tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201498001540298472024-02-19T06:56:26.329-08:00Needled 24/7Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-76802550560627274612014-07-24T10:01:00.001-07:002014-07-25T11:46:01.381-07:00Homemade Yogurt: easier than expected.If you've never made your own yogurt, it's very simple. <br />
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Recently, due to some ongoing health issues, I've had to make a lot of changes to my diet under the recommendation of a doctor. This mainly includes eliminating processed sugar and grains entirely from my diet, and for the most part it's probably not that bad of an idea.<br />
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Yogurt is a really easy way to have something ready-to-eat in the morning that is high in protein and calcium. Store-bought yogurts tend to contain extra lactose, which can be hard for some people to digest. In addition, flavored yogurts tend to have lots of sugar and, in general, be kind of on the more expensive side. I have always wanted to try making my own yogurt, but I assumed it was expensive, difficult, and required some type of special equipment that I didn't already have.<br />
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Not true at all. You need:<br />
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<b>A regular pan with a lid</b><br />
<b>a thermometer</b> (mine is a meat thermometer, but it totally worked)<br />
<b>a bunch of milk</b> (in my case, a half gallon carton of organic milk which was on sale)<br />
<b>some already existent yogurt</b> (You only have to buy this part once if you time it well)<br />
<b>a big jar</b> - some recipes direct you to sterilize it, some do not. I did just to be on the safe side.<br />
<b>time</b><br />
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Heat the milk to 180 degrees F.<br />
Let it cool to 115 degrees F.<br />
Stir in the yogurt.<br />
Pour your mixture into a jar. No lid yet!<br />
Put it somewhere warm-ish and wait. I set my oven to warm a few minutes before my yogurt was ready to be put in the jar, then I turned it off and let it cool down a bit. This is important, because you don't want to kill the microbes working on turning your milk into yogurt. I put the yogurt jar wrapped in a tea towel inside there for about 5 hours. <br />
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After the 5 hours in a warm or at least out-of-the-way place, you can put a lid on it and stick it in the refrigerator and just wait until it gets cold. I will say that it is a totally different texture from the yogurt at the store, because there are no thickeners in yours. The flavor is all there, though, and you can add whatever you want, as far as flavors go. I had some old vanilla beans waiting to be used, so I added those and a tiny bit of honey to mine this morning. I recommend, of course, that you try to use some yogurt that you like the flavor of, because yours will have a similar taste since you are using all the same bacteria. (I am not 100% sure if that statement is a fact, but I thought the one I made had a very similar taste to the starter I used.)<br />
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I didn't take any pictures yet, but here is a good recipe: <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2013/05/homemade-yogurt-recipe/">David Lebovitz's Homemade Yogurt Recipe</a>Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-90306470272573660292014-06-13T11:45:00.001-07:002014-07-25T11:46:52.232-07:00Shifting.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcNpSPt0cSjPTKKfWY9jwl0vcvVoxogVoiJNP8qkSWygVjZsmwQ8xNv65bnasdxfjU3tJIQ_SBSQbjtS0A_qZzzxXt9Qe5mPTqMJQjUtOYrvVGjn8a5pFyOAXhIAvkoJzZHba-UN-O0g/s640/blogger-image--529717497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Yes, I'm still alive.</div>
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Lots of things have happened. Weird things. Unplanned things.<br />
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For example, we finally decided we were miserable enough in our old neighborhood, in our old house. And we sold it. In two weeks. Such is the housing market in Portland.<br />
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Yes you read that correctly. Here's some snotty FAQ to help you deal with it:<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>But don't you feel like you are throwing money away on rent?</b> No and don't ask again. Gutter re-attachment (and not replacement) cost 300 dollars alone. Contractors are hard to come by in Portland, and may take weeks to months to reply to your personal request to pay them outrageous quantities of money for labor. While your gutters are pouring water directly into your basement.</li>
<li><b>Sub question: But why didn't you do it yourself? </b> The roof was so tall we couldn't buy a ladder at conventional stores that would safely reach it for less than 300 dollars.</li>
<li><b>Isn't homeownership the goal of every living, breathing human being on planet earth?</b> Yes. No. Maybe, but we're still not 30 yet, so there is plenty of time. Plus our new landlord is that dude.</li>
<li><b>Wow, but Sellwood is so cool.</b> Have you been to Alberta or Irvington, or even the Lloyd District?</li>
<li><b>But your house was so cozy/cute/nice/amazing/quaint!</b> Please spend one depressing, dark winter there and tell me that again. Everything needed to be replaced within the next 5-10 years and it was not comfortable. It was a 80k house on a 220k lot. End of story. </li>
<li><b>Don't you miss it?</b> The paint job was pretty cool though, right? (The last owners used the wrong kind of paint, and it was causing the plaster to chip off in many places, but I digress.) I do miss my built-in display cabinets, but nobody but me ever saw them anyway. I also miss Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. That's nearly it. I feel so much more like I'm in the city here. </li>
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So after we sold our house to some needy high-maintenance empty-nesters that annoyed the crap out of even their own realtor, our house closed a month before our apartment was set to be move-in ready. The buyers were pretty adamant about that date, and we were just really glad to be at the end of the selling process.</div>
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After a gently pleading conversation with our new landlord, we got the move-in date set for two weeks earlier than we were meant to. That still left two weeks for us to find a place to stay. And store one three-bedroom house worth of stuff. And three cats. I will not lie and say it was easy, but I will truthfully say it was probably worth it. It forced us to get rid of (i.e. charity donation) a large quantity of things we didn't need, didn't intend to keep, hadn't looked at in four years, or had been given as gifts. (Note: please do not ever buy us gifts) Sounds harsh, but any professional organizer or decorator will tell you sentimental clutter ruins lives. It took two storage units, two u-boxes (the cheap-o U-Haul branded pod), and several truck rentals to get it all done. We moved out of our house with literally nine minutes to spare before we had to give up the keys. Hot potato.</div>
