Snow Day, Slow Day

A snow day --it's a rare guilty pleasure for a working Canadian on a cold winter's day; a get-out-of-jail for free card; a one day suspension from any and all obligations; a precious portion of time to be squandered or spent exactly how I see fit!

So with open hours sprawled out before me, I hunkered under the fluffy down duvet and watched morning television from the comfort of my cosy bed; I drank hot mugs of coffee while I watched the white stuff pile up against the window; and I checked in with my loved ones.

With Kidlet's birthday tomorrow, I had potato leek soup to make and a cake to bake. With country music as the soundtrack, I chopped, sauteed, and pureed, stirred and mixed, and baked and cooked. I resisted the urge to lick the icing from the beaters - or my fingers for that matter. And when I was all done, it looked like a cyclone had blown through the kitchen. But a few Mary Chapin Carpenter songs later and I had it cleaned and order was restored.

It's been a good day... freedom day... hours spent with no plans and nothing to do but follow my heart's desires. Who cares if my hair smells like leek soup or that I wasn't able to get out to buy salad fixings for the lunch tomorrow -- it was a day of peaceful perfection and a wonderful, slow, snow day. And for that I am so very grateful.

Bake Off

I took a Betty Crocker moment for myself and decided to squeeze in some last minute Christmas baking. If there was a prize for good intention then I would get the BIG one; but unfortunately the end products wouldn't earn more than a "completed" grade. It was all half baked .... I had to use the last remnants of the cake flour mixed with some whole wheat (didn't find the 5 pound bag of all purpose flour in the storeroom until AFTER I finished baking); the shortening shortfall had to be supplemented with butter; the rock hard sugar had to be pounded back into granules and I only had two thirds of the molasses I needed.

The result of my valiant efforts: 16 cranberry/currant scones, 2 dozen ginger cookies that you could break a tooth on and one big flour dusted, molasses mired, sticky mess to clean up! Hubby has directed me not to toss my cookies as he plans to eat them,

The upside: the house is filled with the heavenly scent of ginger, cloves and cinnamon -- and it almost completely masks the residual skunk odour. Now the happy baker is off to bed.

Simply Perfect

It's been one of those days that I will file under "simply perfect". Mother Nature so generously bestowed some beautiful autumn weather, with warm brilliant sunshine haloing the gold and yellow leaves. I shut the furnace off and threw open the windows to let the fresh air blow through the house. I cleaned my fridge, made a call to update my dad on the election results, gloated over the Liberal victory with him and then dashed off to do my grocery shopping with my eldest girl.

I was feeling the abundance so I said "yes" to everyone who was collecting. I baked pumpkin tarts, made a brownie mile high cake and peeled everything that needed the outer layer removed. I stopped short of my neck. I filled vases with rustic bouquets and lit pumpkin spice votives and resisted the urge to eat them. Tomorrow we are having the family over for Thanksgiving dinner and I am almost ready. Tomorrow I will dust off the vacuum, declutter (dump everything into a laundry basket) the top of every flat service in the kitchen, make stuffing, and set the table. Hubby will coax the innards out of the turkey and work his magic on the 20 lb bird. My stomach just growled. I'm getting hungry.

I think I may have ingested half my daily calories in cake batter. I got to lick the spatulas AND the bowls ... and now you know what made this day simply perfect!  To my fellow Canadians celebrating Thanksgiving, I wish you a wonderful weekend and hope that you have someone you love to share the wishbone with.

Fast Food

First day back at work after a few days off and surprise, surprise ... it was a little hectic. I finally surrendered to the 33 degree Celsius heat on the way home and turned on the air conditioning. It was already past 6 pm when I rolled through the door with a growling commotion in my tummy. A quick inventory of the fridge and cupboards confirmed my shopping neglect. I bypassed the canned maple beans and resisted the grilled cheese sandwich option. I wanted a healthy dinner, and I wanted it NOW.

