz8BLbxCi-vF8_tbLMNecFC0gRHp6Xy54LZkQW6f7C72AF1UNoMmIufiTb9aC7dAvTJbt554l03wekHzoE3TjTLpEBzaTCMkFR2YdLA3vLzckzCLu8-miKuDWw/s1600/IMG_3660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPY15YsCvZGGVISAVv5yz8BLbxCi-vF8_tbLMNecFC0gRHp6Xy54LZkQW6f7C72AF1UNoMmIufiTb9aC7dAvTJbt554l03wekHzoE3TjTLpEBzaTCMkFR2YdLA3vLzckzCLu8-miKuDWw/s640/IMG_3660.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cactus reminded me of a sea creatures in it's colors & texture</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This Spring's trip to the Desert is helping me, us, recharge our batteries again. The change of pace and the change in climate are most rejuvenating!<br />
<div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16req0zMDJWwSx8MNIx6jctKqlBr5HDoWbGClbcK3Jcbpp0cFoh2mfjPnouashW1caAl5vrrwOx-f-ICkr7nFafK2RfpnnxdT4SGL00ITWEQKc1bjDUGNP9JruFikXibHEhcDyu_EcTk/s1600/IMG_3708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16req0zMDJWwSx8MNIx6jctKqlBr5HDoWbGClbcK3Jcbpp0cFoh2mfjPnouashW1caAl5vrrwOx-f-ICkr7nFafK2RfpnnxdT4SGL00ITWEQKc1bjDUGNP9JruFikXibHEhcDyu_EcTk/s640/IMG_3708.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan on the patio wall watching the golfers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As we shake off the "rust and moss" from our rainy Northwest home, I am grateful for this opportunity to bask in this dry, warm, arid location. Thanks to hubby for keeping the home fires buying while we're away and to my finishing The Hunger Games already and onto book #2 currently. Power reading while on vacation is a favorite pastime of mine!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Many blessing my friends!</div><div>Chow for now!</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qyFlD82jQC8hsU_FORVmuea05FpfvBpBvsNaGOhXoKX6E9oRHJmGGaIaw4b8JReAgxwe1Cl1mef4meRlAQDp3jdJESF_XC0xYa4eUgalRK_7kuCNlSPRZCi91mKouNtpZkFJe86snkM/s1600/IMG_3709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qyFlD82jQC8hsU_FORVmuea05FpfvBpBvsNaGOhXoKX6E9oRHJmGGaIaw4b8JReAgxwe1Cl1mef4meRlAQDp3jdJESF_XC0xYa4eUgalRK_7kuCNlSPRZCi91mKouNtpZkFJe86snkM/s640/IMG_3709.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the pond</td></tr>
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-74245599797294491732012-03-12T12:47:00.001-07:002012-03-12T12:52:33.979-07:00A weekend in Seattle...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-QwjbiCxIPklyhL0WZofp09C0jlbkEf5-OzD-jtGs5nvZMlB9tgI9DDNsOWcxWjYt8b42S30D5WtRibN3Blqwqj9-t_vz2uERRgT1tu50uGCf0iLEdj8CuyJce7KvdVIAL54sBgVZUM/s1600/IMG_3557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-QwjbiCxIPklyhL0WZofp09C0jlbkEf5-OzD-jtGs5nvZMlB9tgI9DDNsOWcxWjYt8b42S30D5WtRibN3Blqwqj9-t_vz2uERRgT1tu50uGCf0iLEdj8CuyJce7KvdVIAL54sBgVZUM/s400/IMG_3557.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowering plum blossoms</td></tr>
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Spring is in air, the earth is warming and blossoms starting to emerge. Spring always brings such an explosion of change in color, texture in nature that I begin to feel revitalized as well! Winter isn't my fav season (full disclosure). As much as I try and embrace all days, I don't like to be cold...it's one of my Achilles heal. I find temporary solace in a nice fire, cooking comfort foods and being cozy with my family and dachshunds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoNV7xhJv7JANOOxLIU3otf-JW5ziXiSDhr3z8rKXbwv1qUpMztFZCoO47Ho5uC_jeMoipDUhkxbFkj5LQF1nCLo14F1dHv8qWWVcyYA-5MOGq30rHe2ma83oIOD59me2UFC35s6M4Zw/s1600/IMG_2808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoNV7xhJv7JANOOxLIU3otf-JW5ziXiSDhr3z8rKXbwv1qUpMztFZCoO47Ho5uC_jeMoipDUhkxbFkj5LQF1nCLo14F1dHv8qWWVcyYA-5MOGq30rHe2ma83oIOD59me2UFC35s6M4Zw/s400/IMG_2808.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabby curled up next to the fireside chairs</td></tr>
</tbody></table> But as cute as this cuddle bug is, I look forward to the awakening of Spring each year! The longer days, the promise of warmer temps, vegetation growing again brings a heightened sense of invigoration. I get "ants in my pants" as Grandma Effie used to say to me. Getting out of the house is a must and I look for the opportunities to travel...</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpsirMMULiIbB8stR1KhWezwDLGipZ1o5NtsUBeLGl5PfFcC6IKVl_A8tkob72TpqlaCa2CbE-QoJ0kOPeAmpUI-F7qEFU-ezCdHZABUzsH1uzdIEH1YFMsLBI-RnK6jQSlVPGd2zVuQ/s1600/IMG_3373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpsirMMULiIbB8stR1KhWezwDLGipZ1o5NtsUBeLGl5PfFcC6IKVl_A8tkob72TpqlaCa2CbE-QoJ0kOPeAmpUI-F7qEFU-ezCdHZABUzsH1uzdIEH1YFMsLBI-RnK6jQSlVPGd2zVuQ/s400/IMG_3373.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Rhody blossoms</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
When the opportunity came last weekend to head to Seattle for a weekend of family birthday fun, time with two of my bestest girlfriends came along, I took my son and I headed out of Dodge...I mean Sequim.</div><div>Seattle is only a an hour's drive and a ferry ride away from my town but it feels so different in the energy level, the options of shopping, restaurants, of activities that I actually get energized by my trips there.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8HMJ76YtmXAqzpum6PRFs9yjLpBFO0c0cfRPQCP9p6Ntg3lup4mmCbJSE3jmykU9t7rfVNaKoaRu2_HyzQ0b3rzq4ucqJjB5TNUmSDOIksVSjJEcjgIKO4B7dvqGvm_ZzM1gijwOypA/s1600/IMG_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8HMJ76YtmXAqzpum6PRFs9yjLpBFO0c0cfRPQCP9p6Ntg3lup4mmCbJSE3jmykU9t7rfVNaKoaRu2_HyzQ0b3rzq4ucqJjB5TNUmSDOIksVSjJEcjgIKO4B7dvqGvm_ZzM1gijwOypA/s640/IMG_3568.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>Weekend pics/schedule;<br />
Saturday am my son and I stopped at Noah's Bagels in Kirkland and brought a half dozen assorted to my friend Cheryl and her family to share. I was so excited to see them, I forgot to take pics of the various bagels before devouring them. Next was a family party in Ballard for my niece Kasey's 12th birthday. We have a fantastically close family who enjoys are time together and I leave feeling so blessed for our time together! Saturday night was dinner with my friend Beth at a Malaysian restaurant. This was a "first" experience with this cultural cuisine and I LOVED it and my time with my college friend. Sunday was coffee, breakfast with my parents and my son playing hours of basketball with my Dad. My Mom and I went to Trader Joes to stock up...I took the flowering plum blossom pic there. Homeward bound again with a blustery ferry ride to Kingston and through the quant historic town of Port Gamble.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjbHbIIbJHhNPytdRD3F1AAxvI5gXWaAeX3MRNQFRPBnX71sTSG46hiAWNmQrN3qY_4KrTWKU_0fbQJsmLVndSqGKQlTYIo8PGWePdo_G30HoIiF6k_8SGa282cS3mhVybhy45cMXX5g/s1600/IMG_3539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjbHbIIbJHhNPytdRD3F1AAxvI5gXWaAeX3MRNQFRPBnX71sTSG46hiAWNmQrN3qY_4KrTWKU_0fbQJsmLVndSqGKQlTYIo8PGWePdo_G30HoIiF6k_8SGa282cS3mhVybhy45cMXX5g/s400/IMG_3539.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stormy ferry crossing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_UPEfTuIGwH7P3R47D8tCuC9YDcbNrcp8rfI652qmUOfSRYTMOcsbL1x9ANrFu5UWBbOFi8_EspZ9B5xnh0q0WEEkl0toZvhSf8IfKofsTHEBBWnOKhSHBxYwxhbnXpgwRNgtkG4YLw/s1600/IMG_3547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_UPEfTuIGwH7P3R47D8tCuC9YDcbNrcp8rfI652qmUOfSRYTMOcsbL1x9ANrFu5UWBbOFi8_EspZ9B5xnh0q0WEEkl0toZvhSf8IfKofsTHEBBWnOKhSHBxYwxhbnXpgwRNgtkG4YLw/s400/IMG_3547.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sailboat navigating the ferry lanes in Puget Sound</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4f5nioWYLIULYDUvS74jItCJNYKFd2gvo_XLKMqukpneGtFcinSqD7eSiPKzEQQ3RtChdM_s9f-mN22PO_o67A4Sv4AHlFjZbs3Hxjri3D5r4jeb_LclsION5ScSvYYYQjj1A1f8PLc/s1600/IMG_3550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4f5nioWYLIULYDUvS74jItCJNYKFd2gvo_XLKMqukpneGtFcinSqD7eSiPKzEQQ3RtChdM_s9f-mN22PO_o67A4Sv4AHlFjZbs3Hxjri3D5r4jeb_LclsION5ScSvYYYQjj1A1f8PLc/s400/IMG_3550.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kingston ferry landing</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiu43aHXPpr6KJL8WYGXrdSvNkz8QUjWaLamsCUdgenI7juhBwMw4FpJRSHgMl5057uQgLEBBOxsqhKWpU86Kz3WFizUHVik-QuJwuI8VIfo_CKTXMD2nF5ykIe9olAwJoPzlY4GNlF58/s1600/IMG_3561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiu43aHXPpr6KJL8WYGXrdSvNkz8QUjWaLamsCUdgenI7juhBwMw4FpJRSHgMl5057uQgLEBBOxsqhKWpU86Kz3WFizUHVik-QuJwuI8VIfo_CKTXMD2nF5ykIe9olAwJoPzlY4GNlF58/s400/IMG_3561.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port Gamble's main street</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Returning home after a weekend away is such a treat! My husband missed us, the dogs are eagerly wagging away and our little slice of heaven in Sequim is peacefully welcoming. Travel does that to me, fills me with an appreciation of what I have in my life and lucky me, my cup is full!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcOQKJpe6qb8Yp-RtDel1nqIdsy9ADinT1FU9iTtiDngBFOJKhd-7ZfqgZ-NJPpX70kTJtwvKM6LvqkdTAdz9VrEeJsACzqbBvVPyWkoCCvgJZwJHW3yjWYzXcd0_Z3IydUPO-Blyl24/s1600/IMG_3509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcOQKJpe6qb8Yp-RtDel1nqIdsy9ADinT1FU9iTtiDngBFOJKhd-7ZfqgZ-NJPpX70kTJtwvKM6LvqkdTAdz9VrEeJsACzqbBvVPyWkoCCvgJZwJHW3yjWYzXcd0_Z3IydUPO-Blyl24/s400/IMG_3509.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece Kasey and me at her Birthday via iPhone & ToonCamera</td></tr>
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Here's to filling up your cup my friends.<br />
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Chow for now!<br />
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</div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-49104947863205928652012-03-03T22:20:00.000-08:002012-03-03T22:20:20.025-08:00Cold weather and comfort foods<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6JPVsddiwv9H-pg92gf6N-vVoZNw0b_urDS5HT5SwA5GWNqKqMGrc9kftjXW8Qdgbb0QwHPQFEVS6wDLR0S0pCIYa4UcMiS-MUPBMuZ5uA55ZBFvWwXbcRwvtjzrKueCGcS2GMPBI4E/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6JPVsddiwv9H-pg92gf6N-vVoZNw0b_urDS5HT5SwA5GWNqKqMGrc9kftjXW8Qdgbb0QwHPQFEVS6wDLR0S0pCIYa4UcMiS-MUPBMuZ5uA55ZBFvWwXbcRwvtjzrKueCGcS2GMPBI4E/s400/IMG_3392.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain, rain go away..</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This week was a comfort food extravaganza! It's been cold, rainy, snowy, windy and brisk sunshine here in Sequim. I'm ready for Spring to come and it seems almost here sometimes, for a brief moment. Until then, I'll comfort myself with some old and new favorite recipes to feel warm from the inside out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>My first comfort soup is Chicken Soup from scratch but with a slight twist. I REALLY like the Greek Avelgolemono soup with lots of chicken, garlic and lemon with rice but my husband thinks I'm trying to poison him every time I use "excessive" amounts of lemon in our food. In his realm of tastes, excessive lemon=anything beyond a hint. So the culinary compromise of using the inspiration of the Greek soup but with only one lemon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNct-KkScZgr4FiZl51I63EbRg22ED7rvk8QzqbStlS4BQTKy4YqLbzgr4WbYG98Ra9mXvqxoHnI96eHgoT2wrhEMbSRvsFCSJDSQijE3YxebrfWA7ADTB-pMmqFyFyDoCqjTxYzq90OE/s1600/IMG_3348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNct-KkScZgr4FiZl51I63EbRg22ED7rvk8QzqbStlS4BQTKy4YqLbzgr4WbYG98Ra9mXvqxoHnI96eHgoT2wrhEMbSRvsFCSJDSQijE3YxebrfWA7ADTB-pMmqFyFyDoCqjTxYzq90OE/s400/IMG_3348.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">veggie and chicken carcass strained from stock</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To start, I made chicken stock with my gallon Ziploc frozen veggie stash in my freezer and a frozen chicken carcass. I place these items in my heavy bottomed stock pot (probably a 3 gallon size), and cover with water. This brew boils gently for at least an hour without a lid or if your time allows, cover after an hour and go for up to 2 hours. Strain veggies and carcass off in a large bowl and place the broth back in the same stock pot to finish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5CplxF2EERxfbxRu3jGOTOrNs2m9yV1SMTK_BVtsTm9uSyWTX04P4lE43Yl25Ng-vZNF-D3gN0sG-Svj4xYoWXzI_iv_L8e9BP-o4PwbY6cykW6iu8cllBmC4MrQQ23vF_iMqKDWZCY/s1600/IMG_3347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5CplxF2EERxfbxRu3jGOTOrNs2m9yV1SMTK_BVtsTm9uSyWTX04P4lE43Yl25Ng-vZNF-D3gN0sG-Svj4xYoWXzI_iv_L8e9BP-o4PwbY6cykW6iu8cllBmC4MrQQ23vF_iMqKDWZCY/s400/IMG_3347.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strained chicken stock with <u>one</u> lemon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The strained broth is now finished with the major flavor components of the Greek soup; lemon, garlic, herbs and rice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrki4S8AYQgSsR8zHEuUVqS_TBBGO7Uui3CVUb-cWkZ26PQIZ6Hn5HDd2hB22cMqg45xYPxJsNeT381ifqtPswacWMkyMQX0j4dzZjF5Er2J4AAKADTGVp3AOFVykTyv62ICigk512qQ/s1600/IMG_3349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrki4S8AYQgSsR8zHEuUVqS_TBBGO7Uui3CVUb-cWkZ26PQIZ6Hn5HDd2hB22cMqg45xYPxJsNeT381ifqtPswacWMkyMQX0j4dzZjF5Er2J4AAKADTGVp3AOFVykTyv62ICigk512qQ/s400/IMG_3349.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add 3 Tablespoons of garlic powder</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 stems each fresh oregano and parsley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The 1 1/2 gallons of seasoned stock is brought to a low boil and 3 cups of jasmine rice is added. This soon to be soup has a heavenly quality in both scent and smell that reminds me of the chicken soup my Grandma Effie used to make for us; rich and comforting. This will be an ideal meal for this bone chilling weather!<div><br />
</div><div>Stir the golden elixir occasionally so that the rice doesn't stick to the floor of the stock pot and cover. The fluffy, delicate jasmine rice will take about a half hour to cook to tender perfection.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kA0eybVVi3Lh94FmoOEImMchYUItb0pZNlsKhFxFLyGjkMcT5UZ8oRgm00Kltx-jjOSFADab1kG6WensdnCNp3FX4qGwh8trcuwfaVYdmQhaOL04J5JC36z3L8YUvBq6nkEV_rhQ8Lo/s1600/IMG_3357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kA0eybVVi3Lh94FmoOEImMchYUItb0pZNlsKhFxFLyGjkMcT5UZ8oRgm00Kltx-jjOSFADab1kG6WensdnCNp3FX4qGwh8trcuwfaVYdmQhaOL04J5JC36z3L8YUvBq6nkEV_rhQ8Lo/s400/IMG_3357.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello gorgeous!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Amber hued, slightly lemon laced chicken soup with garlic and tender Jasmine rice. It warmed us inside out.<div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnYeEoCKnwd9FAlvmtWiJjt_9uaWJu_2Dd8RgxFtS_PjtEhPxlTGw_ijFPXDjtzyUDABjKQc31vBw4FgXcXXuQbDQZXU0CXiq-RJkBh5ltrgu2JynKFXveAu60fWx9WAxdi-mS-OKJEM/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnYeEoCKnwd9FAlvmtWiJjt_9uaWJu_2Dd8RgxFtS_PjtEhPxlTGw_ijFPXDjtzyUDABjKQc31vBw4FgXcXXuQbDQZXU0CXiq-RJkBh5ltrgu2JynKFXveAu60fWx9WAxdi-mS-OKJEM/s400/IMG_3332.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sliver of sunshine to savor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Something classic like chicken soup is always a go-to dish but now I wanted to try a new twist on some familiar flavors. We really like split pea soup with carrots, celery and smoked ham hock bits embellishing the sweet and starchy pea soup. This time I used the same veggies and ham but used Green Lentils in more of a pilaf style dish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aVjuIYhB4ymI7zNRGO1zxH_iyDsl23oxq0ntTz0esKqnGhvsW3xHPasKeCJ2OwhXfRqrnJEofzMnOI0QZeA4vjvv_Rt_3wx8Mo0yRPxpHiLAdBgoefcACypQikzp3cBA_jaxIJy1v20/s1600/IMG_3277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aVjuIYhB4ymI7zNRGO1zxH_iyDsl23oxq0ntTz0esKqnGhvsW3xHPasKeCJ2OwhXfRqrnJEofzMnOI0QZeA4vjvv_Rt_3wx8Mo0yRPxpHiLAdBgoefcACypQikzp3cBA_jaxIJy1v20/s400/IMG_3277.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 cups of Green lentils</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP5qEdYmKtPcPQzz0I66fd38WhsqESHi_vvymyr3WU6F4kqcNHLpMAVQT-eOl1BCVViuXFgb3yPmH86uTTEbNJgIT_s9bhtk4-ChkJW-mhtJ4C7Apdr1c84LRx5UOCQjiQ1Jo5xkpcYY/s1600/IMG_3278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP5qEdYmKtPcPQzz0I66fd38WhsqESHi_vvymyr3WU6F4kqcNHLpMAVQT-eOl1BCVViuXFgb3yPmH86uTTEbNJgIT_s9bhtk4-ChkJW-mhtJ4C7Apdr1c84LRx5UOCQjiQ1Jo5xkpcYY/s400/IMG_3278.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lentils are added to 1 qt chicken stock and 1 smoked ham hock & 2 bay leaves</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5j0ehl7SEwy594bIaXvOMwJ0atTilJgggv8sNriMsz7vHuVVBLOr45WW8WxcvUzt9ClCIZuJas-0nTsY1sqVbHUGG6Tew5oSmg8sH3bKpxUmWPlT_OH7m7VgpYiwqmInNIqvHJN_Lxw/s1600/IMG_3279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5j0ehl7SEwy594bIaXvOMwJ0atTilJgggv8sNriMsz7vHuVVBLOr45WW8WxcvUzt9ClCIZuJas-0nTsY1sqVbHUGG6Tew5oSmg8sH3bKpxUmWPlT_OH7m7VgpYiwqmInNIqvHJN_Lxw/s400/IMG_3279.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pardon the picture taken while tossing the sautéed veggies...I get motion sickness</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The chopped veggies; 6 peeled organic carrots, 6 celery stalks, 1 sweet onion and 5 toes garlic are sautéed on medium high with 3 tablespoons unsalted butter until veggies are slightly tender, about 5 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTycbgxuR_KNPb1PIKB50TGryD6iTwrYYTeHnQ4kxXF_GcLl77d67btzJwHMYj82xsqTKMjUyhSZLq32Tua_eNTUOnZ8NeJAo3jFDQVKJtKSmP8Mw0CGezNHbg7NYVe9wCfIuLJLNF8Qc/s1600/IMG_3281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTycbgxuR_KNPb1PIKB50TGryD6iTwrYYTeHnQ4kxXF_GcLl77d67btzJwHMYj82xsqTKMjUyhSZLq32Tua_eNTUOnZ8NeJAo3jFDQVKJtKSmP8Mw0CGezNHbg7NYVe9wCfIuLJLNF8Qc/s400/IMG_3281.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add the sautéed veggies to the lentils, stock and cook on medium heat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Everyone into the pool! Cook with lid on for one hour on medium, stirring occasionally, especially the bottom of the pan. Remove the smoked ham hock and place on cutting board for 15 minutes to rest. Using a fork, shred the ham off the bones or hock and add back into the stock pot. The thirsty lentils have plumped having absorbed all the chicken broth, the veggies are now fork tender and the smokey, savory and rosy ham bits complete this comfort food symphony.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAwjR1FSp68wOqVeMAJj-5qzFzj4SIf_MgYZL2hrYf9UR70DPTSVknawZ8R5_WvaRIiXSqyh5wrWL8MIk5GS7P8My4-FV4hI7U3t6es-IfIBpArfoJA4rC7dFt7Ck-VuymGFnMXnu33w/s1600/IMG_3283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAwjR1FSp68wOqVeMAJj-5qzFzj4SIf_MgYZL2hrYf9UR70DPTSVknawZ8R5_WvaRIiXSqyh5wrWL8MIk5GS7P8My4-FV4hI7U3t6es-IfIBpArfoJA4rC7dFt7Ck-VuymGFnMXnu33w/s400/IMG_3283.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A green lentil pilaf with smoked ham</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Voila! Something new for us emerges from familiar flavors. My husband missed the "broth" from the split pea soup but enjoyed trying the lentils. My son LOVED the "YUMMY ham bits"! I enjoyed both the lentils and the experience of trying something new with my family.<div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue7cT2ihkmDXhgmL5zyFryg1PPgV_Uf-s-DuAp9Ip_zh2fsbhGJBVtaHTw3YySmK0_aDTExpbo0hBibB4xdfo7PGEusWaUQiyEuVMFGUDHg0vPdk9Tr8_pKgZfqiwtKsZ9pMB2fAYvs0/s1600/IMG_3442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue7cT2ihkmDXhgmL5zyFryg1PPgV_Uf-s-DuAp9Ip_zh2fsbhGJBVtaHTw3YySmK0_aDTExpbo0hBibB4xdfo7PGEusWaUQiyEuVMFGUDHg0vPdk9Tr8_pKgZfqiwtKsZ9pMB2fAYvs0/s400/IMG_3442.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another storm passes </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Now for dessert...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOcCAdv1sYrfMmj9Up76nmH6SXyreyCtUq6P6_Wg6TBolqLEtpJe2OvQ0QrPk26GLIVyyoVYeMyhxXAYNriynZKjoPEaWbkUdsD9KFei06t69QN4wcC4O35n-9Kk2roekIaB-BbH__wo/s1600/IMG_3461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOcCAdv1sYrfMmj9Up76nmH6SXyreyCtUq6P6_Wg6TBolqLEtpJe2OvQ0QrPk26GLIVyyoVYeMyhxXAYNriynZKjoPEaWbkUdsD9KFei06t69QN4wcC4O35n-9Kk2roekIaB-BbH__wo/s400/IMG_3461.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new cold day treat </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> For another cold weather treat, I baked Ginger snap cookies. They were sweet and a little spicy with the fresh ginger, crispy exterior with tender centers. We gobbled them up! I baked a second batch the following day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4LXl5sJPHhsbZBS0AUlKEJ-BJcl7jbTvnc1lLPlonGJgHa3QEdB3dRazRmv9GnGR0K2rgE0X09Qj_fyHcGw7Iu5_Mi_5u20V83TD3SgnHZr7e1BA69MencJip5DbadnDUh9AL_BPJoY/s1600/IMG_3145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4LXl5sJPHhsbZBS0AUlKEJ-BJcl7jbTvnc1lLPlonGJgHa3QEdB3dRazRmv9GnGR0K2rgE0X09Qj_fyHcGw7Iu5_Mi_5u20V83TD3SgnHZr7e1BA69MencJip5DbadnDUh9AL_BPJoY/s400/IMG_3145.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red skies in the morning...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
More storms coming our way, it's still winter after all. More comfort food to make! The warm refuge and creativity of the kitchen inspire me during the winter months. I love to take a memory and bring it to life in a meal, to warm their stomachs and souls. Or introduce a new food item in a familiar context.<br />
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Here's to finding comfort in the storms my friends, winter or not. My kitchen and mind will remain busy, serving up luxurious warmth. Bring on the storms of winter...it's all good!<br />
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Chow for now my friends!<br />
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<div><br />
<br />
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-38505360303035734532012-02-24T19:00:00.007-08:002012-02-26T10:12:38.319-08:00Finding The Lovely part 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoej4Ietr9KXPVCipLPIO87vJosAWVIZ25F2Rojq03wg-PO0vS6vM-SHB-FvedCOKaMdNSx9iMM3EC5frQA6ANUmCBpnegn0Qyum4g63vgGS-v5Ppoy005YAT9Dc-tYE1M2zr46zElWQ/s1600/finding-the-lovely3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoej4Ietr9KXPVCipLPIO87vJosAWVIZ25F2Rojq03wg-PO0vS6vM-SHB-FvedCOKaMdNSx9iMM3EC5frQA6ANUmCBpnegn0Qyum4g63vgGS-v5Ppoy005YAT9Dc-tYE1M2zr46zElWQ/s400/finding-the-lovely3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Hello my friends, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">This is my 2nd week participating in the Finding the Lovely endeavor. This innovative project was started by <a href="http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/mimicharmante">Kimberly Taylor</a> and <a href="http://www.jeanneoliverdesigns.com/">Jeanne Oliver</a>, two talented bloggers, who wanted to share SmartPhone photos every Friday in February.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkv9awOqnNXoSh9-_tdDpytaHuQ-xs5mDXA6i9rbxsRpvp4NDmcWOVHhOJsdcQ1wl9JqQiJl4iMLUYGNlxSYff6xYQT-FRNCeAE2ZVWNtAW_f1cdN8GqApHVP0S6Xog6KmriEsntKwxU/s1600/Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkv9awOqnNXoSh9-_tdDpytaHuQ-xs5mDXA6i9rbxsRpvp4NDmcWOVHhOJsdcQ1wl9JqQiJl4iMLUYGNlxSYff6xYQT-FRNCeAE2ZVWNtAW_f1cdN8GqApHVP0S6Xog6KmriEsntKwxU/s640/Image+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupcakes, Fruits, veggies, family, art, Florence, Italy, flowers, Spring weather via iPhone, Instagram and PhotoShake</td></tr>
