Walking to Win

Chili con Carne y Chocolate

2007-11-26T15:01:00.000-06:00

A CHILI WHICH WOULD BE GOOD TO MAKE FOR A "COMPANY-COMING-OVER" BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR ...... CAN KEEP IN FRIDGE FOR 5 DAYS OR SO .... OR 5 MONTHS IN FREEZER!!

This recipe is a TOTAL variation on a theme ... a little bit Mexican, a little bit Italian, a little bit Indian, either way, you will love it . No ... chili did not originate in Mexico (sorry Enrique) s'posed to have originated in South-western US. And, there is a big debate over whether there should be beans or not. I for one, like the beans so ...... do whatever you want. Also I prefer the chopped and sliced beef over the ground beef but both work well. ........ and just one other thing ...... when you are adding the chocolate .... make sure it's good ..... 85% or so xxxxxx Serving suggestions: a good, green salad (with a light dressing), french bread, tortillas or panini and the best ingredient of all, BEST FRIENDS xxx (P.S. If you do not have all ingredients .... no bother ..... you can change to make unique but you MUST use coffee, chocolate and chili ...... the three Rs)

1 red onion, quartered
1 small carrot, chopped
1 jalapeño, chopped
1 T. fresh rosemary, chopped
1/2 T. fresh sage, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic
2 oz. pancetta
8 strips bacon
3 T. olive oil
2 lbs. beef chuck or skirt steak, cut into 1-inch strips (or add 2 lbs ground beef)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 T. garam masala
16 oz. can plum-tomato purée
1/2 t. cumin1/2 t. fennel seed
1 1/2 T. chili powder
2 cups water
1 small potato, cut into 1/-inch cubes
1 cup brewed coffee
5 cups beef broth
2 cups red or kidney beans
3/4 oz. unsweetened chocolate

For garnish: freshly grated Parmesan, 1 small white onion and 1 avocado, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 400. Place onion, carrot, jalapeño, rosemary, sage, celery, garlic, and pancetta in a processor and chop. Place the bacon on a sheet pan and bake in oven until crisp, about 15 minutes. Remove, dry with paper towels, and set aside. Add the olive oil to a large saucepan with the processed ingredients and cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes. (1) In a large bowl, season the meat with salt and pepper and the garam masala. Add meat to saucepan and continue cooking for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the tomato, cumin, fennel seed, chili powder, potato, and water. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the coffee and 2 cups beef broth and cook for 20 minutes, stirring continuously. (2) Add beans and 1 cup broth and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the remaining broth and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the chocolate and cook for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.(3) Garnish with Parmesan, crumbled bacon, white onion, and avocado.

THIA GREEN CURRY

2007-10-09T17:28:00.000-05:00

Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) cooked chicken, sliced into shreds 1 pint (600ml) coconut milk (you will need to buy two tins)
For the green curry paste:
8 green bird eye chillies (whole) 1 lemon grass stalk, sliced thinly and soaked for 30 minutes in 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 rounded teaspoon kaffir lime peel, pared and thinly shredded 7 thin slices Thai ginger (galangal) 1 heaped teaspoon coriander stalks, chopped ½ level teaspoon roasted ground cumin ½ level teaspoon roasted ground coriander 3 garlic cloves 5 Thai shallots peeled (or normal shallots if not available) 1 level teaspoon shrimp paste
For the finished sauce:
3-4 level dessertspoons Thai fish sauce 1 level teaspoon palm sugar 3 level dessertspoons fresh green peppercorns (or preserved in brine) 7 kaffir lime leaves ½ mild red chilli, de-seeded and cut into hair-like shreds 1 oz (25 g) Thai basil leaves

DON'T BE PUT OFF WITH ALL THESE INGREDIENTS ...... YOU CAN USE WHAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR CUPBOARD!!

The curry paste can be made well ahead of time and there's absolutely no work involved if you have a food processor or a liquidiser because all you do is simply pop all the curry paste ingredients in and whiz it to a paste (stopping once or twice to push the mixture back down from the sides on to the blades). In Thailand, of course, all these would be pounded by hand with a pestle and mortar, but food processors do cut out all the hard work.
What you need to end up with is a coarse paste but don't worry if it doesn't look very green – that's because I have cut the chilli content; in Thailand they use about 35! If you want yours to be green, then this is the answer! Your next task is to prepare all the rest of the ingredients.
To make the curry, first place the tins of coconut milk on a work surface, upside down. Then open them and inside you will see the whole thing has separated into thick cream and thin watery milk. Divide these by pouring the milk into one bowl and the cream into another. Next place a wok, without any oil in it, over a very high heat and then as soon as it becomes really hot, add three-quarters of the coconut cream. What you do now is literally fry it, stirring all the time so it doesn't catch. What will happen is it will start to separate, the oil will begin to seep out and it will reduce. Ignore the curdled look – this is normal. You may also like to note that when the cream begins to separate you can actually hear it give off a crackling noise. Next add the curry paste and three-quarters of the coconut milk, which should be added a little at a time, keeping the heat high and letting it reduce down slightly. Stay with it and keep stirring to prevent it sticking. Then add the Thai fish sauce and palm sugar, stir these in and then add the chicken pieces and the peppercorns. Stir again and simmer everything for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is heated through. Then just before serving, place the lime leaves one on top of the other, roll them up tightly and slice them into very fine shreds. Then add them along with the red chilli and torn basil leaves. Serve with Thai fragrant rice.

READS MUCH MORE COMPLICATED THAN IT IS ...... TRY IT ....WITH ANYTHING YOU HAVE IN YOUR FRIDGE.

OK, OK I know .... a bit OTT ...but you can't overdo a good thing!!

2007-05-04T19:00:00.000-05:00

The two following recipes are not for the faint of heart but if you really want to impress at a dinner party use them. To be honest, they are very easy -especially the last one!! ... and soooo very yummy!

Asparagus with Hazelnuts and Tarragon Vinaigrette
1 pound fresh, trimmed asparagus, ¼ cup minced shallots, 3 Tbs. tarragon-flavored white wine vinegar, 4 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon (or 1¼ tsps. dried), 1 tsp. Dijon mustard. 7 Tbs. hazelnut, walnut or olive oil, 4 cups baby lettuces or inner leaves of curly endive, ¼ cup hazelnuts, toasted, husked and coarsely chopped.
Steam asparagus till crisp-tender (or boil as above in deep-sided skillet), about 3-5 minutes. Transfer asparagus to a bowl of ice water and cool. Drain. Place asparagus on paper towels. Combine shallots, vinegar, tarragon and mustard in a bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place the lettuces or endive on a large platter. Arrange the asparagus on top. Drizzle with the vinaigrette, then sprinkle with hazelnuts. Serves 4.

Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tbs. olive oil, 1 ½ lbs. slender asparagus, trimmed, 3 Tbs. balsamic vinegar, Salt & pepper, ¼ cup ( ½ to 1 oz.) Parmesan cheese curls
Place a 10-in. ovenproof frying pan in a 500° oven for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and swirl oil in pan. With tongs, roll asparagus in oil. Bake asparagus till tender-crisp to bite, 5-10 minutes. Drizzle with vinegar; add salt and pepper to taste. Scatter Parmesan cheese curls on top.

So if you are having a party .... invite me!!

2007-05-04T18:42:00.000-05:00

A couple of nibbles (easy peasy) to serve your guests now that the sun is shining, the sap is rising and we're finally out of our winter lair:

Asparagus with Prosciutto (this recipe is with cooked asparagus -as in first para above-)

4 ounces whipped cream cheese, 1/3 teaspoon finely minced garlic, pinch each of salt and pepper, 12 thin slices of prosciutto, cut crosswise into halves, 24 asparagus spears, cut to 4 inches, cooked to crisp-tender

Combine whipped cream cheese with garlic, salt and pepper.
Spread each half slice of prosciutto with some of the cheese mixture and roll around an asparagus spear. Arrange on a baking sheet.Heat in a preheated 350 degree oven for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. Serve immediately..24 bundles, 6-8 servings.

