Friday??? It can't be...

I'm still trying to decipher where in the world Tuesday & Co went because they missed me or somehow I missed them.

With so much going on in reality from oil spills ( hey BP get off your wallet & get the job done!!),

economic turmoil on everyones' mind, heck even the Thai population, I'm turning off the NPR & tuning out for a bit.

Tuning out is a critical, integral aspect to any sane mind & body. Turn off the electronic devices, find a tranquil respite & do nothing. Feel the breeze, in fact listen to the breeze as it accompanies the birds & any other wildlife you're blessed with. Let the softness of nature replace the hardness of reality & just be yourself quietly for awhile. Stillness is a gift so few take advantage of in these years.

Another wonderful notion I heard this week...

L is for life, E is for evolving that is IF you allow it to happen.

LIFE

Have a wonderful weekend.

Little green wonders all in recipe row...

Snap, snow or just a sweet treat I've always loved peas. Fresh is best naturally but unless you've planted a plot its rather difficult to find . Happily I discovered ages ago that fine frozen left to thaw...works fabulous.

Of course mint is a peas best friend. Mint & pea soup has been a favourite for or so long & this recipe is my favorite because its chilled. I garnish with creme fraiche & a pea shoot or a delicate small mint sprig. Its refreshingly cool, flavorful yet not overpowering.Another favorite is fresh peas, sugar snaps, mint & feta salad. Its yummy with my go to dressing of olive oil, champagne vinegar, Maldon salt & fresh cracked white pepper. I've added chives. scallion, etc over the years but the standard greens still is works best on the buds. If not feta go for chevre, caprino, mato or any goats milk cheese. the sharpness marries well with the greens, but hey go lactose free if desired. I've done that as well.
Pea sprouts are so under used in Western culture but dou miao is yummy. These gentle pea tendrils are stir fried with garlic, ginger then soy, & I add mirin for delicacy delight. The sprouts also rock on sandwiches. You must try. I get them at my local Asian market. Their intense sweet pea essence it just rocks my boat.
Mushy English peas, Indian curries, Asian stir frys. Whether the pod or pea so many cultures use the pea & I encourage to try them all.

Potato & pea pakora's

The most unusual..a peacake with salmon, creme fraiche, meyer lemon & chive from the fabulous Zen Can Cook. I created his creation & my God!!!! Nuff said.Promise me peas, that you'll give the freshness of please, I mean peas a shot.
Have a wonderful day!!!!

Images courtesy of BBC, Bon Appetit, Martha Stewart & Zen Can Cook

We interrupt veggies for chocolate...so needed!!!

This week started out quite lovely beets, harmony & then just fell into the crapper Wednesday, staying there so that here I sit mentally & emotionally a drowned rat. My asparagus, spring onion ideas are all waiting but frankly...I'm just wanting a cocoa cocoon with a glass of Chambord. Ha ha ha.. I must work tomorrow incredibly early so indulge but not ravage. Saturday!! How beastly!!!
I hope no one has the blucky (Hailey toddler speak of yesteryears) days ahead of my behind & may a bit of cocoa heaven & rapsberry liquer delight about to soothe my buds caress your weekend.

Beets give you to the punch!!!!

Beets really are the unsung hero of a the veggie world. Rich in vitamins through both the bulb & the greens, so many uses come besides that pickled beet grandma use to force onto most sunny Sunday suppers. Think small & fresh with the tops. Unless you're blessed with a farmers market Whole Foods really has the best selection including unique varieties. I never go for canned, goodbye to all the flavor. Steaming good but roasted in tin foil slowly..wholly moly!!! Baby beets are like candy, after all sugar came from beets for years in North America.

Summer borscht..yummy cold with creme fraiche. If you want a variation throw a bit of orange zest curls. I found a yummy beetroot slaw ages ago. Red cabbage, red pepers & beets, olive oil, orange Trader Joes Orange Muscat Champagne vinegar, maldon salt, pepper. Cool crisp its fabulously compliments a steak but frankly on a hot dog or even a sandwich its perfection. You will love it!!! Kasha Beet Salad via Judith Finlayson is yummy but I actually prefer the bite of sherry vinegar to red wine. I've also made it with wild rice mix. Still killer.

Wolfgang Puck had these Napoleons for an Oscar party & I stole the concept creating my own recipe with a chevre cream, micro greens & a balsamic glaze to drizzle. Once I candied pecans with a whisper of orange zest, chopped & threw in with the greens. Hello unbelievable!!! The beet tops are just as fab for your body. I actually love this Salad from Kashi. Spicy, sweet, & very creative.
Promise me you won't ignore beets. Those canned misfits are the pits so quit the can & grab a handful of fresh!!! Your tastebuds will be tickled beet juice pink!!!Photos courtesy of Rosemary Creasy, Saveur, People, Kashi

April showers bless May chowhounds

As the warmth takes the black dirt of my beloved Midwest & Northeast into the first bounties of veggie fabulousness, I've decided to highlight a few favorites for the week. I miss the picking, dirt under my fingers, mouth watering & despite 2 years here in Arizona my soul & stomach still live for the 4 season culinary life.

I've also gone for a light, breezy serenading of Mozart & Beethoven. I'm in a zippy mood!!!!

A wish far & wide!!!

May everyone have a lovely Mother's Day tomorrow, whether you be mom, daughter, grandmother or in my case Godmother. Share love, laughter & joy. To my favorite moms, Katie, Stephanie, Jenn & of course mine: Liz, I love you all so very much.

Blessings to all!!!!

Top down, tunes up & be carefree!!!!!

As posh as I'd like to imagine myself to be I'm still a delovely girl who hasn't a qualm throwing the top down & blasting the tunes as the weather gets warmer. Yup I've gone from classical to soul. Hailey has always loved jamming. I have fond memories of playing Corinne Bailey Rae every morning before getting ready for kindergarten: her in my arms twirling around, but it was the car that got her going. I introduced her Jill, India, Angie not to mention a bit of the boys too.

I encourage everyone to roll the windows down surrender your hair to a mess & your soul to the best & let the kindergartner rule your week!!! Now giggle & mentally finger paint!!!