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<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">It's actually the last week to my knowledge and the 4th week in February where bloggers can share their "lovely" moments they captured by being present and seeking out the beauty/curious/interesting around them in their world. It's a celebration of living really!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfjyBYWJamJbIZ9rHK2VDU8POdlgnuvVLZ3XrZU5DluYjeat9EBDUIorNw85shFvkb3SjN9O7eanj17k7HjLLisGkOOa2Xc8KV6NSbgh2-6WeDiwJubJ-LCaDiQvX4MX6WnCnbBTaZZo/s1600/Image+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfjyBYWJamJbIZ9rHK2VDU8POdlgnuvVLZ3XrZU5DluYjeat9EBDUIorNw85shFvkb3SjN9O7eanj17k7HjLLisGkOOa2Xc8KV6NSbgh2-6WeDiwJubJ-LCaDiQvX4MX6WnCnbBTaZZo/s400/Image+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dungeness crabs on ice via iPhone, Instagram & ToonCamera</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>I've enjoyed every moment of my two weeks as it's brought me to a heightened awareness of the beauty all around us. Simple things and more complex but taking the time to take a photo of it...of course then I'm also having too much fun "tweaking" it with some newer Apps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELN8Zkqrn2KhPPL5_SNJFmdqND92nLmpYkM78-MjBwUqcJnK-AQMZdLFJMakExGAyTHFE9HzjRjlgS75A1o6xl15r_XSQVc7Rz7J0UWZMI7r1oe9bFp-6lxVgDiZwmKPRZA2qs-pM6Ck/s1600/IMG_3394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELN8Zkqrn2KhPPL5_SNJFmdqND92nLmpYkM78-MjBwUqcJnK-AQMZdLFJMakExGAyTHFE9HzjRjlgS75A1o6xl15r_XSQVc7Rz7J0UWZMI7r1oe9bFp-6lxVgDiZwmKPRZA2qs-pM6Ck/s400/IMG_3394.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Rhododendron blossoms via iPhone, Hipstagram & Instagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For instance, my trip to the local grocery this morning (out of milk for coffee and eggs) brought on many colorful opportunity to commemorate as I parked next to this Rhody newly in bloom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QI7AQ_y26Cp-ud4gzP8ABoxmGpbTvpyuFVPihtDSpLn4tefiuUMLodhnUYw7hNRSOYKbW_D_TvqT9XLxSHB9L6xzkpilwyoNaLqPnbMshD5VnhBv_OEvIer478qyX6soHWN2tCaDDV4/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QI7AQ_y26Cp-ud4gzP8ABoxmGpbTvpyuFVPihtDSpLn4tefiuUMLodhnUYw7hNRSOYKbW_D_TvqT9XLxSHB9L6xzkpilwyoNaLqPnbMshD5VnhBv_OEvIer478qyX6soHWN2tCaDDV4/s400/IMG_3392.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sun break through the Spring rain via iPhone & Instagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>I snapped this sepia pic at the stoplight when the sun FINALLY blazed out of the rainclouds for a brief moment. My car window was still soaked from the last squall that had blown threw.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kzitFXPqdi_gRJyvHHx9m3X9PxxP_JFk2IAUQrKkJ0f8mfPzv2zYD3wU5gydZvNOLjUGcdwm1YgmMDppvTcQYrqmUz2QYMRGcmEBB_TLfTYUNpJBNZzi0rvqBVhEgRa7D6W2NebrPwQ/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kzitFXPqdi_gRJyvHHx9m3X9PxxP_JFk2IAUQrKkJ0f8mfPzv2zYD3wU5gydZvNOLjUGcdwm1YgmMDppvTcQYrqmUz2QYMRGcmEBB_TLfTYUNpJBNZzi0rvqBVhEgRa7D6W2NebrPwQ/s400/IMG_3393.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juniper shrub berries via iPhone & Instagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Also at the grocery store, next to the Rhody bush brought the Juniper bush with new chartreuse growth, blue berries and grayish buds. The variety of textures were interesting to me, so a pic was snapped.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDos7ts1Hiorm5vjFDNJ5-wgw66EumpnsJQF0oCvUwSAIXhL_cnqwR1TKu3MszPTY6iJ46Y5bSgFbMXXLdSStK2rgDtnwpLy_ihoIr5f84DSy7e-5fvm6vD2DJwrfT8rROBUN3jJvN84/s1600/IMG_3397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDos7ts1Hiorm5vjFDNJ5-wgw66EumpnsJQF0oCvUwSAIXhL_cnqwR1TKu3MszPTY6iJ46Y5bSgFbMXXLdSStK2rgDtnwpLy_ihoIr5f84DSy7e-5fvm6vD2DJwrfT8rROBUN3jJvN84/s400/IMG_3397.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">son Alan with Instagram & ToonCamera</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This photo of my son was taken by friend and professional photographer Ann Lindsay. I took a pic with my iPhone of it and then Instagram and ToonPhoto, the result is grainy and yet still retains my son's demeanor at age 4 captured by Ann.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8UO0SEOVFy3cwXvllgCillS3hGxzlZ7Ov08EKDXgxl5p3GYdqsnaFQ2_6Q2MBVo7aC1VVff8XI9k-QUVpOpK27Zy248pcOzlfCCWwZiv011kpcrleMoe4ZUI0GqjUkCWBQZ94PujKlA/s1600/IMG_3398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8UO0SEOVFy3cwXvllgCillS3hGxzlZ7Ov08EKDXgxl5p3GYdqsnaFQ2_6Q2MBVo7aC1VVff8XI9k-QUVpOpK27Zy248pcOzlfCCWwZiv011kpcrleMoe4ZUI0GqjUkCWBQZ94PujKlA/s200/IMG_3398.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jersey cow vs. friend Preston<br />
via iPhone & Instagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The ultimate stare down...man vs. beast at the Dungeness Creamery Dairy. My girlfriend and I had met there with our 3 kids to run around the barns, checking out the cows and calves. Preston had found his match with this heifer waiting to be fed and feeling surly. This is one of my fave pics of all time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhme8WpQ1VwxB44rP3zTZeCUgbsxu2QD3J1_Lq5t0GEyzta_Nn8-1o8XCYQOlm_Ix8zveaC-dae3yhbXGwyUJNLRP0JISKZ8OjCcvFdPs4KUQ83LWY2dnkp8Wde4k5J_l7QqX5iYk5yKVM/s1600/IMG_3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhme8WpQ1VwxB44rP3zTZeCUgbsxu2QD3J1_Lq5t0GEyzta_Nn8-1o8XCYQOlm_Ix8zveaC-dae3yhbXGwyUJNLRP0JISKZ8OjCcvFdPs4KUQ83LWY2dnkp8Wde4k5J_l7QqX5iYk5yKVM/s400/IMG_3374.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colored sugar sprinkles on Alan's team cupcakes <br />
via iPhone, Hipstamatic and Instagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>This was my son and his Sequim Youth Basketball League's last week of play so we had a small Awards ceremony on Wednesday to say some kind words, give out our handcrafted certificates. As team mom, I made some chocolate cupcakes with chocolate butter cream frosting and colored sugar sprinkles. As I was shaking on the sprinkles, the sun suddenly beamed through my kitchen window and made the colors ignite. In a "I've had entirely too much sugar frosting" kind of way, they reminded me of stained glass windows and I grabbed my iPhone, snap! I Found The Lovely in a simple sprinkled cupcake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q918TpiA7WStOdqidiZYE-b3_qQOwW8ADmaxu3juQ_Z0N4OJ_7F8dNaiogHb6Q6Okfjlap8Qxc_fY17KUdfTG0qPpSXtT4FvwLdE9jFv4MLWlz9-V2dd2KwnXfk9jP-iOutCHSuU9-E/s1600/IMG_3352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q918TpiA7WStOdqidiZYE-b3_qQOwW8ADmaxu3juQ_Z0N4OJ_7F8dNaiogHb6Q6Okfjlap8Qxc_fY17KUdfTG0qPpSXtT4FvwLdE9jFv4MLWlz9-V2dd2KwnXfk9jP-iOutCHSuU9-E/s400/IMG_3352.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my yummy nieces saying 'Good bye' at a family birthday<br />
via Instagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Here's to the many lovely moments that make up our lives. Woven together and bleeding into each other's, it's a rich tapestry if we take the time to see it that way! Thanks for playing with me in the "Lovely".</div><div><br />
</div><div>Chow for now my friends!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-44600980266919599552012-02-17T15:10:00.000-08:002012-02-18T15:01:57.891-08:00Finding the Lovely-(week 3)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYMdQdUTm-yzNPUyfkgfT_LzdQNsH-qJSTLVrewtaF58GzEhXg1dAeX7kFSE9HiQfl-uPU9k-KPQz746mx7r1Caoiu50FCpdj_0-bd_7YpzVN3brCgdRukY05zSa5HOimGAXUW_E6vso/s1600/finding-the-lovely2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYMdQdUTm-yzNPUyfkgfT_LzdQNsH-qJSTLVrewtaF58GzEhXg1dAeX7kFSE9HiQfl-uPU9k-KPQz746mx7r1Caoiu50FCpdj_0-bd_7YpzVN3brCgdRukY05zSa5HOimGAXUW_E6vso/s400/finding-the-lovely2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Hello friends!<br />
My apologies for being a bit tardy in posting...I've been learning about <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instagram/id389801252?mt=8">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photoshake!/id389104355?mt=8">Photoshake</a> in anticipation of joining in on the <a href="http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/mimicharmante/?p=3599">Finding the Lovely</a> ladies who have been sharing their smart phone photos each Friday in February!<br />
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My understanding of this exercise/connection/group is to be more cognizant of the little things, the "lovelies" in life and capture them in the moment via your smartphones. My learning curve of the new tools took me awhile, but I finally caught on. Tenacity has it's perks sometimes!<br />
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They're a very talented and seemingly tech savvy group, so I wanted to bring my "A game" to this post. It's <i>my</i> 1st "Lovely" post although it's week 3 for the group started by <a href="http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/mimicharmante/">Kimberly Taylor</a> and <a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2012/02/17/finding-the-lovely-week-three/">Jeannie Oliver</a>. I might be late to the party but hopefully will add something "lovely" to the mix!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4ZElemEx6N3rH83CUfK72sxFdoZHiNUFJFaky0kf_yu21Rx1QvHqZ5Zc1qTBxycrP-UDDxumm8LC-TS-73XU2aXpecFRDFYZ7Z-UAF_d5oSdXoACwhO6k0yWlRzCHbzzpqfM2TrBt-c/s1600/IMG_1395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4ZElemEx6N3rH83CUfK72sxFdoZHiNUFJFaky0kf_yu21Rx1QvHqZ5Zc1qTBxycrP-UDDxumm8LC-TS-73XU2aXpecFRDFYZ7Z-UAF_d5oSdXoACwhO6k0yWlRzCHbzzpqfM2TrBt-c/s400/IMG_1395.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset through the Russian sage @ Crescent Bar, WA via iPhone</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Full disclosure: my blog photos have <i>all</i> from my iPhone but I hadn't yet dabbled in Instagram or even heard of Photoshake and was really curious about these tools after following many of the burgeoning group of "Finding the Lovely" ladies' blogs;<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #d5a6bd;">1.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;"> <a href="http://www.fhl3.blogspot.com/2012/02/finding-lovely-week-2.html">full senses</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">2. <a href="http://cottageintheoaks.com/2012/02/10/finding-the-lovely-week-2/">A Lovely Week</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">3. <a href="http://kararosenberry.blogspot.com/2012/02/finding-lovely-objects-of-my-affection.html">Week 2; Object of my affection</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">4. <a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2012/02/10/finding-the-lovely-week-two/">Finding The Lovely{Week Two}</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">5. <a href="http://www.papermellie.typepad.com/">Finding the Lovely</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">6. <a href="http://gypsyfleamarket.blogspot.com/2012/02/finding-lovely_10.html">Gyspy Brocante</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">7. <a href="http://paperartscene.com/?p=528&preview=true">Finding the Lovely Part Deux</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">8. <a href="http://daniellemuller.typepad.com/daniellemuller/2012/02/-iphone-friday-.html">danielle muller</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">9. <a href="http://justaweepipi.blogspot.com/">Just Pipi</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">10.<a href="http://maritapollimages.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/finding-the-lovely/">Flower Power</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">11. <a href="http://www.jeanneszewczyk.com/2012/02/friday-fill-ins_10.html">Dream, Create, Inspire</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">12. <a href="http://www.foodwineandcreativemusings.blogspot.com/">Some Great Photos</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">13. <a href="http://lifeasdebknowsit.blogspot.com/2012/02/isnt-it-lovely-part-deux.html">Isn't It Lovely Part Deux</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">14. <a href="http://theterpblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/instalife-8.html">katie @ the terpblog</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">15. <a href="http://thefinderskeeper.blogspot.com/2012/02/wanted-to-share-my-collage-for-this.html">Thefinderskeeper</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">16. <a href="http://redletterstudio.blogspot.com/">Red Letter Days</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">17.<a href="http://laniderrick-itsmylife.blogspot.com/2012/02/insta-saturday.html"> It's My Life & I Love It</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">18. <a href="http://mypineplace.blogspot.com/2012/02/happy-valentines-day-and-giveaway.html">Valentines Instagram</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #d5a6bd; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">19. </span><a href="http://abundantpicnic.blogspot.com/2012/02/joining-finding-lovely-week-2.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">abundant picnic {love}</span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span>Have fun. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">Be present. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">Learn. Be inspired. Bookmark. Add to favorites. Click through. Escape. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">I LOVE to see images and read stories of other peoples' lives. It's entertaining to me to see what they choose to share, what hobbies they engage in, if they have a business or where they live. I'm richer for the experience of blogging and especially by reading others'</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-line;">.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3-RPC6S7fYdv6UYk2r7nrEXMMAiH5pzBcOzfKVItsstBzN70DRHdHqDEk37CwAfEf8UcdGSMb5c8464Z-xDXF3gbX84oUbxhRQd0vuYm4ZAKK_KZgiXBgku70gmPwDacY-K0Sm63QwM/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3-RPC6S7fYdv6UYk2r7nrEXMMAiH5pzBcOzfKVItsstBzN70DRHdHqDEk37CwAfEf8UcdGSMb5c8464Z-xDXF3gbX84oUbxhRQd0vuYm4ZAKK_KZgiXBgku70gmPwDacY-K0Sm63QwM/s400/IMG_3112.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Valentine's Day cookies via iPhone & Instagram</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This last week <i>was </i>lovelier, browsing through the "Lovely" blogs and keeping my iPhone close for those moments that resonated with me. I hope you find them somewhere between nostalgic, cute, visually stimulating and appetizing. I did.<br />
<div><br />
Here is my collage of images via my iPhone, Instagram and Photoshake. They include nature,<br />
my girlfriend's chickens, food (of course), family, my favorite places, one of my two dachshunds and a Christmas ornament my youngest brother brought me from his travels in Germany.<br />
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Let me know what you think if you'd like...I'm interested in your feedback!<br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykpGKjAdvLvReZTXy2WfHBk5MV_OtZ0gF4dHlM_A3BAntf-x7JtBlHB-YmA4Rc1f5pTT91cjXQZZIis6lIWv8qffz2lMpStTHeUlTUrLL6dRBIFRSSpTupsvqnKt5kBmridDA01Y9iVo/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykpGKjAdvLvReZTXy2WfHBk5MV_OtZ0gF4dHlM_A3BAntf-x7JtBlHB-YmA4Rc1f5pTT91cjXQZZIis6lIWv8qffz2lMpStTHeUlTUrLL6dRBIFRSSpTupsvqnKt5kBmridDA01Y9iVo/s640/Image.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 1st iPhone, Instagram and Photoshake collage!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
<div>If you'd like to join the "Finding the Lovely" group, see <a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2012/02/17/finding-the-lovely-week-three/">Jeanne's blog link</a>. There's one more February Friday for us to post together.</div><div><br />
</div><div>It's been a fun week stretching my limits, checking out other "Lovely blogsites" and learning how to use new tools. Here's to finding something that captures your interest and following it, wherever it leads...</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pJOd1WgcSvLLShcItJNpGBO5YI5rDYIpOrcLRcDwRlJx4KrLMXpDfPNouGm3blCwEjlRlEH_AXvSClWBf2ZflxX4edGXKGfccbV-nuzzSHBc2vLx6kFBsVV3GShS3kCgcG1XzxyF1mE/s1600/IMG_3117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pJOd1WgcSvLLShcItJNpGBO5YI5rDYIpOrcLRcDwRlJx4KrLMXpDfPNouGm3blCwEjlRlEH_AXvSClWBf2ZflxX4edGXKGfccbV-nuzzSHBc2vLx6kFBsVV3GShS3kCgcG1XzxyF1mE/s400/IMG_3117.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daffodils preparing for their Spring debut via iPhone & Instagram</td></tr>
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</div><div>Chow for now my friends!</div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-41732992743930546432012-02-13T23:14:00.001-08:002012-02-14T00:16:16.079-08:00CB's Peanutbutter + Martha Stewart= Happy Valentines Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v18Iu0qgXnI57lu3P1ryQXGODK8QS_kH9nvI4obCbtyqhjAdbkE355rAXoFOzH-R13lK85d6fNw2eBY7XWpNL2qS2VqRuw8NR0RjOyCS20etbiV8o6fH57TMfPU1VeRham9GNs04zIM/s1600/IMG_3081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v18Iu0qgXnI57lu3P1ryQXGODK8QS_kH9nvI4obCbtyqhjAdbkE355rAXoFOzH-R13lK85d6fNw2eBY7XWpNL2qS2VqRuw8NR0RjOyCS20etbiV8o6fH57TMfPU1VeRham9GNs04zIM/s400/IMG_3081.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local nut roasters extraordinaire!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9XIzZ7oLgWu6Xzx3EgJkJdtUftcZcQz6J2ARNronZrfoyKNggRLbfxkU2oV8jU0jrINioPLCKdvdV5QpA_rAIP130dp5-FigptFEnoWkCZQ3LNXHWZZNr5l0nHpxZdg-8IUamElqtR4/s1600/mld106836_0211_9cookies17_9849_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9XIzZ7oLgWu6Xzx3EgJkJdtUftcZcQz6J2ARNronZrfoyKNggRLbfxkU2oV8jU0jrINioPLCKdvdV5QpA_rAIP130dp5-FigptFEnoWkCZQ3LNXHWZZNr5l0nHpxZdg-8IUamElqtR4/s400/mld106836_0211_9cookies17_9849_vert.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martha Stewart Living Feb 2011 issue</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">=</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">EXTRAORDINARY </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">VALENTINES DAY COOKIES!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">True story! Using CB's Nuts Peanut butter in this recipe puts it over the top!! Great ingredients can really elevate any recipe and this is indeed the case here. Thanks CB's Nuts and Martha Stewart Living teams for creating a match made in heaven.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx28M5ax-DBlaMbhtF2P-fZt9gMsxfFBjbDdIgGwirVl9TGeVGArsdrEXkOya7-rX9ixLVRnTRXG4x1OfMoH3rRZnXRhvhq58Y05gvz-GnSqU8ow11TMKC-FqLid1jgbpi5ctcOI6i3s8/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx28M5ax-DBlaMbhtF2P-fZt9gMsxfFBjbDdIgGwirVl9TGeVGArsdrEXkOya7-rX9ixLVRnTRXG4x1OfMoH3rRZnXRhvhq58Y05gvz-GnSqU8ow11TMKC-FqLid1jgbpi5ctcOI6i3s8/s400/IMG_3071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start this recipe with CB's organic peanut butter for best results</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The recipe can be found on MSL's link; <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/356375/peanut-butter-and-jam-heart-cookies">http://www.marthastewart.com/356375/peanut-butter-and-jam-heart-cookies</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwkSYHzKpsynsTKtKMOLGGDjNqsQ2rVtNJV_FL_KcTt4PzKYfIy5HhUnqJqTVlQKqZhppJ-bVWoXanWNA33qfLks5nJBsqsYCqCNsrWkdcPkPuXkgchKqf8uMTfqBuQj7hqNQjm-huPY/s1600/IMG_3074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwkSYHzKpsynsTKtKMOLGGDjNqsQ2rVtNJV_FL_KcTt4PzKYfIy5HhUnqJqTVlQKqZhppJ-bVWoXanWNA33qfLks5nJBsqsYCqCNsrWkdcPkPuXkgchKqf8uMTfqBuQj7hqNQjm-huPY/s400/IMG_3074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cookies at their first baking cycles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The trick I use is to use an ice cream scoop to scoop out the dough and form the cookie before it's chilled. I flatten the scooped cookie dough gently with the bottom of a wide juice glass. The heart shape is made by indenting your thumb pointing about 1:00, then pointing 11:00. Chill for about 5-10 minutes in the freezer and then into the pre heated oven for 10 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaA7qhyphenhyphenvyzA-5cEsRZEz47ZGoihhcdFZ6NCP5nhlw3mqCJqT6bnyzbMeMjYjRVgAziKG9kJp40yeiAYVwDEUuUjQPq1j33sC8Iu08E2vrn7S9TyPOA4G1CI4aKmKp26Y6eY-oy4YVdWk/s1600/IMG_3075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaA7qhyphenhyphenvyzA-5cEsRZEz47ZGoihhcdFZ6NCP5nhlw3mqCJqT6bnyzbMeMjYjRVgAziKG9kJp40yeiAYVwDEUuUjQPq1j33sC8Iu08E2vrn7S9TyPOA4G1CI4aKmKp26Y6eY-oy4YVdWk/s400/IMG_3075.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding raspberry jam into the heart indentations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The choice of jam or jelly filling is yours; current, raspberry or strawberry all are gloriously crimson but the strawberry <i>jam</i> can be rather chunky and challenging to work with. I prefer raspberry jam or current jelly.</div><div>Place back into the oven for the final 5 minutes to set the jam and finish toasting the cookies to perfection.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmi2V3aw9gNOWFK7beIUjNdF1xy4gb16IOiboKj0b0Ujn-Pg30Fhb-Nak8E895n96ct78qt4S-OUr-e34KjyGEKZKpy-0eZwmkUHNDpb2uPG4dBjvnr3uc4j1DjocgiNaD7iELcFWNd8/s1600/IMG_3078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmi2V3aw9gNOWFK7beIUjNdF1xy4gb16IOiboKj0b0Ujn-Pg30Fhb-Nak8E895n96ct78qt4S-OUr-e34KjyGEKZKpy-0eZwmkUHNDpb2uPG4dBjvnr3uc4j1DjocgiNaD7iELcFWNd8/s400/IMG_3078.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toasty, nutty, sweet and adorable Valentines Day cookies cooling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>At this point, my husband and son miraculously appeared from another room to inquire about the availability of the cookies. (I'm baking these for my son's class as he's now too cool to make handmade cards with his Mom this year but still wants to give his classmates something). I smile and allow them to snatch one...it's Valentine's Day tomorrow after all!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18haeXR_SigzacZpN4yUKPItYvNVFoNn8sZ8cItkbkvk6aF5Ws99loDNVp0ltHyeUVbY7TDfYCaNEDTz8ORAoZ7HeMLPFvTvYcW494jp6j8GZxxUF9MKy0Jo_GfMJDgu8JVAHL_ZDosg/s1600/IMG_3079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18haeXR_SigzacZpN4yUKPItYvNVFoNn8sZ8cItkbkvk6aF5Ws99loDNVp0ltHyeUVbY7TDfYCaNEDTz8ORAoZ7HeMLPFvTvYcW494jp6j8GZxxUF9MKy0Jo_GfMJDgu8JVAHL_ZDosg/s400/IMG_3079.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Think Reese's Peanut butter cup in cookie form but better</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So if jam isn't your thing and your knees weaken for chocolate...then I have the answer to fortify you! I chopped some dark chocolate finely, melted it in a bowl in the microwave for 45 seconds, stirred and back in for 30 seconds, stir until smooth. Using a teaspoon, finesse the melted chocolate into the heart indentations after the initial 10 minute baking cycle and then bake again for another 5 minutes to set </div><div>chocolate.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeKTTUCDeZtBNF0YSFlTZOGSk4jb_mWuE_IYI3pSQPIMO8HdYzpyxzR3Pmo5Z7FmsnmeiyBjOtOkYHJ0G5SVw0Q2BP00H8Z8EL5RaCia64BtAocZ79pBaTSPJpNV17e6MIVofhYj0hrQ/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeKTTUCDeZtBNF0YSFlTZOGSk4jb_mWuE_IYI3pSQPIMO8HdYzpyxzR3Pmo5Z7FmsnmeiyBjOtOkYHJ0G5SVw0Q2BP00H8Z8EL5RaCia64BtAocZ79pBaTSPJpNV17e6MIVofhYj0hrQ/s400/IMG_3080.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark Chocolate hearts make me smile!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>These chocolate hearts are really my husband's favorite and I let him have one of those too. I can't pass up the opportunity to hear "Oh my goodness! These are great Mama-bear!" That's his term of endeerment and I love the look of contentment on his face while he devours the cookie, carefully holding his other hand underneath the cookie hand so that he doesn't miss a crumb. </div><div><br />
</div><div>My son kisses me goodnight and thanks me for making all these for his classmates and teachers at his school. He loves to watch the pleased faces of the recipients as he proudly passes them out. It fills his cup to share the joy of good food with others. This is one lucky Mama-bear!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Happy Valentine's Day my friends! May you find big and little things in your day, in your life that puffs your hearts with joy.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Chow for now!<br />
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</div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-49498626274324530972012-02-13T20:05:00.000-08:002012-02-13T20:14:19.905-08:00Chicks, kids and chickens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUEiXyavHAgrs1NouhfL-I44wyoZpQVkauRs2rUz4WMOr9oeo527ViOWlOqmPewo7Y1mapEdrK1E5_9fhJxK7_AYOky4xRgvoYk-8cIiZSFRN8bsI3IVABzgT1BK43pHMvnUWxHuGuEM/s1600/IMG_2966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUEiXyavHAgrs1NouhfL-I44wyoZpQVkauRs2rUz4WMOr9oeo527ViOWlOqmPewo7Y1mapEdrK1E5_9fhJxK7_AYOky4xRgvoYk-8cIiZSFRN8bsI3IVABzgT1BK43pHMvnUWxHuGuEM/s400/IMG_2966.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea and her gentle hen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Okay, let me first say that I'm not usually a jealous person. I'm at the age/state of mind that offers contentment in who I am regardless of my job title, economic status, having not yet travelled everywhere I hope to visit yet. HOWEVER, I am literally green with envy with those who can keep chickens! Ever since I helped Chef Brian Scheesher (then Exec. Chef @ The Sorrento Hotel and is now chef/owner of <a href="http://www.heathmankirkland.com/trellis/trellis-restaurant.aspx">Trellis</a> in Kirkland, WA) at a cooking class where he spoke of keeping bees and chickens at his house <b><i>in</i></b> Seattle, I <i>WANTED</i> them!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_pIvxghuf2o1Kr6hruAfaID_5jWXxsOvbs1KF9KbRpDhMJbtocvQv2mVqJd08BoH1TgOBB6yCC-2lqcnhtfJcNSIudiWRxTbosOrj_RED8sGceK7uBn7V1uRtYoLOmclTkv0lXDGWTc/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_pIvxghuf2o1Kr6hruAfaID_5jWXxsOvbs1KF9KbRpDhMJbtocvQv2mVqJd08BoH1TgOBB6yCC-2lqcnhtfJcNSIudiWRxTbosOrj_RED8sGceK7uBn7V1uRtYoLOmclTkv0lXDGWTc/s400/IMG_2967.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friend Andrea's Hen house #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My CC&R's don't allow "critters" here in our Sequim neighborhood. Dang it! I love the looks and sounds of chickens. They're visually appealing to me and the gentle clucking sound is soothing but their EGGS, now that's what I'm talking about! The nearly neon orange of the yolks, the firm whites, the rich buttery taste. I get flat out jealous. Just saying'!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0-E6x-sgKesz8XF_miZWzoLgsK2JBf8v31Tgoo6EiCV485LPvgYYvGzt7KEQSY7xlBFrI9vXmQxOBNT7IQWNAWs8kslpIB05kPvtqGYHISMm8C9M6OYkE5rSyFFa4YQSzlZsQSb3Khg/s1600/IMG_3007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0-E6x-sgKesz8XF_miZWzoLgsK2JBf8v31Tgoo6EiCV485LPvgYYvGzt7KEQSY7xlBFrI9vXmQxOBNT7IQWNAWs8kslpIB05kPvtqGYHISMm8C9M6OYkE5rSyFFa4YQSzlZsQSb3Khg/s320/IMG_3007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div>So when my girlfriend Andrea had her son's birthday party recently, she offered to give me a tour of her two henhouses. She knows I'm green with envy and wanted to show me the "realities" of keeping hens.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ladies have been busy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The laying boxes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