I found some frozen mahi mahi fillets and fired up the BBQ. A sifting mission in the veggie drawer produced 3 asparagus spears, half a red pepper, some baby carrots, a thick slice of yellow pepper, an onion and some cherry tomatoes. I tossed them with olive oil, sea salt, basil, fresh ground pepper and a splash of lemon juice. I rubbed the frozen fillets with olive oil and Cajun spicing. The box had promised a cooking time of 14 minutes. After 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes cooking time I had a delectable, healthy dinner.  The 1 minute microwavable rice completed the plate. It was a little gift I gave myself - a relaxing wind down from a busy day. And I think I'm worth the effort.

Cupcake Follies

I can cook, but I am not what you would call a baker. I have flirted with with flour, butter and eggs but my expertise is somewhat limited; case in point, my birthday cakes have been coined "avalanche cakes" [definition: cake that breaks upon spontaneously, with little or no coaxing]. But I thought the upcoming bridal tea I am throwing my sis-in-law was the perfect opportunity for me to get reacquainted with my muffin tins.

My enthusiasm was unbridled as I darted about the kitchen pulling eggs, milk and butter out of the fridge, scooping flour and greasing pans. I was on a mission to  make a few dozen mini cupcakes that I could freeze for now and then frost in a few weeks for the tea. I had never made mini cupcakes and I wish I'd have read the recipe with my cheaters. I ended up with a huge bowl of batter and you would think that the worst was over ... but really, the challenge had just begun. How to get the batter into those itty bitty mini cups? I tried several techniques: little spoon with little spoon to catch the drips; big spoon with little spoon to catch; and batter dripped from the measuring cup with my fingers to stop the slop. What a mess! Brought new meaning to "finger licking good". I was concerned that after I had filled the 24 mini cups with batter I still had a lots left (despite that which was spent on the counter, the spatula, the spoon collection, my fingers, and nose). I went back over each little cup and filled it up to the brim, even though the recipe called for two thirds full. What other choice did I have? I could only lick so much batter ...

My daughter pointed out that the recipe called for 24 regular sized cupcakes. My unaided eyes saw "petite" and just assumed that it had said 24 mini cakes. Cr@p! Let's just say once it baked, there was "spillage". All in all, I think I salvaged enough of the chocolatey treasures for the tea and I am standing by my mantra that "frosting can cure all". I have licked enough baking implements to last a lifetime and I had a bit of a clean up on my hands but I had alot of fun. This first "date" was just to get acquainted and the next time around, I just know I won't be as intimidated. There's no way 24 mini, petite, itty bitty cupcakes are going to defeat me -- now excuse me -- there are defects to eat!

Summoning My Inner Domestic Goddess

It's been a while since my last post; I just haven't been in the groove lately. I can't decide if I have been just tired, or uninspired. But there's nothing to kick start the creative juices like an afternoon puttering around doing household chores and hanging in the kitchen chopping, mixing, stirring and making delicious food.

A few weeks ago I started on a laundry room make over to go along with our new appliances. I painted, hubby put a new floor in, we refinished a re-purposed cabinet and reworked the closet space. We still have to deal with the grungy, paint splattered laundry sink and add storage and a counter top but with the changes we've already made, the room has already taken on a fresh feeling. Laundry is a pleasure!

After a trip to the grocery store I came home and called on my inner domestic goddess. The split pea soup I was making for my daughter was a first for me. From the first moment I pulled out the fresh cilantro and assembled the fresh vegetables for the soup I could feel my mood lighten. Therapeutic scrubbing and chopping and culinary aromatherapy was just what the day ordered. I substituted peal meal bacon for the ham called for in the recipe, and I forgot to remove it from the pot before I pureed the soup. The idea is to partially puree the soup and then add the meat back in for body. The result is tasty but looks more like "cream" split pea soup. Oh well ... I can't muster even a shred of disappointment. 

I still get a faint wisp of cilantro every time my hair moves and the residue of onion and garlic remains on my hands despite the numerous hand washings ... souvenirs of my earthy day in the kitchen. It was good to see my inner domestic goddess again. It's been a while. 

It's been a good day; a peaceful one. I am ready and eager to face my week head on. And for that, I am truly grateful. Is that my washer chiming?