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So we decided to rent an RV because that is a thing that you can do. And drive to Big Sur, because that is a thing that you can do. And Zach had the week off. Coincidence or divine intervention? <br />
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We spent our 4 year anniversary on the West Coast just chilling. In an RV. In a park or whatever. Which is not something I could have dreamed would happen when I moved here in 2010. Or that I would become everything I've ever hated. But that's a different blog entry for a different day.</div>
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What did we learn? (more bullet points)</div>
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<ul>
<li>Being kind of sort of even a little bit homeless is really shitty. I have a real feeling for genuinely homeless people now. It's something you barely think about until something disrupts your routine of awesome hot showers and comfy beds. Sorry if that sounds douche-y. I know I wasn't broke or down on my luck, but I felt out of sorts, and it really changed my perspective.</li>
<li>No risk, no reward: You can be happier with less, even if it looks dangerous or goes against what other people think is right. Our new place is smaller, but has a nicer feel. I feel, surprisingly, more like a grown-up here in a place that is definitely less grown-up than our last residence. I almost feel like I could raise a family here. I never felt that way in our last place.</li>
<li>There is an entire industry centered around RV camping, at all levels of luxury that could exist while still having to do with RVs. Well of course there is, but how would I have known that?</li>
<li>Big Sur = Awesome but remote. </li>
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So since you're bored and you didn't expect to read this much text in a blog post, here are some pictures for you to look at:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2-uRUNWayeM8ykiquXswluHkTb5Nz8RkDD8WQxkK1v-iOW73K586dvKY_TXORSBl0buWOP9Z2s2rIUEH8SH1fiDegGPBqZOyvhT4yiuRMiwKP69dCIkT4Y_UBLeuy3JK1KOp63UAn3Q/s640/blogger-image--1728477656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2-uRUNWayeM8ykiquXswluHkTb5Nz8RkDD8WQxkK1v-iOW73K586dvKY_TXORSBl0buWOP9Z2s2rIUEH8SH1fiDegGPBqZOyvhT4yiuRMiwKP69dCIkT4Y_UBLeuy3JK1KOp63UAn3Q/s640/blogger-image--1728477656.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Sur hiking.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3ksRQhGB66YB-kywcEvlxzB6kGuM1mhyphenhyphenx3Z_ce7O_2QtOxEN8n_Ik9wuEzt9bUWuKKFeeuMZGm-4t-lLCVmhD34yMkXYOywS0d2lJFuN5ZsDR_dySQk8YIoaL_OZgP3qKVotVjNy91I/s640/blogger-image--1955380366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3ksRQhGB66YB-kywcEvlxzB6kGuM1mhyphenhyphenx3Z_ce7O_2QtOxEN8n_Ik9wuEzt9bUWuKKFeeuMZGm-4t-lLCVmhD34yMkXYOywS0d2lJFuN5ZsDR_dySQk8YIoaL_OZgP3qKVotVjNy91I/s640/blogger-image--1955380366.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch looked like this one day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeQu2RrDQT7TOcLQFyGG7nFtx8zTh0cfzJOeJ_sJl1YZ7_bat191qzOmimQyxRrBYB3iuPIQbsB1LVP5F7b88qMHA13KGlIuumuOG7tYSO_VXBx6JAObf3E7LgS5_5wlrjWyBRsvstkk/s1600/blogger-image--529717497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeQu2RrDQT7TOcLQFyGG7nFtx8zTh0cfzJOeJ_sJl1YZ7_bat191qzOmimQyxRrBYB3iuPIQbsB1LVP5F7b88qMHA13KGlIuumuOG7tYSO_VXBx6JAObf3E7LgS5_5wlrjWyBRsvstkk/s1600/blogger-image--529717497.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New bed. Very comfortable.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6YxVUfZU4BTIMashJgyGMYvS3uM-tYmr_PTgHkjW6Rmk9OGLKkGyDQtooUKEzq2GIwX2wMW3hKwABLeha5qW53TeM9pYsIyMZVXV_2ocr0NXAnDJ6BoeG-g-7K1kUlDXo0grZwlqPqg/s1600/blogger-image-747642441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6YxVUfZU4BTIMashJgyGMYvS3uM-tYmr_PTgHkjW6Rmk9OGLKkGyDQtooUKEzq2GIwX2wMW3hKwABLeha5qW53TeM9pYsIyMZVXV_2ocr0NXAnDJ6BoeG-g-7K1kUlDXo0grZwlqPqg/s1600/blogger-image-747642441.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice afternoon with Balloon. Who still gets to go outside because she is responsible.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJzLJV887exJrQpoXe892J1BoP99ogtEIZA3bl6IK6xuCbojdtyPVguQ7PeCRPeJC_E4jOlSQa4_jYQ-6wPJEwzbVhC00k27aXYpNulPh0o-yz7t4Xowqnr5oEE7-zxkrJXw6XXOdlI8/s640/blogger-image--1799284738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJzLJV887exJrQpoXe892J1BoP99ogtEIZA3bl6IK6xuCbojdtyPVguQ7PeCRPeJC_E4jOlSQa4_jYQ-6wPJEwzbVhC00k27aXYpNulPh0o-yz7t4Xowqnr5oEE7-zxkrJXw6XXOdlI8/s640/blogger-image--1799284738.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading on my new porch. Where nobody will tell me to get back to food.</td></tr>
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So that's it. Now I have some things to do in real life. Hopefully I'll write again real soon. But maybe not. My diet and cooking have become complicated? Everything is gluten and dairy free, and I feel like it might not be that enjoyable to read about. Other than that, I don't have much to say. We'll see.<br />
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<br />Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-71651853289878830032014-02-23T16:26:00.001-08:002014-02-23T16:26:53.918-08:00Sit right down and stay a while...It's time to bring this blog back from the dead. A few people have asked me to post more things, and so I shall not disappoint. I took a look at my last post, from way back in October. <br />
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A lot has changed since then, so I will try to post some interesting things that happened to me, but I'm not even sure where to begin. Recipes? Cat stuff? Here goes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Sq5uoMcC38aI0SJ2jzgFn6KlxhcpsE8yuiecP4qZjQF7d3_N93wFR20CvcwVZJF_od9R-az-2jMYRyrsJ-ihsgBUHPQrwbzxclD1TIBza8f__cj4StBlHNSkBDhOTHP6p8_axwVXDgM/s1600/IMG_3317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Sq5uoMcC38aI0SJ2jzgFn6KlxhcpsE8yuiecP4qZjQF7d3_N93wFR20CvcwVZJF_od9R-az-2jMYRyrsJ-ihsgBUHPQrwbzxclD1TIBza8f__cj4StBlHNSkBDhOTHP6p8_axwVXDgM/s1600/IMG_3317.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9N7vFDYoFM6bV83UsWxysaiDsfB-HMDK5So1-bbgHjY8bROE1piAa-b7da_eY8YR3krEm_CLdsbuKIwXwRjDb52QBtco72NAsUJxdhbtsTkiQW2Mi5pVo_Yo7ZtDASOiua2SPNaaDYLQ/s1600/IMG_3332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9N7vFDYoFM6bV83UsWxysaiDsfB-HMDK5So1-bbgHjY8bROE1piAa-b7da_eY8YR3krEm_CLdsbuKIwXwRjDb52QBtco72NAsUJxdhbtsTkiQW2Mi5pVo_Yo7ZtDASOiua2SPNaaDYLQ/s1600/IMG_3332.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Zach and I spent a really nice Christmas Day with friends in Silverton, which is about an hour south of Portland near Salem. We went to see Silver Falls in a gorgeous park. There is a pretty great looking hiking trail in this park that we plan on returning to some time in the future.<br />