She keeps her hen houses clean so the potential odor wasn't a problem for me. She pointed out the fencing enhancements they've made after being burrowed into/over and chewed through by rodents and raccoons eager to eat the feed or the chickens themselves. I took mental notes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k0Ee0X4NSyLmFmgCgJBVdU4yMCAsToiPxP4-cD5RjeD1PQDTQdg79GZPFeC8q5Ql_Ktllyi0lzaXzVWuHVwNFcykEp6l6p8hOkL1HF_XhLzz6Xfa4HuYIoPacF96tQRHMvON3s91sN0/s1600/IMG_2973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k0Ee0X4NSyLmFmgCgJBVdU4yMCAsToiPxP4-cD5RjeD1PQDTQdg79GZPFeC8q5Ql_Ktllyi0lzaXzVWuHVwNFcykEp6l6p8hOkL1HF_XhLzz6Xfa4HuYIoPacF96tQRHMvON3s91sN0/s400/IMG_2973.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ladies in house #2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqmVYJToA_KQvGRz8F9DKqKEVhkyS8sV5gO4Fg26x3MZ0ul_HgUemhDe6LkbU55x-Ah7i9lxwWD6lvrarX718eJXwBrBFr1eQ34Hc5R6o9mdXP557HpsfW8ipZYYm9-htNVijXkWoIZ4/s1600/IMG_2974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqmVYJToA_KQvGRz8F9DKqKEVhkyS8sV5gO4Fg26x3MZ0ul_HgUemhDe6LkbU55x-Ah7i9lxwWD6lvrarX718eJXwBrBFr1eQ34Hc5R6o9mdXP557HpsfW8ipZYYm9-htNVijXkWoIZ4/s400/IMG_2974.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son Alan holding the fresh, warm, organic eggs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOy7DYr_3r1vHJ7pnfjQzSJ-VOx-4Sb14vxlMpTO6AtsMYRDP9h5XvBovF7Vzl51SpztDjBMFSfFPjcZ43CZlNw3WbQ0xLW6_uNP67f5s_xCrSVjLkHK4S3yYyOEbZb5AKzLzY99RSs8/s1600/IMG_2975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOy7DYr_3r1vHJ7pnfjQzSJ-VOx-4Sb14vxlMpTO6AtsMYRDP9h5XvBovF7Vzl51SpztDjBMFSfFPjcZ43CZlNw3WbQ0xLW6_uNP67f5s_xCrSVjLkHK4S3yYyOEbZb5AKzLzY99RSs8/s400/IMG_2975.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What beautiful plumage!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBwthMXNFQCMZMdAxAywotdtMS8s_R2-rCsjClVVJu4VlVRdj-_CRuWlwCQJLx4qkGEG-8hS2q-GHoGHow8bkxan1Bu0rjlmy881LqIijQAWudwQ-9kayh9Ckh1mlvVEokeB3ZQ7vJIA/s1600/IMG_2978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBwthMXNFQCMZMdAxAywotdtMS8s_R2-rCsjClVVJu4VlVRdj-_CRuWlwCQJLx4qkGEG-8hS2q-GHoGHow8bkxan1Bu0rjlmy881LqIijQAWudwQ-9kayh9Ckh1mlvVEokeB3ZQ7vJIA/s400/IMG_2978.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Where are you going to sit?" "Sit next to me!"</td></tr>
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She let the kids and I feed them grain by hand to get a closer encounter with them. We all kneeled down quietly and let them eat off our hands.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf41CSvPioZTBKd4yN9d-lcAAGVPMIWwRtEls6ToJQCqSVCFGUME4DnoDKYkCqxYch_cpqxOr7ClrEUopxL8Nkb9N1OxekRruYgT006kZCPDvr1KXwgKLEa8yFemXrb8Sg_VT3TDKO6hI/s1600/IMG_2981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf41CSvPioZTBKd4yN9d-lcAAGVPMIWwRtEls6ToJQCqSVCFGUME4DnoDKYkCqxYch_cpqxOr7ClrEUopxL8Nkb9N1OxekRruYgT006kZCPDvr1KXwgKLEa8yFemXrb8Sg_VT3TDKO6hI/s640/IMG_2981.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fashion show of poultry plumage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv1w8W3T-wrP32VAROXR-Q67nY2Vf8bgxgP84h2KUUCgkQQwa87733_POvYDnG21FCJN4bVLs1Vqqh2w8zH6k9pt1TP-hRjogOwJhu1dW5MXLhkgK61XvdBdxMe-xxEow7qWXvOIE5cA/s1600/IMG_2982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv1w8W3T-wrP32VAROXR-Q67nY2Vf8bgxgP84h2KUUCgkQQwa87733_POvYDnG21FCJN4bVLs1Vqqh2w8zH6k9pt1TP-hRjogOwJhu1dW5MXLhkgK61XvdBdxMe-xxEow7qWXvOIE5cA/s400/IMG_2982.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello red hen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I soaked in their gentle clucking sounds for my memory bank. I wonder if there's an "App" for that sound...?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i5HK0PHdaufcHVxVwe-PxI6HssHSbgRp7E738C8gOrSv4fqXB-YVfxAzC19TblR0IJMzSPcZqkjpNQtvpbXXNJUCdxBr2IOTPe8JPhgTQC0AqQwN3e0sV0UIQehyEXyg3HeOfHR4Vd4/s1600/IMG_2984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-i5HK0PHdaufcHVxVwe-PxI6HssHSbgRp7E738C8gOrSv4fqXB-YVfxAzC19TblR0IJMzSPcZqkjpNQtvpbXXNJUCdxBr2IOTPe8JPhgTQC0AqQwN3e0sV0UIQehyEXyg3HeOfHR4Vd4/s400/IMG_2984.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black and white party!</td></tr>
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Some of them were very gentle and some were not. The one that went after our fingers kind of freaked me out a little but still didn't deter my yearning. One can always have <i>chicken</i> for dinner if she gets too much of a diva. Just something I filed away for future reference when I have my hen house(s?).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfUqRcahEPhe70fDdB4IStEKl6Pah0kUZQ0_G1-MopANI_2OB1MXl7fG83ZSdDASO-DMOeJ3V7EOvgYBiCFrTveEAAx4ovVcN-LhK2rx1ubk2tD2jq1xhidG9CU_mm-__tFN4HdtTDug/s1600/IMG_2989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfUqRcahEPhe70fDdB4IStEKl6Pah0kUZQ0_G1-MopANI_2OB1MXl7fG83ZSdDASO-DMOeJ3V7EOvgYBiCFrTveEAAx4ovVcN-LhK2rx1ubk2tD2jq1xhidG9CU_mm-__tFN4HdtTDug/s400/IMG_2989.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "not shy" red hen...catch the attitude?!</td></tr>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">My son and I finally had to return home and leave the party and the hen houses. I mentally vowed to make this a reality someday. I even put it on my "50 Things I need to do" list that I made up after reading Kimberly Taylor's blog Blackberry Farm last week (<a href="http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/mimicharmante/">http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/mimicharmante/</a>).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Oh, and BTW, Kim has chickens too on her farm too, and kids, and geese and a photography studio and she travels to amazing places and she takes amazing images! Check out her blog, she <i>does no</i>t disappoint!</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyBaQcMN3gaR6JPoxavu3ffFSAdofd1SuJBhF9mSqKK3nhZjiNv4rih2nl6Ju9tgbkBaQb8V0At1QuB_UEqIiClLKhUocPFQXbWjFPLS2fYUEuQNcb1V1aBLmQxU-u5NIJwO1Zl5i85U/s1600/IMG_2993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyBaQcMN3gaR6JPoxavu3ffFSAdofd1SuJBhF9mSqKK3nhZjiNv4rih2nl6Ju9tgbkBaQb8V0At1QuB_UEqIiClLKhUocPFQXbWjFPLS2fYUEuQNcb1V1aBLmQxU-u5NIJwO1Zl5i85U/s640/IMG_2993.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite, gentle red hen saying her "goodbyes"</td></tr>
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So this Sequim chick left feeling more affirmed than in her quest for hen keeping! Not sure <i>where</i> this will</div><div>happen but it will someday. Andrea gave me a dozen fresh eggs to take home with us. Some of them were the ones collected together. Those eggs were still warm. How cool is that?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOWcvp_a6xIdSLK5qMt0fZlSovfTKQ71mJgtp2HRukAhZqAAdwt_EfJ0OmDXnM5NfgT8hyaBWa4V26GlKCoUmKmH1LjJaYqH0LPQaa9hsz_p2Qen3iUZzYfv0HfqQ4GVzKIZvm0SWOo8/s1600/IMG_3004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOWcvp_a6xIdSLK5qMt0fZlSovfTKQ71mJgtp2HRukAhZqAAdwt_EfJ0OmDXnM5NfgT8hyaBWa4V26GlKCoUmKmH1LjJaYqH0LPQaa9hsz_p2Qen3iUZzYfv0HfqQ4GVzKIZvm0SWOo8/s400/IMG_3004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parting, party gift of gorgeous organic egg<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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Here's to living DELIBERATELY my friends. That's my word for this year. I'm going to print out my "50 things" List to remind me everyday the goals I have and the actions needed to support those goals.<br />
Find your deliberate goals, create your "50 things"List and go after them.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: purple;">"Don't let the fear of striking out, keep you from stepping up to the plate" ~ Babe Ruth</span></blockquote><br />
Chow for now my friends!<br />
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</div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-2175648910897730392012-02-06T23:16:00.000-08:002012-02-07T00:34:44.167-08:00Dinner for Dennis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23FgmaQWEReGcX2yaFoIwDSFkvjLPv2BOxjgzTXoYWpuDRSWBrWu2lXQf120OCvdJBfK3tiFOFOlV3o4fq-a3LnyY02JFgDnbDF1OD5K-YfJIC_McaCbCnIb4FEpsAWXLdIse4H3kU3Q/s1600/IMG_2265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23FgmaQWEReGcX2yaFoIwDSFkvjLPv2BOxjgzTXoYWpuDRSWBrWu2lXQf120OCvdJBfK3tiFOFOlV3o4fq-a3LnyY02JFgDnbDF1OD5K-YfJIC_McaCbCnIb4FEpsAWXLdIse4H3kU3Q/s400/IMG_2265.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fish platter</td></tr>
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</div>Blogging has been a adventure from the beginning! I have learned SOOO much from following other blogs from professional to personal. Not being an incredibly "techie" person, my family and friends didn't discourage me but possibly wondered how long "this phase would last". Happy to report that next month it will be a year since my first post!<br />
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My format hasn't changed much; I still take pics with my iPhone, of items that we're actually eating for a meal or places I've been, stories of my life experiences, supplying "how to" series of photos with instruction. Hopefully, my photos have improved and that my stories seem relevant and you're enjoying the recipes!<br />
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One of the coolest things that happened was the opportunity to create a meal as a gift from a person who saw my blog! His friends gave him a dinner for two as a get-well gift but the gift was given to me as well! Dennis' friends, knowing he's a foodie asked me to cook dinner for he and his partner and I jumped at the chance. How fun to deliver a dinner to other foodies from a menu they created...look out Iron Chef!<br />
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They chose Rock Cod Piccata, green beans with smothered onions and bacon, oven roasted brussel sprouts with shallots, roasted garlic and more bacon, Pane D'Amore dinner rolls and lemon pound cakes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lusciousness on a plate</td></tr>
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Life is short, let's start with dessert first! This will give it time to cool and glaze before we leave for Dennis' houses. This recipe is the BEST EVER Lemon Pound Cake from Boyajian. They make a line of fine culinary oils and can be ordered online directly, from Amazon and Sur La Table to name a few.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lemon Pound Cake Recipe</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 tsp Boyajian <a href="http://www.boyajianinc.com/citrus.html" style="color: #666633; text-decoration: underline;">Pure Lemon Oil</a><br />
11/2 cups unsalted butter<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
3 cups sifted flour<br />
1/4 tsp baking soda<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
21/2 cups sugar<br />
6 eggs (beat well)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Preheat oven to 300. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Blend in the beaten eggs and Boyajian Lemon Oil. Add sour cream, flour, baking soda and salt. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes. Bake in well greased bundt or tube pan for 11/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool pan on wire rack for 30 minutes before unfolding.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">you should smell my house right now...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The glaze is adds a little sparkle if desired. Whisk 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and a few drops of lemon oil in a large bowl and add enough cold water to thin the glaze, about 4 tablespoons. It's up to you...I like thick enough to see it but not have it goopy. Spoon gently over the top of pound cakes. Zest strips from lemon and top with any fresh berries available.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Boo ya! Desert is done; glazed, zested and garnished</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">So now I'm onto our more savory elements now that dessert is done. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgtwXS-9JjsPazbwhs4iGIgTF_z0XM25xcsCd79FdkpNk-m8iEjlfdrVdv0e-HapYz6vaG7ChUmKT-CwYJNsCUQ9fnZ1SwODxeu7w68PVfmcMIzluwGIlBxnBZQR97y2Y5h3oEcpnd04/s1600/IMG_2256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgtwXS-9JjsPazbwhs4iGIgTF_z0XM25xcsCd79FdkpNk-m8iEjlfdrVdv0e-HapYz6vaG7ChUmKT-CwYJNsCUQ9fnZ1SwODxeu7w68PVfmcMIzluwGIlBxnBZQR97y2Y5h3oEcpnd04/s400/IMG_2256.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The onions starting to "smother"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The smothered onions will take the longest so I sliced up 2 sweet onions and about 4 tablespoons of butter on medium high heat, in a heavy bottomed sauce pan. These will go for at least a half hour as the object is to go slow and not to sauté.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRUIQVe5jUf51t6Qyjpoqt5kR1f7_1zJiFud_I1C5F4rIdiBUa4dQRrWNWBAEnSt2vFlbxRTMnE3RpUcnqPLXeogLvW1erSeuRfYhLmZLBxboDjelLYChYrASXU0mVR64e8fkdaPfBvw/s1600/IMG_2249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRUIQVe5jUf51t6Qyjpoqt5kR1f7_1zJiFud_I1C5F4rIdiBUa4dQRrWNWBAEnSt2vFlbxRTMnE3RpUcnqPLXeogLvW1erSeuRfYhLmZLBxboDjelLYChYrASXU0mVR64e8fkdaPfBvw/s400/IMG_2249.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brussel sprout stalk</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The meal would be served hot to Dennis' door so I will be doing many things simultaneously, I'll tell you where we are along the way. For now, pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees and place the two heads of fresh garlic inside. Set timer for 15 minutes and check.<br />
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Next, the tender, fresh and organic brussel sprouts need to be taken off there stalk & placed in there baking dish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEY239T1UuCVNCYIZd2MBiIEIQEYJZDtTQSK2wkLRc-Sc-xPYjeRYqYzHzgTPuEvesvWiilLi6tFd0AxkC8Vu2zFTMDk1m2oVEovtfMxhtrd3fDFGpRW15V_CD5QbDj-IYKI2XNTY1UA/s1600/IMG_2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEY239T1UuCVNCYIZd2MBiIEIQEYJZDtTQSK2wkLRc-Sc-xPYjeRYqYzHzgTPuEvesvWiilLi6tFd0AxkC8Vu2zFTMDk1m2oVEovtfMxhtrd3fDFGpRW15V_CD5QbDj-IYKI2XNTY1UA/s400/IMG_2251.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extreme close-up of the sprouts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34EPwsmSx7nrJjC4GTnTDzoWUeY5rdWF0_61SyzVLhjVbGg95cPDrww6k7kTDVbXj-P7auGOUUGo-A3HA-Z6BQ4o693kCk7Gz2Oj3Ga3HObRL-74QmLDqVNy640V_CfmQQBq_MKYUors/s1600/IMG_2257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34EPwsmSx7nrJjC4GTnTDzoWUeY5rdWF0_61SyzVLhjVbGg95cPDrww6k7kTDVbXj-P7auGOUUGo-A3HA-Z6BQ4o693kCk7Gz2Oj3Ga3HObRL-74QmLDqVNy640V_CfmQQBq_MKYUors/s400/IMG_2257.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This endeavor is fast and easiest when the stalk is laid flat on a cutting board to hold with one hand and cut with the other, with minimal if any slippage of the stalk. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully slice each sprout off the stalk.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-gJO5Zr6Rhn9hJj4nhyphenhyphen9S48GLXRHgqyW4rDcKtgupUdaS3u4AN1phJFhTWfeeNh801RU4u8S36ji7rjNEEjF25DahJnjs88gV32ApK5NBcb8yhTBuK1vHVYt-33RsTzgZRdxoUTw6Xw/s1600/IMG_2254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-gJO5Zr6Rhn9hJj4nhyphenhyphen9S48GLXRHgqyW4rDcKtgupUdaS3u4AN1phJFhTWfeeNh801RU4u8S36ji7rjNEEjF25DahJnjs88gV32ApK5NBcb8yhTBuK1vHVYt-33RsTzgZRdxoUTw6Xw/s400/IMG_2254.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reduced onions with chopped shallots</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQiLTEfnEQiEiIVUSmOc_3o1U5Ri8ZzSz9FKOul28DXu9JgE9uxDz8AB_Uhept9UKmiuxepmRt_pemd92xVb4x63HNMwokWNJV4oJEzeHWYs7aEKn6NapfjmoXzf-BcT55uYOJsdfuVg/s1600/IMG_2255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQiLTEfnEQiEiIVUSmOc_3o1U5Ri8ZzSz9FKOul28DXu9JgE9uxDz8AB_Uhept9UKmiuxepmRt_pemd92xVb4x63HNMwokWNJV4oJEzeHWYs7aEKn6NapfjmoXzf-BcT55uYOJsdfuVg/s400/IMG_2255.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chopped pepper bacon </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The bacon is added to the onion/shallot mixture to finish the sauce for the brussel sprouts and the green beans. Cook bacon for about 8 minutes until fat is turning translucent and starting to brown. Remove half the onion, shallot and bacon mixture and store in heat proof bowl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLaMDGu_qmr-YMfss-uBVkZu6QqSGqN5SMYv9Wrpo0gCShOHX6iRVA96qx_6rBEuLPGfZj1MuRrJbzbFTSdgR7nbSkYTFIM2HMZpGP7OEUIt4dqx_BHJxRmnOPU1cAM5HDJkfXHqFZ5M/s1600/IMG_2262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLaMDGu_qmr-YMfss-uBVkZu6QqSGqN5SMYv9Wrpo0gCShOHX6iRVA96qx_6rBEuLPGfZj1MuRrJbzbFTSdgR7nbSkYTFIM2HMZpGP7OEUIt4dqx_BHJxRmnOPU1cAM5HDJkfXHqFZ5M/s400/IMG_2262.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked, caramelized and ready to join the party!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We now welcome back the roasted garlic heads back into the mix. It's easiest to extract the smooth, roasted garlic inside by slicing off the top of the garlic head using a serrated knife, then gently and slowly squeeze from the bottom and sides (like juicing an orange) and the garlic will begin to emerge. Let it drop into the sauté pan with the softened onions and shallots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWnrJlnPntgsUbixvvLCapWWkZPBxQ4OhMxQ45IThM7g3LfCoJjcUqxWjOF1gwGJU4Vailrz6AD3bKyBNV7yNQ9ESPTYGW5Ustj8gKddcVFK01-_yBPTFYeXzkQcmOHpnRryvrm1O_5M/s1600/IMG_2261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWnrJlnPntgsUbixvvLCapWWkZPBxQ4OhMxQ45IThM7g3LfCoJjcUqxWjOF1gwGJU4Vailrz6AD3bKyBNV7yNQ9ESPTYGW5Ustj8gKddcVFK01-_yBPTFYeXzkQcmOHpnRryvrm1O_5M/s400/IMG_2261.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">brussel sprouts added to the bacon, onions and shallots</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Add the brussel sprouts and sauté with remaining onion mixture for 5-8 minutes on medium high covered to capture the steam. Place contents into an uncovered baking dish and into the 400 degree oven to crisp exterior for another 10 minutes. Garnish with creme fresh if desired, Dennis and I did!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8Ab5PgwWw8PkgFXXiOof7mon4-7zQqYirHBziVPjWj9RePWxC_gEPLh9qqXxAZPfN_EJuolxGithjSKEY0FFIuQe4ubN6uQ7Mhg4HzEspcafPwrfclPX9xOJd9RxXzxsZO51oHgXLXk/s1600/IMG_2266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8Ab5PgwWw8PkgFXXiOof7mon4-7zQqYirHBziVPjWj9RePWxC_gEPLh9qqXxAZPfN_EJuolxGithjSKEY0FFIuQe4ubN6uQ7Mhg4HzEspcafPwrfclPX9xOJd9RxXzxsZO51oHgXLXk/s320/IMG_2266.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The rest of the dinner comes together quickly; back into the reheated sauté pan goes the other half of the onion/bacon mixture and the fresh green beans. Use tongs and combine, the lid goes on to steam for a few minutes. After a few minutes, toss the beans again and place the lid back on for a few more minutes. Place semi-cooked green beans onto the serving platter for the fish and beans and keep warm in the oven while cooking fish.<br />
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The Rock Cod Piccata is simple, tasty and fast. Put the large sauté pan back on the high heat again. Drizzle about 2 Tablespoons each butter and Olive oil and add the 2-3 filetsfilets over. Quickly add the coarsely chopped 3 toes of garlic, about 4-5 Tablespoons of capers, the juice of a half fresh lemon, half cup white wine. Simmer for about 3 minutes and gently remove the filets and place on warm platter with green beans. Continue to reduce sauce for another 3 minutes or so until slightly thickened and then top the fish with the sauce. Voila! Dinner is served.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hNTZ_YHOcJe5oBT0WIgVJyClxFMdwyka1YtnYEceLm6o7MJuHjCyM891Y0TXE_tee6h0961EyGSo_cjGxaddk16EdmvgxMAEJAF-vfC92TrjOsAUfQO_fxzpuiJATnHon3gPQU74ACw/s1600/IMG_2267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hNTZ_YHOcJe5oBT0WIgVJyClxFMdwyka1YtnYEceLm6o7MJuHjCyM891Y0TXE_tee6h0961EyGSo_cjGxaddk16EdmvgxMAEJAF-vfC92TrjOsAUfQO_fxzpuiJATnHon3gPQU74ACw/s400/IMG_2267.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner for Dennis complete with a Pan D"Amore roll</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dinner for Dennis went over well. He was so pleased upon arrival that he invited friend to join in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That dinner nourished me that night too. Blogging has expanded my artistic expression and for that I am fed. I'm glad I started in on this journey that really challenged me on so many levels because it's been equally rewarding. Thank you for all your continued support my friends!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Challenge yourself to go beyond your comfort level, the grass <i>is</i> greener for having tried! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chow for now my friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-6787816424524145962012-02-01T23:31:00.000-08:002012-02-01T23:36:09.358-08:00A Southwest dinner in 15 minutes or less!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1DCrQ9Td8xpgu6IApmt0ASpME6KB3GxIl2euF1vSq9lV2v2V6agvtdsvtIdyATAsEw3YAuhyphenhyphenzN6645KCVvMF4Bz7-PBF7M5UzU3lmz5V6Brggh7WmI_Z7qd8rZmXXpOhDN9ZZDcUML8/s1600/IMG_3044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1DCrQ9Td8xpgu6IApmt0ASpME6KB3GxIl2euF1vSq9lV2v2V6agvtdsvtIdyATAsEw3YAuhyphenhyphenzN6645KCVvMF4Bz7-PBF7M5UzU3lmz5V6Brggh7WmI_Z7qd8rZmXXpOhDN9ZZDcUML8/s400/IMG_3044.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the fixings for spicing up the sandwiches</td></tr>
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Sometimes you don't have to compromise to be quick, healthy and SUPER tasty! I have a few "go-to" tricks when our busy schedules of juggling meetings, work, sports, homework and all that life brings. One such trick is to snap up a Costco Roasted Chicken and reinvent it! Tonight, I felt like taking it in the Southwest direction and using BBQ sauce, spicy Buffalo Cheddar cheese (also from Costco0, fresh cilantro, avocado, tomato, onion and pickled<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; line-height: 18px;"><b style="font-weight: normal;">jalapeño</b></span>.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The adults prefer onions on their sandwiches</td></tr>
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Fast, warm and yummy...these sandwiches can be whipped up in 15 minutes or less! Preheat broiler while slicing open the ciabatta rolls (also from Costco this time) and then slicing the chicken, cheese and onion. The onions aren't necessary but my husband and I like the kick they give the sandwich. Drizzle with your favorite BBQ sauce and place under the broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just out of the broiler and ready to eat!</td></tr>
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Now at this point, you can simply gobble up the cheese and chicken sandwiches OR...you can choose to embellish them further. Yes, I chose to go spicier...you know me too well!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished sandwich with all the spicy fixings</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A side few of the warm, spicy, fresh chicken sandwich</td></tr>
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This was my actual dinner last night! I don't often stage my food, although my husband and son feel like I take FOREVER sometimes snapping pics before I serve dinner. "Mom, can we PLEASE eat now?!" he pleads. Or more often, "Can we eat this while it's still hot?!" So, I often serve them and snap MY dinner plate while they chomp away. See, we CAN have our dinner and take pictures of it too!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxQi6RDsVmugujrn09W3_CGJopgxi_Pq-Iu6RXPWG2WWfg62u3KHl2sFVFyv1-4gz2E5YO0fdSK0_fNguVMbKsJqamJvhPz3IThfLGwqg562FIW5U4MIXZXCpx589r7dWy9rk0EN9PMM/s1600/IMG_3053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxQi6RDsVmugujrn09W3_CGJopgxi_Pq-Iu6RXPWG2WWfg62u3KHl2sFVFyv1-4gz2E5YO0fdSK0_fNguVMbKsJqamJvhPz3IThfLGwqg562FIW5U4MIXZXCpx589r7dWy9rk0EN9PMM/s400/IMG_3053.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open wide!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Whew! That was a blissfully fast and flavorful dinner that made everyone happy. (Queue trumpets please)<br />
<div>Da-da-daaaa! Natural, hormone free, inexpensive Costco roasted chicken saves the day!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Use your time wisely, especially when a hungry family can turn on you quickly! Think Costco Roasted Chicken and reinvent it. It's not cheating, it's another inexpensive tool in your growing bag of time saving tricks. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Chow for now my friends!<br />
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</div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-71631847277572112212012-01-29T11:49:00.000-08:002012-01-29T11:55:26.206-08:00"These are a few of my favorite things..."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dachshunds soaking up the heat from our fireplace</td></tr>
