tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53208518510634258522024-03-15T20:11:54.312-05:00Roots and ZestVirginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-50408959407640131142013-09-05T23:11:00.000-05:002013-09-05T23:11:39.788-05:00Jim Kowalski, 1946-2013. Rest In Peace.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Eleven months ago, after staying home and raising my family for almost eight years, I walked into my neighborhood Kowalski's and asked for a job. For the next six months, I learned how great a part time deli job in my corner grocery store c<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ould be.<br /><br />When I walked through the doors that day, I had a passion for food and for customer service. I had no idea to what extent Kowalski's held those same passions. All that, and they were giving their employees the opportunity and tools to become better people at work, at home, and in their community.<br /><br />I have been a fanatic from day one.<br /><br />Five months later, I was promoted to full time with excellent benefits to an assistant deli manager position. I hold that position now at the first Kowalski's store that was built from the ground up, in Woodbury. The corporate offices are upstairs. I see that family every day.<br /><br />I only had a few conversations with Jim Kowalski, but I remember the first and the last very well.<br />In the first, I was the New Kid in the Deli. I was fresh and excited, and even though I got teased by some of my coworkers for doing it, I couldn't help going up to him and Mary Anne when they visited my store to tell them how much I loved my job, and how much I appreciated the company that they had created. (It's not brown nosing if you're honest, and I genuinely loved my job every day at Eden Prairie.) The Kowalskis told me to keep that spark, and I'd go far in this company.<br /><br />On Monday, I'm being transferred again, and start working at the original Kowalski's store.<br />In the last conversation I had with Jim, I told him I was moving from Woodbury to Grand Avenue. He told me, with a twinkle in his eye, that that one was his favorite. "It's no secret. I love that store."<br /><br />Thanks, Mr. Kowalski, for 30 years of vision and excellence. Thank you for building a company that people stay with for decades (and generations). Thanks for keeping good food and good citizenship at the forefront of your vision. Thank you for providing the perfect place for my passions to be focused and appreciated.<br /><br />I hope I do make it far, and as corny as it may be, I hope I make you proud.</span></span><div>
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Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-15797123670646711282012-10-02T17:22:00.000-05:002012-10-02T17:22:07.526-05:00Apple Pie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello, Autumn.</div>
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Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-1266112804686821652012-07-01T20:51:00.001-05:002012-07-01T20:51:20.396-05:00ROBOT PARTY!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My son is turning 5 on Tuesday. Today we celebrated with a few of his friends. </div>
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The theme: ROBOTS!</div>
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I decided this year that instead of little paper baggies full of cheap crap that breaks right away, I'd make T shirts for favors to give the guests of my children's parties. They go over like gangbusters, and my kids LOVE to have them. For these I bought some foam blocks and cut out the robot part shapes, then used them as stamps. I used puffy paint for the eyes, mouth and 5 on the chest. Then I outlined the whole thing and added antennae with green glow paint.</div>
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Each child gets their name on the back of the shirt, outlined in glow paint, too. </div>
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Robot cake: I made two 9x9 squares. I used one as the body (slimmed down a little on the vertical sides), and cut the other into four squares. One quarter for the head, one cut into the two arms, the other two I shaped into the two feet and the two claw/hands. <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/products/supermoist-cakes/products/supermoist%20cake%20mix/chocolate-fudge">Box</a> cake, homemade buttercream frosting, a little bit of white sparkle gel icing.<br />
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Big thanks to all my <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/VirginiaCorbett">Twitter</a> people who <a href="https://twitter.com/VirginiaCorbett/status/219449169549602817">helped me</a> when my frosting separated. I chilled and re-mixed, and all was well. You guys rule. </div>
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Happy Birthday!</div>
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<br>*French Breakfast Radishes are pictured here.Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-79828051116292910842012-04-28T23:52:00.000-05:002012-04-28T23:53:04.999-05:00Overnight Prep<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaDP3UpcnJQ/T5zJMbm0a9I/AAAAAAAABoI/JIcmsgDGymM/s1600/photo%2B1-785000.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaDP3UpcnJQ/T5zJMbm0a9I/AAAAAAAABoI/JIcmsgDGymM/s320/photo%2B1-785000.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736681240769358802" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FemmEamTQqU/T5zJMq6e-LI/AAAAAAAABoU/oPHhnw32zUE/s1600/photo%2B2-786235.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FemmEamTQqU/T5zJMq6e-LI/AAAAAAAABoU/oPHhnw32zUE/s320/photo%2B2-786235.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736681244878370994" /></a></p>Soaking cannellini beans and salt-and-sugar curing lamb shoulder overnight for tomorrow's supper.