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Freyja got big. And then she got bigger. There was an entire fiasco surrounding her spaying that I won't go into. I assure you it was emotional and expensive. But she is ours. And she is better now, and back to eating both food and non-food items such as candles, envelopes, boxes, yoga mats, yarn, etc. She is almost full-grown now, and she'll be turning one sometime in the spring. All my cats still hate each other. It's noisy here.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishtown neighborhood in Philadelphia.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza face in the floor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKXSjPFBetgaYiepuucgr7zaQq8TxcGB9L8UNQg7418enOQApcdBtzck5psmjz7EapJ5-xBACSPxXOUC1s1dBuj_U9eGHoiHE1penRUtEVZbCm3t4Tapfu3fxbeFIMeoRy76f2vXkB4Q/s1600/IMG_3782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKXSjPFBetgaYiepuucgr7zaQq8TxcGB9L8UNQg7418enOQApcdBtzck5psmjz7EapJ5-xBACSPxXOUC1s1dBuj_U9eGHoiHE1penRUtEVZbCm3t4Tapfu3fxbeFIMeoRy76f2vXkB4Q/s1600/IMG_3782.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Jesus</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepC95sr89nVOF-Vnw89f4uOPRfO81Z2rf4qYR8y8GzxqkGoRufsQVW1mYJJ3-3IP6PBUwBG18tngpTNOCmbDQLtPfqZROpDjKJxX8Y4knWVvR4LZjWLYfi8bxLoS6bcKhDBnbzqiDwUc/s1600/IMG_3806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepC95sr89nVOF-Vnw89f4uOPRfO81Z2rf4qYR8y8GzxqkGoRufsQVW1mYJJ3-3IP6PBUwBG18tngpTNOCmbDQLtPfqZROpDjKJxX8Y4knWVvR4LZjWLYfi8bxLoS6bcKhDBnbzqiDwUc/s1600/IMG_3806.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natasha</td></tr>
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Then there was my epic trip East. I flew into Philadelphia, PA to stay with a friend from library school who lives in a hip neighborhood with her husband (above) and two lovely kitties. I had missed winter for the last four (yes FOUR) years, but it snowed plenty the last day I was in Philadelphia. The true irony of this situation, of course, is that while I was away, Portland got their first snowstorm since 2009.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0_B65fetL1nKmJP4OvGzo-9D12etyNRyt8HK_E8DLWwaXDlwsmd4Nyas5yn0-iMiIVQd5A_MsdAXMHCK2A3j2b055hEKoClZfNjO9vpRRLgPwnBN8rjrZJE8qITTb_Ge3rnuWNUQ6nI/s1600/IMG_3846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0_B65fetL1nKmJP4OvGzo-9D12etyNRyt8HK_E8DLWwaXDlwsmd4Nyas5yn0-iMiIVQd5A_MsdAXMHCK2A3j2b055hEKoClZfNjO9vpRRLgPwnBN8rjrZJE8qITTb_Ge3rnuWNUQ6nI/s1600/IMG_3846.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere outside of Harrisburg</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisISaLKKDGxumzin4J1qNyTLD2Jwujb4unUg7Xy8SskRhvN004kHnhwhW1hj2gzjcXZaBhfZhoHnDwx6RVK0PBjKzujOt90zKgibuQLqCdJL6Uyl3T4LW3SOrJxF5BLmjUBbVq8D-q5qw/s1600/IMG_3849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisISaLKKDGxumzin4J1qNyTLD2Jwujb4unUg7Xy8SskRhvN004kHnhwhW1hj2gzjcXZaBhfZhoHnDwx6RVK0PBjKzujOt90zKgibuQLqCdJL6Uyl3T4LW3SOrJxF5BLmjUBbVq8D-q5qw/s1600/IMG_3849.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe Curve</td></tr>
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I had planned my trip so that I could ride the train from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. It took about 8 hours, but as there is free wireless internet on Amtrak these days, I really had few complaints. Did you know they also sell beer and mini bottles of alcohol, too? Really, if you have the time I totally recommend train travel. Yes I know it's 2014. </div>
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I also stayed with my grandmother for what is probably the last time. She is, for now, going to live with my Aunt Linda in Orlando. While I think having someone to take care for her is going to improve her situation, I am not entirely convinced she should live by herself in PA anymore. Actually, I will probably never live in PA again myself. </div>
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It was sad and also amazing. In a way, even though I was helping her this time, I felt like I was 13 again. I never realize how much I miss family until they are right there with me. We just watched TV and looked at old pictures. A few nights I went out with friends from high school, but mostly I just knitted and cooked at got away from my own life for a while. I needed it. I also got a lot of old photos of myself as a baby, and family members at various stages of history. I currently have them all in a photo album, and I may try to take pictures of them and put them up at some point.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQX6HgLGST5m9omj1T593nJt6Pu99d5EdWvwfTbWNmiGOKN6j1fKVFv_VYo29jDq6Zhs5FxKpZdmYNqJKa9-mFe1Bm5CG9DUMnhdMulRYjPxjhq7pcwFTehmWcd7SINRKF8LQ5I4ajpA/s1600/IMG_3887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQX6HgLGST5m9omj1T593nJt6Pu99d5EdWvwfTbWNmiGOKN6j1fKVFv_VYo29jDq6Zhs5FxKpZdmYNqJKa9-mFe1Bm5CG9DUMnhdMulRYjPxjhq7pcwFTehmWcd7SINRKF8LQ5I4ajpA/s1600/IMG_3887.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRmUu0rX6oDMzqKxbspSrKMQ8QSTD6Bh4NVnaYqEZ4jmk5qmYHKe0DgzKkUDns7XjRneRaXMFmMQcxE8WRqgxfoyXG93KzQcZBGYFeXpK5kmHU5Rh5vqI74igeyVlw1oS61m0sSgIQDY/s1600/IMG_3897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRmUu0rX6oDMzqKxbspSrKMQ8QSTD6Bh4NVnaYqEZ4jmk5qmYHKe0DgzKkUDns7XjRneRaXMFmMQcxE8WRqgxfoyXG93KzQcZBGYFeXpK5kmHU5Rh5vqI74igeyVlw1oS61m0sSgIQDY/s1600/IMG_3897.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amon Amarth</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVyLIXwVHnjVElIfSC-guqYVhNF_CD9_rOCbfRcli1Lu9mdqT_0emcRaN1mYY417QoVsT8ncKKEDZuyErrcOU77ADjqwnigE6FjtLdpHwPu612XdEHSwprnMNUjYB5P4ubuBuN-4bcyY/s1600/IMG_3901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVyLIXwVHnjVElIfSC-guqYVhNF_CD9_rOCbfRcli1Lu9mdqT_0emcRaN1mYY417QoVsT8ncKKEDZuyErrcOU77ADjqwnigE6FjtLdpHwPu612XdEHSwprnMNUjYB5P4ubuBuN-4bcyY/s1600/IMG_3901.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some pictures of the show I went to in case you were interested. This was literally the reason I chose to go home the week that I did, and I wasn't disappointed at all. Portland doesn't get too many metal shows, and the scene can be kind of miniscule. Lots of Canadian doctors, though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzq2AoDMROflXf5Ej9zRs_qEhi5RTx-hScewQJkp1x76Lh6OZOu7RFs52J_g0Ynu-wV7-d40tjgNQlV0VQPmkJ3t7d0Dq9TCycOTwcmme_WKFVd74z_4QZT7zpDOcE764xITpM52wNd5o/s1600/IMG_3926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzq2AoDMROflXf5Ej9zRs_qEhi5RTx-hScewQJkp1x76Lh6OZOu7RFs52J_g0Ynu-wV7-d40tjgNQlV0VQPmkJ3t7d0Dq9TCycOTwcmme_WKFVd74z_4QZT7zpDOcE764xITpM52wNd5o/s1600/IMG_3926.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CCAC Boyce</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlSkFEfoEDwhHkWJnz6dBTz0513Jjuta_D7F6OdJOhVzX3Qn1lwswKVstW0XSKEQd5lF_453YT996EdKOd93AdolIUlyaYryahkJQ44KUf59aat3kACTn82TcCYjkQmkNMzI-41sAOBU/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlSkFEfoEDwhHkWJnz6dBTz0513Jjuta_D7F6OdJOhVzX3Qn1lwswKVstW0XSKEQd5lF_453YT996EdKOd93AdolIUlyaYryahkJQ44KUf59aat3kACTn82TcCYjkQmkNMzI-41sAOBU/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG" height="183" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I got home, everything was the same, but then it wasn't. Something happened to me on that trip that I just really can't put my finger on. I feel like a different person.