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So I'm sitting in my favorite armchair again on day 7 of our Sequim Snow Week and feeling rather nostalgic. The wind is howling and gusting, it's raining sideways, the snow is slowly melting and I'm sipping my morning coffee with husband, who's reading book #5 or 6? of the week. Life is cozy in front of our fire and I'm feeling grateful as the weather gusts outside and I'm flipping through tons of pics on my laptop. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I don't really have a point with this post other than reflection of great moments and memories. The types of events that bring a smile to my face and maybe yours too. I'll try to group them to make more sense to you...and yes, there is food involved! HELLOOOO! This is a MAJOR food geek you're dealing with here who also loves to travel a bit, hang with family and friends. Hopefully you will find these snippets entertaining and not too much of an "over-share" on my part. Funny how it starts off with warmer weather...hmmm?!!</div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son Alan, friends Harrison and Drew on a jet ski on the Columbia River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Crescent Bar, WA Summer 2011 was a HUGE highlight of 2011 for son Alan and I. Unfortunately, husband was home working so we knuckled through the 85+ degree sunshine, lots of pool time, me reading book #2 of the <u>Dragon Tattoo</u> series, and copious amounts of local Mexican food! I rendevouzed with 3 Moms/good friends and their kids. Crescent Bar is located in the more seasonal eastern (hence warmer in summer) part of Washington state, close to Wenatchee. Heat, gloriously warm sunshine, seems even sweeter now that the weather is polar opposite. Crescent Bar is now one of my favorite places on earth!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our local coffee shop also served ice cream-YEA US!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh tortillas and Mexican Creme from the Quincy store</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04qQbvrxHbbMkIqhDP0z6bsz3wuy87rUpowIK53RMrCriuhOsyxsT715OX2VG5e5oVRBaGMsl0BWdg5xqrLXAgKO-M4243JkGrumdO_Q_tHFvEp_w5iGScqxTO-_56YBRn_fi7WE8ofg/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04qQbvrxHbbMkIqhDP0z6bsz3wuy87rUpowIK53RMrCriuhOsyxsT715OX2VG5e5oVRBaGMsl0BWdg5xqrLXAgKO-M4243JkGrumdO_Q_tHFvEp_w5iGScqxTO-_56YBRn_fi7WE8ofg/s400/IMG_1431.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was me and son Alan on paddle boards. I was working off the Mexican food...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my ALL TIME fav pics! Alan and Harrison looking out at the Columbia River</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan, Yana & Alicia's cannonball contest-COWABUNGA!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me reading poolside while Alan & Alisha dive for objects in the pool at sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef Huarache lunch from a Taco truck in Ellensburg, WA</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining alfresco on my condo patio w/shredded beef tamale, Mexican creme, fresh salsa & vino</td></tr>
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We found a Mexican grocery in the small agricultural town of Quincy, WA, on our way to Crescent Bar. Let's just say that the owners and patrons must have found me and my friends "curious" at least...we bought pints of fresh salsa, Mexican creme, fresh tortillas and tortilla chips at LEAST 5 times in our 7 day stay. We were embracing the "EAT LOCAL" mantra for sure!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwuttfi4xqtUIkDwhoJmkVVMGg5Zidl3q76X9QHA0IquAKjMAOQNJeXPLRv4nIN0bw6hslWBcVn4RJIioblXmQEdl7F2gNy4K1fkoE4CxaWQfC6yUwRoZO8I5bjnKSKhSK5a3UDErWG8/s1600/IMG_1395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwuttfi4xqtUIkDwhoJmkVVMGg5Zidl3q76X9QHA0IquAKjMAOQNJeXPLRv4nIN0bw6hslWBcVn4RJIioblXmQEdl7F2gNy4K1fkoE4CxaWQfC6yUwRoZO8I5bjnKSKhSK5a3UDErWG8/s320/IMG_1395.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon sun through the Russian Sage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Vashon Island, WA-Summer 2011 again. My friend Dawn's wedding to Jeremy. Sun, friends, family, FANTASTIC food by Herban Feast Catering, beautiful setting, a rare and lovely date with my husband.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Husband, me, bride/good friend/bride Dawn, Dawn's sister Caroline</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenDPFPLUd771Znwo5oUWkNoCh8kMUOOYowF4b0VJ0-VP7BHHlhTgYBjT5dQoKMIovRVQvbw7tDMHjHvZOqyR-d_tO-N30HxTpdfyN8SqPUGYshHZpZeMp_TEcL6ovaS0zXrZAdh0c6aA/s1600/Dawn+%2526+Jeremy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenDPFPLUd771Znwo5oUWkNoCh8kMUOOYowF4b0VJ0-VP7BHHlhTgYBjT5dQoKMIovRVQvbw7tDMHjHvZOqyR-d_tO-N30HxTpdfyN8SqPUGYshHZpZeMp_TEcL6ovaS0zXrZAdh0c6aA/s400/Dawn+%2526+Jeremy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toasting the Bride and Groom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The band announces the wedding is beginning...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl5g5josKQlm8_jCKnwBVGDbebm-xmHsbcqmu7ut7za-LwNIahbgbtwwyYWyXus11T0vqaRq9keEKUOT-KCDCtfyif2IkIEtGv_UqcNs_UWmmKoQbOizkEyzfQzi6NrKMObPte2CVzEU/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl5g5josKQlm8_jCKnwBVGDbebm-xmHsbcqmu7ut7za-LwNIahbgbtwwyYWyXus11T0vqaRq9keEKUOT-KCDCtfyif2IkIEtGv_UqcNs_UWmmKoQbOizkEyzfQzi6NrKMObPte2CVzEU/s400/IMG_1291.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The array of delectable appetizers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMFCo1QFEzkGL2g8yVbI12ovtx1QLB73YfOtIZbRFDlYKERlDmPxjnkI9JVsmH5sukC4lyv4q-9VDM0yn3cbsZgSAYHn9icy6xMMMFo9TOQjaTaZ6pZ6MAKGbbNkORd34HQ7T-1GS3Ow/s1600/IMG_1294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMFCo1QFEzkGL2g8yVbI12ovtx1QLB73YfOtIZbRFDlYKERlDmPxjnkI9JVsmH5sukC4lyv4q-9VDM0yn3cbsZgSAYHn9icy6xMMMFo9TOQjaTaZ6pZ6MAKGbbNkORd34HQ7T-1GS3Ow/s320/IMG_1294.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pickled red onions on bruscetts with slice of beef tenderloin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSacgLSVZMMTZwa6IfjS3ZH6noOTgw9kgISAXD4TqCo1cvRpL87sV_KycLq8eD6fHHpj_XuRqjYjS7CK7KHo8TY8EYRyrRR0Ms1QXYWxTvY2Ww9utnhBhXaPjOXZfV-S61MzcYEVeV2RI/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSacgLSVZMMTZwa6IfjS3ZH6noOTgw9kgISAXD4TqCo1cvRpL87sV_KycLq8eD6fHHpj_XuRqjYjS7CK7KHo8TY8EYRyrRR0Ms1QXYWxTvY2Ww9utnhBhXaPjOXZfV-S61MzcYEVeV2RI/s320/IMG_1314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner; fresh, wonderful, seasonal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSviURpvlz7iLcm5NbJmguxSssekvaDNVMNqew2dsAmcCKe0go6isxw_0awz3-xpBYNForyhwWGEMkz1hdWhEpDZhGYtvBXj7LW8xBFltddvGjjvTK445NZPBVrFMOyQqVxvkb0TQ3Ww/s1600/IMG_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSviURpvlz7iLcm5NbJmguxSssekvaDNVMNqew2dsAmcCKe0go6isxw_0awz3-xpBYNForyhwWGEMkz1hdWhEpDZhGYtvBXj7LW8xBFltddvGjjvTK445NZPBVrFMOyQqVxvkb0TQ3Ww/s320/IMG_1319.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the tranquil island of Vashon</td></tr>
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<div>Fresh crab-ANYWHERE, ANYTIME! I didn't think I even liked crab until our family friend Ed, dropped some crab pots when we were staying at his Port Hadlock home for the weekend. TOTAL game changer experience! I do like crab, when it's fresh...frozen, not so much at all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwIcQgwLKgwFj2grcVtOcppUTacPz9qcU_lY-NhNxwUpwO6havSGthf4gUpwx0VQki7Z9llaJevCcaxz0jMQOqvZnY2wWpl8qPGL-WPAhpIPsYDwS8zsvLAAXMKLf7_0urGRH0mhgBT0/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwIcQgwLKgwFj2grcVtOcppUTacPz9qcU_lY-NhNxwUpwO6havSGthf4gUpwx0VQki7Z9llaJevCcaxz0jMQOqvZnY2wWpl8qPGL-WPAhpIPsYDwS8zsvLAAXMKLf7_0urGRH0mhgBT0/s400/IMG_1242.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Ulin family getting ready for dinner!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUXRDpzfx-9bPbRoyPWsW0ukirDiOTu4lJ5zFTgEUi-D0J-O-8QmWKRLEIZWzjAtNaJvttfs1b13EovVAjRTWGnWSnqP_qGpoRx5Jnod5_gfKU7uAp496tur8MJOdmpD4S5lbjns2TOA/s1600/IMG_1244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUXRDpzfx-9bPbRoyPWsW0ukirDiOTu4lJ5zFTgEUi-D0J-O-8QmWKRLEIZWzjAtNaJvttfs1b13EovVAjRTWGnWSnqP_qGpoRx5Jnod5_gfKU7uAp496tur8MJOdmpD4S5lbjns2TOA/s400/IMG_1244.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son Alan and Mom-in-law Lin out dropping crab pots (Father-in-law is captain & photographer)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-bSVNMtMGdxqGbA4mXo2dMlATiqNOOd92gYBauBnRTxbig51-YBQoZNTLr8pgsP11EnLJdovuqKvq8oNpzzRZQWm6DxzDQ-LciPSVOMBpVuFhsMFDeX87vIn0TjLnhZUFpXV2XHPrkU/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-bSVNMtMGdxqGbA4mXo2dMlATiqNOOd92gYBauBnRTxbig51-YBQoZNTLr8pgsP11EnLJdovuqKvq8oNpzzRZQWm6DxzDQ-LciPSVOMBpVuFhsMFDeX87vIn0TjLnhZUFpXV2XHPrkU/s400/IMG_1246.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fresh crab cakes with Panko crust</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljBe-EvNXIZOG_o0EQMYC_7kP3rzamIcToL_Bjvq2nraj6mho4P_My5dKo6ihUyfeAOAFSWovRyCmOZ-bTscYgoleQR9SodjnHuesveIWk9WyNiZONqd4e4opEcdN7WkIe4b5dyM7Pq0/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljBe-EvNXIZOG_o0EQMYC_7kP3rzamIcToL_Bjvq2nraj6mho4P_My5dKo6ihUyfeAOAFSWovRyCmOZ-bTscYgoleQR9SodjnHuesveIWk9WyNiZONqd4e4opEcdN7WkIe4b5dyM7Pq0/s400/IMG_1248.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple fixings; spicy cocktail sauce, limes, lemons and melted butter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Something else I learned about fresh crab; it doesn't have to be daunting to serve your guests! Short story; we got several fresh cooked crab from a neighbor (LOVE it!) and husband invited some friends over to enjoy them. Wife is major foodie too. I FREAKED OUT! I'd <u>never</u> served fresh crab before and <i>thought </i>you needed individual crab crackers, picks and other specific tools. I cried and ranted to my husband for inviting them over for crab but upon arrival, foodie wife simply asked "if we had some hammers around the house?" We did. We got out cutting boards for each of us, bowls for meat and bowls for shells and the feast was on! It was kind of cathartic to pound away and extract the sweet meat together. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRevnyhdxkQ9MXeUwpjwyDNN-m0P0US0mn8bQyESogAhEbzBpSCQz50FahbhM4956RSXuRC5HiEcEBKBzhPSkIfZqni7dvNHmDJ8uj3hmJGhY84TaDoG-fQsdIVxBMsTWY8LHOQBLFzg/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRevnyhdxkQ9MXeUwpjwyDNN-m0P0US0mn8bQyESogAhEbzBpSCQz50FahbhM4956RSXuRC5HiEcEBKBzhPSkIfZqni7dvNHmDJ8uj3hmJGhY84TaDoG-fQsdIVxBMsTWY8LHOQBLFzg/s400/IMG_1250.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dungeness Crab meat</td></tr>
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Silly me! Now I have extra crackers and hammers out when we have fresh crab and save the tears for other "crisis' ".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tdT-YtQe-kCnrbNrqPd6YxD4axqeGFRyBeB8C0Af9H0lmgiIUhuDuluCJC0nF0qc00lgRZLfbaEyPenxE6TB3AEHS-WIg5flyUDY05QGwJSwFe2qjY0BQQ_mNXwoTg1p2JYsKM_AYUU/s1600/IMG_1252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tdT-YtQe-kCnrbNrqPd6YxD4axqeGFRyBeB8C0Af9H0lmgiIUhuDuluCJC0nF0qc00lgRZLfbaEyPenxE6TB3AEHS-WIg5flyUDY05QGwJSwFe2qjY0BQQ_mNXwoTg1p2JYsKM_AYUU/s400/IMG_1252.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Crab claw meat</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>Fresh Berries-ANYTIME, ANYWHERE! The Pacific Northwest is a mecca for all wonderful berries; wild blackberries, Marion berries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, huckleberries, cranberries, Cascade berries, and many more.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3e0YKdVGcBVI6M5it9gKiQ5iySk2Yyo63ypvocDO7NgNTt1WWcnMBCRGgve-AUAKquskoJPZmIWBpe4vMjQBn_xubdZhCCFOYsfVYu-hmptqr5qEpBwEZA6iLTTkz1mhkb68zytBpAU/s1600/IMG_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3e0YKdVGcBVI6M5it9gKiQ5iySk2Yyo63ypvocDO7NgNTt1WWcnMBCRGgve-AUAKquskoJPZmIWBpe4vMjQBn_xubdZhCCFOYsfVYu-hmptqr5qEpBwEZA6iLTTkz1mhkb68zytBpAU/s400/IMG_0658.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh local strawberries from Sequim</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkGh7zgSXV5Ej6RIGgnC1BTt0SBnMuXmDSwQ8jw3ix4T1F7zPeke5Djwsb9ZwMpSq8-RqCXwxMth6O30vLfHaWVEhWyltk6go5AbOENSrt7mYK1r7Cu0KYoijCPxbA6zM7PQ9nOQQCKI/s1600/IMG_1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkGh7zgSXV5Ej6RIGgnC1BTt0SBnMuXmDSwQ8jw3ix4T1F7zPeke5Djwsb9ZwMpSq8-RqCXwxMth6O30vLfHaWVEhWyltk6go5AbOENSrt7mYK1r7Cu0KYoijCPxbA6zM7PQ9nOQQCKI/s400/IMG_1233.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirty Vegas Cocktail; fresh strawberry juice, white balsamic vinegar, sugar, lemon & vodka</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGD9ixOfWnQVxpGVNJtatEfX6TX64_QUuOlKWlJoOAsE0-Q5h6spbjoP4G1-UqaGQOnUkeeWK76oiZbN4RcvYg-bHYYal5QpPXCebwJ80RIAtjlOnUwQUhFvYYg_S9BhaxHZ6a5zgyAA/s1600/IMG_1182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGD9ixOfWnQVxpGVNJtatEfX6TX64_QUuOlKWlJoOAsE0-Q5h6spbjoP4G1-UqaGQOnUkeeWK76oiZbN4RcvYg-bHYYal5QpPXCebwJ80RIAtjlOnUwQUhFvYYg_S9BhaxHZ6a5zgyAA/s400/IMG_1182.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry turnover</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HcHnHF3vJwLGx7jU7t6_nj83Pkz8Td2ftgh-nN0NjsxOTrSujZ_xmqhQ2Se1haO8eUP95tT0Jx9sQozoDchaNAr4UbU0NNkrxoGj1RTV5Kpb0f4oRCwahHRFHScRrII3r4cX9ygC87I/s1600/IMG_1679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HcHnHF3vJwLGx7jU7t6_nj83Pkz8Td2ftgh-nN0NjsxOTrSujZ_xmqhQ2Se1haO8eUP95tT0Jx9sQozoDchaNAr4UbU0NNkrxoGj1RTV5Kpb0f4oRCwahHRFHScRrII3r4cX9ygC87I/s320/IMG_1679.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade berries from our family farm in Forks, WA</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLHREFBoMHtsHSJVZNnk7jYHHcfCx1jYq8ZoEHRUoLO4uwzEPegVIybs20geC6R6W-qeFe3CDp-oRhH6970AavXl_9mLzGd19pdk8C3cNYO4xR6X0JvPsHRiPzF_mQx7bksSWW3s1emI/s1600/IMG_1680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLHREFBoMHtsHSJVZNnk7jYHHcfCx1jYq8ZoEHRUoLO4uwzEPegVIybs20geC6R6W-qeFe3CDp-oRhH6970AavXl_9mLzGd19pdk8C3cNYO4xR6X0JvPsHRiPzF_mQx7bksSWW3s1emI/s400/IMG_1680.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade Berry Crisp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGb6B8KveCHiFntYKLchRqThSvSPwznoK5h393p4aBQ8L3trLByoGa-FzLKgk3tFG_-1s62vmN7BPIWvy3cvf9B7GYbaQHt-zDm0EcvjJHiWfHydIyoAcSn3DAuxSR-m7JGlAslJWJ8U/s1600/IMG_1687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGb6B8KveCHiFntYKLchRqThSvSPwznoK5h393p4aBQ8L3trLByoGa-FzLKgk3tFG_-1s62vmN7BPIWvy3cvf9B7GYbaQHt-zDm0EcvjJHiWfHydIyoAcSn3DAuxSR-m7JGlAslJWJ8U/s400/IMG_1687.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jewels for the picking</td></tr>
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These are a few of my many favorite things. Right now, they're curiously all related more toward the warmer, summer months. Don't get me wrong, I try my best to embrace all times of year and to eat seasonally. However, I feel the most vital, energetic and enthusiastic about summer months. Well, I like Spring and Fall too...just not winter so much. The claustrophobic nature of grey days having me lusting after sunnier, warmer days and the bounty of offerings they bring right now. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Here's to naming your favorite things my friends. It's fun to know and acknowledge what makes you happy so you can repeat them more often! Sometimes fresh isn't always available but frozen can make do in a pinch, it's about creating creating memories and then bringing them to your present day lives. </div><div><br />
</div><div>"It's all good!" as my family likes to say.</div><div>Chow for now my friends.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-17588600378434821892012-01-18T16:05:00.000-08:002012-01-18T16:38:37.619-08:00Snowing in Sequim<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScVb-cVELDDK39tRp-iRXLEB_6y9RvOo4Pw1342dB-b5il5zDxkW_R5KaJj6Qa1nZH0vAKkDhCLIpkDpi4tZ-kEVr82yuwo1ES5pgyi1qRFtabvJq3setYKot05-syV_UOhPRcTSVJxo/s1600/IMG_2743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScVb-cVELDDK39tRp-iRXLEB_6y9RvOo4Pw1342dB-b5il5zDxkW_R5KaJj6Qa1nZH0vAKkDhCLIpkDpi4tZ-kEVr82yuwo1ES5pgyi1qRFtabvJq3setYKot05-syV_UOhPRcTSVJxo/s400/IMG_2743.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystalized landscape</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monday night's snow</td></tr>
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<div>YEA!!! Snow has <u>finally</u> come to our drier part of Washington state and the school kids and I couldn't be happier. The kids are thinking of school closures, sledding, snowmen and snowball fights right now.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFtgPOYizBQaJpRBxrfamBa_-DSSZl1_Ik_lsajWJ9I4qH023QajKPa1xgx_j-td5h6468pWexYZMb09a2QlWaqd1fElAVYM-PoyMxwf5A41AAWP_cBeu9txtG6-SmfWxCy_r3QW04vI/s1600/IMG_2762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFtgPOYizBQaJpRBxrfamBa_-DSSZl1_Ik_lsajWJ9I4qH023QajKPa1xgx_j-td5h6468pWexYZMb09a2QlWaqd1fElAVYM-PoyMxwf5A41AAWP_cBeu9txtG6-SmfWxCy_r3QW04vI/s400/IMG_2762.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son and some of his sledding posse'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJLGPly9lG3n9PqfhyQ0KnqR-zRS_252sYhX_olUMHJnCMTA_Rd2KLqOWME0vQ_VRLhBGaSx3LP7FlYas1HaRcVlFObCEf5AgRdL8Aou6I2UmDyhpEKjPgylT0n6vOFiIunZJ0sUNPFM/s1600/IMG_2746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJLGPly9lG3n9PqfhyQ0KnqR-zRS_252sYhX_olUMHJnCMTA_Rd2KLqOWME0vQ_VRLhBGaSx3LP7FlYas1HaRcVlFObCEf5AgRdL8Aou6I2UmDyhpEKjPgylT0n6vOFiIunZJ0sUNPFM/s400/IMG_2746.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our neighborhood sledding spot; Rock Hollow Farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i>I'm</i> thinking food of course-shocking news! Somehow, food made when it's cold and snowy tastes better to me. Not quite like grilling outdoors in the summer, my personal fav, but slower cooked foods which allow flavors to meld or steamy, crispy foods that envelope your house in a fragrance of flavors.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sledding on Tuesday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8MRT-ItgJ2w4mjme2JADaFaPWeqap5puKyaGHLovjc-ld7e6r68tMMyZKzj-vOVxLhxBgV76Z30VQn6-dfKgQiE9PvwFCdvsXEn4RaY4HA6cqpjiviigCAgIHXzejWsh4dlt-bPYE0c/s1600/IMG_2748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8MRT-ItgJ2w4mjme2JADaFaPWeqap5puKyaGHLovjc-ld7e6r68tMMyZKzj-vOVxLhxBgV76Z30VQn6-dfKgQiE9PvwFCdvsXEn4RaY4HA6cqpjiviigCAgIHXzejWsh4dlt-bPYE0c/s400/IMG_2748.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a long run but it's close to our house</td></tr>
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The weather forecast is for <u><b>more</b></u> snow this week so I went to the stores to stock up on items to cook and bake with during this winter wonderland! I'm going to start with "Spicy Pop Pulled Pork" recipe I saw Saturday morning on "Pioneer Woman" on the Food Network. Ree Dupree is the hostess, blogger, Mom, wife, photographer, cook and comedian. Her blog <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"><em style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">http</em>://</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">pioneerwoman.com </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is FANTASTIC! Lot's of great photos of her life on her family's ranch, recipes and she's HILARIOUS both in her blog and on her show! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork Butt or Shoulder Roast from Sunny Farms' Meat Dept.</td></tr>
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The Pioneer Woman used this recipe to feed a bunch of hungry cowboys and girls lunch after working cattle all morning, so I thought this would work for OUR dinner after a day of sledding, ploughing driveways and shoveling sidewalks! Ree did hers in a Dutch oven but I don't have one right now and substituted my crockpot. She also got up at 6am to start this roast, I started mine at noon and we ate at 7:30 after basketball practice finished.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn your crockpot on High and time for 7-8 hours</td></tr>
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For the "bed" of my roast, we both roughly chopped 1 onion and turned the crockpot on High. My crockpot was a wedding gift, we use it often and it came with 3 settings and no timer. It works just fine for our family. In Ree's recipe, she pours a can of pop or soda on top of the pork roast along with a can of chipotle peppers, salt, pepper, sugar and I think a teaspoon of ground cumin. The pop is supposed to help break down the meat to tenderize it and the the sugars caramelize to help the flavor of the sauce. I couldn't leave well enough alone and had to add a 1/2 cup of fresh cider from Lazy J Farm, a 1/4 c. of lime juice and only 1/2 can of chipotle in Adobo sauce. I wanted to less spice and more complexity by adding the tart lime juice. That's just me...I'm a "tweaker" of recipes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The liquid ingredients</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dried cast of characters</td></tr>
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I also added about 4 Tablespoons of Garlic seasoning to enrich the braising liquid. 3 Tablespoons of dried Cumin powder were sprinkled over the roast, the chipotles and adobo sauce and generous amounts of sea salt and ground pepper, probably about 1 Tablespoon of each or slightly more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX_8NYj_iO0angxxM0PFEWiqZCnQexTetMUXTDN1nqw-n67IgTPJak8SYFzCWJV5Dpq0wjYo2mL-CZhjz8w6MWzIkB5DTfI08UlWwvNZDadUU55taWXmAMvsY7oWzqi2FxjxleiiXuFk/s1600/IMG_2721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX_8NYj_iO0angxxM0PFEWiqZCnQexTetMUXTDN1nqw-n67IgTPJak8SYFzCWJV5Dpq0wjYo2mL-CZhjz8w6MWzIkB5DTfI08UlWwvNZDadUU55taWXmAMvsY7oWzqi2FxjxleiiXuFk/s400/IMG_2721.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dried ingredients go first</td></tr>
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The wet ingredients follow the dried and the lid was placed on. Set the kitchen timer for about 4 hours and then gently turn the roast over if your schedule allows. It helps moisten the entire roast but isn't pivotal if you can't get to it. After 7-8 hours total, check your roast. It should be "fork tender" which literally means it's <i>so</i> tender, you can pull it apart with a fork! <i>Who</i> wouldn't want that?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXScA-Nsk7QTCEeg_Aa3il4EEjDModTYNnB6OKaiComfWOj1lki0h4F5-Bd_GtI7_ZA5m6d4xAPN9FX7Pvcll_98LCWxQBp_eU4keEw29cq7VyvfmHOB-xB0WYlq4m67JCw5D6ekrYcac/s1600/IMG_2726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXScA-Nsk7QTCEeg_Aa3il4EEjDModTYNnB6OKaiComfWOj1lki0h4F5-Bd_GtI7_ZA5m6d4xAPN9FX7Pvcll_98LCWxQBp_eU4keEw29cq7VyvfmHOB-xB0WYlq4m67JCw5D6ekrYcac/s400/IMG_2726.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 hours later...the lid is lifted</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila, it's so tender it didn't even stay in one piece to the cutting board!</td></tr>
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As this now succulent roast is "fork tender", it's somewhat difficult to handle on the cutting board after cutting the binding strings off. The remedy is to put in a large bowl and start in on it where it can't escape!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HGEX3156BJHbm8qYeCoxFOg4jvxGBNnahZfgYxd91dRLhP07q5eVGN_sJHvT5Hvesh2E9gRfVNnaj4aXiAjN6CGHoOyaV8n1BHwNtNysmAnHUkvQYWNrdSIEMhyphenhyphentWmWU4CMuAayfORg/s1600/IMG_2728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HGEX3156BJHbm8qYeCoxFOg4jvxGBNnahZfgYxd91dRLhP07q5eVGN_sJHvT5Hvesh2E9gRfVNnaj4aXiAjN6CGHoOyaV8n1BHwNtNysmAnHUkvQYWNrdSIEMhyphenhyphentWmWU4CMuAayfORg/s400/IMG_2728.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start breaking down roast with your tongs</td></tr>
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I started breaking down with the tongs, then moved to the fork when the chunks were smaller. The degree you shred the pork is up to you. I prefer not to break up all the juicy morsels too finely, I want you to be able to identify what you're eating.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the braising liquid is added back to the pulled pork</td></tr>
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Ree added some of the braising liquid back into her pulled pork. What a stroke of genius! I added back about a 1/2 cup but again, it's up to you and what you're using the pulled pork for. I wanted moist and yet not "wet" for my Pulled Pork Tacos dinner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzsdWgOtboDo5ECb6s2P8nePviok9XY_LpdP1NXO7e1OAOKHGij0Gamele4JTRUJamJT50u56lHTu5sC8vqzl-Qj0FsuvLHnrHwZbL5JPcADquYMTJlkBcXe0PfjGE98TBUd8Evb3XlM/s1600/IMG_2731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzsdWgOtboDo5ECb6s2P8nePviok9XY_LpdP1NXO7e1OAOKHGij0Gamele4JTRUJamJT50u56lHTu5sC8vqzl-Qj0FsuvLHnrHwZbL5JPcADquYMTJlkBcXe0PfjGE98TBUd8Evb3XlM/s400/IMG_2731.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulled Pork Tacos</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I loaded my Taco up with pulled pork, pepper jack, shaved sweet onion, fresh cilantro and avocado and a generous dollop of sour cream! Dinner is served to my hungry family!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1emWx_m2igTFoF0k1eetfNKsd32E_OOEYf4kIXEaHjM9oNdiFSzjDAHINb2HiwMSacUnd88lkn0eglZgWkvc2k4siez97xHvsDCqRkiqiUO-im2P9oilJxp2vfnR0xIt0LnIg732GK0/s1600/IMG_2735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1emWx_m2igTFoF0k1eetfNKsd32E_OOEYf4kIXEaHjM9oNdiFSzjDAHINb2HiwMSacUnd88lkn0eglZgWkvc2k4siez97xHvsDCqRkiqiUO-im2P9oilJxp2vfnR0xIt0LnIg732GK0/s400/IMG_2735.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Snow that night!</td></tr>