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<br>I'm trying to simultaneously respect the cold weather this weekend and pray this is the last snap of the season. Slow-roasted lamb does this girl's soul good. And I've been dreaming of these beans for months!Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-77520514273002508212012-04-20T09:00:00.000-05:002012-04-20T09:00:05.501-05:00Birthday Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My husband, daughter, mother and I all have birthdays within 16 days of each other.</div>
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This year, my daughter wanted a SPACE themed party for her 7th birthday. Here's the cake I made. It's the solar system. And yes, Pluto is represented. I'm old school like that.</div>
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I used <a href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?sku=2105-6506">this pan</a> for the sun, and <a href="https://www.bakepopspan.com/?MID=1303337&gclid=CO6X5OfJw68CFZNV7Aod2jysXg">this</a> for the planets (both purchased at <a href="http://michaels.com/">Michael's</a>). The planets are dipped in different colored <a href="http://michaels.com/Candy-Melts%C2%AE/sc1121,default,pd.html?cgid=products-bakeware-candymaking-melts&start=15">candy melts</a>, with the rings on the gas giants made of candy as well. -- I spread an oval of melted candy on waxed paper, let it dry, peeled it up, then cut out a circle the size of the cake pop and fit them on the planets. </div>
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The Sun cake has buttercream frosting on it because it's the best frosting in the entire world. I used chocolate <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/products/supermoist-cakes/products/supermoist%20cake%20mix/chocolate-fudge">box</a> cake for both cakes, following the directions on the pan for modifications involving more or less oil and eggs. The Sun cake stayed moist forever. </div>
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Happy birthday, big girl! May you always follow your own star!</div>
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Tomorrow is my daughter's 7th Birthday Party. The theme is SPACE. I have done definitely ridiculous and possibly awesome things. WATCH THIS SPACE for pictures and stories. <script type="text/javascript">
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Hand Made Tee Shirts!</div>
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Hand Made Games!</div>
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Craft Projects!</div>
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She invited BOYS!</div>
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Ice Cream! (Duh)</div>
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Solar System Cake! (Including trendy-three-years-ago-cake-pops!)</div>
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I have outdone the <a href="http://rootsandzest.blogspot.com/2011/03/six-years-of-motherhood.html">Jessie party</a>. Or at least I intend to. The party's not til 2pm tomorrow (11 hours away including a few that will be spent sleeping), so, you know, I'm not really done prepping/started decorating/iced the cake yet.</div>
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It's gonna be AWESOME!!</div>
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Making: Lemon Curd<br />
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Thinking about: Getting a new puppy.</div>
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Going to: The gym (Found a new machine! Love my new shoes!)</div>
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Playing: Draw Something</div>
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Eating: Spicy things</div>
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Drinking: Gazela Rose</div>
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Opening: All the windows. The air out there is so wonderful!</div>
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Planning: A garage sale. I'm decluttering, with a vengeance.</div>
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Putting off: The next steps to opening SugarBean for real. But that stops now.</div>
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Ok, so my last post was about my jack-o-lantern. Let's move on.<script type="text/javascript">
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I've been finding myself actually writing restaurant reviews on Open Table after we've gone out to eat. This has mostly been because of disappointment in my experience. The last two restaurants we've been to on our few-an-far-between-precious-nights-out when forward planning, a babysitter and a few extra funds have all come together on the same day, were really..... meh. Or worse. </div>
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It made me think that if we're going to eat out, we need to go better places. We can't pick places just because we haven't been before (last weekend), or places that are conveniently located to the rest of our evening, have available tables 20 minutes before we want to eat, and give us 1,000 points on Open Table (last night). We need quality.</div>