Channeling Martha

Today is my eldest daughter's birthday. I wanted to do something a little special for her on our famjam today -- throw my heart and soul into  a cake mix rather than take the civilized easy way out and just buy one. Oh my intentions were noble indeed. I think I inhaled a little too much flour dust because my enthusiasm got a little out of hand and I decided to also tackle a gluten free cake for my middle daughter, whose birthday was just over a week ago.

"Go for it!" my inner domestic goddess voice shrieked. In a matter of minutes pans were being greased amid a flour storm of baking activity and copious amounts of gluten free flour and organic raw sugar and honey were being tossed into the gooey stew of apple cranberry cake. I was in baking ecstasy and feeling pretty darn proud of myself -  until I tasted the batter. Maybe I have been eating wheat too long, but the uncooked gluten free cake had a consistency like plaster of paris and tasted alot like corn starch. I added more cloves and cinnamon and hoped that the cooked version would be edible.

The gluten free apple cake sat queued on the stove waiting while the marble bundt cake baked. The heavenly smell of cinnamon baking filled the house - and the anticipation mounted. One down and the other cake baking away, I flipped the bundt cake over and gently  pounded the tin with my hammer. Then ever so slowly, I lifted the pan to reveal my culinary wonder. Cr@p! Half the cake stayed in the pan --- another "avalanche" special (my signature dish).

Thanks to a healthy application of icing, the cake made like Humpty Dumpty and was carefully put back together. I admit as I sat wilted covered in flour amid the clutter of dirty spatulas, bowls, and batter splattered countertops I felt defeated - and regretted my ambitious intentions.

I needn't have worried. According to my daughter, the apple cake was the best gluten free cake she ever tasted. I slipped her a twenty and hugged her for joy. My eldest daughter pretended not to notice the slight sagging of the marble cake as the icing slowly melted down the middle. She happily blew out her candles and no one seemed the wiser. She gets a twenty for tact and diplomacy!

To be totally cliche, all's well that end's well.  I dodged a bullet but I think I am going to hang up my apron for a bit.

Finger Licking Good!

The house is flooded with that warm, delicious home baking aroma. I made brownies tonight ... thank you Betty Crocker! I have no plans to eat them but - true confession time - I licked the spoon -- and the bowl -- and the spatula. I couldn't eat a brownie now if my life depended on it - I'm stuffed.

As I leaned over the sink happily licking my chocolate covered treasures I was reminded of other bowls and spatulas. With three other sibs to share the spoils with, as kids we were lucky to get a spoon to ourselves. Whoever won the bowl had to share it with at least one other. As a college student living away from home, it was a liberating experience to have the bowl to myself although it felt a little odd, as though there was someone I should be sharing with.

The self indulgence became history the moment I had little ones who claimed their rightful privilege. And as my mother before me, I negotiated equal  disbursement of the used baking utensils and settled disputes amongst the kidlets. I had my fingers and lips to lick!

So as I carefully removed the batter from the wooden spoon with my finger, and savoured the sweetness on my tongue, I couldn't help thinking how interesting life is. How a simple act of licking a spoon can trigger a flood of memories and emotions. It really is about the small things isn't it? These micro moments that when pieced together, paint the landscape of our lives.

And as for having the bowl all to myself ... well, that means my kidlets are all grown up and we've come full circle. But maybe - if I am really fortunate,  there will be a day when other little people march into my life who will claim the right to lick!  One can dream, can't she?

Sunday Cooking Bliss

Gord Lightfoot is crooning "Softy" in the background - and there's no one around (but Fritz) to complain. Perfectly chilled glass of wine - the white variety - poured in a stemless - seemed more practical for cooking to sip as I cook. Chopping carrots, parsnips, onions and rutabaga (we called them turnips when I was growing up - and I still do) for the oven roast. Bliss. That's what this ritual of cooking Sunday dinner is ... pure bliss.

I rubbed the sirloin roast with the mixture of herbs and spices I pulled from our cupboard collection. I try really hard not to lick my fingers as I cook ... I try really hard. A quick blast in the fry pan to brown it and then the slab of meat was popped into the oven, with only the veggies to keep it company.