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The next morning, we awoke to <u>more</u> snow and no school again! No problem, I thought...we'll enjoy our leftover taco makings and made Huevos Rancheros for breakfast. I spiced mine up with several squirts of Buffalo Style Tabasco Sauce on top. This breakfast took me about 15 minutes to make including poaching eggs, toasting fresh tortillas and heating up the pulled pork. That's a great start to my day... easy and yummy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUWmqo1d7yzdcacgOL8lW6IGyhnycdkTXQrKSzuO8Mb-LJ5OPgCrcigu0R4PAx9sAAU8TFoWBCavmsafuu6aUQjbSBkyvxIWQRt9LBWmb0XDNSZ5JZe8dEYu_ai8sz0CyjyQ1RxETqy0/s1600/IMG_2740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUWmqo1d7yzdcacgOL8lW6IGyhnycdkTXQrKSzuO8Mb-LJ5OPgCrcigu0R4PAx9sAAU8TFoWBCavmsafuu6aUQjbSBkyvxIWQRt9LBWmb0XDNSZ5JZe8dEYu_ai8sz0CyjyQ1RxETqy0/s400/IMG_2740.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulled pork Huevos Rancheros</td></tr>
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<div>So I say "let it snow"! It's a rare treat here in Sequim, WA and I'm embracing it! More cooking, sledding and ploughing as the forecast is for yet another front coming in tonight...more recipes to come soon!</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgortWw07iw656DBOiQtSQd1jIdIZq9-fHFYmOFmqlPUUHu8GQWfvhym6bkT92CeOc5SpskRRrdVVkcNDqg1lRYNL0FobgS7a7wd5gMRLxoMC9XyMA94MhH8qZkZ6d1dgJ6wdAOa-CVAeE/s1600/IMG_2750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgortWw07iw656DBOiQtSQd1jIdIZq9-fHFYmOFmqlPUUHu8GQWfvhym6bkT92CeOc5SpskRRrdVVkcNDqg1lRYNL0FobgS7a7wd5gMRLxoMC9XyMA94MhH8qZkZ6d1dgJ6wdAOa-CVAeE/s400/IMG_2750.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My long haired Dachshund "snowballed" after a romp in the snow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Embrace what your day brings you my friends!<br />
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"The days slip by quicker the older you get" my Grandma Effie used to tell me as a kid. I didn't understand what she meant until I was a Mom and saw my son changing almost before my eyes. Now I now what she meant...so I try my best to go with things I can't change and be deliberate in things I can have influence over. For instance, what I am going to feed my cold, hungry crowd for dinner tonight?! I chose to <i>relish </i>those decisions! Creating a meal and baking are simple pleasures of mine, something I have control over, that brings joy and shares my love of food, family and friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YQ_ip2TP9E82rKVKsboeLj_X7EnLU5ESHV5N9Q8fRje7PPdfmKvApMb9r7z0Kj7JLWC1qtNeA1Rigo8EljCqxIMBVFh1W2Y1Q6TYAn5FFSgaqk5gC-6MO6pR3_w1NvgTgo1aq9FSNoU/s1600/IMG_2766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YQ_ip2TP9E82rKVKsboeLj_X7EnLU5ESHV5N9Q8fRje7PPdfmKvApMb9r7z0Kj7JLWC1qtNeA1Rigo8EljCqxIMBVFh1W2Y1Q6TYAn5FFSgaqk5gC-6MO6pR3_w1NvgTgo1aq9FSNoU/s400/IMG_2766.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot chocolate with a scoop of ice cream after sledding</td></tr>
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Another lesson my Grandma Effie taught me...cook with love in your heart and your food tastes better!<br />
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Chow for now my friends! Love <i>you</i> Grandma Effie!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0Sequim, WA, USA48.0795365 -123.1018437000000248.0569155 -123.15227320000002 48.102157500000004 -123.05141420000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-61982666873963719492012-01-08T11:51:00.000-08:002012-01-10T12:54:31.125-08:00Christmas Standing Rib Roast, take 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2igrqbpxSUY/TwT7TIZGyPI/AAAAAAAABcc/QFhR2g7kWbo/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2igrqbpxSUY/TwT7TIZGyPI/AAAAAAAABcc/QFhR2g7kWbo/s400/IMG_2610.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medium rare roast, carved off the bone and ready for slicing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>You know when you thought you had discussed something with someone previously and made a joint decision? Well I <i>thought</i> that my husband and I had discussed spending a little extra again this year and getting another Standing Rib Roast from my favorite butchers at Sunny Farms. So, I pre-ordered it several days in advance, the amazing butchers even fulfilled my request to cut one from their naturally raised herd in Othello, WA! That herd is very flavorful and has no hormones, which is my preference.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxORKjCeKSQ/TwT4M4npmqI/AAAAAAAABcQ/f86hoED_Bmw/s1600/IMG_2590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxORKjCeKSQ/TwT4M4npmqI/AAAAAAAABcQ/f86hoED_Bmw/s400/IMG_2590.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I dry marinate it for 2 days with a combination of dried herbs and spices; rosemary, oregano, thyme, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper. I cut diagonal incisions about a 1/2 inch deep in an "x" pattern across the top portion of the roast, bathed in liberally in Balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard and then massaged the dried mixture into the crevices. The roast was re wrapped in it's butcher paper and placed in a Pyrex baking pan in case it weeped.<br />
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So, speaking of weeping. My husband saw the wrapped roast in the refrigerator (with the price written on the wrapper) and was FURIOUS that I had spent about $10/pound on this roast. BUT, he decided (wisely) not to say anything about "my lack of frugality" until AFTER Christmas and Christmas dinner was over. Note to self, ask him what my "budget" is next year before buying the ingredients. So now the pressure was on, I dropped a wad on this roast, and it better be absolutely amazing!! I convection baked it for about 4hours at 375 degrees as I like some pink to the roast still. DELISH!<br />
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He enjoyed the Christmas roast but now I had to show some value to this expenditure to save my hide...french dips for leftovers!!!! He LOVES those and I even made my own Au Jus with boiling the bones with onion, garlic and fresh rosemary for several hours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbkzZQ1JuD0/TwT8qtmMBOI/AAAAAAAABcw/Xhh9J6Qeypg/s1600/IMG_2612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbkzZQ1JuD0/TwT8qtmMBOI/AAAAAAAABcw/Xhh9J6Qeypg/s400/IMG_2612.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added leftover beef gravy to our Au Jus mixture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few tablespoons of Chipotle juice/sauce gives a smoky kick!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFjY9KtMdN4/TwT8nf2XTiI/AAAAAAAABco/xMH3CwTL448/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFjY9KtMdN4/TwT8nf2XTiI/AAAAAAAABco/xMH3CwTL448/s400/IMG_2611.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bones, garlic, fresh rosemary, Chipotle and left over gravy all in the pool</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Simmer the Au Jus mixture for an hour minimum but my simmered for hours, filling the house with the fragrance of rosemary, beef and garlic. Yum! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">REMEMBER, I'm still trying to validate my expenditure to my husband and/or myself here!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Strain the sauce through a fine colander, cheese cloth or sieve. My Au Jus isn't crystal clear, I like some tasty bits left in there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I slice the rolls, the cheese, the beef for the sandwich production line. Onions are a lovely addition if you have a hankering for them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeGc1KAAPz7IiWbIw_BnqHJUWLpsIld6aUcJ35zmNveWt-YvGYR4ZDG_tEOEKEVUJjEQfPuXdNnIV3DoC4yixiL-6zHlLdizyq-ryLtT1Km1LpYJrD3fb3MY9YAIMbx6xq3gY1Tj_hto/s1600/IMG_2614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeGc1KAAPz7IiWbIw_BnqHJUWLpsIld6aUcJ35zmNveWt-YvGYR4ZDG_tEOEKEVUJjEQfPuXdNnIV3DoC4yixiL-6zHlLdizyq-ryLtT1Km1LpYJrD3fb3MY9YAIMbx6xq3gY1Tj_hto/s400/IMG_2614.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like sharp, white or aged cheddar if possible</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdaTQNbXxGLFiQc8a7FfCIWcwBSOV6oKiersji8vLFi6KOvbslvclpTG6vFKh0TUJDP6brqfkFMmglDYT0PulLe2VE8JeNcNOrF1kic-00d7BUPt09dCH74ieJAufAjO6c5cBljsAr8w/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdaTQNbXxGLFiQc8a7FfCIWcwBSOV6oKiersji8vLFi6KOvbslvclpTG6vFKh0TUJDP6brqfkFMmglDYT0PulLe2VE8JeNcNOrF1kic-00d7BUPt09dCH74ieJAufAjO6c5cBljsAr8w/s400/IMG_2615.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broiled beauties</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZdkOJDyY8B4VuDIcSDTjged3z_zlorCMLaiRyLaJYTnCWs1Mu1tJQtmEYRaHTQn5_nFIsL0mLRjS22ySYM6UhLb8aLEtUTuvHwe8R0GqXYpZUVZDnYHnsfszsMHqf0L3VIEGacl75ZM/s1600/IMG_2617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZdkOJDyY8B4VuDIcSDTjged3z_zlorCMLaiRyLaJYTnCWs1Mu1tJQtmEYRaHTQn5_nFIsL0mLRjS22ySYM6UhLb8aLEtUTuvHwe8R0GqXYpZUVZDnYHnsfszsMHqf0L3VIEGacl75ZM/s400/IMG_2617.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now THAT'S a sandwich...Just sayin'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvP45HNj4xdvCTdy7pGddpvJDn6ifzcYHdTVyHpsMzz4AhjH-j6CL_0rk_ZZnBwl8TOu0gD4qgITmOguN8id0dYFu8r9dxxafm6YwjNfFBjkUy2bJymrukbH43A9YXubzSEidCydHGiqM/s1600/IMG_2618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvP45HNj4xdvCTdy7pGddpvJDn6ifzcYHdTVyHpsMzz4AhjH-j6CL_0rk_ZZnBwl8TOu0gD4qgITmOguN8id0dYFu8r9dxxafm6YwjNfFBjkUy2bJymrukbH43A9YXubzSEidCydHGiqM/s400/IMG_2618.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget the Au Jus to dip in!</td></tr>
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Round two of the Christmas Rib Roast was a huge hit and was feeling a little redeemed but had to hit it out of the park for round three to bring myself back into a better "standing". Now third time, the roast isn't as flavorful as it once was but the texture is still tender and somewhat juicy. How to showcase this wonderful commodity...<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>We got invited to a small get together on New Year's Eve with two other families and we all like to cook and LOVE to eat good food. Birds of a feather, hang together. What we would serve for dinner was an enthusiastic debate. The resolution was a chili cook-off; the host family would do apps, one family doing a white, chicken chili and help with apps and wine, I would do a red chili, cornbread and dessert. Voila! I would use ground pork sausage, ground beef and the remaining Christmas Rib Roast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My carnivore chili with fresh cilantro, fried onions and a dollop of sour cream</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">____</div><div><u><b>3 Bean, 3 Meat Chili Recipe</b></u></div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Sauté pan</b></div><div>1 lb. each; ground pork sausage, ground beef and chopped Rib Roast (reserve Roast from sauté pan)</div><div>1 large sweet onion chopped medium fine </div><div>2T. Ground Cumin</div><div>1t. Ground Cinnamon</div><div>1T. Freshly ground pepper</div><div>2t. Sea salt</div><div><div>2T. Dried Thyme</div><div>2T. Chipotle Adobo sauce</div><div>5 cloves Garlic chopped finely</div></div><div>1/4c. Fresh cilantro chopped finely</div><div>~Sauté all of the above ingredients in a medium-high in a heavy bottom sauté pan, breaking down the ground meats while cooking. Sauté for about 10 minutes until meats are starting to caramelize and the onion is tender.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Stock pot</b></div><div>(1) 28 oz. Can of mild Enchilada Sauce</div><div>(1) 4 oz. Can of mild green chili</div><div>(1) 15 oz. Can each; white Cannellini bean, Black bean, red kidney bean. Strained and rinsed.</div><div>(1) 28 oz. Can Hominy (also strained and rinsed)</div><div>(1) 15 oz. Can Roasted chopped tomato with garlic</div><div>1/2c. Smokey BBQ sauce</div><div>2c. Salsa Verde (Green Salsa). I used Safeway's which comes in a jar for convenience.</div><div>2c. Au Jus sauce or beef broth</div><div>~Everyone into the pool on Medium high until gently bubbling, then down to low. The tomato based chili can scorch or burn if too high a heat is used.</div><div>~This step can be done while ground meats are cooking, then add sautéed meats AND CHOPPED ROAST to the stockpot.</div><div>~The cooking time on this can be minimal if needed but a longer cooking time on low allows tastes to marry and develop. Suggested time frame is 1-3 hours on low. </div><div>~This chili tasted even better the next day when refrigerated overnight and reheated.</div><div style="text-align: center;">------</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabYT4wdYbDPf0ilhWObQFY06qkQKGXjwVosicZY5oohAFDoYxxUJOFILmYqi5L0wlqap0rlysQ7jqvDNgPUVNZea2SDSDCRIxQ9EBeP87ZKoPKDw6eTA4_JIzUn6X57Kyktiib2VKvbQ/s1600/IMG_2664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabYT4wdYbDPf0ilhWObQFY06qkQKGXjwVosicZY5oohAFDoYxxUJOFILmYqi5L0wlqap0rlysQ7jqvDNgPUVNZea2SDSDCRIxQ9EBeP87ZKoPKDw6eTA4_JIzUn6X57Kyktiib2VKvbQ/s400/IMG_2664.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My chili up close</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White chicken chili</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cornbread muffins with green chills, cilantro and chopped pickle jalapenos</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We ate around 8pm New Year's Eve, which was late. Super ravenous, we devoured both chili's, cornbread muffins and some appetizers. Both chills got rave reviews and were different enough to compliment and not compete. Mine was definitely heavier than the white but it was merely an observation, not a declaration of victory. My inner celebration was that I had gotten EVERYTHING out of that Christmas Standing Rib Roast as was humanly possible! Our Dachshunds even got the rib bones to gnaw on for their dessert!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KTd5r45FCFBZw64mM-5yLJTUMx4SYARVUeHwLdVNFxuF53aPjcbN-4MBynQkSYTKcpmSllDDhMUox2HtqtYsRCqGF7AF5skrMkYgV6Suug4l818ZUX-8jCgvDSZ-CcQOxYUVjDxMHTw/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KTd5r45FCFBZw64mM-5yLJTUMx4SYARVUeHwLdVNFxuF53aPjcbN-4MBynQkSYTKcpmSllDDhMUox2HtqtYsRCqGF7AF5skrMkYgV6Suug4l818ZUX-8jCgvDSZ-CcQOxYUVjDxMHTw/s400/IMG_1789.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Piebald boy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi25f2UFSRSUfK2TslGdJ0XvFcK-GUGGrL7xSIzbafs7Vo5FthdhwyR9Qhm7uWuO8v0Cw_pxdgRld5T4K0u6Sg3SooNozzYVe1i6XFfBNqkPEZMjhUi8XqMTF0SlaIciz2ZPC44Jpx54/s1600/IMG_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi25f2UFSRSUfK2TslGdJ0XvFcK-GUGGrL7xSIzbafs7Vo5FthdhwyR9Qhm7uWuO8v0Cw_pxdgRld5T4K0u6Sg3SooNozzYVe1i6XFfBNqkPEZMjhUi8XqMTF0SlaIciz2ZPC44Jpx54/s400/IMG_1792.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Long-haired dappled girl</td></tr>
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<div>I felt VICTORIOUS in my use of the roast. I did resolve to buy a smaller rack next year to economize and compromise with my husband. "It's all good!" we like to say at our house.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We were too full for OUR human desserts after our chili gorge session! THAT is a rare happening for me...too full for dessert. So they waited until New Year's Day to be eaten. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I had made Macaroons and Almond "Joy to the world" cookies for my friend Kait and her Dad, one of our hosts. The big difference is that the chocolate/almond version is baked for 5 minutes, taken out of the oven, a dimple is made with your finger and a whole almond or 2 are dipped in raw egg yolk and placed in the divet. Back into the oven for another 8-10 minutes until their toasty golden exterior is at your preferred hue. They are cooled completely before bottoms are dipped and tops are drizzled with melted chocolate. I like dark chocolate that I get from Trader Joe's. The chocolate "sets" best when the freshly embellished macaroons are popped into a freezer for about 10-15 minutes to harden off.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3utlrglrRNv_zmUxll0hgBonFt5U2zgQIvycdNu6JwgKyBASZWSiHP5dEI2pJ3kx5ovQAiIiMaaopQ85Wz0SP3imP60MLab4kycDmj-uiE6gy92hL5LuTDpHJIF3xn37RkZ8C1-ICR88/s1600/IMG_2561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3utlrglrRNv_zmUxll0hgBonFt5U2zgQIvycdNu6JwgKyBASZWSiHP5dEI2pJ3kx5ovQAiIiMaaopQ85Wz0SP3imP60MLab4kycDmj-uiE6gy92hL5LuTDpHJIF3xn37RkZ8C1-ICR88/s400/IMG_2561.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice's recipes are tried, true and scrumptious</td></tr>
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The Macaroon recipe is from one of Alice Medrich's cookbooks, shown above. I was lucky enough to assist her when she taught at the Kirkland WA's Sur La Table cooking school. Bakers are an interesting mix of chemist and artists. Alice was a passionate baker and teacher to work with who was most gracious. Having her sign my cookbook just made the whole opportunity of working with her a now shared experience. After you try her recipes you will also say "Thank you Alice!"!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg58PDcC_u2iJHBKy-Xi235hVNgykFFETl2niWhafezGJpR9ntB-Ip-9RWtpvPwKokXMdk8F6OVxSuP0EZYYillGxI5bWr6FLldn1u3O-xk6rTCmiqJSuR-LNvuhTw-DBd92Pn3dWxWvY/s1600/IMG_2658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg58PDcC_u2iJHBKy-Xi235hVNgykFFETl2niWhafezGJpR9ntB-Ip-9RWtpvPwKokXMdk8F6OVxSuP0EZYYillGxI5bWr6FLldn1u3O-xk6rTCmiqJSuR-LNvuhTw-DBd92Pn3dWxWvY/s400/IMG_2658.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconut Macaroons and Almond "Joy to the world" cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>So what does one do with the remaining egg yolks after you make a batch or two of macaroons? Make a curd of course!! Since we were doing Mexican for dinner, I decided on Lime Curd and a Lime Curd Cheesecake.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TRmt4DYtMRxph4gMO7ryn8cFKmhPcrlJtGp6AE6mVG0ijeZ1BZxcME5XhZbHG67z6Ca94G9t6yIK5VruhBErwDndERM9Am-h9pLUE80ja_htsG_4mFO1rq5A499HZkpn0GADGGFVL8E/s1600/IMG_2642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TRmt4DYtMRxph4gMO7ryn8cFKmhPcrlJtGp6AE6mVG0ijeZ1BZxcME5XhZbHG67z6Ca94G9t6yIK5VruhBErwDndERM9Am-h9pLUE80ja_htsG_4mFO1rq5A499HZkpn0GADGGFVL8E/s400/IMG_2642.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good lime juice concentrate option</td></tr>
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This recipe was morphed from the Cooking Light's online Lemon Swirled Cheesecake online recipe. The curd was switched from Lemon to Lime and I added 1T. Vanilla Extract, the zest of 1 lime to the mixture before cooking. I also used the concentrated lime juice from Santa Cruz brand. </div><div><br />
The main thing I like about this recipe is that it cooks directly in a heavy bottom sauce pan instead of a double boiler, which makes it easier to whisk and not worry about getting steam into the curd or burning yourself with the steam while whisking. The online recipe is true. The trick I learned in while working as sous chef at Cafe Juanita in Kirkland, WA is to place the finished curd in a clean dry bowl and place a heavy plastic wrap DIRECTLY on the surface of the curd before chilling. The direct wrap will protect the curd from forming a tough skin which is to me, unusable. Chill for 2 hours or more in the refrigerator or stash in the freezer for 1/2 hour for a rapid chill.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Making the<b> Pistachio Graham cracker crust Recipe</b> is next while the curd is chilling. Again, super easy.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Into the food processor go;</div><div>1 cup of shelled, salted pistachio nuts (I bought at Costco)</div><div>1 package of Graham crackers from Trader Joe's. Their graham crackers were UBER-fresh! I've never had such a remarkable tasting graham cracker EVER! These will now be our "go-to" graham crackers <u>whenever</u> possible!</div><div>4T. Brown Sugar</div><div>1/2t. Ground Cinnamon</div><div>~Run processor until crumbs are fine and no large pieces visible.</div><div>~Slowly add chilled butter pats until the mixture starts to clump significantly but isn't mushy</div><div>6T. Chilled Unsalted Butter cut into several small sections</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LvvVTz2LJbnzX3MnvpmepK9nfPvU_P8u__hJIy1DuZ6WMhqW1iOiwTw6t2MSEFZzsvs7ZeZ4exdBAWGfKy8zfziI2zyCPtPKHClA5AApVyrmLYlp0rPoPUyzFbazUGu3M5AS-0fj-LQ/s1600/IMG_2644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LvvVTz2LJbnzX3MnvpmepK9nfPvU_P8u__hJIy1DuZ6WMhqW1iOiwTw6t2MSEFZzsvs7ZeZ4exdBAWGfKy8zfziI2zyCPtPKHClA5AApVyrmLYlp0rPoPUyzFbazUGu3M5AS-0fj-LQ/s400/IMG_2644.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground up and smelling FANTASTIC!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chilled butter pats were added while "on"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVKvqp77MKKbe5MpKe3DYwP5AWS4jlyVjsFofrpvisYWe2d2qt4l6DStwvqQ_RRHitrbtu13pgMO9fi3ygfXFqIX1Ci2N-VbTF1ntR8cqTVAfSmuTa89xiHOUOpd_OuaGV77nYdk3BhQ/s1600/IMG_2646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVKvqp77MKKbe5MpKe3DYwP5AWS4jlyVjsFofrpvisYWe2d2qt4l6DStwvqQ_RRHitrbtu13pgMO9fi3ygfXFqIX1Ci2N-VbTF1ntR8cqTVAfSmuTa89xiHOUOpd_OuaGV77nYdk3BhQ/s400/IMG_2646.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the Spring form pan</td></tr>
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Empty contents in a 9-12 inch Spring form pan. I prefer a thinner crust, so I used my larger 12 inch pan. Spread the mixture roughly even across pan and press the mixture down firmly, rounding slightly up the edges of the sides of the pan. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B4FOHUUo-ebED-sg4c5Gk2Tyj_ME-HYVt74uOGflwtjkVyJn-Ju_H3-2tKABqp6mk3kvD5ax6yqxLFL9Vgtsf106oLH9meSMpjo2U-jSeHu9ZuT-7MNY7_zhltDiveeAHs0dzC7O9aE/s1600/IMG_2649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B4FOHUUo-ebED-sg4c5Gk2Tyj_ME-HYVt74uOGflwtjkVyJn-Ju_H3-2tKABqp6mk3kvD5ax6yqxLFL9Vgtsf106oLH9meSMpjo2U-jSeHu9ZuT-7MNY7_zhltDiveeAHs0dzC7O9aE/s400/IMG_2649.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toasty goodness</td></tr>
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</div><div>This firm surface will bake in a pre-heated oven at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes until slight toasty at the edge. This initial baking will prevent the crust from absorbing the cream cheese layer and getting soggy. Don't cook the crust too long initially though, as we will bake the crust again when the cheesecake layer is added on top.</div><div>This "cheesecake" layer is also easy and somewhat unconventional as we aren't use a water bath to bake in. We're baking directly in the crust and the whole thing in the oven.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiBwCEk2ejLBZBGAzyRyZsrU6_-1XZUKql1m_YduJfooTSJMn4oSYiPyJ4Y6nsLFCZnSnS24QnxM29kh0LXen9bnS6AQP7b04DMn72OrbJPo_CgsAh3hFG6sHh9iJIKsMtsk86pe4e3M/s1600/IMG_2648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiBwCEk2ejLBZBGAzyRyZsrU6_-1XZUKql1m_YduJfooTSJMn4oSYiPyJ4Y6nsLFCZnSnS24QnxM29kh0LXen9bnS6AQP7b04DMn72OrbJPo_CgsAh3hFG6sHh9iJIKsMtsk86pe4e3M/s400/IMG_2648.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glossy creamy mixture is ready for the pan</td></tr>
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<b>"Cheesecake" Recipe</b><br />
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Into the food processor goes;<br />
2 cups of cream cheese<br />
1 whole egg<br />
3T. sugar<br />
1T. vanilla extract<br />
2T. Lime juice concentrate or juice of 1 lime<br />
~Blend until smooth and glossy, scrape down sides with rubber spatula and blend/pulse to fully incorporate.<br />
~Transfer mixture to Spring form and place directly on still warm crust and bake for about 15-20 minutes on 375 degrees until "cheesecake" is firm to touch but not browned or cracked. The goal here is to cook until firm but still retaining the moisture.<br />