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It also reminded me that I love to cook and I'm good at it. So we're having a couple over for dinner next weekend and I'm going to outdo both our latest restaurant experiences. It should be easy, since the first one blasted cold air and 70s Prog Rock at us, and the second's food tasted like the chef shopped at Trader Joe's and then didn't even follow the directions on the package.</div>
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I've been so busy thinking about and making ice cream lately that I almost forgot how much I enjoy, and how good I am at cooking savory food. So, thanks, "Hit-and-Miss-but-Mostly-Miss" and "Never Again" restaurants I've visited in the last two weeks. You were an expensive lesson, but one of which I'm happy to be reminded.</div>
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More about the ice cream soon. And I think I'll even start posting again. Welcome back.</div>
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We carved our jack-o-lanterns last night.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua3UpqD4Xvg/TqM7M1-mT9I/AAAAAAAABkk/1PfCxQ59sqY/s1600/AcUc6ONCIAEC01u.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ua3UpqD4Xvg/TqM7M1-mT9I/AAAAAAAABkk/1PfCxQ59sqY/s320/AcUc6ONCIAEC01u.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "Perry the Pumpkinpuss" jack-o-lantern</td></tr>
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That means it's pumpkin seed roasting time again! One of the ways I know it's Autumn is the smell of pumpkin seeds roasting away in my oven. Last year we did three batches: salt, cumin, and cinnamon-sugar. The fancy ones were fun, but the classic salted ones were our favorite. How do you roast your seeds?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7j9tcTI0tY/TqM7UcXljQI/AAAAAAAABks/6Z05q64RLQc/s1600/20081021PumpkinSeed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7j9tcTI0tY/TqM7UcXljQI/AAAAAAAABks/6Z05q64RLQc/s320/20081021PumpkinSeed2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brimstone/173295105/">photo by gotbrimmed on Flikr</a></span></td></tr>
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</div><div>Now I'm trying to figure out how to start a business (man, are business plans boring), acquire equipment, and find investors. I don't know how to do any of this, but I'm sure excited to learn.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'll be back, talking about food and other stuff, but right now I've got to focus a little. I'll give you a link when my new site is up.</div><div><br />
</div><div>In the meantime, my house smells awesome because <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/hungarian_beef_goulash.html">this</a> is in the crock pot.</div></div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-18041775467139603082011-09-10T09:30:00.001-05:002011-09-10T09:30:00.786-05:00Carrot Parsnip Sunchoke CakesMy CSA is giving me lots of ideas and new ingredients to play with. The first week I got sunchokes and parsnips. Here's what I did with them:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><script type="text/javascript">
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</div><div>Carrot Parsnip Sunchoke Cakes, two ways.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9y9J0CEsNs/ThXfI2TeXlI/AAAAAAAABeI/2jCIvT5Cs2g/s1600/p+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9y9J0CEsNs/ThXfI2TeXlI/AAAAAAAABeI/2jCIvT5Cs2g/s1600/p+1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) Chop and steam veggies</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jS9NW4LtcDo/ThXfNsoGTcI/AAAAAAAABek/W2cCQ0Mwvhs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jS9NW4LtcDo/ThXfNsoGTcI/AAAAAAAABek/W2cCQ0Mwvhs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mash 'em with a fork</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWEJhNiSRBM/ThXfN7lbQsI/AAAAAAAABeo/ZwLLbTkOZ1I/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWEJhNiSRBM/ThXfN7lbQsI/AAAAAAAABeo/ZwLLbTkOZ1I/s1600/photo+2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dredge in flour, salt and pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Patty</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fry</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CivvavEEiX4/ThXfOViEMPI/AAAAAAAABes/SfacmbU-_3k/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CivvavEEiX4/ThXfOViEMPI/AAAAAAAABes/SfacmbU-_3k/s1600/photo+3.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3oNeNfD5fk/ThXfOjPvizI/AAAAAAAABew/IL3bHam1pjg/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D3oNeNfD5fk/ThXfOjPvizI/AAAAAAAABew/IL3bHam1pjg/s1600/photo+4.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) Grate veggies, mix with one egg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4w-sm_X0kg/ThXfNHKoMtI/AAAAAAAABeg/C90JO9D1gsc/s1600/pancake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4w-sm_X0kg/ThXfNHKoMtI/AAAAAAAABeg/C90JO9D1gsc/s1600/pancake.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One egg to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Patty<div>Dredge</div><div>Fry<br />