Now comes the pay off ... the homey aroma of  the meat roasting is filling the house. And it's making me a little weepy. No - it isn't the wine! The aroma (and Gordon's lyrics) trigger memories of countless Sunday dinners cooked by my grandmother, my mother, my father, my husband, my father in law ... and now me. They conjure up the sights and sounds of an overcrowded dining room table, loud chatter, people reaching across to pass the food, a spill or two (usually caused by me), and pure bliss.

I miss those who are no longer among us to sit around our table ... but I remember them all. And I work hard to continue the tradition. Actually the tradition is in the gravy making ....

Gotta go -- Early Morning Rain is playing and it requires my full attention. Gosh - am I hungry!

Beans on Toast & Other Cures for a Wintry Day

Is there anything as comforting as good smells wafting from the kitchen - especially on the bitterly, blustery cold days of winter?  I love coming into the house and being greeted by the homey aroma of a chicken or roast cooking in the oven. It inspires me to take my boots off just that little bit quicker and head into the kitchen to check on (and sample) the progress.

Food is definitely a comfort - and sometimes it's something as simple as beans and toast that hits the spot. Simple and delicious. That was my Saturday night supper ... eaten as I sat crosslegged on the big comfy couch, wrapped in a fleece throw in front of a hot fire. Contentment tingling in every extremity.

So I made a morning trek to the grocery store to load up on fresh vegetables and spent much of today -- preparing Sunday dinner for my family. I steamed tender asparagus and experimented with raw beets ... did you know that the blood red juice of a blanched beet stains everything it touches ... even fingers! I prepared roasted potatoes and chicken breasts in a mixture made of tomato sauce, white wine, garlic, paprika, oregano and chicken broth. It didn't take long before the fragrances of garlic and spice hung in the air as dinner roasted in the oven. I topped it off with a spinach salad  in my ongoing effort to eat more fresh, green vegetables. Comfort food at its best - the perfect cure for a cold windy wintry day.

And just so I could smell them baking, I made a small batch of sugar cookies. Really it was just an excuse to use my rolling pin for the purpose it was intended!

So as my sweet little family gathered around the table, chatting happily as we ate, it brought me back to a time when our table was full for every meal. And now it is an occasion to have more than hubby and me at the table - and I have a deep appreciation for these meals shared together. Soon enough, it will once again be much quieter at dinner. I cherish these days spent cooking for my family and then sharing their enjoyment as they partake. I am fortunate to have loved ones to cook for -- and for that, I am grateful.

Comforting Day Off

It's my compressed day off and what's a girl to do?!

Well the weather is a typical blustery dismal day -- rainy and gray. So I  satisfied my urge for oatmeal cookies by baking some. Yup - just expressing my Betty Crocker side ...

One of the best parts (well maybe not the best...) of being a grown up is licking the bowl -- no one to share it with. As kids we used to argue over who could like the spoons and best of all -- the bowl. Usually my mom made two of us share that prize! So of course by the time I licked the raw cookie dough off off the wooden spoon, the spatula AND the bowl -- I didn't need lunch, and I couldn't even entertain the thought of it.

Meatloaf is baking in the oven and the residual smell of the cookies is still wafting. What a perfect way to spend a chilly day -- all cosy and warm, looking forward to comfort food. Lucky me - it's been a comforting day off.

A Berry Good Weekend

It was a weekend of famjams - dinner with our parents. Friday night we ventured out to hubby's parents' house for a BBQ. I always look forward to our time with them - MIH (my pet name for my mom-in-law heart) is only a decade older than me so she is more like my soul-sister than anything. We share the same outlook on things and have lots to talk about. Hubby and I are always greeted by the most outgoing member of the family, Mr. Tibbs, a playful 65 pound Shar-Pei who is convinced he is a puppy. My father-in -law is a great cook - and he makes sure he has every one's favourite treats and eats. I diligently ate every morsel he served me - the BBQ's ribs, butternut squash and apples, and new baked potatoes - everything lavished with butter. Just when I had licked the plate clean - out came the cheesecake with fresh raspberries. Surprisingly I didn't explode, but the button on my waistband was undone. I always leave their home satisfied and contented.