~Chill completely for 2 hours in refrigerator or 1/2 hour quick chill in freezer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmwQLSvx6blxHpWyeGWvQl5JgarbJPzEo4OwYyisBmB9_5FnnSqMGgRyXMYGdybhngkCVXNYSQIlWUyEwp45saBPZRa0CEoZOB7mCze-aUe74d9Q7WgzBgo54yJu4El3rj49XlSSeeX4/s1600/IMG_2651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmwQLSvx6blxHpWyeGWvQl5JgarbJPzEo4OwYyisBmB9_5FnnSqMGgRyXMYGdybhngkCVXNYSQIlWUyEwp45saBPZRa0CEoZOB7mCze-aUe74d9Q7WgzBgo54yJu4El3rj49XlSSeeX4/s400/IMG_2651.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth out batter evenly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jYvwwAk0JwiKIpvl9RkbYVBh3srbiisZC0YAVIeUK_pTZnLB_uqjJhWW6JFe7dCoZht1FdNyrohlKhxFinDrsCpGlx3O1lXyN5q1IW4Qm-x-K7i-atvF9XgcZsW4HoYShmQQHkW3KLM/s1600/IMG_2655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jYvwwAk0JwiKIpvl9RkbYVBh3srbiisZC0YAVIeUK_pTZnLB_uqjJhWW6JFe7dCoZht1FdNyrohlKhxFinDrsCpGlx3O1lXyN5q1IW4Qm-x-K7i-atvF9XgcZsW4HoYShmQQHkW3KLM/s400/IMG_2655.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firm, no cracks, only slightly toasted at the edge of Spring form pan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>After the "cheesecake" is chilled completely, spread the tangy Lime Curd over the top. I used about 2 cups of the curd on mine to make an equitable amount of creamy and tangy to the sweet, salty and nutty crust.</div><div>~Chill for another 2 hours minimum in refrigerator or 1/2 hour quick chill on freezer.</div><div>~Unmold the ring of the Spring form pan when ready to serve. </div><div>~Place dessert on a serving plate for a more refined presentation or simply cut on the Spring form bottom using a sharp knife. **I prefer a serrated knife as they the crust without shattering it as some butcher knives or cake knives are prone to do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEqOTG0mPsGZt-iE-F1VBRezm-s0FkoXvsLmgNIkviYdE4n4Q4EV4_2xLXt8_5vVofzpXP_GqMCQ3uu_dWdooLq7lm_w5l9CwnkTUW94ymDEsX2o1BEkICj0HUGDwYPWUXEx3Vjb2pbI/s1600/IMG_2666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEqOTG0mPsGZt-iE-F1VBRezm-s0FkoXvsLmgNIkviYdE4n4Q4EV4_2xLXt8_5vVofzpXP_GqMCQ3uu_dWdooLq7lm_w5l9CwnkTUW94ymDEsX2o1BEkICj0HUGDwYPWUXEx3Vjb2pbI/s400/IMG_2666.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lime Curd Cheesecake with Pistachio Graham Cracker Crust</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I had a BLAST on New Year's Eve Day cooking and baking, thinking of my family and good friends sharing this meal together. Like in the book and movie <u>Like Water For Chocolate</u>, I like to believe that food prepared with love not only taste better, but those who share this food, can taste the love put into it.</div><div>Maybe it's the Bartender's Cadillac Margarita my husband made me that night, but I savored the 2 different chili styles and felt the love in the room. "It's all good!"!</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEDzwQl-dS1WTX4HUNddIUbAW9bzxYEVCY148X-_TW90A7hTDQiJtl1GZ9leodZVJ-Za0UX76Qn0gXtge-eCBUR8HrwqT_Uk-oZ9yGt-CICQJuLIuVrPaUyJconMYCg08xy-1RqEarpU/s1600/IMG_2665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEDzwQl-dS1WTX4HUNddIUbAW9bzxYEVCY148X-_TW90A7hTDQiJtl1GZ9leodZVJ-Za0UX76Qn0gXtge-eCBUR8HrwqT_Uk-oZ9yGt-CICQJuLIuVrPaUyJconMYCg08xy-1RqEarpU/s400/IMG_2665.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my "boys" sated and smiling after our chili dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>Here's to 2012 and to cooking with love, possibly more frugality, definitely creatively, and forever savoring meals with family and friends whenever possible!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Many thanks for all your interest and support in 2011. YOU inspired me to share more of my experiences and I'm forever grateful!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Chow for now my friends.<br />
<div><div><br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-23554500617196300272011-12-25T10:17:00.000-08:002011-12-25T10:17:17.333-08:00Merry Christmas Friends, mon amis, mi amigos!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g74ftBjdFHU/TvdnBYqqiMI/AAAAAAAABcE/okoB8EGaA-g/s1600/IMG_2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g74ftBjdFHU/TvdnBYqqiMI/AAAAAAAABcE/okoB8EGaA-g/s400/IMG_2521.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family Christmas 2011 picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you one and all! May you enjoy the warmth and blessings of this day! We're lucky to have a day filled with food and family today-shocking, I know. Huevos Rancheros for our traditional Christmas Brunch and then dinner at the in-laws. I'm bringing a standing rib roast (pictures to follow in my next post).<br />
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Here's to family, friends, and, of course, holiday foods to remember our many blessings!<br />
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Chow for now my friends! Merry Christmas to you.</div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-19353559445220082442011-12-22T11:18:00.000-08:002012-01-24T13:56:21.827-08:00The Bird is the word!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9e8xY3WGLSLycq5NbIEWah4AVJMu0ENkIVVD1Num9WVKtBJKJmCq4GXo7ZhgsPoRZrKWgzMaJ02OKAh3zHMQa1ExBSjPOaffkQuraF0y00wrJPzbDn534CE0UBlIdE0x5_VCyyd8AvWw/s1600/IMG_2441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9e8xY3WGLSLycq5NbIEWah4AVJMu0ENkIVVD1Num9WVKtBJKJmCq4GXo7ZhgsPoRZrKWgzMaJ02OKAh3zHMQa1ExBSjPOaffkQuraF0y00wrJPzbDn534CE0UBlIdE0x5_VCyyd8AvWw/s400/IMG_2441.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my 1st cookbooks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Okay, now I'm dating myself, but when I was a kid, Big Bird and Sesame Street were a REALLY big deal! My little brothers and I would try to watch it daily. Such clever lessons delivered by interesting characters in an engaging format. So when my Mom bought my brothers and I a Sesame Street Busy Book, we were ALL in! She had us at Big Bird. The bird is the word!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbgnqCLyr1I1LR58sL4TBGvfoN4tEcENQll0ezAy7bYg4yRBSYITqjwdj3QEznyQdQvN9UNEM3rannW48P36kDUbp8mcsWbOUyYVUR5qLeBRM4abjlohotoBiZTaCU2HBpSxId54nnEI/s1600/IMG_2440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbgnqCLyr1I1LR58sL4TBGvfoN4tEcENQll0ezAy7bYg4yRBSYITqjwdj3QEznyQdQvN9UNEM3rannW48P36kDUbp8mcsWbOUyYVUR5qLeBRM4abjlohotoBiZTaCU2HBpSxId54nnEI/s400/IMG_2440.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tried and true Sugar Cookie Dough Recipe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This Sugar Cookie Recipe doesn't require adult supervision (technically) or any power tools. My brothers and I made TONS of these throughout our childhood; having fun doing a project together & decorating them together also.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Now, it is my turn to share THE Sugar Cookie Recipe and the experience with my son again this Christmas holiday season. We're a really social family, so we invited some friends from school to join us in decorating Christmas cookies! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW3EpYJT-ke1YfuR9u8zhjzCucqXtQbVR_iVXUuQhp0mk59B9P6NYIEvr_bI4e06SQQG2sObpl0mrDOFaiB9jdXGPCn7asIvj634141EMVgxxSEbPRHhoGpPmZ-akGlC7bBBecqgJWNc/s1600/IMG_2443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW3EpYJT-ke1YfuR9u8zhjzCucqXtQbVR_iVXUuQhp0mk59B9P6NYIEvr_bI4e06SQQG2sObpl0mrDOFaiB9jdXGPCn7asIvj634141EMVgxxSEbPRHhoGpPmZ-akGlC7bBBecqgJWNc/s400/IMG_2443.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cast of characters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was our assignment to make the sugar cookies, so my son and I made them the night before to be cooled but still fresh.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3esm6MfdJGJckx3CL4DswHJZcTN4QW7yrPrsENarRS8elhKeqbMFxJ6WVjYh1c8u06Kajo2PmTkVw6jTTFLhoSA8U0MkyzZjSiaRP6D9yrOZlfwLXSyQ5i5EemIk5kFseK9POQqNk8P0/s1600/IMG_2445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3esm6MfdJGJckx3CL4DswHJZcTN4QW7yrPrsENarRS8elhKeqbMFxJ6WVjYh1c8u06Kajo2PmTkVw6jTTFLhoSA8U0MkyzZjSiaRP6D9yrOZlfwLXSyQ5i5EemIk5kFseK9POQqNk8P0/s400/IMG_2445.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son rolling out dough</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKdCv_XhQLaD0CEpImIZYlNkLflMUutpyh1Tjbom8_ocLiG9lxCCKg_CD2ngj1CSnglr9tqL-Kx-0zEHxOuzUqpODkgeEAQ90-MC6o0kej4cSEpKW_ZR9FMecIVJhaT7vg-GqBWHGT2A/s1600/IMG_2447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKdCv_XhQLaD0CEpImIZYlNkLflMUutpyh1Tjbom8_ocLiG9lxCCKg_CD2ngj1CSnglr9tqL-Kx-0zEHxOuzUqpODkgeEAQ90-MC6o0kej4cSEpKW_ZR9FMecIVJhaT7vg-GqBWHGT2A/s400/IMG_2447.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squeezing everyone in each roll out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Someone taught me how to not overwork the dough. Get as many cut on each roll as physically possible! Overworking would cause a tougher cookie and we have enough of those in this world, huh?!</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZ1clVh8UUpRr_oXSC6dVA7Kbi_Tjg3rxj6GfojACQJlfHt3REhfoTYsezBMoteiUbZnzAyb2VnI1SZJ-bh7N0X_ONre6dSIba5B_WP_YRZUuX35IZT2lIO00ZaIo_tsASE5ulVih4uc/s1600/IMG_2442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZ1clVh8UUpRr_oXSC6dVA7Kbi_Tjg3rxj6GfojACQJlfHt3REhfoTYsezBMoteiUbZnzAyb2VnI1SZJ-bh7N0X_ONre6dSIba5B_WP_YRZUuX35IZT2lIO00ZaIo_tsASE5ulVih4uc/s400/IMG_2442.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cooled and ready for decoration</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>The next morning my friend Lori came over with her kids and brought her arsenal of decorating gear. She began apologizing as to her "craziness" towards decorating, I was just stuck in wonder, taking it all in!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xtbBhpgaQVo/TvN5zuo7oDI/AAAAAAAABYg/K9f-QCV10FY/s1600/IMG_2448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xtbBhpgaQVo/TvN5zuo7oDI/AAAAAAAABYg/K9f-QCV10FY/s400/IMG_2448.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icing ready to roll-check!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXk1gMehNas/TvN53WHEs7I/AAAAAAAABYo/fnLfr1OIjtA/s1600/IMG_2462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXk1gMehNas/TvN53WHEs7I/AAAAAAAABYo/fnLfr1OIjtA/s400/IMG_2462.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkles, and tips and icing-Oh, my!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>She is taking our decorating knowledge to a whole new level! She is an adult decorator and I think my skills peaked out at a kid but I forge on. It's just fun to get in there and watch the kids work their magic.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRzcUkiNuOw/TvN67g8pBHI/AAAAAAAABY0/aJ6R6Etttao/s1600/IMG_2454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRzcUkiNuOw/TvN67g8pBHI/AAAAAAAABY0/aJ6R6Etttao/s400/IMG_2454.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkSV1U7j8WU/TvN6-e319BI/AAAAAAAABY8/6u_g4Dm0-h0/s1600/IMG_2455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkSV1U7j8WU/TvN6-e319BI/AAAAAAAABY8/6u_g4Dm0-h0/s400/IMG_2455.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VxpCyNPBKF4/TvN7BKCmqNI/AAAAAAAABZE/a0Hcj7Mk1JE/s1600/IMG_2458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VxpCyNPBKF4/TvN7BKCmqNI/AAAAAAAABZE/a0Hcj7Mk1JE/s400/IMG_2458.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dCYTverc0KI/TvN7EpGrcMI/AAAAAAAABZM/SWoTSHRFm8g/s1600/IMG_2461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dCYTverc0KI/TvN7EpGrcMI/AAAAAAAABZM/SWoTSHRFm8g/s400/IMG_2461.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPu-fxQ1L_Y/TvN7HN20jGI/AAAAAAAABZU/O-ZHHqunAlM/s1600/IMG_2463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPu-fxQ1L_Y/TvN7HN20jGI/AAAAAAAABZU/O-ZHHqunAlM/s400/IMG_2463.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ILmMccEA4mo/TvN7xj8ncoI/AAAAAAAABZk/MOz2NN7UitA/s1600/IMG_2474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ILmMccEA4mo/TvN7xj8ncoI/AAAAAAAABZk/MOz2NN7UitA/s400/IMG_2474.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHhbFd27CQg/TvN70rsuxlI/AAAAAAAABZs/fxWqwmMctWA/s1600/IMG_2479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHhbFd27CQg/TvN70rsuxlI/AAAAAAAABZs/fxWqwmMctWA/s400/IMG_2479.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7SQol5ogWU/TvN8d0v5YaI/AAAAAAAABZ4/kKVrf3Kg3qQ/s1600/IMG_2482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7SQol5ogWU/TvN8d0v5YaI/AAAAAAAABZ4/kKVrf3Kg3qQ/s400/IMG_2482.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I know, let's eat something WITHOUT sugar in it?!" Oops that was an "out-loud" Mom thought huh?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>All this decorating was EXHAUSTING for the kids-LOL! They needed a little picnic break on my front porch. It was a break for us all by then.<br />
<br />
With the kids out of the kitchen, Lori and I got our creative juices flowing. Just GUESS which ones were hers and mine. HINT: I'm a kid in a big girl body.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWylS4PEKjk/TvN9RhD0gKI/AAAAAAAABaE/dqhP4k-JBGs/s1600/IMG_2472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWylS4PEKjk/TvN9RhD0gKI/AAAAAAAABaE/dqhP4k-JBGs/s400/IMG_2472.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7GCurc8UY1M/TvN9Urg-GDI/AAAAAAAABaM/FXlmnKd_RW0/s1600/IMG_2477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7GCurc8UY1M/TvN9Urg-GDI/AAAAAAAABaM/FXlmnKd_RW0/s400/IMG_2477.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son called this "Lori's Target star"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHOGZdnf15I/TvN9XxgfHyI/AAAAAAAABaU/lJGzKC7Kw0Y/s1600/IMG_2478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHOGZdnf15I/TvN9XxgfHyI/AAAAAAAABaU/lJGzKC7Kw0Y/s400/IMG_2478.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two sassy little snow divas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_kWQd9VCZw/TvN-MFkgElI/AAAAAAAABak/6KUWL6pST68/s1600/IMG_2468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_kWQd9VCZw/TvN-MFkgElI/AAAAAAAABak/6KUWL6pST68/s400/IMG_2468.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, NOT mine. Again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OtgbZicI2U/TvN-SNqVySI/AAAAAAAABas/PVdHfhYuQVo/s1600/IMG_2469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OtgbZicI2U/TvN-SNqVySI/AAAAAAAABas/PVdHfhYuQVo/s400/IMG_2469.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this "spaghetti" tip for the tree she used</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mhhHRNWvwU/TvN-VxznZ5I/AAAAAAAABa0/bahB5EBENjY/s1600/IMG_2471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mhhHRNWvwU/TvN-VxznZ5I/AAAAAAAABa0/bahB5EBENjY/s400/IMG_2471.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of MY silly masterpieces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We made trays and trays of these holiday cookies and wrapped them to deliver to the staff at our kids' school the next day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pm_TtiinRQ/TvOAH7pQxkI/AAAAAAAABbE/iyXIV9QhDPM/s1600/IMG_2484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pm_TtiinRQ/TvOAH7pQxkI/AAAAAAAABbE/iyXIV9QhDPM/s400/IMG_2484.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcyIybAFs5U/TvOALW20oGI/AAAAAAAABbM/J2SDsFpWHuI/s1600/IMG_2485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcyIybAFs5U/TvOALW20oGI/AAAAAAAABbM/J2SDsFpWHuI/s400/IMG_2485.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I'm not sure who was more excited, the kids to show them off and share them or the adults to choose their decorated indulgences. What a fun way to start the day and the holiday week off with!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OoQ_nEA922Q/TvOAnqPvHNI/AAAAAAAABbo/R6VOeJxi-nA/s1600/IMG_2486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OoQ_nEA922Q/TvOAnqPvHNI/AAAAAAAABbo/R6VOeJxi-nA/s400/IMG_2486.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cheery snowman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's to sharing your holiday traditions with friends and family! The warmth of the holidays is the smile on a person's face and the act of giving your thoughts and prayers to others. I show my love in the creation of food I share but that's just me. Show your love however you want but you ALWAYS get more back from the act of giving than receiving.<br />
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Thanks for sharing your support of my blog this year! I'm deeply moved and grateful to you all who take the time to visit. Many blessings to you this season!<br />
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Chow for now!</div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-76653804534106008102011-12-13T14:20:00.000-08:002011-12-13T14:20:18.157-08:00It's the most wonderful time of the year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKMipJm0nNDln-o0CFyiUU8GJTeMRsIJuLdSmM_Cna9gIMsMyjz5nevxU92z2QWeHsstZ89uet6aVKicyG7yDyj9AYkE7yLRz77vtXCnzm119r47VOTQXChUzSPd8SiklZy8ecuBehvQ/s1600/IMG_2360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKMipJm0nNDln-o0CFyiUU8GJTeMRsIJuLdSmM_Cna9gIMsMyjz5nevxU92z2QWeHsstZ89uet6aVKicyG7yDyj9AYkE7yLRz77vtXCnzm119r47VOTQXChUzSPd8SiklZy8ecuBehvQ/s400/IMG_2360.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the deck after a snow at Hyak, WA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Love me some Holiday spirit!<br />
<br />
~When we decorate our houses with sparkling lights inside and out.<br />
~When we make special meals to share with friends and loved ones.<br />
~When we choose to connect with those we hold dear to our us via a card, greeting, or a party to tell each other how much we value their friendship.<br />
~When we sing along to our favorite Carols from our childhood and to the new fav's as well.<br />
~When give or donate to the needy because we are fortunate enough to have enough to share.<br />
~When we slow down to see this season through the eyes of a child and marvel at all the history, fun, creativity, tradition, food, song and camaraderie the Holidays can bring us each year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFq4AZs8vjfXe_hcrgKsYQFEzGJ1KSadxoHms_7c2_LmZxS-4sVAWgs2HY85t0n9KhJ7H_PFdKRVNf1ReLU4UiCVo7qubIbKFLwIRII7a5GdLX_zpPG59v3bTrLhdwLlgl-r4GbGWX1OU/s1600/IMG_2364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFq4AZs8vjfXe_hcrgKsYQFEzGJ1KSadxoHms_7c2_LmZxS-4sVAWgs2HY85t0n9KhJ7H_PFdKRVNf1ReLU4UiCVo7qubIbKFLwIRII7a5GdLX_zpPG59v3bTrLhdwLlgl-r4GbGWX1OU/s400/IMG_2364.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Saturday afternoon hike in the snow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFi8kvOAQXOSErOH9_pXAdQzQbVaCYuBVucWGJjI6omnor-jiA7KEWG_nuPi77m8D18HEZ0__aaUMhX_Ojx5kqS_fUajEdhhoRVT2QR6Fv5QT0BUqG8F0Jk-flQmKRoMm-Wqa5SeZLoo/s1600/IMG_2367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFi8kvOAQXOSErOH9_pXAdQzQbVaCYuBVucWGJjI6omnor-jiA7KEWG_nuPi77m8D18HEZ0__aaUMhX_Ojx5kqS_fUajEdhhoRVT2QR6Fv5QT0BUqG8F0Jk-flQmKRoMm-Wqa5SeZLoo/s400/IMG_2367.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's go back home, it's cold and snowing HARD!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I'm a TOTAL sap and Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year! It's so cheerful to drive home in the dark and see all the lights. My spirit was ignited even before Thanksgiving when I went to my best friend's cabin on Snoqualmie Pass to spend some quality time with her friends, our dear friend who moved to Utah and her friends from Renton area. We had over 6 inches of snow between our drive up Friday night and it continued snowing off and on through early Sunday morning.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sJbd5RC6VGDOZiWTVyW44gFLAf8Rgvtb4uBo9K2iWrfNzHHX4bzvZ_4056UkVY-dcL2M1QG983cvXKlMdEcb2O4v4Mj3aaGyes8tE3fRVf_qGid8uqk2XuSmVAaQOUbP52kzBkiIZIk/s1600/IMG_2356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sJbd5RC6VGDOZiWTVyW44gFLAf8Rgvtb4uBo9K2iWrfNzHHX4bzvZ_4056UkVY-dcL2M1QG983cvXKlMdEcb2O4v4Mj3aaGyes8tE3fRVf_qGid8uqk2XuSmVAaQOUbP52kzBkiIZIk/s400/IMG_2356.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend Cheryl's gorgeous log cabin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I wanted to skip Thanksgiving entirely and move right into Christmas! We laughed, cooked and ate together, played games, put jig-saw puzzles together, got to know new friends and catch up with old friends. We stayed up into the wee hours solving the world's problems and then consuming buckets of coffee in the morning again. I drank in EVERY moment together!<br />
<br />
What a gift this weekend is every year us all! Thanks Cheryl.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjji3WO7puErZCf2D9yDWmOBxP3-X5LLeEDygFziXVvbpZEcR0qxnx30Fih8IWGNAW-Z-e_SIuIX9GEIAliHTokCKyBMABQWXGy_SyUNd4HFkNqhoRx8fMjV4vHyfmXF-xNZ72X1O921lg/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjji3WO7puErZCf2D9yDWmOBxP3-X5LLeEDygFziXVvbpZEcR0qxnx30Fih8IWGNAW-Z-e_SIuIX9GEIAliHTokCKyBMABQWXGy_SyUNd4HFkNqhoRx8fMjV4vHyfmXF-xNZ72X1O921lg/s400/IMG_2352.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let it snow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I haven't written on my blog in awhile, lots of life changes, little drama but all for the best. The time away gave me time to think and rejuvenate. Thanks for your patience and checking in on me! Lots of ideas for next year brewing in my big ol' head for next year already...<br />
<br />
Here's to capturing YOUR holiday spirit and rejuvenating when needed! Be kind to yourself first, then you'll have lots of energy to share with others.<br />
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Chow for now my friends! We'll be together again soon, promise.<br />
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<br />
<br />
</div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-38605852548711147242011-10-23T09:44:00.000-07:002011-10-23T09:44:17.143-07:00Granola Legacy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBnvxD6ptao3fV0D-aSzpOH25VILB4M3-QcjrkZzUzKtB_bLFi0igzl3pEzDZbAoWRORsffTVWiHYec7PWu5PchZvrJhsA0sBf30M_wfa1vCxuXHWzrEAUDlCdxeK4H_badrvKzkYdcA/s1600/IMG_2201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBnvxD6ptao3fV0D-aSzpOH25VILB4M3-QcjrkZzUzKtB_bLFi0igzl3pEzDZbAoWRORsffTVWiHYec7PWu5PchZvrJhsA0sBf30M_wfa1vCxuXHWzrEAUDlCdxeK4H_badrvKzkYdcA/s400/IMG_2201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My homemade granola</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yesterday, I woke up to charcoal skies, pouring rain down on Sequim. I was happy to have an excuse to spend the whole day in the kitchen! What to make on this wet fall day? I drove to the store, talking to my Mom on speakerphone. Then it hit me, when I was a kid, my Mom made homemade granola for us. I can still smell that toasty, sweet, nutty aroma wafting through our tiny house. She baked it slowly, for an hour or so in a large navy and white speckled roasting pan. Every so often, the open oven door would release a flood of this perfume as she stirred the steamy oat mixture. My Dad is a dentist and she tried to control the amount of sugar and processed foods we consumed through making much of our food. Now, it's my turn to monitor my family's diet. Now <i>I'm</i> making granola, another legacy passed from my Mom to me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73EHVbYlGmEsIGkTvhOekot7nsK_dG6tklt71hA0GcLmHXXRU8Vtc9iYaR_WzSuA-0dNu8hFQYku0yinq6MhiWji-LJWKPy_dL_L_47dOt76mZLNZClOxvozXqalPy5YSCt6rGgy-Jms/s1600/IMG_0668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73EHVbYlGmEsIGkTvhOekot7nsK_dG6tklt71hA0GcLmHXXRU8Vtc9iYaR_WzSuA-0dNu8hFQYku0yinq6MhiWji-LJWKPy_dL_L_47dOt76mZLNZClOxvozXqalPy5YSCt6rGgy-Jms/s400/IMG_0668.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The welcoming entrance sign</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZ-_zhfJTCSKYG8VUCM9ZMtg9fKYJshJ5Q5RtUaMV_Zrd_fJcnuYvKatcqaZxyYbBnf5B3KYRVI2YQO51vMtYLgeUt5wqcuo3n6RyFFKGshG5mRVzdx4xofzFpoAxzsYeF5hM0EWAN9A/s1600/IMG_0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZ-_zhfJTCSKYG8VUCM9ZMtg9fKYJshJ5Q5RtUaMV_Zrd_fJcnuYvKatcqaZxyYbBnf5B3KYRVI2YQO51vMtYLgeUt5wqcuo3n6RyFFKGshG5mRVzdx4xofzFpoAxzsYeF5hM0EWAN9A/s400/IMG_0665.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny Farms' front entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXn-ICDdoHwg5Gct75veGwlhq-zG2mJkF2l5cH5OmVnvCcGCxGl5lX4ZsjV-0Tiywt7ZdG_-3IEji2Q_kKIFuUaYdvopG31fZRZOCv-fnp7kn13FZ6P8NQ2F_2eVYuDBlNT8dq5-XuLug/s1600/IMG_0653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXn-ICDdoHwg5Gct75veGwlhq-zG2mJkF2l5cH5OmVnvCcGCxGl5lX4ZsjV-0Tiywt7ZdG_-3IEji2Q_kKIFuUaYdvopG31fZRZOCv-fnp7kn13FZ6P8NQ2F_2eVYuDBlNT8dq5-XuLug/s400/IMG_0653.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half of their dried goods isle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDKu-kVWAqmv2hXjoqcEReCEVgrI7rVxJxhW9g9pDJg9NEvrmDsb4t4RNZVT_Ppivb-isOuVG4nrMONOANf-glKvIZSTxx9a_C7evhwqH-N68RcyO4l0CuAUA_laXLDLqZ_5IzzOCVoY/s1600/IMG_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDKu-kVWAqmv2hXjoqcEReCEVgrI7rVxJxhW9g9pDJg9NEvrmDsb4t4RNZVT_Ppivb-isOuVG4nrMONOANf-glKvIZSTxx9a_C7evhwqH-N68RcyO4l0CuAUA_laXLDLqZ_5IzzOCVoY/s400/IMG_0655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I've mentioned how much amazing dried goods are offered at Sunny Farms in Sequim. They make it so easy for me to assemble the ingredients for my granola. I park my cart in an area hopefully out of the way of other shoppers and begin filling my plastic bags and labeling them with the bin numbers, stacking them on the growing mound in my cart.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckkxhD8g2nPbnwW7H98zUfTJLk2hHmevufcAHJTiHcfHdPre4KPkDufR0B7xU47fHN5rQe6Z3qpnv7-sRnPMauelwIUb6sR0jdGARqbeUPrXK8zt4qxEybqUGuj4pn9c12oU1fum3j1M/s1600/IMG_2181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckkxhD8g2nPbnwW7H98zUfTJLk2hHmevufcAHJTiHcfHdPre4KPkDufR0B7xU47fHN5rQe6Z3qpnv7-sRnPMauelwIUb6sR0jdGARqbeUPrXK8zt4qxEybqUGuj4pn9c12oU1fum3j1M/s400/IMG_2181.