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4s7VZm2l4vU/ThXfMf59tPI/AAAAAAAABeY/rc2hClTSdtE/s1600/p+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4s7VZm2l4vU/ThXfMf59tPI/AAAAAAAABeY/rc2hClTSdtE/s1600/p+3.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Side by side taste test. Both delicious. I liked the toothiness of the grated one better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7szuxuCa988/ThXfPGadR_I/AAAAAAAABe0/EKxpD3KGnnE/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7szuxuCa988/ThXfPGadR_I/AAAAAAAABe0/EKxpD3KGnnE/s1600/photo+5.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also good with bacon and eggs.*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdsSpAH1qFY/ThXfLawFlLI/AAAAAAAABeM/C6cfTQVSqwg/s1600/avec+egg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdsSpAH1qFY/ThXfLawFlLI/AAAAAAAABeM/C6cfTQVSqwg/s1600/avec+egg.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*of course.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgA5w7HmmYE/TjynJ2-X7fI/AAAAAAAABjQ/xRXeRucKOAI/s1600/Rat+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgA5w7HmmYE/TjynJ2-X7fI/AAAAAAAABjQ/xRXeRucKOAI/s320/Rat+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0BUbBbEG4M/TjynKQWBSKI/AAAAAAAABjU/3a8XCm-gPaY/s1600/Rat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0BUbBbEG4M/TjynKQWBSKI/AAAAAAAABjU/3a8XCm-gPaY/s320/Rat+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GdpbMDSvbSU/TjynK_IQshI/AAAAAAAABjY/KvKFk6StHSk/s1600/rat+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GdpbMDSvbSU/TjynK_IQshI/AAAAAAAABjY/KvKFk6StHSk/s320/rat+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div> Awesome. Beautiful. My new favorite thing. And the kids loved to help.<script type="text/javascript">
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Not on the list!), butterscotch melon, eggplant*, Italian frying peppers, tomatillos*, sweet Spanish onions, cauliflower, Italian garlic, many squashes, cucumbers, gold potatoes. <p>Cheese: <br>Otter Creek Summer Cheddar, Castle Rock Colby, Butler Farms Camembert<p><br>Yum!!<p>*What do I do with this!?! I've never had Sesame Greens, tomatillos or eggplant before (be quiet, foodies). What's your favorite way to prepare them?<p>Sent from my iPhone. Please forgive typos, autocorrect, lack of links and possible strange formatting.Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-44468134048958209322011-08-01T18:03:00.001-05:002011-08-01T18:03:25.228-05:00Dinner: a fairy tale<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lszaJVhonhA/TjcwvhOVHGI/AAAAAAAABic/pmOqwVZEuB0/s1600/photo%2B1-705229.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lszaJVhonhA/TjcwvhOVHGI/AAAAAAAABic/pmOqwVZEuB0/s320/photo%2B1-705229.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636027051607923810" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42pRbugyE_4/Tjcwv4ggQGI/AAAAAAAABik/k4-2qv3wOyc/s1600/photo%2B2-706781.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42pRbugyE_4/Tjcwv4ggQGI/AAAAAAAABik/k4-2qv3wOyc/s320/photo%2B2-706781.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636027057858166882" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uh7_eJ7FTUM/TjcwvwcZCBI/AAAAAAAABis/uM1lzhYBINg/s1600/photo%2B3-707596.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uh7_eJ7FTUM/TjcwvwcZCBI/AAAAAAAABis/uM1lzhYBINg/s320/photo%2B3-707596.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636027055693432850" /></a></p>I was sad because my grill was out of gas. <p>Then I slathered herbs and butter on my steak and put it under the broiler (it's like upside-down grilling! Inside!) and I was happier.<p>The end.Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-62245768674523218812011-07-28T22:13:00.002-05:002011-07-28T22:19:51.940-05:00My quest to weigh 476 pounds by Christmas.<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fuFNs2-xX0/TjIlWMqH-iI/AAAAAAAABiE/qAllGtlRvus/s1600/photo-706000.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0fuFNs2-xX0/TjIlWMqH-iI/AAAAAAAABiE/qAllGtlRvus/s320/photo-706000.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634607147079170594" /></a></p>I started making ice cream. <p>Left to right: olive oil with buttered pecans, mint, chocolate, beet with mascarpone and poppyseeds. <p>My favorite is the mint, picked from my container garden and steeped for four hours. It is excellent with white chocolate chips and coconut thrown in it. I intend to make rosemary, basil, and "Manhattan" ice cream with a carmel bitters ribbon and roasted cherries. <p>Recipes later when I'm not blogging from my phone. I have two kinds of carrot ice creams yet to be frozen tomorrow. Something tells me I'll be needing another ice cream maker soon. <p>Nom.Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-19457261727503359132011-07-24T17:58:00.000-05:002011-07-24T17:59:38.873-05:00Cantaloupe Salad<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1FIgltYOKg/Tiyj24TUluI/AAAAAAAABh8/HoOuS8K1g10/s1600/photo-778874.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1FIgltYOKg/Tiyj24TUluI/AAAAAAAABh8/HoOuS8K1g10/s320/photo-778874.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633057397155337954" /></a></p>1/2 a cantaloupe<br>8oz package pearl mozzarella <br>3 slices proscuitto<br>12 leaves mint<br>Splash lime juice<br>Salt and pepper<p>I may eat the entire thing myself for dinner. That's ok, right?Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-77910771348605885582011-07-19T20:51:00.000-05:002011-07-19T20:51:32.692-05:00Food. Close up.<div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Hi there. While I unpack my family's bags from a week's vacation and wrap my head around the concept of "121 degree heat index" that I came home to, please enjoy <a href="http://carenalpertfineart.com/gallery.html#6">these gorgeous magnification shots of food</a>.</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUn_UzOKMts/TiY0dpGFQYI/AAAAAAAABhw/8AbUVefRVB0/s1600/Photo+on+2011-07-19+at+20.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUn_UzOKMts/TiY0dpGFQYI/AAAAAAAABhw/8AbUVefRVB0/s320/Photo+on+2011-07-19+at+20.46.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>See you soon.</div><div>Love,</div><div>V</div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-53486029534516049672011-07-09T11:42:00.000-05:002011-07-09T11:42:00.639-05:00CSA Week 2: My Adventures with Rhubarb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's what I got in my CSA box in late May (I know, I know, I'm trying to catch up.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzeHu473-FI/ThXjAtJS9lI/AAAAAAAABfc/pz3cKT3qB9c/s1600/table.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UzeHu473-FI/ThXjAtJS9lI/AAAAAAAABfc/pz3cKT3qB9c/s1600/table.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The most interesting thing to me was not the garlic scapes (though, YUM, love those), or the broccoli rabe (make <a href="http://rootsandzest.blogspot.com/2010/03/you-say-rabe-i-say-rapini.html">this</a> if you have some). It was the rhubarb. Now, people in my neck of the woods (and probably all kinds of other necks of other woods) use rhubarb all the time. Me? Never had it before. Supposed to be pretty bitter, leaves are poisonous, I like strawberries all by themselves just fine, thank you very much. HOWEVER! When the CSA hands you rhubarb, you find something to do with it:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All that rhubarb, chopped</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One lemon, quartered</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Zest of said lemon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whole bunch of rosemary, chopped</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cover with water, bring to boil, return to simmer, cover 20 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWsaA0bNOv0/ThXkkCpgczI/AAAAAAAABfg/JZfhqb-D1ao/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWsaA0bNOv0/ThXkkCpgczI/AAAAAAAABfg/JZfhqb-D1ao/s1600/photo+1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Set sieve over a bowl, strain out this yucky stuff, pressing to get all the good syrupy stuff.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5AA0S9QFWk/ThXkkeHzhMI/AAAAAAAABfk/BxwnhxkKSr8/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5AA0S9QFWk/ThXkkeHzhMI/AAAAAAAABfk/BxwnhxkKSr8/s1600/photo+2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_05FgbWEd2w/ThXkk1bNkZI/AAAAAAAABfo/WmBrINuKLv4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_05FgbWEd2w/ThXkk1bNkZI/AAAAAAAABfo/WmBrINuKLv4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good syrupy stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Add to vodka, gin, or soda water for a delicious drink.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkivvMxiWyM/ThXklt869aI/AAAAAAAABfs/tvrodpdS0Ko/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkivvMxiWyM/ThXklt869aI/AAAAAAAABfs/tvrodpdS0Ko/s1600/photo+4.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or better yet, freeze into ice cubes, add to gin and soda with a squeeze of lime, sit on your deck in your bathing suit, and watch the kids play on the slip-n-slide.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDxqh1GJCtM/ThXkmBtfmfI/AAAAAAAABfw/0febFKAOlQo/s1600/photo+5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDxqh1GJCtM/ThXkmBtfmfI/AAAAAAAABfw/0febFKAOlQo/s1600/photo+5.PNG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I belong to an amazing group of people called the Minnesota Food Bloggers. We get together once (or more) a month and eat, talk and learn about food. This week we went to <a href="http://www.cafelevain.com/">Cafe Levain</a> and ate an obscene amount of olive oil from <a href="http://www.californiaoliveranch.com/">California Olive Ranch</a>. Ok, maybe it was just me that ate obscene amounts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's what we ate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Olive oil tasting! You warm this with your hand underneath it and your other hand cupped over it and swirl it around. Then you breathe in the aroma and drink it. Seriously. What's sexier than an olive oil tasting? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBu7vOF_9do/Thcs3CT1Z8I/AAAAAAAABgI/NTQmkVK1geo/s1600/EVOO+OO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBu7vOF_9do/Thcs3CT1Z8I/AAAAAAAABgI/NTQmkVK1geo/s320/EVOO+OO.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Amouse Bouche: Split pea and kohlrabi soup with fresh herbs.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLdBgsB48nQ/Thcs4Ma-i8I/AAAAAAAABgQ/8JyDq6QEqZ4/s1600/EVOO+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLdBgsB48nQ/Thcs4Ma-i8I/AAAAAAAABgQ/8JyDq6QEqZ4/s320/EVOO+soup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Farmer's market salad with buttermilk-tarragon vinaigrette, candied nuts, goat cheese</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RwgnV0WLmM/Thcs3ijpx0I/AAAAAAAABgM/HwY_MzeHW74/s1600/EVOO+Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RwgnV0WLmM/Thcs3ijpx0I/AAAAAAAABgM/HwY_MzeHW74/s320/EVOO+Salad.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sitka Sound Red King Salmon, EVOO poached shrimp, marinated white beans, sugar snaps in chili oil. That crust was AMAZING.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YHh8BHNgNM/Thcs00OZ-1I/AAAAAAAABf4/keEP-JzKheg/s1600/EVOO+Fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YHh8BHNgNM/Thcs00OZ-1I/AAAAAAAABf4/keEP-JzKheg/s320/EVOO+Fish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It starts getting dark here, I might eventually need a camera other than my iPhone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hangar steak, fingerling potatoes, local mushrooms with a balsamic, perserved lemon glaze. I ate the mushrooms. That's how delicious it was.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIMEc6YysVw/Thcs2cfNI1I/AAAAAAAABgE/XeV3kEP-rEI/s1600/EVOO+meat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIMEc6YysVw/Thcs2cfNI1I/AAAAAAAABgE/XeV3kEP-rEI/s320/EVOO+meat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dessert!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">EVOO cake, EVOO panna cotta with an EVOO tuille, EVOO ice cream (gotta figure out how to make that), and an EVOO gel that had SALT IN IT!!! This was heaven. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdXT_XPDb8E/Thcs0rrbm5I/AAAAAAAABf0/tYUmnsyKN5o/s1600/EVOO+Dessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdXT_XPDb8E/Thcs0rrbm5I/AAAAAAAABf0/tYUmnsyKN5o/s320/EVOO+Dessert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I licked my plate. Yes, in public. If you can't lick your plate in front of 50 other passionate food people at the end of a sexy meal like this, then when can you?!</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVYAZHrboDQ/Thcs1pVFTKI/AAAAAAAABgA/sbvrjZULKRg/s1600/EVOO+Lick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVYAZHrboDQ/Thcs1pVFTKI/AAAAAAAABgA/sbvrjZULKRg/s320/EVOO+Lick.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soooooo happy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Bonus: Gift bags!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TDaoSrq-E_c/Thcs1BIiiNI/AAAAAAAABf8/dhaG4_BwAl4/s1600/EVOO+gift+OO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TDaoSrq-E_c/Thcs1BIiiNI/AAAAAAAABf8/dhaG4_BwAl4/s320/EVOO+gift+OO.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Extra Bonus: Senior Picture pose!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0TODtIWUTys/Thcs4p-FAsI/AAAAAAAABgU/pEoOCC0HiIM/s1600/EVOO+Year+Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0TODtIWUTys/Thcs4p-FAsI/AAAAAAAABgU/pEoOCC0HiIM/s320/EVOO+Year+Book.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I love you, #MNFoodBloggers.<br />
<br />
Here are more posts about the night. Most of them have cameras with flashes....: <a href="http://thymeinourkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/07/cafe-levain-with-california-olive-ranch.html">Thyme in our Kitchen</a>, <a href="http://www.girlwithblog.com/2011/07/big-evoo-night.html">Girl with Blog</a>, <a href="http://amyontheprairie.com/2011/07/08/california-olive-ranch-tasting-menu-at-cafe-levain/">Amy on the Prairie</a>, <a href="http://eatdrinklifelove.wordpress.com/2011/07/08/big-evoo-night/">Eat Drink Life Love</a><br />
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Doing this from my iPhone, so I can't caption or link. More to come. In the meantime, this delivery included Spinach, Mixed Greens (which I left in the share box because I just can't take it anymore with the mixed greens), kohlrabi, iceberg lettuce, mini red leaf romaine, broccoli rabe, red scallions, garlic scapes, zucchini (which are not listed in my inventory), sugar snap peas, baby white turnips and strawberries.</div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-7259346878405962172011-06-19T21:17:00.001-05:002011-06-19T23:02:24.685-05:00My new favorite thing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Putting mint </span><br />