Asparagus en croute (the lazy way) ... this recipe calls for cooked asparagus as above

12 slices of good-quality white sandwich bread (Italian, Belgian, etc.), ½ pound Jarlsberg or other Swiss-style cheese, ½ cup Dijon mustard, 12 asparagus spears, cooked till tender-crisp, 4 tablespoons melted butter, approximately

Roll the bread as thin as possible with a rolling pin; trim crusts. You will have pieces of bread about 3-4 inches square.Lay squares out on a work surface and cover them with a damp towel for 10 minutes. Cut the cheese into fingers approximately the size of the asparagus spears. Spread each bread square with mustard. Lay an asparagus spear and a strip of cheese on each bread square and roll up. Place seam side down on a buttered baking sheet.Brush rolls with melted butter. Bake in the upper third of a 450 degree oven for 10 minutes, or until brown and bubbling. Serve immediately.12 rolls, 4-6 servings.

Spring is here .... so it is asparagus, asparagus, asparagus

2007-05-04T17:55:00.000-05:00

So many things to enjoy now that Spring is finally here in Canada .... and one of them is fresh asparagus!!!! Yes, we could eat it with our fingers in melted butter as they do in France or use one of the recipes below (my favourites).

Asparagus officinalis
The asparagus is a member of the lily family, which also includes onions, leeks and garlic.They have been cultivated for more than 2000 years in Southern Europe. The green type is most common but you can also find white asparagus.
Health benefits Asparagus only contain 24 calories per 100 grams and are loaded with vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of folic acid, vitamin A, B and vitamin C. They are also a good source of calcium and fiber. 100 grams provides 146 mg of vitamin B9 which amounts to 1/3 of our recommended daily allowance. Vitamin B9 is particularly important for pregnant women since not enough of it can cause spina bifida in babies.
Asparagus have detoxifying and diuretic effects. Their fibers help us clean out our gastrointestinal tract. They also help the body get rid of the excess water. Asparagus also contains the phytochemical glutathione, which has antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties

SO NOW YOU ARE SOLD ON HOW GOOD ASPARAGUS IS FOR US ....... A FEW RECIPES FOR OUR TASTEBUDS!!

For the uninitiated ...... rinse the asparagus under cold running water, bend near the coarse end .... it will naturally snap where the "woody", uneatable area is, cover with cold water and bring to boil for 3 to 5 mins. (fork tender). Lay out on paper towel to drain and follow any of the recipes below. By the way, you can buy expensive asparagus cooking pots, use a steamer (good) or do what I do, lay out in a deep-sided saute (frying) pan (I find that saucepans are not the best).

Stir Fried Asparagus with Ginger and Cashews***
1 1/2 pounds asparagus, cleaned and cut into 1 1/2" pieces, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 cup cashews, chopped
Heat the oils together in a wok or frying pan. Cook the ginger for 1 minute, stirring often. Add the asparagus and cook for 4 minutes, until barely tender and still bright green. Stir in soy sauce and cashews and continue cooking for 2 more minutes to heat through.
Makes 6 servings *** this recipe is for uncooked asparagus

It Made Everyone Happy!!

2007-02-24T08:03:00.000-06:00

Yes, they're doing it again!! Walking in the Weekend-to -end Breast Cancer event, a two-day 60 kilometre walk which will take place in Montreal on August 24-26, 2007!!

This year they have other friends joining them: Linda, Stephanie and Tania.

So good luck to all of you ..... you do us proud!!!

Happy Chinese New Year

2007-02-17T08:22:00.000-06:00

18 February 2007 is the start of the Chinese Year of the Golden Pig or more formally the year of DingHai

The pig symbolizes prosperity and good fortune

The festival celebrates the earth coming back to life when ploughing and sowing can begin, so food plays an important part. Much of the food consumed for the festival has symbolic meaning.

Enjoy the recipe below ..... it is easier than it looks (or reads)!!!

To Celebrate Chinese New Year

2007-02-17T08:09:00.000-06:00

Chinese Duck Soup
(You could make this with chicken)

For the duck sauce: ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 tbsp hoi sin sauce, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 3 tbsp water, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 x 175g/6 oz duck fillets, skin on
For the noodle soup base:1 litre/35fl oz chicken stock, 2 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked in 200ml hot water for 20 minutes, 100g/4oz Chinese leaf (or bok choy), shredded, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 200g/8oz flat udon noodles, cooked, 3 spring onions, sliced on the diagonal, 40g/2oz bean sprouts, 1 large handful coriander, roughly chopped, salt and freshly ground black pepper
1. Preheat the oven to 400F/. Place all of the marinade ingredients into a shallow bowl and mix well to coat the duck (or chicken breasts). Marinate for as long as you can - preferably overnight, but anything more than 20 minutes will do.
2. Heat a dry frying pan until just warm. P lace the duck skin-side down and cook for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.
3. Turn up the heat, turn over the duck and cook for a further minute until crisp.
4. Transfer to the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and rest for five minutes, before slicing.
6. For the noodle soup, pour the chicken stock into a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the shiitake mushrooms and their soaking liquid, and the Chinese leaf.
7. Add the light soy sauce, rice wine, rice vinegar and udon noodles to the pan. Bring to the boil.
8. Scatter over the chopped spring onions, bean sprouts and coriander. Season to taste.
9. To serve, ladle some of the noodle soup into a bowl, place the duck breast on top and serve straightaway.

A few ideas when you visit China

2007-02-05T14:57:00.000-06:00

The Qinghai-Tibet railway, dubbed the railway on the "roof of the world", is proving to be stiff competition for regional bus companies and it's encouraging a lot more people to go home for the Spring Festival holidays. News from Paul:

I think Apart from Great Wall and Yangtsee river, there are many places that are worth visiting in China. Si`an ,the capital of Shaanxi Province ,is one of the most famous cities in ancient China with a long history. It was the capital city of China for more than 1100 years in 13 different dynasties. Beijing , another historical city in China , is still the capital of since 1421 . Shanghai ,which developed very quickly recently, is the symbol of modern China. Besides , there are also amazing natural beauties in China. One of them is called Jiuzhaigou (Nine-Village Gully) which is a scenic spot tucked away in the depth of mountains at Jiuzhaigou County, a county in the northern part of Sichuan Province. It is 470 kilometres away from Chengdu, the provincial capital, with an elevation of about 2500 metres. The scenic spot actually consists of three major gullies, spread over a total area of 60000 hectares, which formerly was the site of nine stockaded villages of Tibetans. Hence the name Jiuzhaigou. Jiuzhaigou is well-known for its network of alpine lakes, spectacular waterfalls and wonderful vegetation. Yours Paul (Nagasaki) --Posted by 狩人 (Hunter in Japanese) to Walking to Win at 2/27/2006 07:33:51 PM Thanks for your insight Paul .... and hope to hear from you soon. Below is a Chinese Chicken recipe.

A Chinese Chicken

2007-02-05T14:47:00.000-06:00

You can use a whole chicken or cut into smaller pieces for this recipe.

For the marinade, combine 1 cup dark soy sauce, 1 tsps rock sugar or brown sugar, 1 tsp five-spice powder, ginger and the chopped scallions. Place the chicken in a large bag and add half the marinade. Reserve the remaining half of the marinade to baste the chicken during cooking. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) turning the bag occasionally (when you are not sleeping) so that all the chicken is coated Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375 degrees F. Roast the chicken, basting frequently with the reserved marinade, for another hour or until it is cooked. (To check for doneness, pierce the chicken in the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear. If using a meat thermometer, the temperature should read 170 degrees F. in the thickest part of the thigh.Let the roasted chicken sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Brand-new Sweet William

2007-02-01T12:56:00.000-06:00

4 and 1/2 months already .... so this is no longer brand new but a very fresh, brand-new chicken and mango salad to brighten up the winter days:

4 medium chicken breasts
1/2 cup Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing, divided in half (you can use store-bought dressing ..... so much easier!!!
4 cups baby spinach leaves
1 red onion, sliced
1 mango, peeled and cubed
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed

MARINATE chicken in 1/4 cup dressing (in plastic, sealable bag) for 5 min. Remove chicken from marinade. Discard marinade and plastic bag. Barbecue (or broil in oven) 6 to 7 min. on each side or until cooked through.
TOSS together spinach, onion, mango and avocado. Drizzle with remaining dressing.
DIVIDE salad mixture onto 4 plates, top each with sliced, grilled chicken breast.