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> My granola makings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEltsck-JgD7UUHJmSVb73hU1RhbMT3eQzF_4odm9JMOVJcX6qvE_GhEjqWzAC0xWTXc2MTs89beUEYxyir7kcioK09uXHeIXK7jKIThFK7ovFcGKw1N6WNzITPYJ1pilF0VS1PQgh6nY/s1600/IMG_2188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEltsck-JgD7UUHJmSVb73hU1RhbMT3eQzF_4odm9JMOVJcX6qvE_GhEjqWzAC0xWTXc2MTs89beUEYxyir7kcioK09uXHeIXK7jKIThFK7ovFcGKw1N6WNzITPYJ1pilF0VS1PQgh6nY/s400/IMG_2188.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big bowl of goodies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG0mE65d28Qz3sDzXZXjy0GQepYqS-wvOqXRc-YrxD8gTZE5V8-Wi_6-5BJNSVrtkzDM_s1o0CtsDoGdZDmTUFE9cJTRj01Rlmj3qFGw6anUzWVGsA2bA9EYVfdrXbturWwBxE-O6RSY/s1600/IMG_2194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG0mE65d28Qz3sDzXZXjy0GQepYqS-wvOqXRc-YrxD8gTZE5V8-Wi_6-5BJNSVrtkzDM_s1o0CtsDoGdZDmTUFE9cJTRj01Rlmj3qFGw6anUzWVGsA2bA9EYVfdrXbturWwBxE-O6RSY/s400/IMG_2194.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chopped almonds are added</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEwX4Oy1ZzUlvL5K4OMVPMA7kVtAkFgBj_TUUediOQ1jmdvlDdo7P-HEDiGHqETG1vcxAxNUMry5XA0JdbpwxdpcYkyeJTyaH1FtyAUfkpNwqPScaE2bQiIOOM1D1yPQF5rUeRR3hV8Y/s1600/IMG_2195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEwX4Oy1ZzUlvL5K4OMVPMA7kVtAkFgBj_TUUediOQ1jmdvlDdo7P-HEDiGHqETG1vcxAxNUMry5XA0JdbpwxdpcYkyeJTyaH1FtyAUfkpNwqPScaE2bQiIOOM1D1yPQF5rUeRR3hV8Y/s400/IMG_2195.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shredded coconut added to the mixed dried goods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I get out my 2 REALLY big plastic bowls and divide the ingredients equally. I counted over 15 dried goods all contributing to protein count, flavor and/or health; 5 Mixed grains, wheat germ, sesame, flax and sunflower seeds, golden raisins, dried cherries, toasted soy berries, toasted CB's Nuts organic peanuts, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, chopped almonds and shredded coconut. The cornerstone of the dried ingredients is the mixed grains, high in flavor, fiber and protein.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8k1z2Qi61ENqNUMP3PGSQ5vPU2tthonnjstR0D1C4EThdInTwL3unPHCG5AeXm3BS05QfpkCqSZ6xdP9SX0lUPI791IMNh2LlescnEVQU2bjAL1pb_OQFEJSpjWh5WUlb0y-kF31rf2w/s1600/IMG_2182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8k1z2Qi61ENqNUMP3PGSQ5vPU2tthonnjstR0D1C4EThdInTwL3unPHCG5AeXm3BS05QfpkCqSZ6xdP9SX0lUPI791IMNh2LlescnEVQU2bjAL1pb_OQFEJSpjWh5WUlb0y-kF31rf2w/s400/IMG_2182.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closeup of the mixed grains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The dried ingredients are stirred to combine in their large bowls and the oven preheated to 300 degrees. Then, onto the aromatic wet ingredients.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0cQXKB-EDUWC5JFCvWafPwnaKG-6RYGXIrMERb0CbB0XqvWpemy7eaAAfrLE9Sfks709BhBzdia6pCXGsJRQdHgM4dkVRXqkUUdhYTNGkxXaOFCxDZL1Qejn82R9pHFLjoEgY82QfvA/s1600/IMG_2186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0cQXKB-EDUWC5JFCvWafPwnaKG-6RYGXIrMERb0CbB0XqvWpemy7eaAAfrLE9Sfks709BhBzdia6pCXGsJRQdHgM4dkVRXqkUUdhYTNGkxXaOFCxDZL1Qejn82R9pHFLjoEgY82QfvA/s400/IMG_2186.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberry honey, bourbon vanilla, molasses, orange juice and zest, grated fresh ginger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8nX9xDwn_KpFy68z_h87FpzqIHrQ5hjDEut0uS-TyAsZHed5AhZ57n5Jp-42iAyz6nHv4EJoJx4lfRooOXypMYKq2QoRUWLVwgswijUu4BtA1onjde2bKfJdZBcXV73cCE3N9cW-cfI/s1600/IMG_2189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8nX9xDwn_KpFy68z_h87FpzqIHrQ5hjDEut0uS-TyAsZHed5AhZ57n5Jp-42iAyz6nHv4EJoJx4lfRooOXypMYKq2QoRUWLVwgswijUu4BtA1onjde2bKfJdZBcXV73cCE3N9cW-cfI/s400/IMG_2189.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oranges and ginger zested</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> The oranges are scrubbed lightly under tap water, dried and zested. The fresh ginger is zested as well, removing any larger chunks of the outer skin from the juicier, flavorful interior.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWKSedXr25xk_1praD5nEXSvQMFMjiawnBppUEkMni3-oAdYzLn0shKanEz-ux7EnIzBG2KkUMfFiB6CaP8xcAAEc3Je3iE6wt21G0xTUO7KvlYKs75kbBUmzH0KY4D48EteDYsA54XE/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWKSedXr25xk_1praD5nEXSvQMFMjiawnBppUEkMni3-oAdYzLn0shKanEz-ux7EnIzBG2KkUMfFiB6CaP8xcAAEc3Je3iE6wt21G0xTUO7KvlYKs75kbBUmzH0KY4D48EteDYsA54XE/s400/IMG_2191.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wet ingredients are combined in a large measuring cup for mixing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The zested oranges are then cut and the juice squeezed into the measuring cup. The viscous mixture of molasses, honey, grated ginger and orange, orange juice and vanilla are stirred to combine and slowly drizzled over the mixed dried ingredients. I added canola oil and water to increase the moisture content and the ability to hold together in clumps.<div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigT9IlUr9ETvtHQm_fW0WGhKHFBKeUMIa2JFevRWRg7QyMaFGkD-uBMRZllpY7sKmALHZ_z9AGcyogh9Dte73rPjeN6j3dM7ThdilP0N-cYj6LBX1BYEW8m5N3uyQmdnrCPUnLqDDu_e0/s1600/IMG_2196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigT9IlUr9ETvtHQm_fW0WGhKHFBKeUMIa2JFevRWRg7QyMaFGkD-uBMRZllpY7sKmALHZ_z9AGcyogh9Dte73rPjeN6j3dM7ThdilP0N-cYj6LBX1BYEW8m5N3uyQmdnrCPUnLqDDu_e0/s400/IMG_2196.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granola being stirred in the oven</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Into the 300 degree preheated oven my roasting pans go. The timer is set for every 20 minutes. As the raw granola begins to toast, the familiar scents escape from my oven and creep through my house. "Smelling good Mama!", my husband affectionately comments. I know. It's my full circle, my turn to create memories for my family, to help us eat natural, healthful foods whenever possible.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3GIiOHmA3sENU38fG8TnjeVp9PqxJRTyQ4XIOWZd8mYGH3i1FwKkvWY6-KXPvRiNNbcuQcd35eAxC9KilcVW7ROT1TWGpp7JDiiUNYxMrCqOLK-InjFfsEmO-gG7BR-t8sMI5CBjjzU/s1600/IMG_2197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3GIiOHmA3sENU38fG8TnjeVp9PqxJRTyQ4XIOWZd8mYGH3i1FwKkvWY6-KXPvRiNNbcuQcd35eAxC9KilcVW7ROT1TWGpp7JDiiUNYxMrCqOLK-InjFfsEmO-gG7BR-t8sMI5CBjjzU/s400/IMG_2197.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfume is filling my house<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The granola is baked and stirred for about an hour plus for this deep roasting pans. My more shallow pans toast the contents faster but hold less. It cools completely and is placed into large gallon Ziploc bags for distribution to my Dad, our fisherman friends Kyle and Colin, my in-laws and my oldest son who lives on his own. The can all taste the wholesome goodness, the combination of toasty, nutty, sweet and salty.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>When I went to bed last night, my room still smelled of the baked granola. I smiled at the comfort of knowing that my Mom had successfully passed another torch to me and that I kept the legacy going. It's only granola, right?! Or is it?</div><div> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMYGRW4LNk6VYREg4615_BWvs9lGe7lCeEfAv_gmxXL_bYlZ3SO1b8VDu6CnSajxpUbJzKGUlyVtWeeYrvxxZo8VvcUEWHXi14cNEr3JHXtftJLyl1CHJFlLX8yQwVFBoQl1PnusMzME/s1600/IMG_2204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMYGRW4LNk6VYREg4615_BWvs9lGe7lCeEfAv_gmxXL_bYlZ3SO1b8VDu6CnSajxpUbJzKGUlyVtWeeYrvxxZo8VvcUEWHXi14cNEr3JHXtftJLyl1CHJFlLX8yQwVFBoQl1PnusMzME/s400/IMG_2204.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My breakfast today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's to those legacies my friends. They might be just food but they are SO much more, they are all the emotions of caring for your families wellness, honoring family traditions, listening to your elders when they take the time to teach the next generation. Yea, it's granola this time but it's so much more!<div><br />
</div><div>Seek out those legacies and pass them on with the love they were passed to you and maybe a little bit more if you have it to share...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Chow for now my friends!<br />
<div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div><br />
</div></div></div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-72487015370761435462011-10-16T10:52:00.000-07:002011-10-18T14:45:46.928-07:00Welcome to Crab Fest!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0JeDYw9D5q4qgXHnPsNFy7CS4ao8i4D-tPyOQxro4Zzz4EFhtzy9XRWZPYQJfeHqbPjHXrJYpXW4J6AqPtHfTRmd3tnJK6gKZ0bY9k8vGi0umuqRMJj_-KLdwJF6luGk6yejeIW14Ik/s1600/IMG_2075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0JeDYw9D5q4qgXHnPsNFy7CS4ao8i4D-tPyOQxro4Zzz4EFhtzy9XRWZPYQJfeHqbPjHXrJYpXW4J6AqPtHfTRmd3tnJK6gKZ0bY9k8vGi0umuqRMJj_-KLdwJF6luGk6yejeIW14Ik/s400/IMG_2075.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clock tower at Gateway Pavilion</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIuJErAoP39tRqDVHA0rd-Q945cNM_wkECfH81nQ0JFmsIsFnZs1drjDLXe1q3hqc3fAQrz7IwY9oA4-z0Y5gBdUqhGHSIslwzGpmScN1PyCZPhn3MN770ngVlZVKk-UeU5-kMdPsb_0/s1600/IMG_2076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIuJErAoP39tRqDVHA0rd-Q945cNM_wkECfH81nQ0JFmsIsFnZs1drjDLXe1q3hqc3fAQrz7IwY9oA4-z0Y5gBdUqhGHSIslwzGpmScN1PyCZPhn3MN770ngVlZVKk-UeU5-kMdPsb_0/s400/IMG_2076.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1tko4U8EFXKA9XUwXaCjf4wX5AYi2LMwb-vKSCxFJDaLpizZd_rYAwoexFo-aDczbsQi9A6FMPzYALYBoLgzD4q_PwB32BJiC56lN03Fp-SGw-t-H1CdaZmm0jJqIsx0ehxXOpp2qns/s1600/IMG_2079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1tko4U8EFXKA9XUwXaCjf4wX5AYi2LMwb-vKSCxFJDaLpizZd_rYAwoexFo-aDczbsQi9A6FMPzYALYBoLgzD4q_PwB32BJiC56lN03Fp-SGw-t-H1CdaZmm0jJqIsx0ehxXOpp2qns/s400/IMG_2079.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An enthusiastic promoter of "fishing" for crabs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year was my 1st year visiting Port Angeles' annual Crab Fest. It was a showcase of all that is wonderful about living on Washington state's Olympic Peninsula and the Pacific Northwest! Food, art, music, wine, beer, cooking demonstrations and plenty of community! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpqXkKo2lHJ4nzW6hCjJFPLLrCu7biB3rs4_l5cFrjCO8eGVjK1s9yXqmSmwBnH3fcGhXon5DpEM0fE_fT8DjC9_QW03AeNFubqmzj7NmjAq7yi0yO6IUUiSRGf8UHWylTI6ACJgioBA/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpqXkKo2lHJ4nzW6hCjJFPLLrCu7biB3rs4_l5cFrjCO8eGVjK1s9yXqmSmwBnH3fcGhXon5DpEM0fE_fT8DjC9_QW03AeNFubqmzj7NmjAq7yi0yO6IUUiSRGf8UHWylTI6ACJgioBA/s400/IMG_2064.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hundreds of fresh crab waiting for the Crab Feed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbE3bHqWV48Se4JoMCFygVBDmPcJ8umjUt0eHUdweuxhPzKzqodGFe_nYvOpzdfMYT31r1L33E1WBp4MKsX2QF6diMNXiAloIM40rXCuTKphN-OsdBhDk2ZVuF3NXfT8CCu1h7kViwBM/s1600/IMG_2067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbE3bHqWV48Se4JoMCFygVBDmPcJ8umjUt0eHUdweuxhPzKzqodGFe_nYvOpzdfMYT31r1L33E1WBp4MKsX2QF6diMNXiAloIM40rXCuTKphN-OsdBhDk2ZVuF3NXfT8CCu1h7kViwBM/s400/IMG_2067.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one's name is "dinner" for some lucky diner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The sense of community started with the location and the mammoth center tent. The area encompassing the Port Angeles pier, the grounds of the Red Lion Inn and the Gateway Pavilion were home of the large tent and many the other myriad of tents. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5QmZgi1RkKc9qmNGOx5IeJvImfAthxxFNq-1inLalei1EOwFvSE2iNqhvz5P4OEqyQL4O2voA3RypYpq5glkiC6ph2QtLuy4XGCinCCnZMBzOK76WeT9covUvDr5ptlX_OpCDVwRCP0/s1600/IMG_2093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5QmZgi1RkKc9qmNGOx5IeJvImfAthxxFNq-1inLalei1EOwFvSE2iNqhvz5P4OEqyQL4O2voA3RypYpq5glkiC6ph2QtLuy4XGCinCCnZMBzOK76WeT9covUvDr5ptlX_OpCDVwRCP0/s400/IMG_2093.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The exterior of the large center tent</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXcMjq4Fpl7qY0yjjKxBhZxAwo0SnJ_Wwh-WXPjPcs82KIPDGLvc8A5ds13nGW7VjLInXbIfQuQJJ6lTir32bFhQDkKHz7hhq43y26q6MZViYsLuzRfPw1IkxKSgrfOyrXwaeAOAG6oY/s1600/IMG_2055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXcMjq4Fpl7qY0yjjKxBhZxAwo0SnJ_Wwh-WXPjPcs82KIPDGLvc8A5ds13nGW7VjLInXbIfQuQJJ6lTir32bFhQDkKHz7hhq43y26q6MZViYsLuzRfPw1IkxKSgrfOyrXwaeAOAG6oY/s640/IMG_2055.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The center tent interior</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The festivities started Friday afternoon with a Crab Feed! What was on the menu? What are my choices? Whole or half crab cooked to perfection, corn on the cob and fresh coleslaw and your choice of beverages.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lnY7QesL3r1DIwJWas230bxLChqE-LdRvka6bXoG-Jau-OWnqG40aCcFNMhmlG0hyphenhyphen0wcLkg6QT4-WqKdUvJQDhoEqJei7yhWuWrh-JcppxqVh-wU1W5GnMzXiSgtP5ptKCTHVsFb2e0/s1600/IMG_2062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lnY7QesL3r1DIwJWas230bxLChqE-LdRvka6bXoG-Jau-OWnqG40aCcFNMhmlG0hyphenhyphen0wcLkg6QT4-WqKdUvJQDhoEqJei7yhWuWrh-JcppxqVh-wU1W5GnMzXiSgtP5ptKCTHVsFb2e0/s400/IMG_2062.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the whole crab with drawn butter</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0or4ZuWTJwof55Zs6XbfeOpLYzg5dM6KndCEy1VWZZbQoRnQQyB4Ch2n4y00vdKZCy5S4Ky3V47EOOy74cJcu9fA2w2y6FLSO2FfdPbQvCEpXO9gBJ-K7_kkBCBUURUUItK612aw8BBQ/s1600/IMG_2069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0or4ZuWTJwof55Zs6XbfeOpLYzg5dM6KndCEy1VWZZbQoRnQQyB4Ch2n4y00vdKZCy5S4Ky3V47EOOy74cJcu9fA2w2y6FLSO2FfdPbQvCEpXO9gBJ-K7_kkBCBUURUUItK612aw8BBQ/s400/IMG_2069.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the 700+ diners served Friday Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij1m6ltuwnOjBFeLTf-SPr1TMQRUoQkwZq0ZxWDnuKfCtyQpYmOfbQ7ADEzlsJaREi9IV8HkwceE62kiairn-nh73jsG9PBpGr_0UNmPoZ7zdY0YY063-nzvRLr5-rCmcUf-xlsKMz9M/s1600/IMG_2071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij1m6ltuwnOjBFeLTf-SPr1TMQRUoQkwZq0ZxWDnuKfCtyQpYmOfbQ7ADEzlsJaREi9IV8HkwceE62kiairn-nh73jsG9PBpGr_0UNmPoZ7zdY0YY063-nzvRLr5-rCmcUf-xlsKMz9M/s400/IMG_2071.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bibs optional but definitely suggested!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOA7phz884hJdt8cBVonU-Z3VaTWIFvOkHMbUZ5-QLS3uzxR6U3ttO0J_OcCKlPYrZ7hpEbmO3nyoZ5kxCljr3YjC5U8oYHsGVMqR3MbrXm8XNR19h0ZxWW9oNgO0z9cMO1eowDv96ac/s1600/IMG_2072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOA7phz884hJdt8cBVonU-Z3VaTWIFvOkHMbUZ5-QLS3uzxR6U3ttO0J_OcCKlPYrZ7hpEbmO3nyoZ5kxCljr3YjC5U8oYHsGVMqR3MbrXm8XNR19h0ZxWW9oNgO0z9cMO1eowDv96ac/s400/IMG_2072.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which beverage to choose...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWuWU8p-f9aWFDXj1Xo8IUBHDaq04FWi7BrPoWdKza00ddm6-8sl4mat5Ie92yAPyfVqJJ6Cfw66HnkuEVjsi6ApYWgndGQL1CbDQ1BIK_Blyv2Sk5e145Zz1-eY8-zKtwhKoTYcI2Qk/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWuWU8p-f9aWFDXj1Xo8IUBHDaq04FWi7BrPoWdKza00ddm6-8sl4mat5Ie92yAPyfVqJJ6Cfw66HnkuEVjsi6ApYWgndGQL1CbDQ1BIK_Blyv2Sk5e145Zz1-eY8-zKtwhKoTYcI2Qk/s400/IMG_2073.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some local wineries featured</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiwcoq9ij30vvgHX3RVdmmY1ifPZbwUPLV4yLPAxlRu62J9zBr8EiTuIlF67wYFoQdsRSZR3DPqCgn2CNhAGMB84XHC0ZxdwXJtuNqMj_oIE3pzNjhiYBEYpyY_lve0bUWA-mUUN7PKM/s1600/IMG_2074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiwcoq9ij30vvgHX3RVdmmY1ifPZbwUPLV4yLPAxlRu62J9zBr8EiTuIlF67wYFoQdsRSZR3DPqCgn2CNhAGMB84XHC0ZxdwXJtuNqMj_oIE3pzNjhiYBEYpyY_lve0bUWA-mUUN7PKM/s400/IMG_2074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The live music stage filled the whole area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Saturday and Sunday were when the variety of food, art tents and family entertainment events opened up.<br />
<br />
Again, the best of the Olympic Peninsula and the Pacific Northwest really shined. I was really proud to hear accents from all over the world amongst the guests and to offer this glimpse of our cuisine, art and crafts.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TgmtR-xZh7TrmF7Kc50eZjKJ4owAypn7iG6u6KV6iTC802iTTtZTyQ9WC1GDKh_2UaKM3wKCvvpxhDDerjzje8RuaW2zIkAQzLEWU8cxDShU2HTs52RuNUhqa6NN2ed-ijUfHSxS0SI/s1600/IMG_2080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TgmtR-xZh7TrmF7Kc50eZjKJ4owAypn7iG6u6KV6iTC802iTTtZTyQ9WC1GDKh_2UaKM3wKCvvpxhDDerjzje8RuaW2zIkAQzLEWU8cxDShU2HTs52RuNUhqa6NN2ed-ijUfHSxS0SI/s400/IMG_2080.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handcrafted copper Salmon weathervane</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMiKFW_L4y-LaKm0_e6a2uDq8fHKzarmDbj7kT6zvGdPRd87K-YVewT7lWCWaaTrnAc0nfwLxHY54AQDBfMCDxXz9rfV5CU9cUWR4iAp770WWI-eThioLiCoj6ojjqwN2T4Ur0Zc9dUc/s1600/IMG_2084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMiKFW_L4y-LaKm0_e6a2uDq8fHKzarmDbj7kT6zvGdPRd87K-YVewT7lWCWaaTrnAc0nfwLxHY54AQDBfMCDxXz9rfV5CU9cUWR4iAp770WWI-eThioLiCoj6ojjqwN2T4Ur0Zc9dUc/s400/IMG_2084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buy a pole and "fish" for a crab at the Crab Derby</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsULqq1Am7AYaGfv4NN2q-M7YNOSRSbpqbzSdBu0STPztmHaUT0yPhTZOB0UECLP1Cen1nZQiF-tGsi1gD3fVGSh4I87PLCpFck-ovI_V6s1PLV19z5gOqZY3RXXPBj7Dl7W-ApcQlSo/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsULqq1Am7AYaGfv4NN2q-M7YNOSRSbpqbzSdBu0STPztmHaUT0yPhTZOB0UECLP1Cen1nZQiF-tGsi1gD3fVGSh4I87PLCpFck-ovI_V6s1PLV19z5gOqZY3RXXPBj7Dl7W-ApcQlSo/s400/IMG_2086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A successful catch is sometimes intimidating</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mhjGICeAcg3KHy7sZQ7CRdyy1HBMoHK6rJDJHzAbmRCG1CrXYomavQZCiA78YSkjKXx2TugAx4zs0QGN24Z9DyO51Di0wjE8FhjzXoohbSXEbiu5fXuPuyLtuw0nptr1_JlGhzqH-Sc/s1600/IMG_2087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mhjGICeAcg3KHy7sZQ7CRdyy1HBMoHK6rJDJHzAbmRCG1CrXYomavQZCiA78YSkjKXx2TugAx4zs0QGN24Z9DyO51Di0wjE8FhjzXoohbSXEbiu5fXuPuyLtuw0nptr1_JlGhzqH-Sc/s400/IMG_2087.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacon wrapped, grilled Alaskan scallop taco</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zS5GwgUvEspYy09YeIXgM2zlrgAPN4YsVxRRFGqtCJhqjqazX3nXEO9TsF-XDyHEzR7BCLgA5diOXUsxiy3lcZgSveaCMjX3AF1oaMEOEh5mlnfn8dHhUbIcKVQZrzwM4XDebxtV9UI/s1600/IMG_2091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zS5GwgUvEspYy09YeIXgM2zlrgAPN4YsVxRRFGqtCJhqjqazX3nXEO9TsF-XDyHEzR7BCLgA5diOXUsxiy3lcZgSveaCMjX3AF1oaMEOEh5mlnfn8dHhUbIcKVQZrzwM4XDebxtV9UI/s400/IMG_2091.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crab Bisque from Toga's our local soup guru</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64ckNWzRRR9f70nleU1MK827b1yixDc5L7ef1EhDp2dDHWeyVNE_H-pJnEP52Mp-WIiIEXKZ8R8wxwp_zcobe6ccJVd7-eL8lf8MKXNnLlKme6idR2eymOKepC1g79RrjKeMu_w0JZKg/s1600/IMG_2095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64ckNWzRRR9f70nleU1MK827b1yixDc5L7ef1EhDp2dDHWeyVNE_H-pJnEP52Mp-WIiIEXKZ8R8wxwp_zcobe6ccJVd7-eL8lf8MKXNnLlKme6idR2eymOKepC1g79RrjKeMu_w0JZKg/s400/IMG_2095.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh crab cakes from Chef Doug @ the Red Lion Inn-YUM!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhsUPW3wVhkgZ9F0tMF11d07LoqN4mFwU0MBvg-2HmN8T4nfNyZEgOaRCLp_f-tlc1fpZ8TRRxwrZGMl_5rbM32U5BaWFRNWEdBOfhhOpwJp55fDkS8EyV-xf1MNORfC2FgOzp0qzkeA/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhsUPW3wVhkgZ9F0tMF11d07LoqN4mFwU0MBvg-2HmN8T4nfNyZEgOaRCLp_f-tlc1fpZ8TRRxwrZGMl_5rbM32U5BaWFRNWEdBOfhhOpwJp55fDkS8EyV-xf1MNORfC2FgOzp0qzkeA/s400/IMG_2098.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fine example of truth in advertising!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p-iHkUDyWBNgSEvdq3w-t39_uruABfVl6PfnGdkOvTf5vlWZcjJXWzBf7-afgLdCBrYbo3dHe0tCzGweY31OPmv2SSECAKrXK9L04xUI3-RS9fOx156dfiNSvfe5xYpUw2_lUu3lmAk/s1600/IMG_2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p-iHkUDyWBNgSEvdq3w-t39_uruABfVl6PfnGdkOvTf5vlWZcjJXWzBf7-afgLdCBrYbo3dHe0tCzGweY31OPmv2SSECAKrXK9L04xUI3-RS9fOx156dfiNSvfe5xYpUw2_lUu3lmAk/s400/IMG_2089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seared Alaskan Scallops over mushroom rice pilaf-WOW!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikFEj3eJlAmzxw1vRN4x-750lixZ8mlov9QlnakU_8ftnK9L_B9V4nDGpfI5hFSYWLc87gwc-mcPh6dnS2l-4uN5H-2Gzb_QMFSzxRq6zc8tGCHjtK0-BmXPYtMEbLWGqP4QExsEMkIo/s1600/IMG_2090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikFEj3eJlAmzxw1vRN4x-750lixZ8mlov9QlnakU_8ftnK9L_B9V4nDGpfI5hFSYWLc87gwc-mcPh6dnS2l-4uN5H-2Gzb_QMFSzxRq6zc8tGCHjtK0-BmXPYtMEbLWGqP4QExsEMkIo/s400/IMG_2090.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now THAT'S a fresh crab cocktail!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uaPWzw56LR9Hjn4S2-Hj0aKblrVudhP0ZZsiHU4APeVcGudHjCVMne7IZ-5A8uPJrFofiV4rXRQUY-gx3X70N97gBW5zKEwjENtAfsTzRVlXud2VIRrj73hVA1kth3x-G9QsAtzAJfk/s1600/IMG_2094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uaPWzw56LR9Hjn4S2-Hj0aKblrVudhP0ZZsiHU4APeVcGudHjCVMne7IZ-5A8uPJrFofiV4rXRQUY-gx3X70N97gBW5zKEwjENtAfsTzRVlXud2VIRrj73hVA1kth3x-G9QsAtzAJfk/s400/IMG_2094.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My neighbors Hunter and Chloe with their Cod fish and chips from Koekepeli's</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>As much as I gorged myself on all things crab and seafood this weekend, I was happy that the desserts did NOT contain any crab whatsoever! They were local, fresh, delicious, region favorites and all handcrafted by Michael at Raindrop Desserts in Sequim. He was baking literally night and day to keep up with demand. I hope he enjoyed the experience as much as the over 1,000 recipients of his pies, bread pudding and crab quiches did!!</div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2cpGlin3cvTARKhWIFKMLk3SNT3McIAOayLp-5GyNPznmgG253RR6jANGgq7mp77LdpBEDBejjcCtarP1j3AjHrRdZPIfbsws_bh1kLwVXsgzfX4dgDAZVhp6N_ekaXonop9mjdJK0M/s1600/IMG_2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2cpGlin3cvTARKhWIFKMLk3SNT3McIAOayLp-5GyNPznmgG253RR6jANGgq7mp77LdpBEDBejjcCtarP1j3AjHrRdZPIfbsws_bh1kLwVXsgzfX4dgDAZVhp6N_ekaXonop9mjdJK0M/s400/IMG_2056.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bread pudding with rum glaze from Raindrop Desserts</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bqKe3BSivOvTopbaEzPN3s_hH0jPFdxJvaf6sRUyhzlloJA7ydu-4L3iFIwKagy2v5Jaz3M7bqIJ1cijSbvLTgrKgKqL7kYKjF69JtGpp0jskQto0E9bLS7laJ24KE0010_3QUwqJVc/s1600/IMG_2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bqKe3BSivOvTopbaEzPN3s_hH0jPFdxJvaf6sRUyhzlloJA7ydu-4L3iFIwKagy2v5Jaz3M7bqIJ1cijSbvLTgrKgKqL7kYKjF69JtGpp0jskQto0E9bLS7laJ24KE0010_3QUwqJVc/s400/IMG_2057.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local organic blackberry pie from Raindrop Desserts</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO13BLzbAyA0H1kJilTQkIk4q0PB58QrO9p48XiKOWGO5k4_iyeD0osF88sVyZAPlK8oyCbpMUGyZGkbgYmriotV1k69sXs28yxZK8XAzOjzZlPW8-eFmsMDRuX55sbGQZd2et97I1l1c/s1600/IMG_2059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO13BLzbAyA0H1kJilTQkIk4q0PB58QrO9p48XiKOWGO5k4_iyeD0osF88sVyZAPlK8oyCbpMUGyZGkbgYmriotV1k69sXs28yxZK8XAzOjzZlPW8-eFmsMDRuX55sbGQZd2et97I1l1c/s400/IMG_2059.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lazy J Apple pie again, from Michael at Raindrop Desserts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>They even had a "Crab Revival" on Sunday morning in the outdoor pavilion featuring a brief sermon and lots of fantastic gospel music, breakfast foods from a full bacon, eggs and hash browns to coffee and crab quiches were available. They all tasted better out in the crisp morning salt air. I was SO hungry I forgot to snap pictures while devouring my breakfast from The Cedars at Dungeness. The grilled up thick cut bacon, delicate and fluffy scrambled eggs, and buttery, crispy hash browns. I know you're already picturing it in your mind:)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnM_eFu8R20NspXORWhdgMKtsUZnyjIDSJkEZtYI2isemAbN1z5eO5E5G45ilAYwA4IGvkyNUcIhaP0Yu4rlsmOD_qEUEdsUBowS6IpoBT9nR7P2rCb6hksINxO4kxVwq2OcjfLmIMa8/s1600/IMG_2078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnM_eFu8R20NspXORWhdgMKtsUZnyjIDSJkEZtYI2isemAbN1z5eO5E5G45ilAYwA4IGvkyNUcIhaP0Yu4rlsmOD_qEUEdsUBowS6IpoBT9nR7P2rCb6hksINxO4kxVwq2OcjfLmIMa8/s400/IMG_2078.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny Sunday morning's Crab Fest Revival crowd</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VL6RywsRxspfRX654kSl1WyWxQEX3XiLwuZs6hzBl5BpeT1WnMsuUtny9653cjJQzdN-UbuQFe23aN6y-y-DwlOs2czJa9VOoVSUGqr7Hy6436Y2DF8nN4zCDFy7DjDFIp2YlJPfsEs/s1600/IMG_2060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VL6RywsRxspfRX654kSl1WyWxQEX3XiLwuZs6hzBl5BpeT1WnMsuUtny9653cjJQzdN-UbuQFe23aN6y-y-DwlOs2czJa9VOoVSUGqr7Hy6436Y2DF8nN4zCDFy7DjDFIp2YlJPfsEs/s320/IMG_2060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7RXROux_75JsotgcoAeXdSv5ONY5ALkJ7nEmlMmKbSu98N1pO8OFziiF4dF6LTKnvPFeyWBicAiV5WcEqJKdwNMCs7YpJroBVf7cE0DgA5QB4ge-GsC-jZnUlwp97OzrNZKlF3SFocc/s1600/IMG_2063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7RXROux_75JsotgcoAeXdSv5ONY5ALkJ7nEmlMmKbSu98N1pO8OFziiF4dF6LTKnvPFeyWBicAiV5WcEqJKdwNMCs7YpJroBVf7cE0DgA5QB4ge-GsC-jZnUlwp97OzrNZKlF3SFocc/s320/IMG_2063.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many helpful Crab Fest volunteers </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm already looking forward to next year's Crab Fest. Until then, my memories from this year's event will have to sustain me. So proud to be from the ubundantly blessed Olympic Peninsula and Pacific Northwest!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1vD08OuG8bt9hVyYsMMCB2D8HecQEb-2QoGNNy71IlilGDjBNseePUMoO1cQe3ZSkyk4IHDznwADSGvu53FlAPYQsX80Bz4i7kTsMOk0nrOrWU0rvfdn_oyJOIQhgr-yVCcKluSpPrs/s1600/IMG_2065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1vD08OuG8bt9hVyYsMMCB2D8HecQEb-2QoGNNy71IlilGDjBNseePUMoO1cQe3ZSkyk4IHDznwADSGvu53FlAPYQsX80Bz4i7kTsMOk0nrOrWU0rvfdn_oyJOIQhgr-yVCcKluSpPrs/s400/IMG_2065.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tub of Dungeness crab</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgas7g04kLVPwHtl46vj2h9q1OfWERMFwp8Xn_PDepb7pnlLxf_HRHYLkcnAQXqYs6u6dzrAsmEskmUu4uQAvvXFe9rSyWvXAFws3E6mQcSvNEqzF-SryelcwGofVdzBPnjhszgjx8iHgs/s1600/IMG_2066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgas7g04kLVPwHtl46vj2h9q1OfWERMFwp8Xn_PDepb7pnlLxf_HRHYLkcnAQXqYs6u6dzrAsmEskmUu4uQAvvXFe9rSyWvXAFws3E6mQcSvNEqzF-SryelcwGofVdzBPnjhszgjx8iHgs/s400/IMG_2066.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out this beauty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyPPV4Ir54hqDgV2qhfNmb4fVGtiiO8-EFTVqfpDMe1Jf_rTBLXftdEpvxsAzh8JnkH7OHvOOZk1lRg8xl-rfJS3AK8izVDXrcgHisFiypcyye9sKCGy2yheNSOfnPgyVkJwJLfHmfXs/s1600/IMG_2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyPPV4Ir54hqDgV2qhfNmb4fVGtiiO8-EFTVqfpDMe1Jf_rTBLXftdEpvxsAzh8JnkH7OHvOOZk1lRg8xl-rfJS3AK8izVDXrcgHisFiypcyye9sKCGy2yheNSOfnPgyVkJwJLfHmfXs/s400/IMG_2068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side entrance of the big tent</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbSq1r0sG4mYDu413ROHyZ3Dn8vh3Fp8Zg-r_MJXrf48amMW4uWOLpKH0WicEoypjKiLtdL3AKg86v5dPMEFltIEqElhzMiiV8lBZ5inkhNmER8mH40lHwwtxz3ox08ikKMSzj_zaZBA/s1600/IMG_2133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbSq1r0sG4mYDu413ROHyZ3Dn8vh3Fp8Zg-r_MJXrf48amMW4uWOLpKH0WicEoypjKiLtdL3AKg86v5dPMEFltIEqElhzMiiV8lBZ5inkhNmER8mH40lHwwtxz3ox08ikKMSzj_zaZBA/s400/IMG_2133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the Olympic Mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Come visit us out here, eat a while, walk on a beach, go for a hike in the mountains or hit the links on one of our many golf courses. As my husband and I say; "It's ALL good!".<br />