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QKHWi3LlomQ/Tf7GHdD3x-I/AAAAAAAABdY/O__54d3wj8M/s1600/mint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QKHWi3LlomQ/Tf7GHdD3x-I/AAAAAAAABdY/O__54d3wj8M/s320/mint.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">in my salad.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja5JxG9gv04/Tf7GLOECm0I/AAAAAAAABdc/F1Kf8I1Rykg/s1600/salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja5JxG9gv04/Tf7GLOECm0I/AAAAAAAABdc/F1Kf8I1Rykg/s320/salad.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Just roll up those leaves (you remember how to do that from college, right? The long way.) and slice them across really thin. Sprinkle them in, and every once in a while you get a lovely little surprise of fresh! Tiny leaves of basil work well, too. Yum!</span><br />
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Sent from my iPhone</div></div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-8174715738940797512011-06-16T16:11:00.001-05:002011-06-16T16:11:20.089-05:00Perfect Summer Salad<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SwcDFQwmFf0/Tfpxe-9YhBI/AAAAAAAABdE/TQWHQ6jQe4A/s1600/photo-780090.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SwcDFQwmFf0/Tfpxe-9YhBI/AAAAAAAABdE/TQWHQ6jQe4A/s320/photo-780090.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618928262208586770" /></a></p>One of the ways my tastebuds know it's really summer....<p><br>Corn, cut off the cob<br>Cherry tomatoes, halved<br>Cilantro<br>Red wine vinegar<br>Olive oil<br>Salt and pepper<p>This batch was 3 ears of corn, about 12 cherry tomatoes, a handful of cilantro. Equal parts vinegar and oil, s&p to taste. <p>Use what ratio you like best. Happy summer!<p>Sent from my iPhone; please excuse typos.Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320851851063425852.post-79427569902329216312011-06-15T10:56:00.000-05:002011-06-15T10:56:50.860-05:00So much time and so little to do.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Strike that. Reverse it.<script type="text/javascript">
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</div><div>Hi blog. I have been super busy (and just a little lazy) and I'm sorry to have neglected you. Fortunately for us all, one thing I've been busy with is my <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/csa/M493">CSA</a>. If you're unfamiliar with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community-supported_agriculture">Community Supported Agriculture</a>, it's basically supporting a local farm and getting fresh produce from the farm (in my case) every other week. Our CSA, <a href="http://www.harmonyvalleyfarm.com/">Harmony Valley Farm</a>, also offers a cheese CSA, a fruit CSA and a coffee CSA. We participate in the cheese share, and receive three local cheeses every other pickup. Yeah. It's really awesome.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We've received three boxes so far this season. Our CSA runs May through December. We get our vegetables every other week. Let's play cach-up. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Here's what we got in our first box:</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PC5DwSzB0Hg/TfjOPJylZgI/AAAAAAAABbw/R7o7TgoVYgo/s1600/IMG_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PC5DwSzB0Hg/TfjOPJylZgI/AAAAAAAABbw/R7o7TgoVYgo/s320/IMG_0065.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ramps, Chives, Spinach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunchokes, Sorrel, Nettles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Black Radishes, Parsnips, Watercress</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ansci.wisc.edu/extension-new%20copy/sheep/Publications_and_Proceedings/Pdf/Dairy/Management/Butler's%20farm.pdf">Butler Farm</a>'s Sheep Milk Brebis Cheese w garlic, <a href="http://www.castlerockfarms.net/">Castle Rock Organic Farm</a>'s Sharp Cheddar, <a href="http://www.cedargrovecheese.com/">Cedar Grove Cheese</a>'s Organic Mozzarella</div><div><br />
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</div><div>One of the many great things about this farm is that they include information about everything in the box, and <a href="http://www.harmonyvalleyfarm.com/NLTR/TWC/csatwc110512.pdf">recipes</a> to try! Thank goodness, because, really, what the hell do I do with nettles? Aren't you supposed to not touch them because they hurt? Why would I put them in my own mouth, no less serve them to my family? Right? Well.....</div><div><br />