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYd_APDyEq_uVM3cz2OrmIE_8aUmHlpJEWboMDaz4xgzbyprN2B7abF07ceWqktTNdYApImaeW55q6a3kvvGi0PviCYWNtxqQ6OwaIHOW5Q1csByXH5-2KR9Y8VzI-Yj32tKWywb3TaGo/s1600/IMG_4005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYd_APDyEq_uVM3cz2OrmIE_8aUmHlpJEWboMDaz4xgzbyprN2B7abF07ceWqktTNdYApImaeW55q6a3kvvGi0PviCYWNtxqQ6OwaIHOW5Q1csByXH5-2KR9Y8VzI-Yj32tKWywb3TaGo/s1600/IMG_4005.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I've still been cooking...This was the <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/lobster-colorado/">Lobster Colorado</a> that I made for Valentine's day. You will notice on that recipe page that there is literally no review of this recipe that is less than four stars. There is a reason. While this was expensive to make, and it's something pretty seriously fattening that you shouldn't really eat every day, I can say that it was totally worth it. The best filet mignon I've ever had was the one I made myself. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgble-FaFff462gJrOtgqyBTpUdOCxqNoA5dBcRww68uaqVieGKpY5qXccXgLpxUxA6grFqlobRFPuvoZVm-5bGQu66yor34NQ8laavzSxZKiuR6-oLX_zYyUkcx4JVv6o4yVg3Ccv5BoE/s1600/IMG_4101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgble-FaFff462gJrOtgqyBTpUdOCxqNoA5dBcRww68uaqVieGKpY5qXccXgLpxUxA6grFqlobRFPuvoZVm-5bGQu66yor34NQ8laavzSxZKiuR6-oLX_zYyUkcx4JVv6o4yVg3Ccv5BoE/s1600/IMG_4101.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMwAnWgbO1OvZ22RpxQnb6ENDyDpiVrsar24hldpsae2JPHYSCMxb2_izvkI4dVkvF5XaHqsrC_msRBymZr1TLNHI0wm-FppOJa2Tnf4Fj8paKqv2dMhCckpczGM-TmgzseaqKUbyB_4/s1600/IMG_4115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMwAnWgbO1OvZ22RpxQnb6ENDyDpiVrsar24hldpsae2JPHYSCMxb2_izvkI4dVkvF5XaHqsrC_msRBymZr1TLNHI0wm-FppOJa2Tnf4Fj8paKqv2dMhCckpczGM-TmgzseaqKUbyB_4/s1600/IMG_4115.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our Valentine's Day weekend took place after the fact. We went snowshoeing again up on Mt. Hood. This time, we took the wrong path and ended up snowshoeing for about 5 hours. Ouch.</div>
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I've also been working on my hula hooping. Why? </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5oaPKkNNcawBfKNzpL3F5A1jgkDYLGkUNkmIqaEC_Y_zoWPheSkcGKcKl8PzsbPjMDnmqLbq3K_9ohht5YFoZ9PaLiQqDC-BvR81t5oxDD2-ymByEStjcUMrPUMsrQ3bWFmFj9fKWTE/s1600/IMG_4139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5oaPKkNNcawBfKNzpL3F5A1jgkDYLGkUNkmIqaEC_Y_zoWPheSkcGKcKl8PzsbPjMDnmqLbq3K_9ohht5YFoZ9PaLiQqDC-BvR81t5oxDD2-ymByEStjcUMrPUMsrQ3bWFmFj9fKWTE/s1600/IMG_4139.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's why. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJV7TIzKRSIilMqbt-1PMRCB8-BTBz14k7c-HHvToKNGg8IQ8NLcYAzciRHeNn2_gLVsgY2I49liH9ihcwKCMpgB6Rv5w6DVE_vi4N0tmGn9FKXJuu6N33uMsVXMp_IRmNI65Jx0wI8k/s1600/IMG_4170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJV7TIzKRSIilMqbt-1PMRCB8-BTBz14k7c-HHvToKNGg8IQ8NLcYAzciRHeNn2_gLVsgY2I49liH9ihcwKCMpgB6Rv5w6DVE_vi4N0tmGn9FKXJuu6N33uMsVXMp_IRmNI65Jx0wI8k/s1600/IMG_4170.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And only in Oregon would there just be a goat on my neighborhood run. Well, maybe also in Russia.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UZYMlbSnBChUIP7TnaZScq0wuy3MxLGlmijgmH1Y5GQB7xEEL-YtDjBWoKfZ6ptwbdLm7CkdK8eu9Sw-ls-18xwsjbdpIgtDGmjF-Cxz_kYuwShLeOYRO-lhLqP59YkYYRREhg1hNjo/s1600/IMG_4201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UZYMlbSnBChUIP7TnaZScq0wuy3MxLGlmijgmH1Y5GQB7xEEL-YtDjBWoKfZ6ptwbdLm7CkdK8eu9Sw-ls-18xwsjbdpIgtDGmjF-Cxz_kYuwShLeOYRO-lhLqP59YkYYRREhg1hNjo/s1600/IMG_4201.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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And Andrew finally just got his Oregon Driver's License! He moved here the same year that I did...</div>
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That's all for now.</div>
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The end.</div>
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Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-49448881660367192222013-11-05T12:23:00.001-08:002013-11-05T12:24:33.167-08:00Anniversary in a Treehouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Can you believe I've been married for three years? For our third anniversary, Z and I decided we didn't want to do anything complicated (our original ideas included Japan, New Mexico, or even Southern California). Instead, we chose a remote treehouse hotel in Washington State. The drive was only about an hour and a half away, didn't involve TSA body scanners, and with no internet, allowed us to truly get away from it all.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAePSNRrmBIzXwodtq1gzCnsclmEO3kMu1Ie2yc3oEpRpmsxZEpjkueG6vhv76f8Ge6V5LAxQBCRiVCUA56WHDkmBSlSTmrTOo5Upiz9nllNag_rs-C4rtAP9aA18cRyX9Nwh3OAWWJY/s1600/IMG_2172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAePSNRrmBIzXwodtq1gzCnsclmEO3kMu1Ie2yc3oEpRpmsxZEpjkueG6vhv76f8Ge6V5LAxQBCRiVCUA56WHDkmBSlSTmrTOo5Upiz9nllNag_rs-C4rtAP9aA18cRyX9Nwh3OAWWJY/s320/IMG_2172.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The treehouse itself...it was not really very 'luxury' but definitely a neat place to spend some time by ourselves.</div>
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There was a great collection of old tapes and a tape player...truly rustic. Our favorites were an old 'A Perfect Circle' mix tap someone had made, and one of the Ramones.</div>
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The Treehouse's kitchen. The range in the background was the same exact one my last 'college' apartment in Pittsburgh had.</div>
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I am going to remember to bring a Mushrooming guide next time I come...lots of them looked edible, and there are a lot of places along the road that will buy your foraged mushrooms to send to stores.</div>
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The hike the last day we were there was absolutely fantastic. For some reason, most of the good pictures of the lake were taken on my phone...I'll have to try and add some later.</div>
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For some reason I selected a really odd aspect ratio, and then never changed it back...</div>
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An excellent view of Mt. Adams.</div>
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Some of the views were like a fairy tale! I couldn't believe how gorgeous everything looked...There were even some places where there was snow on the ground, like this gorgeous alpine meadow.</div>
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After my return I was a bit bummed to have to go back to regular life in the city...but the city is where I live, so until next time!</div>
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Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com1Skamania County, WA, USA46.057985244793024 -121.82739257812545.704425244793022 -122.472839578125 46.411545244793025 -121.181945578125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-34674321685077036322013-10-02T18:21:00.001-07:002013-10-02T18:21:43.973-07:00Another post so soon?Yes, I must be crazy. <br />