<br />
Chow for now my friends!<br />
<br />
</div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-70351422213893225812011-10-15T15:26:00.000-07:002011-10-15T15:29:18.514-07:00Miss you and will blog tomorrow.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60SQet2_0bUuY_z_xHqPzSs7kHW7k0DGnN2V7d5yz1VE1qHnbKrtgM-Glwh4SGXKsaX1xvZ_g0mYtCAgFRNuyXhFWgz-1hfL0tjCaXo6ekuReJA_z9m2ingMtL58l02KaC5y_0QtBuaM/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60SQet2_0bUuY_z_xHqPzSs7kHW7k0DGnN2V7d5yz1VE1qHnbKrtgM-Glwh4SGXKsaX1xvZ_g0mYtCAgFRNuyXhFWgz-1hfL0tjCaXo6ekuReJA_z9m2ingMtL58l02KaC5y_0QtBuaM/s640/IMG_2109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double rainbow & puffins from the Edmonds/Kingston ferry car deck looking towards Edmonds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello friends,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm sorry to have not posted in awhile. Life is full and busy the last few weeks for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not much time to spend with my blogging friends. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Much to share about last weekend's delectable Crab Fest in Port Angeles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will post again by tomorrow am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I promise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Until then...chow for now!</div><br />
</div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-39564978796887180572011-10-02T21:29:00.000-07:002011-10-02T21:30:45.384-07:00A trip to Pane d'Amore's Mother Ship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhien6w4zoeDMGsDqeexEApEcMi7hIszWVrX2w8xVwXD_lylOrX4T0-xvP-GfGqS3K9py68U1Z86BPc3lm98c0-hxidljdfDHpPrQCLOs4LBkRABNvLGWdgdXDYrVjPEZ_8lrCYmAEPscE/s1600/IMG_1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhien6w4zoeDMGsDqeexEApEcMi7hIszWVrX2w8xVwXD_lylOrX4T0-xvP-GfGqS3K9py68U1Z86BPc3lm98c0-hxidljdfDHpPrQCLOs4LBkRABNvLGWdgdXDYrVjPEZ_8lrCYmAEPscE/s640/IMG_1964.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pane d"Amore's Original store in Pt. Townsend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Somedays just seem to have a little more magic in them to me. Call it karma, God's will, serendipity or just dumb luck but some days in my life just seem to click better and go way beyond what I would define as a "good day. Last Thursday was such a day for me. I had to go to Pt. Townsend on an errand and decided to go to "the Mother Ship" as I call it, a.k.a. Pane d'Amore's store and baking center. It's where their delicacies are artfully made by their team of skilled bakers distributed to the rest of us through their Bainbridge Island or Sequim locations, your local grocery or restaurant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUyUJyKyshKadz6c3ElVUSPEzKo_fpR6COTgVjunjWSqu-YFKO9-_yHyFu1aH8FIh-oKLyjdTGHo0Qj-rJklElskYjzhSQLw00sOr2ehkQzWGATuPiVz330vOPtsWp31Y6KQfwbxoMdY/s1600/IMG_1969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUyUJyKyshKadz6c3ElVUSPEzKo_fpR6COTgVjunjWSqu-YFKO9-_yHyFu1aH8FIh-oKLyjdTGHo0Qj-rJklElskYjzhSQLw00sOr2ehkQzWGATuPiVz330vOPtsWp31Y6KQfwbxoMdY/s400/IMG_1969.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the baked offerings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had that nervous/anxious feeling like I felt on Christmas Eve as a kid, wondering what was in store for me the next morning, what presents would be given. I wasn't sure if my visit here would live up to all I had imagined when I first discovered this amazing source of baked yummies. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOXiDixOv2KixDiuY_yemX78qXxfigSl5hi3wkbKYWjK69EmkwAAa5yqP5ByDFdq1Asw8Cg9CcT44MO3C-JXlGS6vOy6IXKIXEUiQH9LOyeRzcgYrIIGDG1jPO4vp9Scx-SidF7VnuyU/s1600/IMG_1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOXiDixOv2KixDiuY_yemX78qXxfigSl5hi3wkbKYWjK69EmkwAAa5yqP5ByDFdq1Asw8Cg9CcT44MO3C-JXlGS6vOy6IXKIXEUiQH9LOyeRzcgYrIIGDG1jPO4vp9Scx-SidF7VnuyU/s400/IMG_1966.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gifts, picnic ideas, sauces and condiments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The outside looks so quaint, very Pt. Townsend to me; mixture of vintage, eco-friendly and art.<br />
<div>Yeast, butter and sugar scents wafted through the air. I started taking pics with my iPhone immediately. Inside, the aroma was more pronounced, almost heady. Pure heaven! The store was lovely, smaller than I imagined. There was a lady in baker's garb talking on her cell at the small counter facing the street. I snapped quietly and intently. <br />
<br />
When she finished her call, we smiled at each other. Still snapping pictures, I apologized to her, "I'm sorry if I'm distracting you. I am a big food geek and I just love your store! I'm a blogger, I hope you don't mind."<br />
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"<i>You're</i> the blogger!" she exclaimed.<br />
<br />
"Well, I have a blog. I'm not sure what blog you're referring to...my name is Darci."I replied tentatively, not knowing where this was going.<br />
<br />
"You're the blogger! What's your blog called?"<br />
<br />
"C'est Darci".<br />
<br />
"Yes, you're the blogger!"<br />
<br />
I asked her name, "I'm Linda. I'm the owner."<br />
<br />
Now we were both super excited! She thanked me for my blog post on their Sequim location. I thanked her for making such fantastically delicious goodies and praised her for her and her team's obvious passion for their craft. "You can taste it [the passion] in the product!", I assured her. I told her about how I called this store "the Mother ship" because of it's the source of all the baked goods. She laughed, "I call it the Mother ship too, because <i>I'm</i> the Mom and this is where I work". Life was clicking for us today.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUmCzeqpWJgvdi_s3DjMBFSv9Dv1LWERGJw0MsYieb4DS7FMEk_Z9uPO5p7eOdTPs42bliO1c2uiW9Ntum-kYpsA2D9VvZv8iod1jUbZqDNvsDl40sYzW0Xl-o1EewOGUbsXSkfIUwLI/s1600/IMG_1970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUmCzeqpWJgvdi_s3DjMBFSv9Dv1LWERGJw0MsYieb4DS7FMEk_Z9uPO5p7eOdTPs42bliO1c2uiW9Ntum-kYpsA2D9VvZv8iod1jUbZqDNvsDl40sYzW0Xl-o1EewOGUbsXSkfIUwLI/s400/IMG_1970.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darci and Linda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We chatted for 20 minutes, two passionate foodies who were excited to make the connection. I took our picture together from my iPhone. We talked about her trip to Paris and their cultural pride in creating culinary delights, the exclusive food show she was able to attend while there. We could have talked for days about food and travel but our schedules were calling us back to reality.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vpi5IvxKZPhA_1KhvR6yUsYugF4uW2lVncWsBIAaa2zIOEEQ3U-Dk57v7bzRSYS4hZ9JKMvKs7-uHF83FTrFNfvFZhmEYdF59F4_zrEDV7tIe46HY6rrNNJKR5w8xuek3Y2_-2H1BTE/s1600/IMG_1971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vpi5IvxKZPhA_1KhvR6yUsYugF4uW2lVncWsBIAaa2zIOEEQ3U-Dk57v7bzRSYS4hZ9JKMvKs7-uHF83FTrFNfvFZhmEYdF59F4_zrEDV7tIe46HY6rrNNJKR5w8xuek3Y2_-2H1BTE/s400/IMG_1971.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My purchases; Seedy Sourdough, a fabulous ham sandwich and a card</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We said our thank you's and good-byes. I felt like I had met a true visionary and made a new friend. It was like Christmas, that warm feeling of kinship and pleasant surprises. </div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJy3cXT2n_63owT2kJDWBaLHBUzpSq8dVC8yJG39J4ti_wLqctMJ3eXOdOdJhZ3eiTPoDSj6zH4WSmM6qeOuNDJxTYAUsqzH-8q0UOMWD8nIMGRag_clYGHdSwyvI46-U5novAB2w78IY/s1600/IMG_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJy3cXT2n_63owT2kJDWBaLHBUzpSq8dVC8yJG39J4ti_wLqctMJ3eXOdOdJhZ3eiTPoDSj6zH4WSmM6qeOuNDJxTYAUsqzH-8q0UOMWD8nIMGRag_clYGHdSwyvI46-U5novAB2w78IY/s400/IMG_1976.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My insanely good ham sandwich</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I tore into my ham sandwich immediately when I got into my car. The crusty exterior, the fresh spinach, sweet ham, sorrel mayo, pickled red onions all danced in my mouth. WOW! <i>THAT</i> was a seriously good sandwich. This place rocks! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7g_Y-jglxOnJrlB_h4WvLwxSXifiCg6nFRxVmXPSY8dCPMd1h8LuIQ0K0PMlXXrlfynCQ0j7XFHCJAOWhg5cdxIpK6CAxpH_fl7dyyTXDqhNB9M-VdOPwBHgTUYb7MQKy3BjZPpC0zg/s1600/IMG_1973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7g_Y-jglxOnJrlB_h4WvLwxSXifiCg6nFRxVmXPSY8dCPMd1h8LuIQ0K0PMlXXrlfynCQ0j7XFHCJAOWhg5cdxIpK6CAxpH_fl7dyyTXDqhNB9M-VdOPwBHgTUYb7MQKy3BjZPpC0zg/s400/IMG_1973.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa's sleigh a.k.a their delivery truck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Visiting the Mother ship was a memorable experience. Meeting Linda was a marvelous surprise. Some days things just come together in such a way that it shocks even eternal optimists. Thanks Linda!<br />
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Here's to unexpected surprises in life. May we all be open and ready to savor the moments life brings us all! Break some bread, drink in the richness of life.<br />
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Chow for now my friends.<br />
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<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-39262463838120955852011-09-20T17:18:00.000-07:002011-09-20T17:23:45.814-07:00A new era at Nash's Store<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gq7Ox1uLQHFnoir8jWi7T-sxD_FN4YozX97tqGAkeEeY7DmbgRqn8aHeeHeA62Gl73xvp4VcH5bjjFjI1rT0MpSrMOAf25SYicv1fg496GuaXg_v_O4S2OOFd1oCcvFDqlu_EXBQXRc/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gq7Ox1uLQHFnoir8jWi7T-sxD_FN4YozX97tqGAkeEeY7DmbgRqn8aHeeHeA62Gl73xvp4VcH5bjjFjI1rT0MpSrMOAf25SYicv1fg496GuaXg_v_O4S2OOFd1oCcvFDqlu_EXBQXRc/s400/IMG_1946.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a friendly sign to greet customers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love to see a dream come true and today it did for many of the team at Nash's Organic Produce! Their "new" store is open for business in it's newly renovated space, just down from their original location in the Dungeness area in Sequim, Washington.<br />
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It's bright and cheery, clean yet cozy and full of yummy natural and organic treats to temp us all into eating healthfully and locally.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmr3lr6gXADqP1RNjQZIWVn2QnSp-syJ1adUN4rpt5zYjD3dKjVR-IisDiOLF-bMCqj_J6Lp1EK_fLLwuwsxYTJfJFA8b9K9xFfYGprBD1nQ9MhD_-D61sf0CaNGi52UM3zcN2DFNRIs/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmr3lr6gXADqP1RNjQZIWVn2QnSp-syJ1adUN4rpt5zYjD3dKjVR-IisDiOLF-bMCqj_J6Lp1EK_fLLwuwsxYTJfJFA8b9K9xFfYGprBD1nQ9MhD_-D61sf0CaNGi52UM3zcN2DFNRIs/s400/IMG_1948.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the front of the store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The "candy" part of the store for me started in the parking lot...just look at all this fresh produce beckoning us to take it home and make something yummy out of them?! I feel myself weakening...<br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdM2a2WUGqZtEK8EBpKOEL3XSHECt209s5cNZsnbDtAVMFvZb81TrCVKw2T7WW2dDabwvdc52oSqp0IOiQF2LONqx3E1tT0xtsW5uQnvK5NsVSFyjmj101MMj0YrCA0goM7per6JgPGI/s1600/IMG_1944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdM2a2WUGqZtEK8EBpKOEL3XSHECt209s5cNZsnbDtAVMFvZb81TrCVKw2T7WW2dDabwvdc52oSqp0IOiQF2LONqx3E1tT0xtsW5uQnvK5NsVSFyjmj101MMj0YrCA0goM7per6JgPGI/s400/IMG_1944.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An abundance of produce, often locally grown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOx4ejlaelFs7SUWTheEmVhe-MrpGGbErZr8AKXxLRO6nSuARkoVVdPYXGL_cGO40jljRpxgaaOcYE1DsHZP2jgsz5r3sfJOrHy5waoWDZigGFGxBhXVAEF_GU3FFs2FelsKN6ll5Y4c/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOx4ejlaelFs7SUWTheEmVhe-MrpGGbErZr8AKXxLRO6nSuARkoVVdPYXGL_cGO40jljRpxgaaOcYE1DsHZP2jgsz5r3sfJOrHy5waoWDZigGFGxBhXVAEF_GU3FFs2FelsKN6ll5Y4c/s400/IMG_1945.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh fruits, often regional available. Consulting cookbook, optional.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>The colorful displays continue inside the store! I snapped up some white peaches and a cantaloupe.<br />
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Even the paint colors for the walls were deliberately selected to bring a reference to food, nature and their positive energy on us shoppers. Eggplant, celery, sunflower yellow, chocolate and apricot hues bathe the walls and columns. The many large windows throughout the store also cut down on the amount of fluorescent lights used. The older I get, the more I appreciate natural light...it's much truer and kinder to the eyes. People and food always appear much fresher in my estimation!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEoxz-wSYn42Jp_KcDnmY_xh2tAyuf5UPba6eJBR9gcMUHHu6ZvXUsYLObyDPij6pz53W-Jd7HaGTlrOEQq6w8-Ix47-b8uXCiSw6UUZQp4nnqXtnxllSdu2B4bs40ikfZ91ejqLsjOU/s1600/IMG_1949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEoxz-wSYn42Jp_KcDnmY_xh2tAyuf5UPba6eJBR9gcMUHHu6ZvXUsYLObyDPij6pz53W-Jd7HaGTlrOEQq6w8-Ix47-b8uXCiSw6UUZQp4nnqXtnxllSdu2B4bs40ikfZ91ejqLsjOU/s400/IMG_1949.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the indoor produce display</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My son is beyond their "play area" now but there was a time that we both would have LOVED that space for him to entertain himself while I shopped in peace! Each stage in life brings it's joys and challenges... Now he helps me cook. It's a special time for us to connect and talk when we're in the kitchen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZO4jfLB9AeuY42LniHVpVYFk9uyWLJU5Bqh_d8IrLod2UmgbNmAvMf1J0-UWAEfvVV2oGY253BVGRx-lJKfCdAyqh1cZqPZlzoASkVE-_NifilFJbWygvl8dxNZ5qdyTz7jWnZ2J-Mo/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZO4jfLB9AeuY42LniHVpVYFk9uyWLJU5Bqh_d8IrLod2UmgbNmAvMf1J0-UWAEfvVV2oGY253BVGRx-lJKfCdAyqh1cZqPZlzoASkVE-_NifilFJbWygvl8dxNZ5qdyTz7jWnZ2J-Mo/s400/IMG_1950.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a children's reading and play area is taking shape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you have a green thumb, there are many heirloom, rare and specialty seeds which are selected to thrive in our region. My green thumb has faded some since starting to Blog but maybe someday I'll feel the pull again to scratch in the dirt again.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VhVT6OvKvuejwFQDO5YK7CGSVphgeliUzI5pWuDmQUmKy_gB4MR6FDr4aPYf3DxuY7ZU83bbBUCzBkjaYPjBYv_cL_SHay_H_5i4Oi7dcjtLXP9oucQ1J3J3t7fl0RSeWTGSK9vNfDA/s1600/IMG_1952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VhVT6OvKvuejwFQDO5YK7CGSVphgeliUzI5pWuDmQUmKy_gB4MR6FDr4aPYf3DxuY7ZU83bbBUCzBkjaYPjBYv_cL_SHay_H_5i4Oi7dcjtLXP9oucQ1J3J3t7fl0RSeWTGSK9vNfDA/s400/IMG_1952.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heirloom and organic seeds to grow your own</td></tr>
</tbody></table> If you need to consult a resource or buy a book, you have many options in this section to choose from! This was a challenge for me to walk away without ANOTHER cookbook in hand. I'm trying to wean myself...how many can I really use?!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT0stiIjYYGlFVO2b1t01ks12paK7TClC4TTV1kN5dpneTRcKa4sQnw3NLlYZxTzLx2qbEj_bKIOsShx3Rr46eP7X8mASkwOVV_OUihigQ3iQR80YdJQ276tmBE_pdtaVrqldU-zSC8g/s1600/IMG_1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT0stiIjYYGlFVO2b1t01ks12paK7TClC4TTV1kN5dpneTRcKa4sQnw3NLlYZxTzLx2qbEj_bKIOsShx3Rr46eP7X8mASkwOVV_OUihigQ3iQR80YdJQ276tmBE_pdtaVrqldU-zSC8g/s400/IMG_1951.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a resource library as well as a book store</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I saw many of my friends from Nash's today; Ellen, Mary, Margie and their lovely chef/culinary expert to chat with, give hugs and congratulate on the launch of this collective dream. There is more progress to come they shared; projects to complete, inventory yet to arrive, artwork to create. It's a work in progress and really, aren't <i>we</i> all?! I know I'm still working on a few things myself (I smile as I type this sentiment).<br />
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It's about having your dreams and then making them come true my friends. Life is the journey, strap on your seat belts and enjoy the ride!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9h8zbwUxViBtTveQFVnTCRw6iNeFcpE7hcZPhr8JQdlPA_8AtABrSrhuifTUEhsFip7KZGWSwxV5cEn_RZgXXDW3eljOTavm6QPi06fye3hdg7FGPQwpzwnNV220JaIGd4Qf_hwtBNlw/s1600/IMG_1957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9h8zbwUxViBtTveQFVnTCRw6iNeFcpE7hcZPhr8JQdlPA_8AtABrSrhuifTUEhsFip7KZGWSwxV5cEn_RZgXXDW3eljOTavm6QPi06fye3hdg7FGPQwpzwnNV220JaIGd4Qf_hwtBNlw/s400/IMG_1957.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nash's sign greets all who pass the store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Congratulations to my friends at Nash's for their opening of their lovely store and in inspiring us to pursue <i>OUR</i> dreams by watching you all go after <u>yours</u>!<br />
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Chow for now my friends!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773942745300365218.post-30042233005095303412011-09-15T21:53:00.000-07:002011-09-15T22:00:54.286-07:00Here's to the hero in all of us<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8gbKabxIU_35J9tGCTwSHSmKKkw6etj46fHPRQetjcsGVmmWNw6GkzsntPF81YbltnJuozhW_x2cag0wyNj1bIGuVIqpZOyTK6nRRxRPlHJKj-gVlbZ_iYz2KScM0hDj1tkycOzwOOY/s1600/IMG_1904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8gbKabxIU_35J9tGCTwSHSmKKkw6etj46fHPRQetjcsGVmmWNw6GkzsntPF81YbltnJuozhW_x2cag0wyNj1bIGuVIqpZOyTK6nRRxRPlHJKj-gVlbZ_iYz2KScM0hDj1tkycOzwOOY/s400/IMG_1904.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunrise on the family farm in Forks, WA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I lost my Aunt Diane today. She battled bravely with cancer for the past 20 years with a spirit that I can only envy and attempt to emulate; she breathed in life each day with the knowledge that everyday was a gift, a bonus really. How much more can we really learn in life but this lesson?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eVSEipytZjAUNJtey67gzI-lGy2FczT_yY5EB5lIyzKHQkcpjtPnDHJ2j0MuYgEQ9KXDzCbJK6dRIbp6daPf3TwD5mK3qfe_rj8YH8eTH0BTjEDVpnw5a231QdVkEau66VwYiUtG4RY/s1600/IMG_1522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eVSEipytZjAUNJtey67gzI-lGy2FczT_yY5EB5lIyzKHQkcpjtPnDHJ2j0MuYgEQ9KXDzCbJK6dRIbp6daPf3TwD5mK3qfe_rj8YH8eTH0BTjEDVpnw5a231QdVkEau66VwYiUtG4RY/s400/IMG_1522.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of Aunt Diane's favorite flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Some foodie facts that you might like to know about her; she canned her own tuna from the fishing boats in La Push, WA while my Uncle was away on hunting trips.<br />
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She made a fantastic chocolate pie using 2 packages silken tofu blended until smooth and adding 2 cups melted chocolate while blending. The whole chocolatey mixture is poured into a graham cracker crust and chilled. It was a "secret" healthy dessert.<br />
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She made English muffin bread in an recycled coffee can-DELISH! I'll try to get the recipe from my cousins and post later, it will be worth it.<br />
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She was the one I made the birthday cake for recently. It was a great day together with her, laughing, drinking in our time together...in part because we all knew it was her last birthday, in part because we were in the moment, together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJPkpnZr5WJOFZoqprV07AdlePa94YSFCryWBv96r42sD0GFOgbnrK2NrR51omSj_Qe8hIxiKJF2jo7d4klcche9cgLL19Q3_CslmiCsZYSS3XaMl8FSl8aNKHbs3zawkd3sSxSXgPso/s1600/IMG_1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJPkpnZr5WJOFZoqprV07AdlePa94YSFCryWBv96r42sD0GFOgbnrK2NrR51omSj_Qe8hIxiKJF2jo7d4klcche9cgLL19Q3_CslmiCsZYSS3XaMl8FSl8aNKHbs3zawkd3sSxSXgPso/s400/IMG_1517.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Diane, Uncle Kitch, grandson Anthony blowing out candles and cousin Guy watching</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43_WXNu0p6IhqoTG6HTrmOJdA8ZfA-totQuqcivQHW2aaF1IYrCuCxxdCfQp5hUwBHniKmOMQ_75CER9mffFoEeymeiLUD9y2sWlED__4Xc7UekgeLiN7hkk7ZG8CN5pQlDvSGy4pLlI/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43_WXNu0p6IhqoTG6HTrmOJdA8ZfA-totQuqcivQHW2aaF1IYrCuCxxdCfQp5hUwBHniKmOMQ_75CER9mffFoEeymeiLUD9y2sWlED__4Xc7UekgeLiN7hkk7ZG8CN5pQlDvSGy4pLlI/s400/IMG_1518.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandson Anthony devouring cake, his Mom my cousin Laura and my son Alan watching in awe<br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Her joys in life were time with family, her husband, weaving baskets with her "Basket Bitches", seeing all 3 of her living daughters married and spending time with her beloved Grandson Anthony. She loved home made things, sincerity and being on her fresh water kyak. It was an honor and a pleasure to spend time with her, talk with her and learn to embrace EVERY DAY that life brings. Gulp in in folks, life is precious. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69D83vDDcJdT0EV82tsMLuFVhqjU9AlUe66lpsxIETE4QqwpOA6CWXQQ4TKhOhhGItOTODjskoFJ14LGtulrlkmugjc0ryNiGJVvELasSKwS_BSy1Wsgz7TNvW50KRK5h9ufe9_r9OxU/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69D83vDDcJdT0EV82tsMLuFVhqjU9AlUe66lpsxIETE4QqwpOA6CWXQQ4TKhOhhGItOTODjskoFJ14LGtulrlkmugjc0ryNiGJVvELasSKwS_BSy1Wsgz7TNvW50KRK5h9ufe9_r9OxU/s400/IMG_0825.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our 4th of July lasagna emulating the American flag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I wish you freedom from pain Aunt Diane. You are indeed a source of inspiration during my morning runs to get off my rear and get out there! I cook with love because I learned from you how valuable time with your loved ones can be. To find pleasure in the simple, little gestures of caring. Miss you already!<div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xKiX9V2_eg6VYQWFMGwABwivSRME-4GzEpeQ2HRUiOayRlvZT3SIj4JEEjE3Xhmuqp7t9Jq2Cywe9IqHn5dGzbhFWutoR2rz0msUnXMBOzbDqctEpatrFId3vDwpuAEFuXbm5zvcFgM/s1600/IMG_1905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xKiX9V2_eg6VYQWFMGwABwivSRME-4GzEpeQ2HRUiOayRlvZT3SIj4JEEjE3Xhmuqp7t9Jq2Cywe9IqHn5dGzbhFWutoR2rz0msUnXMBOzbDqctEpatrFId3vDwpuAEFuXbm5zvcFgM/s400/IMG_1905.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div><br />
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Hug your family, mend your fences and drink in life my friends! It's a finite journey, use your time well.<br />
I am blessed to have my memories to share with you, my friends and family!<br />
<br />
Chow for now my friends.</div></div></div>C'est Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06096673998667978361noreply@blogger.com0