</div><div>Apparently, if you swish them around in water,</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dg63Sl_DHs/TfjSoo4MgEI/AAAAAAAABco/cz0co45pkkU/s1600/IMG_0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dg63Sl_DHs/TfjSoo4MgEI/AAAAAAAABco/cz0co45pkkU/s320/IMG_0079.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">cook them up with butter, ramps, sorrel, broth and cream,</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oot-gsttNJc/TfjStNDp0lI/AAAAAAAABc0/15hTF5cHg7A/s1600/IMG_0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oot-gsttNJc/TfjStNDp0lI/AAAAAAAABc0/15hTF5cHg7A/s320/IMG_0082.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and whirl them in a blender,</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g64chjememc/TfjSuKEjcQI/AAAAAAAABc4/F7fhIV_x374/s1600/IMG_0084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g64chjememc/TfjSuKEjcQI/AAAAAAAABc4/F7fhIV_x374/s320/IMG_0084.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">they become delicious soup that doesn't hurt at all when you eat it!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2o8JmEswxY/TfjSvk7m4GI/AAAAAAAABc8/YfflV1yJ3yg/s1600/IMG_0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C2o8JmEswxY/TfjSvk7m4GI/AAAAAAAABc8/YfflV1yJ3yg/s320/IMG_0085.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Who knew, right? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay tuned to see the sunchoke and parsnip deliciousness I made from this box, as well as what I've done with the next two boxes. Also coming up, more cocktails!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some closeups of May 12th's CSA:</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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZUOrrLczSM/TfjOgDpygkI/AAAAAAAABck/YkZi6v9F8bw/s1600/IMG_0078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZUOrrLczSM/TfjOgDpygkI/AAAAAAAABck/YkZi6v9F8bw/s200/IMG_0078.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramps</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/-nmQ7Fr9zHC4/TfjOfOyvP-I/AAAAAAAABcg/TcyWZj8Ka7I/s1600/IMG_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmQ7Fr9zHC4/TfjOfOyvP-I/AAAAAAAABcg/TcyWZj8Ka7I/s200/IMG_0077.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chives</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXhbuXfNwG4/TfjOdrG-rAI/AAAAAAAABcc/406T18raumY/s1600/IMG_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXhbuXfNwG4/TfjOdrG-rAI/AAAAAAAABcc/406T18raumY/s200/IMG_0076.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinach</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/-gnCbgCzfJw0/TfjOY961LiI/AAAAAAAABcM/KyJp7ZcG54g/s1600/IMG_0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnCbgCzfJw0/TfjOY961LiI/AAAAAAAABcM/KyJp7ZcG54g/s200/IMG_0072.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunchokes - loved these!!</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/-Dso2AM4vXa4/TfjOaOW1N5I/AAAAAAAABcQ/PzBBiljfsc8/s1600/IMG_0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dso2AM4vXa4/TfjOaOW1N5I/AAAAAAAABcQ/PzBBiljfsc8/s200/IMG_0073.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorrel - yummy!</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/-c6ZudtAmmZw/TfjObVhAVII/AAAAAAAABcU/13RnADIWP-U/s1600/IMG_0074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6ZudtAmmZw/TfjObVhAVII/AAAAAAAABcU/13RnADIWP-U/s200/IMG_0074.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nettles</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq18xL5XeYk/TfjOXoq1LaI/AAAAAAAABcI/BjUFwsavrRU/s1600/IMG_0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq18xL5XeYk/TfjOXoq1LaI/AAAAAAAABcI/BjUFwsavrRU/s200/IMG_0071.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Radishes - zippy!</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0fCk89nRq4/TfjOWjaWZTI/AAAAAAAABcE/tuaFmryQPiM/s1600/IMG_0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0fCk89nRq4/TfjOWjaWZTI/AAAAAAAABcE/tuaFmryQPiM/s200/IMG_0070.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parsnips</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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mhx1P9xENhs/TfjOVYNCMfI/AAAAAAAABcA/Z1PERNIXrw4/s1600/IMG_0069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mhx1P9xENhs/TfjOVYNCMfI/AAAAAAAABcA/Z1PERNIXrw4/s200/IMG_0069.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watercress (if you get some, make <a href="http://rootsandzest.blogspot.com/2010/03/finally-soup.html">this</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWYs7wZtffU/TfjOQHb6ncI/AAAAAAAABb0/K1oG9b01nb0/s1600/IMG_0066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWYs7wZtffU/TfjOQHb6ncI/AAAAAAAABb0/K1oG9b01nb0/s200/IMG_0066.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGnwYWGEcUM/TfjOTPCSsfI/AAAAAAAABb4/ImQW1NlQJAY/s1600/IMG_0067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zGnwYWGEcUM/TfjOTPCSsfI/AAAAAAAABb4/ImQW1NlQJAY/s200/IMG_0067.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhJwJM3emd4/TfjOUMSWP7I/AAAAAAAABb8/uLuT6u5UczE/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhJwJM3emd4/TfjOUMSWP7I/AAAAAAAABb8/uLuT6u5UczE/s200/IMG_0068.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>Virginiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794033374415980973noreply@blogger.com1