FRIENDS WHO CARE .... SHARE!!!

2007-01-26T12:07:00.000-06:00

Oh yes, I know it's a long time since I sent you this link but once again, it's time to think about supporting our friends' efforts to find a cure for breast cancer. Below is a recipe for a salad that I love. In the midst of winter, you will really like this taste of summer because it is hearty, you can use left over chicken from Sunday lunch and the rest is what is already in your fridge. Below is history ..... and recipe ..... enjoy!

Waldorf salad .. Created at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1896 not by a chef but by the maître d'hôtel, (dining room manager) Oscar Tschirky, the Waldorf salad was an instant success.
The original version of this salad contained only apples, celery and mayonnaise. Chopped walnuts later became an integral part of the dish. Waldorf salad is usually served on top of a bed of lettuce.
Ingredients
1 x 2 lb 4 oz (1 kg) cooked chicken, 4 sticks of celery (4 oz/110 g), chopped 8 spring onions,chopped (including the green parts) 2 oz (50 g) walnut halves, roughly chopped 6 oz (175 g) seedless black grapes, halved a few lettuce leaves sprigs of watercress, to garnish
For the dressing:
1 teaspoon sea salt 2 cloves garlic 2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon 2 rounded tablespoons mayonnaise 2 heaped dessertspoons natural yoghurt freshly milled black pepper
Begin by stripping the skin from the chicken and discarding it. Then remove the flesh from the bones and slice it into longish, 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick pieces, and place these in a large bowl. Next, add the chopped celery to the bowl, together with the spring onions and chopped walnuts.
Now for the dressing: place the salt in a mortar and crush it quite coarsely, then add the garlic and, as you begin to crush it and it comes into contact with the salt, it will quickly break down to a puree. Next add the tarragon, mayonnaise and yoghurt with a few twists of freshly milled pepper and blend everything together thoroughly. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together well to get a good coating of the dressing. Arrange some lettuce leaves in a large, shallow serving dish, pile the chicken salad on top, sprinkle the grapes all over, and, if you like, garnish with sprigs of watercress.

2006-07-21T14:48:00.000-05:00

Here are some quick suggestions for visitors with limited time in the area: The schedule is only a suggestion -- you may have more fun, or wish to take more time than mentioned below. One Day Stay To capture the essence of this city, here are suggestions for your first day (especially if its your only day) in the Okanagan. Starting at the northern end, here are the things you should make an effort to see:
Sicamous, the narrows that join Shuswap and Mara Lake, home to hundreds of houseboats
Kalamalka Lake Lookout, just south of Vernon has a great view of this beautiful lake
Without picking favourites, stop at any of the 20 wineries in the valley. All offer free samples (to those over 19.... certainly not us!!) and many offer tours. The first is Grey Monk, beetween Vernon and Kelowna, and you'll see them every few miles down to the US border.
Kelowna's City Park, downtown just east of the Floating Bridge offers great waterfront views and a pretty downtown shopping district on Bernard Street.
Knox Mountain Park, north of downtown on Ellis Street, offers great views up and down the Lake.
Giant's Head Mountain, just above the town of Summerland, looks like a Giant's Head, and has a road and then a short hiking trail to the top
Penticton's Okanagan Beach, Main Street shopping district, and Skaha Beach on the south of town are a tight visual feast for visitors. (There are several wineries north of Penticton on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake.)
If you have time left, be sure to head down to Osoyoos, just north of the USA border, to see the only true desert in Canada, and a banana tree orchard!
From here you would catch the Number 3 highway, either heading east through the Crowsnest Pass into Alberta or west through Manning Park into the Lower Mainland. A Longer StayIf you are able to spend more time in the area, there are many things to see and do, depending on your interests. Check out all the Okanagan Area Attractions, organized by category or each of the communities. Oh Yes, we are going to have fun and lots of it with Ken, Anne and family. A MILLION THANKS ..... a million hugs and kisses xxxxx

How to Keep up with Summer Watering

2006-07-21T14:36:00.000-05:00

There are a number of ways in which you can make the most of your water supplies.
Target the specific areas of the plant that needs water. For most plants this means watering the area of soil around the roots.
Do not saturate the plant with water because some of the water will evaporate or run off. Water until the soil feels moist.
Avoid watering in the midday sun because the water will evaporate. The best time to water the garden is early in the morning or evening.
If possible, use a watering can rather than a hose or sprinkler. It will be easier to target a specific area of the plant.
To reduce evaporation, don't water when it's windy.
Watering plants less frequently, but deeply and thoroughly helps them to develop healthy, deep root systems.
Automatic watering systems should be altered according to the time of day, season and level of rainfall.
Collect rainwater in a water butt to use later. It is easy to connect one to your existing guttering and downpipes.
Before planting, dig down deeply into the soil. It is better for water penetration and will increase its moisture-retaining qualities in dry periods.
Improve your soil by adding organic matter such as compost, manure or leaf-mould. This also increases its moisture-retaining qualities

Make-Ahead Decadent Chocolate Mousse .... just for lovers and friends

2006-06-20T16:41:00.000-05:00

1 bar (400 g) Milk Chocolate with Honey Almond Nougat (I use Pres. Choice
1 can (425 g) Pres. Choice Devon Custard (yummy with all desserts)
1 cup (250 mL) 35% whipping cream

Instructions
Break chocolate into pieces, setting aside two triangle segments. Place in microwave-safe bowl and microwave on MEDIUM-HIGH for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until chocolate is melted. Stir in custard.
In another bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into custard mixture. Divide among 8 glasses. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill for 2 to 3 hours.
Coarsely chop reserved chocolate triangles. Sprinkle over mousse just before serving.
* Chill for 3 hrs
Recipe Tips
To melt chocolate on stove top, place in bowl set over (not in) saucepan of simmering water for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until melted. Remove bowl from saucepan before stirring in custard.
Nutritional Information
Calories 442 Cal; Fat 29 g; Sodium 62 mg; Carbohydrate 40 g; Protein 5.2 g

Easy, Cool Summer Salad

2006-06-20T16:23:00.000-05:00

1 English cucumber, peeled and cut in bite-sized pieces
4 vine-ripened tomatoes, cut in bite-sized pieces
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 tub (175 g) Goats Milk Feta Cheese in brine, drained and crumbled
1 cup (250 mL) drained pitted black olives
1/2 cup (125 mL) Vinaigrette (I use Pres. Choice Mediterranean)

Instructions
In large bowl, gently toss together cucumber, tomatoes, onions, feta, olives and vinaigrette

Grilled Montreal Steak and Corn

2006-06-20T16:16:00.000-05:00

This classic dish of corn on the cob and a great steak has summer written all over it!
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes Makes 4 servings
1/2 cup salted butter, softened 1 tbsp Montreal Steak Spice , 4 ears corn, 2 tsp New! Montreal Steak Spice, 4 boneless striploin steaks, 8 oz. 1 lime, cut in four wedges
1. In small bowl and using wooden spoon, beat butter until smooth. Beat in 1 tbsp steak spice. Spoon onto piece of plastic wrap. Roll into a log. Chill until firm.
2. Preheat barbecue to medium heat.
3. Discard corn husks. Rinse corn under cold running water. Shake off excess water. Wrap each ear separately in foil. Place on grill. Cook with lid up for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, rub 2 tsp steak spice over both sides of steaks. Place steaks on greased grill; cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium, or to desired doneness.
4. Place a steak on each of four dinner plates. Cut log of butter in half. Re-wrap half to use another day; cut remainder crosswise into eight medallions. Carefully unwrap corn; place one ear of corn on each plate. Top corn and steak each with a compound butter medallion. Serve wedge of lime with corn.