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Have you heard of Delicata squash? They are the long, stripy squashes commonly seen in grocery stores. These squashes begin to appear around September, and though they are in the same family as summer squashes, they taste more like a butternut or even acorn winter squash. You may not have even realized they were edible, because they are so pretty, they closely resemble decorative gourds. <br />
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Bottom line: they are easy. You only need to remove the seeds and slice them, the skin on these babies is edible! Googling the name will bring up plenty of recipes, but I just slice them, coat them in olive oil, and bake at 375 degrees for 15 or so minutes. (They vary widely in size, so check the oven often to see if they are done.) Good seasonings for them include garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, etc. <br />
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<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VP0dry5491t6HjQaDKUDcSL2rUp7fNxVfZpSuf6mn9aRjfHxNpWI2IYf5kCGszlkwPMgg6gKCmovbAoaZE_s12dAQEzW4g5elLXAm4GDJkwpmkO1W9ovNVHq1TEX-lt-jp9hMwoKieU/s640/blogger-image--2123994448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VP0dry5491t6HjQaDKUDcSL2rUp7fNxVfZpSuf6mn9aRjfHxNpWI2IYf5kCGszlkwPMgg6gKCmovbAoaZE_s12dAQEzW4g5elLXAm4GDJkwpmkO1W9ovNVHq1TEX-lt-jp9hMwoKieU/s640/blogger-image--2123994448.jpg" /></a></div>Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-39126617939068853742013-10-01T07:34:00.001-07:002013-10-01T07:39:10.378-07:00October?!Watch, as I attempt to bring this blog back from the dead! A blogger blog? How 2008! <br />
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This is my first post since April. Last summer I had a pretty serious relapse of my Hashimoto's, and work picked up pretty well for several months. This means when I wasn't at work, I was at the doctors, or asleep. I've had a lot of time off lately, and normally I get pretty depressed about it, but lately I have just been glad to have the chance to clean my home and cook dinner.<br />
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So what's new?<br />
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Zach found out his severe eczema is directly related to wheat/gluten consumption. I have been cooking a lot of gluten free treats for him to eat, because he is pretty used to convenience foods.<br />
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One of the first things I made was frozen breakfast burritos. The ones he loved from Trader Joe's are wrapped in a wheat tortilla and are no longer a good option. I decided to try making my own, with slightly different Ingredients as you can see from the picture: Egg, tofu scramble with pepper and onion, and hashed browns on a rice wrapper + cheese that melts when microwaved. I should mention that these particular wraps are fairly delicate, and hard to wrap up a burrito with. That being said, the flavor isn't bad. So far, the overall results have been positive. <br />
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Also, enter Freyja. She was so lovely as a kitten we couldn't say no...so yes we now have THREE felines. Crazy. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4LvSSnHKKHFI6QWHyD5RpEjio-dLN0VZRot1wlg6Qlfv7QVok_AMChF2QdliaV8EcvF58qgkNj0m0yfWCZkmMDAkXDILAkA2MFNSOfFqZ7bAIcPxvADV68GWZFSAblxgQmCHyuUypw0/s640/blogger-image--1464794702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4LvSSnHKKHFI6QWHyD5RpEjio-dLN0VZRot1wlg6Qlfv7QVok_AMChF2QdliaV8EcvF58qgkNj0m0yfWCZkmMDAkXDILAkA2MFNSOfFqZ7bAIcPxvADV68GWZFSAblxgQmCHyuUypw0/s640/blogger-image--1464794702.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iOCYF5vGdrFIrZn59_Ch7FuAAnnS2zGEPVLzZHyDjiqckyV-GUWEdOzbdfG2hYIw_wMdJZf-zADotam2SRndI3phHxqOdkh8YmKANGkOaFmNWfA6f6iL17CRDvL65FD9clJt7Bf9KjQ/s640/blogger-image-2098007474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iOCYF5vGdrFIrZn59_Ch7FuAAnnS2zGEPVLzZHyDjiqckyV-GUWEdOzbdfG2hYIw_wMdJZf-zADotam2SRndI3phHxqOdkh8YmKANGkOaFmNWfA6f6iL17CRDvL65FD9clJt7Bf9KjQ/s640/blogger-image-2098007474.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLDH8te3pY2Eywo7MQ9xHf3MCOcuiTeeOSJeKpI_wDdJb7agy5HK1Qq7pXQpjhHVQ4pTxrpF0N_L0Yw8QKWVn7fTtX6nb4BeipTbvEdcDGTu_4Q5O5-Ru1iHEiuCiMlRXg__y7dZW6sI/s640/blogger-image--1050754792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLDH8te3pY2Eywo7MQ9xHf3MCOcuiTeeOSJeKpI_wDdJb7agy5HK1Qq7pXQpjhHVQ4pTxrpF0N_L0Yw8QKWVn7fTtX6nb4BeipTbvEdcDGTu_4Q5O5-Ru1iHEiuCiMlRXg__y7dZW6sI/s640/blogger-image--1050754792.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WyR15M1uxYHGzvs_tW3rez-azbdNyoTLwmAVqc5jv-JegGtkOEF-UZn2wZoVJnj8K5T7hzDMWGd_NpYm-2umhnN3NrtC2K01P3LSpfM1JXedPs86dXIPChhWSGkeBqLktjmtleQuBf8/s640/blogger-image--1278213192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WyR15M1uxYHGzvs_tW3rez-azbdNyoTLwmAVqc5jv-JegGtkOEF-UZn2wZoVJnj8K5T7hzDMWGd_NpYm-2umhnN3NrtC2K01P3LSpfM1JXedPs86dXIPChhWSGkeBqLktjmtleQuBf8/s640/blogger-image--1278213192.jpg" /></a></div>Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-21844914166819569942013-04-24T17:02:00.005-07:002013-04-24T17:02:50.165-07:00April 2013 - State of the Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been gardening an unexpected amount this year. Today alone I planted an innumerable quantity of beans. I thought three packs would just be about right. Turns out about HALF of one pack was probably enough for my yard. I found places to put them, don't you worry! Gonna be so sick of beans by the end of the summer. Now it just needs to rain rain rain rain rain.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camellias bloom all spring. And they are annoying to clean up after.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is her "oh my God!" face. Right now she's looking at Priss. Behaving like a nut.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priss</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgCeICGsfFUEDgKeip2OxQCKPMS_T7zSFc744uFGHX0Ya5ykifP3A9qWiRqSm1NDAs0UIAXCA7BJAHqWFl3mfzob6Wm4AT45OZGcZIIGQx6KzRXF_OamTV76CeXz8ewdfMjq7FHM8kIM/s1600/april+2013+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgCeICGsfFUEDgKeip2OxQCKPMS_T7zSFc744uFGHX0Ya5ykifP3A9qWiRqSm1NDAs0UIAXCA7BJAHqWFl3mfzob6Wm4AT45OZGcZIIGQx6KzRXF_OamTV76CeXz8ewdfMjq7FHM8kIM/s320/april+2013+012.