Today my parents came over for Sunday dinner. Kidlet arrived home early afternoon and her sister was here to greet her. It made dinner all the more special. Hubby and I found a store in which we could buy local organic poultry and meat so today was the first time serving organic beef hamburgers. I was skeptical, but there was a distinct difference in taste. The atmosphere was relaxed ... we sat around the pool, Dad and I discussing his writing and vision for it, and his wife patiently listening to stories she no doubt has heard more than once. The sun was high in the clear blue sky and the only break in our conversation came when we spotted yet another plane flying overhead or guessed at the bird songs.

I actually made dessert today - mile high chocolate brownie pie. It felt good to take some care in making something special for my family. Hubby thankfully does most of the cooking so I don't often get the chance -- or make the effort.

All in all it was a very good weekend - rich in food, family, chocolate and other blessings. It was a berry good summer, sunny weekend - and for that, I am supremely grateful.


PS - My nephew is celebrating his 15th birthday today ... a wonderful young pilot in training. He is so young and yet he has a vision and dreams for his life. Hugz HBB!

Turning Up the Heat

Wish I had a picture of hubby's controlled-anguished face as he ate his dinner - and tried his best to hide the fact that he mistakenly used red hot chili powder (the kind we buy for our Indian food) in his new chicken rub recipe. He had even generously added some to the rice before discovering how spicy and hot it was. Where did we put that fire extinguisher?

He was apologetic from the get go. When I walked in the door, he headed me off at the pass and told me that the juicy barbecued chicken on the plate was SUPER spicy. I love heat -- but the chicken tested my limits. We both giggled our way through dinner ... neither of us wanting to be defeated by the heat. Our noses ran, we drank ridiculous amounts of water and sweated our way through the meal. But we made it! Hubby thought a big bowl of ice cream would be an appropriate remedy ...

I was just grateful to have dinner cooked for me ... and hey, it doesn't hurt to turn up the heat once in a while. Now pass the kleenex will you!

Hodge Podge Day

Today I was able to roll out of bed, make coffee and work in my PJs. Yup! I worked from home. And quite coincidentally, I picked a perfect day to do it. Today was a snow day - schools closed, Kidlet home, hubby shovelling - you get the picture. And luckily - no commute for me! I worked on my business plan in my very messy office/spare bedroom/storage closet with my schnauzer on my feet. All of this cold weather and comfort food had me craving fruits and veggies. Inspired by a picture of a scrumptious salad that I spotted on Country Girl's blog, it had me rummaging through the fridge in search of salad fixings. The very nature of the berry, spinach salad is a contradiction to the stark bareness of winter. If I can't be in the tropics - I can at least get a taste!

Burned the toasted almonds darn it!

Much better! And the wait was worth the end result...

I have noticed signs of strain on people's faces alot lately. I think the winter is getting to us all just a little bit and we could all use a heavenly dose of heat and sunshine. A respite from winter. I suppose I was looking for that in my summer salad and you know what - it cheered me up and lifted my spirits as only a good meal can do. It was a hodge podge day - mixed and strange. Fritz wouldn't venture out until his runway was cleared of snow; hubby couldn't walk him far because the forest is impassable; Kidlet was climbing the walls with cabin fever (making us - in turn - climb the walls) and the day lacked its usual routine. And that was not a bad thing -- just different. Fritz is poking at me to go to bed (he is a dog of routine)and I have said all that I have to share. So here's to another cosy snow day - that helps us navigate our long Canadian winter.

Warming Chilly

A cold snowy day like today had me looking for comfort food. Hubby wasn't too hungry for dinner as he had a late "healthy lunch" so I took the opportunity to cook something that he is not too fond of --- chili! I'm a messy cook. I find chopping fresh vegetables, the fragrance of herbs and spices and the homey cooking smells comforting and relaxing. Fritz was my loyal sous chef, standing faithfully by to eat any random piece of vegetable that ricocheted off my knife. Hubby agreed that I am a messy cook but agreed that as long as the cook cleans up after herself, it's not a bad thing. Who wants to have the distraction of wiping and washing when you are chopping and stirring!
The end result was hot, spicy and delicious - and I was chilly no more!