To Start ..... just a few munchies and drinkie poohs

2006-06-20T16:03:00.000-05:00

Curry Dip
Serves: 8
Nonfat yogurt and low-fat mayonnaise make this creamy dip a good addition to any veggie plate. INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise, 3/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt, 2 teaspoons tarragon vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, 2 teaspoons chili sauce
DIRECTIONS1. Combine all ingredients and chill in refrigerator for at least 3 hours. 2. Serve with crisp raw vegetables. NUTRITION INFO (per 2-tbsp serving)
Calories: 19.4 .... so NON-fattening!!! Fat: 1.2 g Carbohydrates: 1.4 g Protein: 0.7 g

SUMMER TIME .... time for fun, family and friends ...have a great time!!

2006-06-20T15:54:00.000-05:00

Hope you all have a wonderful, fun-filled summer with all those you love around you. Splash a lot, soak each other and when the fun is done, hope you have some great meals on the barbie with all your friends and family.

There's More to Tomatoes than in the Eating

2006-05-31T13:51:00.000-05:00

The tomato is ready to plant out once the first flower-bearing truss has formed.
Watering the plants regularly will help to prevent the fruits' skin from splitting.
When four trusses have set fruit, remove the growing tip to hasten ripening.
Remove sideshoots: Using your thumb and finger, nip out any sideshoots that develop between the leaf and the stem to help channel the plant's energy into its fruits. Watering and regular feeding with a high-potash fertiliser will ensure a plentiful, healthy crop.
Remove weed competition from around the tomato plants during the summer.
Pick the fruits when they are fully ripe, to capture all the flavour.

Can Tomatoes Help Prevent Cancer?

2006-05-31T13:45:00.000-05:00

Putting the romance of the western world's fourth most popular fruit (after bananas, apples and oranges) to one side, there's a lot more to tomatoes than just good looks and a great taste. Tomatoes contain virtually no fat and no cholesterol. They are very low in calories, typically only 10-15 kcals for a medium sized fruit, and are packed full of Vitamins A, C and E.
But it's the tomato's natural red pigment, lycopene, that has had the medical profession mooting its role as a "miracle fruit" most recently. The Cancer Research Campaign has recommened people increase the amount of fresh, ripe tomatoes they eat. Evidence suggests that a high intake of lycopene (an effective antioxidant ) can reduce the risk of cancer and other serious diseases.
Scientists have developed a genetically modified tomato which could be used to keep people healthy. They believe the fruit could even help to ward off heart disease and cancer.
Using gene technology they were able to increase levels of beneficial chemicals called falvonols in tomato peel.
Flavonols are powerful antioxidants, chemicals which fight disease by neutralising harmful oxygen molecules that circulate in the body, damaging tissues and accelerating the ageing process.
Some foods, such as onions and tea, are rich in these substances.
They are found naturally in tomato skin, but at much lower levels.
The British and Dutch scientists found that flavonol synthesis in the tomato is governed by an enzyme called chalcone isomerase.

An Irresistible Summer Tomato Tart - easier than all the wording it takes to tell you about it!!

2006-05-31T13:33:00.000-05:00

Preparation time 30 mins
Cooking time 30 mins
Healthy and Gluton Free tart which would go well with a salad of rocket leaves or a good green salad. You might like to substitute goat's cheese or buffalo mozzarella for feta occasionally.
Ingredients: 2 red peppers, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 quantity of pastry or 9 inch bought pastry shell, rice flour, for dusting, egg wash, 175g/6oz feta cheese, 10 or more basil leaves, salt and freshly ground pepper, sugar (or balsamic vinegar) 8 tbsp tomato fondue (see below) 2-3 tbsp gluten-free pesto For the tomato fondue: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 110g/4oz onions, sliced1 garlic clove, crushed, 900g/2lb very ripe tomatoes, peeled, in summer, or 2½ x 400g/14oz cans tomatoes in wintersalt, freshly ground black pepper and sugar, to taste, 1 tbsp any of the following:freshly chopped mint or torn basil or a mixture of thyme, parsley, lemon balm and marjorama few drops of balsamic vinegar NB: This makes more than the required amount of tomato fondue. However, the remainder can be used as a sauce for pasta, a filling for omelettes, a topping for pizza or a base for bean stews.
Method1. For the tomato fondue, heat the oil in a heavy-based cast-iron or stainless-steel saucepan. Add the onions and garlic, toss until coated, cover and sweat on a gentle heat until soft but not coloured. It is vital for the success of this dish that the onions are completely soft before the tomatoes are added. Slice the peeled fresh or canned tomatoes and add with all the juice to the onions.2. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper and sugar (canned tomatoes need lots of sugar because of their high acidity). Add the herbs. Cook, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and continue to cook for about 10 minutes more, or until the tomato softens. Cook fresh tomatoes for a shorter time to preserve the lively fresh flavour. 3. Add a few drops of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking to greatly enhance the flavour.4. For the tart, preheat the oven to 250C/475F/Gas 9.5. First roast the red peppers. Place them on a baking tray and rub the surface with a little olive oil. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, until they are soft and the skin blisters. Put them in a bowl and cover with cling film. Leave until cool enough to handle. Peel the peppers and remove the stalk and seeds but don't wash away the sweet juices. Cut into strips. 6. Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/350F/Gas 4.7. Make the savoury pastry following the recipe. Roll out the pastry on a very lightly rice-floured board. Line the tin with the pastry to a thickness of about 3mm/1/8in. Line to the top with parchment paper and fill with baking beans. Chill the pastry for a further 15-20 minutes and then bake the tart base blind for 15 minutes or until pale golden. 8. Remove the beans and paper, brush the tart shells with a little beaten egg and return to the oven for a further two minutes. This seals the pastry and helps to avoid a soggy bottom!9. Crumble the feta cheese using the tips of your fingers and spread half the cheese over the base of the pastry. Arrange a layer of roasted red pepper strips and basil leaves on top. Season with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of sugar or balsamic vinegar (take care when seasoning as feta is quite salty). Cover with eight tablespoons of tomato fondue and spread the remaining feta cheese over. 10. Return the tart to the oven for 10-15 minutes until it is hot and bubbly. Drizzle the tart generously with pesto and serve immediately. It is much more than yummy!!!

and yet ..... more tomatoes ... this one is easy peasy!!

2006-05-31T13:23:00.000-05:00

Baked Tomatoes

Serves 4; Prep time: 10 minutes; Total time: 30 minutes
4 tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon mixed dried herbs (thyme, marjoram, oregano, and basil)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

1. Preheat oven to 425°. Halve 4 tomatoes lengthwise; slice off a sliver from the skin side so that the halves lie flat in a baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, toss together 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon mixed dried herbs (thyme, marjoram, oregano, and basil), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Mound mixture on top of each tomato half.
3. Bake until tomatoes are soft and topping is crisp and browned, about 20 minutes.
Per serving: 72 calories; 4.7 grams fat; 2.3 grams protein; 5.9 grams carbohydrates per serving

The Firmament

2006-05-18T23:22:00.000-05:00

That Nature hung in Heav'n, and filled their lamps
With everlasting oil, to give due light To the misled and lonely traveller. Milton

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger,who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead:His eyes are closed.
Albert Einstein

The word firmamentum means in classical Latin a strengthening or support. The firmament was the eighth sphere carrying the fixed stars, which surrounded the seven spheres of the planets in the geocentric model.

Gaak --- Artifical Intelligence

2006-05-18T23:16:00.000-05:00

In June 2002, a robot called Gaak gave an alarming demonstration of its independence. It made a dash for freedom from an exhibit at the Magna science centre in Rotherham. Gaak crept along a barrier until it found a gap and squeezed through. Having left the building, it reached Magna’s exit by the M1 motorway before it was rumbled.

Just Love

2006-05-18T23:12:00.000-05:00

No Lies .... just love
so when your new eyes meet mine, they won't see no lies .... just love, just love.
Bright Eyes

Happy Mother's Day and Thanks to Mitochondrial DNA

2006-05-14T10:13:00.000-05:00

"Where do we come from?" This has been one of the fundamental questions asked by humans for thousands of years.

Physical anthropologists have been providing an answer for over a hundred years by studying morphological characteristics, such as skull shape, of the fossilised remains of our human and proto-human ancestors. For the last 15 years or so, molecular anthropologists have been comparing the DNA of living humans of diverse origins to build evolutionary trees. Mutations occur in our DNA at a regular rate and will often be passed along to our children. It is these differences (polymorphisms) that, on a genotypic level, make us all unique and analysis of these differences will show how closely we are related. However, different approaches used by molecular and physical anthropologists have led to opposing views on how modern humans evolved from our archaic ancestors. Mitochondrial DNA is present inside the nucleus of every cell of our body but it is the DNA of the cell's mitochondria that has been most commonly used to construct evolutionary trees.
Mitochondria have their own genome of about 16,500 bp that exists outside of the cell nucleus. Each contains 13 protein coding genes, 22 tRNAs and 2 rRNAs. They are present in large numbers in each cell, so fewer samples are required.
They have a higher rate of substitution (mutations where one nucleotide is replaced with another) than nuclear DNA making it easier to resolve differences between closely related individuals.
They are inherited only from the mother, which allows tracing of a direct genetic line.
They don't recombine. The process of recombination in nuclear DNA (except the Y chromosome) mixes sections of DNA from the mother and the father creating a garbled genetic history.
Happy Mother's Day and if you are saying it with flowers remember to thank your mothers for their Mitochondrial DNA and your genetic lineage.

Just as your Mother told you : an apple a day keeps the doctor away

2006-04-22T09:47:00.000-05:00

EAT WELL and stay healthy. An apple a day could inhibit the growth of human cancer cells by about 50%. The active ingredients are most likely the phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the apple.

So always remember to listen to your Mum xxxxx

String Theory, Parallel Universes and other things I don't understand

2006-04-22T09:06:00.000-05:00

The idea of travelling forward into the future or back into the past has always fascinated science fiction writers. The 'grandfather paradox' is the argument many people use to suggest that time travel is impossible. What if you went back in time and prevented your grandfather from meeting your grandmother so that your mother was never born? Then you would never have been born... and so on.
Until very recently such arguments led most scientists to believe that time travel could never exist outside science fiction. But amazingly, some interpretations of the weirdness of the quantum world now suggest that time travel is possible - at least in theory.
Gravity and black holes : Einstein's theory of relativity brought space and time together in a single, four-dimensional arrangement that he called spacetime. We know that we can travel forwards, backwards and sideways in space, so why not forwards and backwards in time?
Four dimensions are difficult to imagine, so physicists usually suggest you think of spacetime as a rubber sheet stretched out flat. If there are no large masses around, the sheet stays flat, and so any object placed on it will move around in straight lines. But a large mass, such as the sun, makes a dip in the sheet because it actually warps spacetime. Now any other object with smaller mass, like our Earth, moving about in spacetime rolls into the dip as it comes past the Sun. It appears 'attracted' to the large mass. This effect of warping spacetime is what gives rise to gravity.
The Universe is full of heavy objects exerting gravitational effects and the net result is that spacetime is not flat at all but curved. Everything, including light, has to follow curved paths in spacetime. We know Einstein was right about this because astronomers can sometimes see distant stars that ought to be masked by nearer objects such as the sun. Instead of travelling in straight lines and hence being blocked, the light from the stars bends round the obstruction.
When a star reaches the end of its life, it may collapse inwards under the influence of its own gravity to such an extent that all its matter becomes concentrated into an extremely dense object a fraction of its original size. This is a black hole. Black holes have such a huge gravitational pull that nothing can escape from them, not even light. We cannot see them but we have good evidence that they exist. We can see stars behaving in ways which suggest that they are being pulled about by a nearby invisible object with enormous mass.
What does a black hole do to spacetime? Relativity predicts that at the centre of a black hole is an infinitely dense point, called a singularity, within which all the normal laws of physics no longer apply. Time, space, matter and energy no longer have any well-defined meaning. Einstein's equations show that such a singularity doesn't just make a dip in the imaginary rubber sheet of spacetime, it makes a tunnel that goes right through and momentarily opens out on the other side.
Einstein's theory of relativity only deals with the physics of what happens on big scales. It cannot deal with what happens at the centre of a black hole, or what happened during the moment of the Big Bang at the birth of the Universe when spacetime itself was infinitesimally small. That takes us back into the world of quantum physics.
If you could look at spacetime with a magnifying glass so powerful that it reached down to the quantum scale, you would not see the smooth, continuous sheet of Einstein's spacetime. Just as a foam rubber ball looks smooth from a distance but rough and ragged close up. In this picture of spacetime it is quite likely that tiny holes could open up, entrances to little tunnels between now and other times, or between here and other universes. Another option for future time travellers would be somehow to harness these tiny wormholes and expand them.
Many worlds, many futures?To return to the question that has puzzled thinkers since Newton's day, is the future preordained? Or are there an infinite number of futures? One way of looking at the quantum world suggests that not only are there an infinite number of futures, but they are realised in an infinite number of universes.
But the idea of parallel universes provides a possible resolution to the 'grandfather paradox' that might otherwise cause problems for time travellers. If we travel back in time and change history, we launch ourselves into a new future in a parallel universe - but we have no effect on the present one from which we started out.
Scientists of the future may well pursue a new form of futuristic technology based on quantum effects. Such applications could include quantum teleportation, by which a quantum particle can be teleported from one point in space to another; and quantum computation, where calculations can be carried out which would take many years on a conventional computer. (Copyright BBC science programs) Fascinating stuff, don't ya think? 11th dimension, time travel, parallel universes, not just science fiction but science theory (or are they one and the same?). In two weeks, look for great news on Mitochondrial DNA in time for Mother's Day!!

A Joyous Easter : a Christian Celebration and a Pagan Rite of Spring

2006-04-10T06:21:00.000-05:00

It is believed that the name Easter is derived from the Scandinavian word "Ostra" and the Teutonic word "Ostern" or "Eastre." They are the goddesses who signify fertility and Spring.

The egg is a symbol of Easter because it is associated with fertility and new life. Eggs have been associated with Easter for centuries.
The world's largest Easter egg is located in Vegreville, Alberta. The Vegreville Pysanka ("Easter Egg" in Ukrainian) stands 31 feet high and weighs 5,000 pounds.
The Cadbury Creme Egg made its debut in 1971.
The most valuable Easter eggs are Fabergé eggs, created for the Russian royal family. They are enameled and jewelled.
The Easter Bunny tradition dates back to pre-Christian times when the hare and the rabbit were the most fertile animals known. They were chosen as a symbol of new life during spring.
The first edible bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s.
In Australia, the rabbit is a pest and does much damage to the environment. Instead, many Australian's have claimed the bilby, a native rodent, as their Easter symbol.
The Easter Lily is the symbol of resurrection and the purity of Christ. Why not decorate your home with flowers this Easter

May it not be that, just as we have to have faith in Him, God has to have faith in us and, considering the history of the human race so far, may it not be that "faith" is even more difficult for Him than it is for us?
(W.H. (Wystan Hugh) Auden (1907-1973), Anglo-American poet. "God," A Certain World (1970).)

On Palm Sunday ... a Chocolate Cake to make for Easter!!

2006-04-08T12:15:00.000-05:00

When friends care ...... they share .... so for Easter ....my very favourite chocolate cake recipe. Yes, it is from scratch but not any more difficult once you have all ingredients together .... and the taste is to die for!! Thought I would post now so that you can get all ingredients ready to make for next Sunday. Enjoy!! Happy Easter.

Fay's Chocolate Cake:

Ingredients: 1/2 cup unstalted butter at room temperature, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 cup water, 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped, 2 tsp espresso powder (or strong espresso made in 1/4 cup of the water above - this is what I do as I can't find espresso powder), 1 3/4 cups pastry flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup sour cream. Method: Preheat oven to 350 def. F. butter and flour two 9-inch cake pans. Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In a small pan, stir water, chocolate and espresso powder over low heat until melted. Allow to cool slightly before beating into butter mixture. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt and stir into batter alternatively with sour cream. Divide evenly between the 2 pans and bake for 25-35 mins. or until a tester inserted in the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool 15 mins and then turn cakes out onto a plate to cool completely. Frosting: 2 cups unsalted butter at room temperature, 12oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped, melted and cooled to room temperature,2 tsp vanila extract, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 1/2 cups icing sugar, sifted. Beat butter on high speed, scraping sides frequently, until light and fluffy. Add melted chocolate and mix. Add vanilla, salt and icing sugar and beat until smooth Assemble:Top one layer with icing and spread. Place second layer on top, ice sides and top. Chill cake to set .... but it is best stored and room temperature.

35M dollars US for a Turner actioned today at Christies.... this is my masterpiece

2006-04-06T14:26:00.000-05:00

I think you will all agree that my study in light and colour provides all that Turner had to offer and more. My painting is called "Rouge on Red" : A RETROSPECTIVE OF CITY LIFE ENCOMPASSING THE DURABILITY OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT. I welcome any bidders .... $20 is the bid for the Weekend-to-end Breast Cancer. Please make your bid in the comments. Love and bizous .... Emma xxxx

Emma's Biscotti

2006-04-01T14:06:00.000-06:00

This cranberry and pistachio biscotti recipe is easy ..... will keep ages and ages in an airtight tin and great dunked in a Starbucks espresso (sorry Tim H!!). Also packed with anti-oxidants (cranberries y'know!):
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup boiling water
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
3 large eggs, plus 1 large egg, lightly beaten, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped (2 1/2 ounces)
1. Preheat oven to 375°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Place cranberries in a small bowl; add boiling water. Let stand until plump, about 15 minutes. Drain, and set aside. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating to incorporate after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in vanilla. Add flour mixture, and mix on low speed until combined. Mix in cranberries and pistachios.
3. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape each piece into a 16-by-2-inch log, and transfer to prepared baking sheet, about 3 inches apart. With the palm of your hand, flatten logs slightly. Brush beaten egg over surface of the dough logs, and sprinkle generously with sugar.
4. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until logs are slightly firm to touch, about 25 minutes. Transfer logs on parchment paper to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300°.
5. Place logs on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut logs crosswise on the diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place a wire rack on a large rimmed baking sheet. Arrange slices, cut side down, on rack. Bake until firm to touch, about 30 minutes. Remove pan from oven; let biscotti cool completely on rack. Store in airtight container and enjoy with an espresso, latte or even a 3.25% bottle of milk, like I do!!

Happy All Fools' Day/Poisson d'avril

2006-04-01T11:26:00.000-06:00

Origins: In 1564 the French king of the time, Charles IX, decided they were going to adopt the Gregorian calendar and that, in future, New Year's Day would be celebrated on 1st January - no longer would it be held at the start of spring. Now, like in any other society, there's always going to be a few who think "Oh, really?" and carry on in the old tradition - like the campaigners for the retention of imperial measurement who are still challenging the authorities' right to impose it - and France had more than a few. There were also others who never got to hear of the change officially and just carried on with the old tradition oblivious of what the king had said. It was these characters who resisted (or never knew about) the change and who carried on celebrating New Year's Day on 1st April who were laughed at and regarded as fools and to mark the occasion people started to send them foolish gifts and invitations to parties that were never going to happen. These victims, at the time, were called "poisson d'avril" or April fish and the reason for this is disputed. One suggestion is because at this time the sun is leaving the zodiacal sign of Pisces (the fish) the other is because in April the newly hatched fish are easy to catch.So the French started it and by the 18th century it was widespread in Britain and the various emigrants to the Americas introduced it over there. One of the more favourite pranks at the time was to send someone on a "fool's errand" by sending the unwary to fetch or collect something ridiculous - a joke that was frequently played on young apprentices on their first days at work, probably right up until the 1970s. Unwary engineering apprentices were often send to the stores to fetch "a hat full of nail holes" or to go for "a long weight [wait].

Mmmmm ..... Banoffee Pie!!

2006-04-01T10:20:00.000-06:00

A decadently sinful pie. Perfect for a "girls" night or entertaining! Takes some time (but not attention) to prepare. You can follow the three steps below, watch your favourite ball game, read a book, luxuriate in a bath on a rainy day and still have this pie at the end of the day. It is very easy peasy with no culinary knowledge required ... just don't let the can of condensed milk boil dry you guys.!! Anyone can make this ..... and if you make it for someone you love ..... it is guaranteed to be very, very lucky!!
Ingredients: Can (400g) of condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk!) - Three large bananas - One packet of Choc Chip and Halzenut cookies (or any other cookies will do). Half-pint of double cream, or whipping cream - 2 tablespoons butter Method: 1: Toffee: Put the can of condensed milk in a pan of boiling water (NB- don't open the tin first!) and allow to boil for 2 hours. You should put a lid on the pan to prevent all the water boiling off. But keep checking periodically that pan has not boiled dry. After 2 hours, remove the can and leave to cool a little (you could pour cold water on it to cool the outside). When cool enough to handle, open the can carefully - the condensed milk will have caramelised and may well shoot out the opening. 2. Cookie Base: Crush the cookies in a freezer bag with a rolling pin until they are reduced to crumbs. Gently heat butter in a saucepan until liquid (or just leave at room temperature to soften). Pour crumbs and softened butter and mix until they start to bind together. Transfer to a pie dish and pat with a spoon so that they cover the base. Place in the fridge to set. 3. To Finish: Pour/spoon the toffee from the tin onto the cookie base in pie dish. Place back in the fridge to cool. Slice the bananas and arrange them on top of the toffee. Whip the cream until peaking, then fold on top and smooth out. Dust with chocolate powder for effect. Keep in the fridge until needed, covered with cling-film. You can also make this pie with two cans of condensed milk, more cookie crumbs, etc., and press into 9" spring-form pan as in picture!

So Google thinks I am a NUT!!

2006-03-25T16:03:00.000-06:00

Just 'cos my Nana called me Peanut but I guess if you act like one ..... doesn't Google know I am a human being with very human tendancies ... no macademia nuts for me .... just lots of nutrition from mummy and if I could just get this umbilical cord out of the way, my thumb would taste so GREAT!!!! Ten tiny fingers, ten tiny toes and knobbly knees to boot, I think I will be a great mogul skier ..... just like dad xxxxx

So this is PEANUT!!

2006-03-25T15:57:00.000-06:00

Hi, I am 3 months gestation .... and 3 1/2 inches tall. I am very happy here in mummy's tummy. Leave me a little while longer .... I like it xxxx

On the First Day of Spring

2006-03-20T15:15:00.000-06:00

Because today in Montreal is very sunny ..... but very cold -15C with the wind chill factor; I wanted you all to know that very soon the days will be just as in the photograph. Today won't let you forget to take advantage of the halcyon days to come. Some Spring thoughts:

March roars in like a lion so fierce, the wind so cold, it seems to pierce. The month rolls on and Spring draws near, and March goes out like a lamb so dear.

There is no foliage to compare with youngsters' sun-kissed, tousled hair: Spring's greatest joy beyond a doubt is when it brings the children out.

FOOD PORN!!! Chocolate-covered Strawberries - serve with the heart-shaped shortbread (below)

2006-03-20T15:00:00.000-06:00

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, 3 tablespoons heavy cream, 12 long-stemmed strawberries:
Melt the chocolate and cream together in a bowl set over simmering water until just melted. Stir and remove from the heat. Dip each strawberry in the chocolate and set aside on waxed or parchment paper to dry.

For the One you Love: Shortbread Hearts

2006-03-20T14:53:00.000-06:00

3/4 pound unsalted butter at room temperature, 1 cup sugar, plus extra for sprinkling, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 3 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In the bowl of an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and 1 cup of sugar until they are just combined. Add the vanilla. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt; then add them to the butter-and-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a surface dusted with flour and roll shape into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes. Roll the dough 1/2-inch thick and cut with a 3-inch heart-shaped cutter. Place the hearts on an ungreased sheet pan and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Note: The edges of the shortbread are ever so slightly sharper if you chill the cookies before baking them. You can cut out the cookies days ahead and bake them the day you serve them.

A Butterfly Birthday

2006-03-17T07:10:00.000-06:00

A dear friend amongst the orchids!! Happy pre-Birthday Donna!

Butterflies at the Montreal Botanical Gardens

2006-03-17T06:46:00.000-06:00

Stimulating, exciting and privileged exhibit at the Montreal Botanical Gardens. Do go if you are in Montreal (until end April). More than worth the visit as it makes everyone happy to be part of the beauty of nature.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

2006-03-14T06:09:00.000-06:00

Six retired Irishmen were playing poker in O'Leary's apartment when Paddy Murphy loses $500 on a single hand, clutches his chest and drops dead at the table.

Showing respect for their fallen brother, the other five continue playing standing up. Michael O'Conner looks around and asks, "Oh, me boys, someone got's to tell Paddy's wife. Who will it be?" They draw straws. Paul Gallagher picks the short one. They tell him to be discreet, be gentle and don't make a bad situation any worse. "Discreet??? I'm the most discreet Irishman you'll ever meet. Discretion is me middle name. Leave it to me." says Gallagher.

He goes over to Murphy's house and knocks on the door. Mrs. Murphy answers and asks what he wants. Gallagher declares: "Your husband just lost $500 and is afraid to come home." "Tell him to drop dead!", says Murphy's wife. "I'll go tell him." says Gallagher.

THE SUNDAY READ .... OR THE WALK-TO-WIN WRITING WORKSHOP CHALLENGE cont/d from 3 March

2006-03-13T14:55:00.000-06:00

To recap: This party for more than a thousand guests was totally business. Why else would you be in their company. A total disaster by his usual standards of working the room. His traditional schmoozing had been non-existent and subsequently showed no signs of baiting the next client. He could handle that. After all, everyone has off-days. And now for the next episode:

Through the haze of too many sub-standard glasses of Merlot, he wondered if he was developing a conscience. This terrified him. He tried to focus on finding her; she just may have the answer. God knows he didn’t. Off days. It seemed that just lately most of his days were off. He realized that his colleagues were staring at him. Had he spoken out loud?

The next morning as he lay recounting the events of the night before, her image took on the only meaning to the whole evening and yet he had not even spoken to her. Did he only imagine that she recognized him? Surely not. That small glimpse of recognition from her was what he clung to. He knew she certainly didn’t altogether look the same. Time can change so much but not the understanding of what they had had together.

By the time the hot water had rolled over his body, steamed up the bathroom mirror and was followed by the ritual of shaving at his hazy reflection, he knew he wasn’t going mad. In fact, it was altogether a dream. It was better she stayed in his mind. Something he could control. This new Susan was someone he did not know. And, more importantly he preferred that he didn’t know.

The close proximity of fellow passengers on a rush-hour bus into the city mingled with the bright, low-lying sun of what promised to be a warm and welcome Spring day eradicated all uneasiness of the previous evening. Similarly, the familiar tensions and jockeying-for-position humour of the work day cozied him into a recognizable pattern.

He arrived home later than usual that evening but his equilibrium had been reinstated. Comfortable he felt, back home. He cracked open a beer and turned on the CD he'd been playing that morning. It was then he noticed the flashing red button on the answering machine. On recollection, it was strange that he immediately sensed apprehension .... it could have been anyone ..... but it was her. ....... to be continued .....

A Real Fishy Story

2006-03-13T13:58:00.000-06:00

I know I said the second episode of the "Sunday Read" would be posted yesterday ........ but the "muse" did not make an appearance. Likely, fishy story you say ..... but it's mine and I'm sticking to it!! Only one addition to the story .... so I will respect that the muse is not showing herself to any of us!!

In the interim, I will leave you with a "thought for today"

Moral Excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just by doing just acts, temporate by doing temporate acts, brave by doing brave acts. Artistotle

In Vino Veritas

2006-03-11T11:08:00.000-06:00

Moderate drinkers have consistently been shown to have lower death rates than non-drinkers
It appears that moderate drinking protects against heart disease.
How it works is still in dispute. The chemicals in wine have antioxidant properties, and alcohol dilates small blood vessels and inhibits clotting.
A 2003 study suggested that wine also decreased the risk of peptic ulcers.
A study of nurses at Harvard School of Public Health concluded that moderate drinking by women cut the risk of diabetes by 58 per cent.
So here is to that "cozy-up-to" bottle of Merlot .... do everything you can my friends to stay healthy: exercise, travel, read and broaden your mind .... but in case, some of those days you don't feel like "putting out"; always remember the Merlot!!

YES, it's official and published!!!

2006-03-04T13:38:00.000-06:00

Two friends dedicated to finding the cure for breast cancer. Training every day so that in August they will be able to walk 60K in the second annual Weekend to End Breast Cancer in Montreal planned for August 25th-27th, 2006.

Kudos to you TWO: Terri and Donna:

Visit their HOPE CHEST:
http://www.endcancer.ca/site/TR?team_id=6093&pg=team&fr_id=1101
And, please help in whatever way you can, no matter how large or small. Each contribution is for all our friends, colleagues, sisters, daughters and granddaughters. We will find a way!

YOUR SUNDAY MORNING READ or The Walk-to-Win Writing Workshop Challenge

2006-03-04T11:02:00.000-06:00

His face had paled at the sight of her. For so long a part of his dreams and subconscious that this reality was total disbelief. It had been years and she was not altogether the person his memory had encapsulated. Time had made changes to her face, her hair, her body but above all, there remained her. Looking directly into her eyes, time evaporated and all the recollections of being together came thundering forward in his brain. A lifetime, or so it seemed, had halted in a moment. Yet, here she was in flesh and blood bringing the sense of old connections without understanding of this new veneer of change.

Cemented in time, he could do nothing else but stand mouth agape. She acknowledged him with the slightest flicker of recognition. So slight, that only he saw. Was it in his imagination? Regaining reality, he managed an answer to the colleague standing at his side. An answer, he knew had no bearing on the question but was accepted nonetheless. The whole evening took on a surreal quality of friends talking about topical events, food and drinks being handed around, laughter and quasi-intelligentsia. He spent the time searching for her amidst half-drunk colleagues, completely drunk friends, a throng of acquaintances and unknown faces, and at the same time, attempting to give credence to why he was here in the first place. But he never stopped looking for her. Once or twice he caught a glimpse; the top of her head or the back of her edging to a doorway. His attempts to be close to her were always thwarted by five-line deep, free food-and-drinks hangers-on.

This party for more than a thousand guests was totally business. Why else would you be in their company. A total disaster by his usual standards of working the room. His traditional schmoozing had been non-existent and subsequently showed no signs of baiting the next client. He could handle that. After all, everyone has off-days. TO BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY OR PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD THE NEXT PARAGRAPH IN THE COMMENT. IF IT FITS INTO THE STORYLINE, I'LL POST IT NEXT SUNDAY......... ALSO, BEAR IN MIND THAT THE FIRST LETTER OF EACH SUNDAY READ WILL BE A QUIZ ..... AND THE WINNER (WHO CAN CORRECTLY PROVIDE THE ANSWER) WILL BE THE PROUD OWNER OF A PERFECT PAIR!!

A Little Coffee Talk

2006-03-03T07:15:00.000-06:00

TGIF!! and wanted to wish you a great weekend but also to give you a great, very cheap recipe. Cheap that is if you have no cash flow and very little in your cupboards but your liquor cabinet is full!!! It will undoubtedly create romantic feelings on a shoestring (I think I could call this the maritime provinces cheap and cheerful way of getting laid --- no offense -- we're all looking for ways). Yer gonna luv it boy!!: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to pan. Add 2 cloves of garlic and 2 of minced shallots. Gently saute for 6 mins. Add 1 cup of vodka (heady stuff) and reduce by half (will take 2 or 3 mins). You can stand by the pan inhaling the fumes for these 3 mins so as not to waste the alcohol because after 3 mins, it will have evaporated!! Add 1 cup of chicken stock, 1 can (32 oz) of crushed tomatoes, salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 mins. In the meantime, cook your pasta (linguini) to al dente. Just before serving sauce, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and fresh basil to the sauce. Bring back to simmer. Taste and check for seasonings. Serve with the pasta. Hope your Friday night is nutritious, romantic and fulfilling!!

Untitled and Unfinished

2006-03-02T14:05:00.000-06:00

For Anne: a month in Florence!! Or a work in progress. Being annal retentive, my chair is tucked neatly under the table. Yours is where your a...se left it .... your off to see the view (with a room) and just a chardonnay xxxx

Mean, Lean, Bean Chili with MAGIC INGREDIENT (no it's not mushrooms but something more delectable)

2006-03-02T11:58:00.000-06:00

This chili calls for turkey meat but can be substituted with lean ground beef (but pour off any fat from cooked beef). Of course, this recipe can be doubled, quadrupled, etc. depending on how popular you are!!!
Cook 2 strips of chopped bacon until crisp (about 6 mins). Add 1 1/2 lbs ground dark-meat turkey and cook on med. high, stirrring until no longer pink. Add 2 cups chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 med. minced jalapeno (with membrane and seeds if you like heat). Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin and now for the VERY SECRET INGREDIENT -- add 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Cook 5 mins. approx. on med. heat, stirring occasionally. Add 1 (28 oz) can of whole tomatoes in puree, breaking up with your hands or spoon. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of molasses. Add 1 cup of water and 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 30 mins. partially covered. Add 1 or 2 cans of pinto beans (or your favourites, black, kidney, etc.) drained and rinsed. Simmer for another 30 mins (total cooking time 60 mins). Serve with cilantro leaves, pickled chilis, reduced fat sour cream and grated cheddar cheese (all optional). Great for freezing, better fresh and eaten with friends .... but best of all shared with friends after skiing or training for the WALK TO END BREAST CANCER!!

Thanks to Paul in Nagasaki

2006-02-28T10:42:00.000-06:00

As promised, a Kashmiri Chicken dish. Tried and True .... easy peasy ..... serve with any kind or rice:
Ingredients: 4 oz butter, 3 large onions (finely sliced), 10 peppercorns, 10 cardamom, 2 inch piece cinnamon stick, 2 inch piece of root ginger, chopped, 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped), 1 teaspoon chilli powder, 2 teaspoons paprika salt, 3 lb. chicken pieces, skinned (I usually used skinned chicken breasts), 8 oz natural yogurt.
Melt butter in deep, lidded frying pan. Add onions, peppercorns, cardamom and cinnamon and fry until onions are golden. Add ginger, garlic, chilli powder, paprika and salt to taste and fry for 2 minutes, stirrring occasionally. Add chicken pieces and fry until browned. Gradually add yogurt, stirring constantly. Cover and cook very gently for about 30 mins. Serve with fluffy boiled rice. For Paul xxxxx

So Delicious

2006-02-26T17:05:00.000-06:00

Just which one do you have your eye on????? Wanted to post this in my profile but d'ya think I can find the URL that will work. Anyone that can help me, please comment. In the meantime, enjoy your pastry, hmmmmmm so good!!!! Walk you say, oh I am just savouring this pastry first!

A PERFECT PAIR

2006-02-26T11:49:00.000-06:00

Walking (or trying to) so that all our friends, daughters and granddaughters will always have a PERFECT PAIR!! Please help!!

2006-02-26T11:42:00.000-06:00

A Perfect Pair

The Road Less Travelled

2006-02-25T08:21:00.000-06:00

And, certainly less travelled for me ... but it's true ... the smell of the tarmac is calling (that's if we ever get rid of the snow!!

Only 3 people have responded or commented on my site!! A little bit downcast about that!! By the way, I did post "how-to" points about making a comment below. So for now I will prefer to think that is intimidation and not that you don't love me xxxxx But if it goes on for much longer :{

Keep commenting and as I will keep on saying, keep clicking the ads!!

I keep searching and searching for you!!

2006-02-24T20:43:00.000-06:00

Make my day .... post a comment!!

Would love to hear from you.

Entered link for the end cancer website. It's on the right .... over there ------->

If you want another site posted, let me know

Where are you? Not interested in supporting the cure to end breast cancer?

2006-02-24T20:29:00.000-06:00

I did think that I would have heard from some of you before now!!! I know .... you all have busy lives ..... don't rub it in. But perhaps, you don't want to reveal yourself. That's OK, just choose a made up name when you enter a comment and make it a little provocative. We don't want this blog to be the most boring this side of the parallel universe. If you need a helping hand:

click on comment
enter text on right hand side text box
click on circle for "other" or annonymous .... for me "other" is better ... you can then add a silly but clever name
publish .... and that's all there is
please do it often ....... post a comment I mean
MOST OF ALL, CLICK ON THE ADS

2006-02-24T20:27:00.000-06:00

2006-02-24T15:53:00.000-06:00

2006-02-24T11:46:00.000-06:00

A picture of me and my darling hubby ....... (that's if my friend ever croaks and leaves him to me in her will). A splendid gala night at the Oscars ..... only for the rich and famous y'know!! By the way, just who is that beer guzzler in the background?????

If only I could be this addicted to exercise!

2006-02-24T10:56:00.000-06:00

Oh yeah ...... can't leave blogging alone ..... and received my very first comment ..... thanks Annie Pannie xxx Kind words, kindred spirit and the kindling I need! But with this bloggging addiction .... seems like no time for those calf muscles. Yet all those skinny latte friends of mine are out there getting pumped. Looking good. Motivated and purpose driven. I've fallen of the wagon so much I'm battered and bruised. Can't get up ..... so the couch looks great!! Quiet contemplation is the order for the day. Yeah, I'll put off what I could do today ..... for tomorrow!! Isn't there a quote like that?????? :}

A host of golden daffodils

2006-02-24T02:59:00.000-06:00

Do you ever think this day will come when Spring has sprung?

In the depths of February ..... it still seems a long way off.

For my two friends that are walking to find a cure for breast cancer. These days will soon come when all your training will be a breeze on bright Spring days.

Aren't daffodils the symbolic flower for cancer funding?

Is this a daffodil or narcissus? A jounquil by any other name ............

Emma

2006-02-23T23:48:00.000-06:00

The walk, the fight, and finding the cure is for all our daughters, granddaughters, friends and families.

And, for me, especially this cutie petutie!!

Second attempt

2006-02-23T22:44:00.000-06:00

Hmmm, just lost my first attempt, so if at first and all that ......

It really isn't as scary as I first said!! After all, it's only emailing but on a bit grander scale. And, because we are all tempted to read the last pages of the book to see how it turns out, I snuck a peek at the preview and found my "first attempt". So without any further ado ....

I wanted to make a diary about my friends and family that we can all share, edit together, laugh about, get opinionated about and even find some opinions from others that we can appreciate, or disagree with and even snigger about. So here goes!!

Can someone out there help with velcro on the arse???? sic; couch mango!! Totally lacking in motivation. Strangely enough - only physically!! I am so fervent in all my dreams and ideas but the road to hell ........ Let me get to the point: two friends are training for a 60K walk ...... yes 60K and I am very envious. Know in my mind and heart I could do the same but can't seem get off the couch/TV or the internet. Perhaps I can talk my way through it (with some thoughts and ideas from you!). Oh yes, I was getting to the point ........ THIS IS WHAT THIS BLOG IS ALL ABOUT ....... THE WALK TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER!! It takes place at the end of August so I need your help if I am to be part of it. Do you think that by committing to cyberspace I will actually do something about it. After all, verbalizing about it for the past six months hasn't changed a single thing! Desperate times call for desperate measures .....