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qOY1V5MaG5QBQFBtzfW5VQjqDdB42Q3mzA0nq5ai4IUUUVtk_GwrmV_DsyMcdX3ijO5Ku9QPb0wHCyA86YCnhi8LNvMe17oSVJ4nSv2uVmMCFtyXag_3cqTwo4ViSHvC06F2T2tEHYA/s1600/april+2013+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qOY1V5MaG5QBQFBtzfW5VQjqDdB42Q3mzA0nq5ai4IUUUVtk_GwrmV_DsyMcdX3ijO5Ku9QPb0wHCyA86YCnhi8LNvMe17oSVJ4nSv2uVmMCFtyXag_3cqTwo4ViSHvC06F2T2tEHYA/s320/april+2013+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVQXhAhVHH99VV1mhYuhP49mluXZJ5O0N6KZQdk2jNIWQsHEaCOsmYXgtHcMcp7XMvD3SxvwzrUer1gV4xdHETAsQaYdMOC5OstTh0a_ZctFk6wmfAHo8grEvVuyOQ1py0qyKymGlOFE/s1600/april+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVQXhAhVHH99VV1mhYuhP49mluXZJ5O0N6KZQdk2jNIWQsHEaCOsmYXgtHcMcp7XMvD3SxvwzrUer1gV4xdHETAsQaYdMOC5OstTh0a_ZctFk6wmfAHo8grEvVuyOQ1py0qyKymGlOFE/s320/april+2013+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priss</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__ymYuoOuvuVQNs7WFw-KrlsMumEHTuZ6MhGTNyGVCcMBrO99tBxtbbI1Y2k0lDRtzCyPRVQqyXaJF9dwGe04Wuj1fFSL7CKy7ni3MKd3at__KBlUW9oS7MRr2UdvXm23kim_oZy1lIg/s1600/april+2013+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__ymYuoOuvuVQNs7WFw-KrlsMumEHTuZ6MhGTNyGVCcMBrO99tBxtbbI1Y2k0lDRtzCyPRVQqyXaJF9dwGe04Wuj1fFSL7CKy7ni3MKd3at__KBlUW9oS7MRr2UdvXm23kim_oZy1lIg/s320/april+2013+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7ls8qftlW8yNbKQdz0bhnCTAXt81j6hDLUowGMVyXigK5gpER0OcsjEluq9dJEXLUzxWEnVoXG269wWyLu_qvNrfiEyWaah1oYX1GXzZIyZlOQifQrkwq0owYSF6UlbtUtxG8RqNpMQ/s1600/april+2013+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7ls8qftlW8yNbKQdz0bhnCTAXt81j6hDLUowGMVyXigK5gpER0OcsjEluq9dJEXLUzxWEnVoXG269wWyLu_qvNrfiEyWaah1oYX1GXzZIyZlOQifQrkwq0owYSF6UlbtUtxG8RqNpMQ/s320/april+2013+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tail in the shot....tail. Tail in the shot. TAIL IN THE SHOT!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpJgrlpC-aG8iGBS1ijX7bz74CC6f0P3p7r0DO1tGeyVhB4cuFFTcYYW-wGD8HLPFIwQ3Dy3ommtTvaIcax8rOKlgqEtYbZsV8kF4GSBqt_xlzaCgAI4l7-eLs3Zfv73nxFkG9MWGQTQ/s1600/april+2013+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpJgrlpC-aG8iGBS1ijX7bz74CC6f0P3p7r0DO1tGeyVhB4cuFFTcYYW-wGD8HLPFIwQ3Dy3ommtTvaIcax8rOKlgqEtYbZsV8kF4GSBqt_xlzaCgAI4l7-eLs3Zfv73nxFkG9MWGQTQ/s320/april+2013+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisies often get mixed in with grass seeds here so that many people have small white flowers in their yards on purpose. I only have one patch of them, so we'll consider it a happy accident.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfdOaBV3AVxDuwYPoqaqH9M6h4kleFslfuUgETAZQtZC4eRzaaa4BGBaj5gNBwbTaL8jCHo3S8aTGQ4RO6Wi85dxM7YUMDkZxtSzlZEZKNr1qw2rZ4YtzPOxLlr6gFDB7H1Q3jPkdCjg/s1600/april+2013+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfdOaBV3AVxDuwYPoqaqH9M6h4kleFslfuUgETAZQtZC4eRzaaa4BGBaj5gNBwbTaL8jCHo3S8aTGQ4RO6Wi85dxM7YUMDkZxtSzlZEZKNr1qw2rZ4YtzPOxLlr6gFDB7H1Q3jPkdCjg/s320/april+2013+044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New guy that's been hanging around.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXx_43Re9AawkWcR0t3hy690HTpsJm7XAmd-bSrsIuAJhRzyrr32NLy4uW8LnITcsOMUAYfvOACO_743iamkDzpGs1dcee-ntT4Gfn-ajIwnqw7JX69s1hBnieHNy3VMcPNpVca_XTaq4/s1600/april+2013+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXx_43Re9AawkWcR0t3hy690HTpsJm7XAmd-bSrsIuAJhRzyrr32NLy4uW8LnITcsOMUAYfvOACO_743iamkDzpGs1dcee-ntT4Gfn-ajIwnqw7JX69s1hBnieHNy3VMcPNpVca_XTaq4/s320/april+2013+045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bleeding hearts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeksySo7ooYXyBqixCB5-9gWMGSg34ANYKef6mH6xRmhjPDwacplZPdhux0IL6gYevPVexeRW1uhnJA105xn9XaKCxQkAnC0KX4jVeNUqvpGkezph6hYTMLQI5YTAEf_zBuwht3PI0Xg/s1600/april+2013+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeksySo7ooYXyBqixCB5-9gWMGSg34ANYKef6mH6xRmhjPDwacplZPdhux0IL6gYevPVexeRW1uhnJA105xn9XaKCxQkAnC0KX4jVeNUqvpGkezph6hYTMLQI5YTAEf_zBuwht3PI0Xg/s320/april+2013+055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overachievers.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4QVXfoxYRfaWE3f2xX3PRXuDZr6Ha-BqGaSVbPOu1oD08JRqG2TjEKyUFmHnVgJb_D1mEXh6Xw4dISWXqgfBkFV9-tWoXOlPnOrS7SKfEG7bA2GlIy9lbOlwo_L3GWLt9eIptcqwDOw/s1600/april+2013+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4QVXfoxYRfaWE3f2xX3PRXuDZr6Ha-BqGaSVbPOu1oD08JRqG2TjEKyUFmHnVgJb_D1mEXh6Xw4dISWXqgfBkFV9-tWoXOlPnOrS7SKfEG7bA2GlIy9lbOlwo_L3GWLt9eIptcqwDOw/s320/april+2013+062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What garden is complete without a couple of lazy damn cats?</td></tr>
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<br />Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-32760230529550783972013-04-10T16:53:00.001-07:002013-04-10T16:56:33.050-07:00Thai PestoYum! <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/thai-pesto/">Thai Pesto</a> for dinner! This recipe is easy, relatively healthy, and has 'seconds' written all over it. I enhanced mine with a bit of Sriracha and added stir fry veggies to the noodles and sauce combo. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8vGWuXhOnqEQqA74UakBS_5qjCXBphHFyCx3dh_MGVyhXOhCPjLzfhlqG1McDsZDtFuv0WhwuZHac0B6oGDWjrb6CtPYwd7caDtDMcTtcIF6t_4upD-lnLM11UUMcY_xW_-PDNANUxM/s640/blogger-image--1176799088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8vGWuXhOnqEQqA74UakBS_5qjCXBphHFyCx3dh_MGVyhXOhCPjLzfhlqG1McDsZDtFuv0WhwuZHac0B6oGDWjrb6CtPYwd7caDtDMcTtcIF6t_4upD-lnLM11UUMcY_xW_-PDNANUxM/s640/blogger-image--1176799088.jpg" /></a></div>
Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-19885362853483365992013-04-03T21:38:00.001-07:002013-04-04T13:41:35.306-07:00This is my first post from my iPhone, so I'm going to be pretty brief. It's basically a test to see how this turns out! Tonight, Zach and I weren't hungry for anything. We went to the store looking for healthy dinner options, but were at a loss for what to make. It was getting pretty late, so I decided pasta would be a great idea. We don't eat it often, and I often crave the type of spaghetti my mom (and probably yours!) made: the kid-pleaser jar of store-bought sauce with ground beef thrown in. So that's what I did, with a few healthy improvements: ground turkey instead of beef for protein, plus red peppers, mushrooms and onions for flavor and nutrition. Kinda lazy. Deliciously lazy. <br />
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Sauces come in really healthy options now; be sure to get one without any added sugar. Some national brands can have a lot, so read those labels! In addition, whole wheat pasta can be great to help cut down on the carbs, but as I don't eat a lot of pasta, I'm pretty okay with plain old noodles. This pasta was made of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spelt">spelt</a>, which does not differ in taste from normal wheat pasta, but it is apparently a somewhat different entity. I've also used brown rice pasta before with excellent results.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWMwMsUPnguGbNaQoGG8ArBQj6ckaz4UX8hOssteYoM4_855wDKVL908duRZ4T8rIbd4f5X7iP8dVrNRBOA54zTZTs9AQIuSUzNydY9b9SXDxMpcQ0W4KYKkZL5tnJ7HVcPao2dnWw38/s640/blogger-image--1433886774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWMwMsUPnguGbNaQoGG8ArBQj6ckaz4UX8hOssteYoM4_855wDKVL908duRZ4T8rIbd4f5X7iP8dVrNRBOA54zTZTs9AQIuSUzNydY9b9SXDxMpcQ0W4KYKkZL5tnJ7HVcPao2dnWw38/s640/blogger-image--1433886774.jpg" /></a></div>
Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-60577203682214735972013-02-25T14:27:00.003-08:002013-02-26T00:06:19.916-08:00February's food.Well here we are...February 2013 almost over! I can't believe it's nearly March, and I've only done a few posts. That doesn't mean I haven't been busy in the kitchen and around the house. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73gzCiNonPWSytIM_mHsWt_P745w-ShY1I7ajspn6hQp-X3EnzUkh-ywHliTlhrRcEtKpb-nSwhtQOxPYDDmvZw4edmffsFa1imuBUWQwygsXfnimT8kb5o1CGVFWLdGtkznfQ4bmWns/s1600/IMG_1724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73gzCiNonPWSytIM_mHsWt_P745w-ShY1I7ajspn6hQp-X3EnzUkh-ywHliTlhrRcEtKpb-nSwhtQOxPYDDmvZw4edmffsFa1imuBUWQwygsXfnimT8kb5o1CGVFWLdGtkznfQ4bmWns/s320/IMG_1724.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I included this picture just because I chopped all this garlic and ginger up so finely. Usually I just leave things in chunks and throw it in. What's it for, by the way?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAqMFr9nMC9NTlt5SAuUCzAWC14t4FoBJ8cl5bSByuTDvSHkh7TDSbbA0wiusxMHPbAGfvuoe2lBOrQWxJeZ5ENAhvfAFfieTZw9e5j2KszGN1rLXUWnrZNudRk7lLZDifYeTUvjiF00/s1600/IMG_1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAqMFr9nMC9NTlt5SAuUCzAWC14t4FoBJ8cl5bSByuTDvSHkh7TDSbbA0wiusxMHPbAGfvuoe2lBOrQWxJeZ5ENAhvfAFfieTZw9e5j2KszGN1rLXUWnrZNudRk7lLZDifYeTUvjiF00/s320/IMG_1727.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This chicken is for the same dish...a ginger-garlic marinade with yogurt. Can you guess what it ended up as?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHA0vRR7PUp5ZVHJGB1meIn1Ek5pEBUYV0Fruz3K4N7czCIdasx0W-G0vBEVOvoZqqVrPRCIO8HUnwfnwDh4czRPU0dFdyrVMlb9oo8Hf4ClR5VWLw4bGup1pld5hFzd3X2ErubiJOlXk/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHA0vRR7PUp5ZVHJGB1meIn1Ek5pEBUYV0Fruz3K4N7czCIdasx0W-G0vBEVOvoZqqVrPRCIO8HUnwfnwDh4czRPU0dFdyrVMlb9oo8Hf4ClR5VWLw4bGup1pld5hFzd3X2ErubiJOlXk/s320/IMG_1732.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aarti-sequeira/chicken-in-creamy-tomato-curry-chicken-tikka-masala-recipe2/index.html">Chicken Tikka Masala</a>, with cumin-scented jasmine rice. I was really impressed with this meal, and for once I followed the recipe nearly exactly, except for one small change: I used a can of tomatoes instead of fresh ones. Gasp! Tomatoes are so crummy at this time of year, it definitely would have ruined the dish. Not to mention canned tomatoes are just so delicious I could probably eat them by themselves right out of the can.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay_EVoeeW48RzSQw84vw2nZmF1Cc4PFVRFFmbuyptj_ocoXTiyHC3gz0MVCLImq90HwMnyJ6JQEMkTglAl5vRMi08ju5SCVYPavtcarIhP29pi5UM5YO3fmIE_d88cD3fefbP_isy4WM/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay_EVoeeW48RzSQw84vw2nZmF1Cc4PFVRFFmbuyptj_ocoXTiyHC3gz0MVCLImq90HwMnyJ6JQEMkTglAl5vRMi08ju5SCVYPavtcarIhP29pi5UM5YO3fmIE_d88cD3fefbP_isy4WM/s320/IMG_1740.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Speaking of canned tomatoes, last week we had Ms. T's spectacular tomato soup. We ate it with a small salad, and topped it with Parmesan and Sheep <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mizithra">Mizithra</a> cheeses. I put my own twist on it, but I checked out her favorite type of tomatoes for this dish, <a href="http://www.muirglen.com/products/fire-roasted/fire-roasted-diced-tomatoes-14-5-oz--2">Muir Glen Fire-Roasted</a>. </div>
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Last night was the dinner to end all, though. I finally got around to cooking one of the dishes out of my favorite and most inspirational cookbook: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Hot-Pots-Comforting-One-Pot/dp/158008981X">Japanese Hot Pots</a>. I've had this book for over a year and every single dish in it looks absolutely delicious and beautiful, but I've never attempted anything until now. Even the one where you cook a fish whole in the pot looks good. I started, however, with one of the easiest dishes: Yudofu (p. 45). According to the book, this dish comes from traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, or <i>shojin ryori</i>. Most Western-style vegetarians won't find this dish particularly suitable, though, as the broth comes from dashi flakes, which come from fish (produced by a fairly scary process, I might add.) If that single component were replaced, with say, vegetable broth, this dish would be completely vegan.</div>
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My end result, however, was probably the most authentic-tasting Japanese dish I've ever created. It was amazing. I followed the recipe exactly, making my own stock from dashi flakes. I replaced the negi with regular green onions, because I forgot to grab some at the store while I was at Uwajimaya. This meal is cooked in a thin broth made of water and seaweed(kombu), then the vegetables are removed from the cooking water and eaten topped with a sauce made of soy sauce, mirin and dashi stock. Without getting too techincal, this sauce is very similar to the dipping liquid you would get at any Japanese restaurant when ordering tempura.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I have my <i>warijoyu</i> in a gravy boat.</td></tr>
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We even had the <i>shime</i>, which consisted of rice <i>zosui</i>. <i>Shime</i> is a concept in Japanese eatin' where you finish your meal with an extra, starchy food. We added rice to the remaining (delicious) broth that the veggies were cooked in to create a fairly sensational soup. This makes the meal really, really filling. That's good because you're basically eating boiled vegetables. You can eat and eat and still not make it up to the calories of a burger and fries. </div>
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If this all sounds very foreign, remember that I studied Japanese language and culture in college, which is why diving into this kind of thing is foremost in my interest. If you're not so inclined, the beginning of the book has a section which nicely explains all the components of the meals, including instructions for things you may not know how to do, like create your own dashi stock (almost as easy as making tea). This book is widely available at many Asian bookstores as well as western ones (I got mine at Powell's Home and Garden location on Hawthorne). </div>
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Last but not least (phew, this is getting long) I made kimchi last night. I am using<a href="http://www.nohfoods.com/htdocs/Products/koreankimchee.htm"> an experimental packet from Noh foods</a>. I have used their seasonings in the past with average results, but the lure of supercheap supereasy Kimchi is just too much for me. I have made my own from scratch before, however I felt the flavor left something to be desired that time. I added my own peppers, ginger and garlic to the mix. If you decide to go the packet route, be forewarned that opening it MADE. ME. COUGH. You're thinking, "dummy why did you open it so close to your face?" I didn't. In addition my husband <i>walked by</i> the counter while I was mixing the cabbage and HE STARTED COUGHING, too. Just put a towel over your face or something. We're talking powdered hot peppers, here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V7sawnJgmtdVs4o1cHdltZX9JCTvrSyas3yVyUUEr2Ghw4uyMQOdSmEiV-vVg9xXq_PDkM-adWdGi47Vnw0zIaNUBRMrTn0J9BhF4A-JR3wZ3AKaWY5_k34LryNibkPExMtA2Xgut38/s1600/IMG_1760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V7sawnJgmtdVs4o1cHdltZX9JCTvrSyas3yVyUUEr2Ghw4uyMQOdSmEiV-vVg9xXq_PDkM-adWdGi47Vnw0zIaNUBRMrTn0J9BhF4A-JR3wZ3AKaWY5_k34LryNibkPExMtA2Xgut38/s320/IMG_1760.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The packet calls for five pounds of cabbage but I used probably two and a half, considering I bought three pounds, and used some for the hot pot. In the end I got about two and a half pint-sized jars of kimchi packet experiment #1. It's still fermenting in the fridge, I'll be around with the update in 2+ days.</div>
Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-42644100526795729282013-02-07T13:49:00.001-08:002013-05-28T10:48:43.325-07:00Emergency diet engage!Okay, okay. Zach and I have gained a little weight over the course of the winter so far. It's hard to have Christmas and New Years (eatin' holidays!) so close to my birthday (usually debauchery and plenty of sushi). January 26 is also the anniversary of when we started dating, so we usually go out to eat for that. My friend Anita visited, and that constituted several days of eating out, cooking big tasty meals, and travelling to Seattle where the restaurants are arguably as good as Portland's, if not better. Most of the fun holidays are out of the way for now. Valentine's day is the only possible one left. I usually request not to get too much chocolate, though.<br />
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So now I'm trying to cook some healthy meals at home. Many of the meals are going back to our vegetarian/meatless roots. I've slowly added chicken and other meat twice a week or less. Today I made this: <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-feta-tabbouleh-10000001886383/">Chicken and Feta Tabbouleh.</a> It takes regular tabbouleh and adds feta cheese (not so unusual) and chicken. It needs to chill for a few hours, but I took a sneak peek at the flavor for lunch, and I have to say it's a keeper. In addition, the recipe calls for pre-cooked chicken, so I bought half a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store. The bonus is that I used all the nice-looking white meat to make the salad, and got to snack on the dark meat while cooking. Yum. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQqTU2oLXGqh_I72FtbgqE5kagLFNQs4RiockmeTuVm9zU_DI9Aa2z4668kXFay_s7DhjnZWEbQ2STRSRkakIuZoXlDwSZNqX7GtygGIGln-2Wge7A7ZH4CkDNzpf3R-lFmXXw5xjFFM/s1600/IMG_1712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQqTU2oLXGqh_I72FtbgqE5kagLFNQs4RiockmeTuVm9zU_DI9Aa2z4668kXFay_s7DhjnZWEbQ2STRSRkakIuZoXlDwSZNqX7GtygGIGln-2Wge7A7ZH4CkDNzpf3R-lFmXXw5xjFFM/s320/IMG_1712.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cut the amount of tomatoes way down since they aren't really good at this time of year. I left out the cumin, too. </td></tr>
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<br />Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-51534713245413789112013-01-09T20:24:00.000-08:002013-01-09T20:39:18.576-08:00Snowy ageing madness.For my 27th birthday, to prove I'm not old as hell, I decided I wanted to go cross country skiing. Yes! That seems great. Except I had no idea whether or not it would be difficult, how much skill would be involved, if an instructor was required, etc., so we decided to grab snowshoes instead. Snowshoeing happens to be the easiest winter sport in terms of "getting into it". It is, however, not easy. Imagine plowing through 4 1/2 miles of snowy trail your first time on wacky aluminum platforms. <br />
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Why snowshoeing, when downhill skiing is so much more exciting? Nothing puts me in a good mood like boring, repetitive, physically difficult tasks. Take my job, for example. Scanning hundreds of items and sorting them into heavy bags that need to be moved. Heaven. Running. Swimming. Hiking. Extremely satisfying. I wish I could turn myself into a robot.<br />
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In addition, things like downhill skiing and snowboarding usually require passes to a ski-type resort, while this and xc skiing usually can be done just about any old place where snow exists. In our case we chose to snowshoe around semi-scenic Trillium Lake. That is to say, its more scenic in the summer.<br />
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Doesn't sound appealing? Live vicariously through these pictures then.<br />
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Admittedly, this is the very first time since we've moved to Oregon that I've had anything to do with "The Mountain" (which most of you may know is Mt. Hood and associated mountainous snow zone.) This has a lot to do with vehicular access, and since we recently got this new Subaru, we thought we could handle it! I thought I was well-acquainted with snow since I grew up in Western PA, where winter snowfalls can be plentiful. I just had no idea.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW13WCdKKwfyGq60Iqa9kTnXYDf1yYXJqL5Kr1NCE7BU_9Ofckj3Q9038eqTvz0VqoPm2cmGYBveDrPsMsjACizCtMvZmRVSzMau-m-tTDWXLqNhkb3kjea5NCuTcomFEYaQp0xzB1qm4/s1600/IMG_1655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW13WCdKKwfyGq60Iqa9kTnXYDf1yYXJqL5Kr1NCE7BU_9Ofckj3Q9038eqTvz0VqoPm2cmGYBveDrPsMsjACizCtMvZmRVSzMau-m-tTDWXLqNhkb3kjea5NCuTcomFEYaQp0xzB1qm4/s320/IMG_1655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Snow Plows? F that, Government Camp has BULLDOZERS. Incidentally, in the middle of the night, we awoke to the sound of Armageddon, which was just all the snow from the entire hotel sliding off the roof into the parking lot. I was like uh, is Mt. Hood suddenly erupting? I was sure that my time had come.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIS31WBHR8E1knQynoFVq1cbwZtGWFol52IEctYdIr32eodmFOqo49wKbNIswdxDoYyWyiQfNneA1h_JHmS3ukL8j75jnjYHqRHqrbL4wYOYqZlmXcu3tkfmXBXyuXM4bFw75X23SPOAA/s1600/IMG_1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIS31WBHR8E1knQynoFVq1cbwZtGWFol52IEctYdIr32eodmFOqo49wKbNIswdxDoYyWyiQfNneA1h_JHmS3ukL8j75jnjYHqRHqrbL4wYOYqZlmXcu3tkfmXBXyuXM4bFw75X23SPOAA/s320/IMG_1661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the road, we were about an hour from needing tire chains, which would have happened if we didn't haul ass off the mountain at 3:30, right before sunset.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsCJ46fLyDCkvMAzqaoUVUmEBAdcsD3zC67gOlWzn5awTPOFsvQMZDkNSWnlz6m7Nqx1q11kzzEXnNybeWZV9sCusNdHS9nIE6rdIm7kTV2rEi7KpWX208ArHkQunyo7D76CJHko9aoM/s1600/IMG_1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsCJ46fLyDCkvMAzqaoUVUmEBAdcsD3zC67gOlWzn5awTPOFsvQMZDkNSWnlz6m7Nqx1q11kzzEXnNybeWZV9sCusNdHS9nIE6rdIm7kTV2rEi7KpWX208ArHkQunyo7D76CJHko9aoM/s320/IMG_1681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My husband and I are big fans of getting gear as cheaply as you can. Next Adventure is a place here in Portland which allows you to trade in your used gear and clothing, and additionally buy second-hand gear for a fraction of the price of new things. Here is my goofy purple vintage Columbia adult snowsuit which functioned at 100% and didn't cost more than 20 dollars.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_YKpJxQEOe6Yg0H9Gc1ZaaCy5xIVZq9oroya5drpI9AcO8lA8jY_ybVsoGmaVVXeoMuMCg_-qDMNi0EfRxO7JZj64tFGlC6VbM2QnvL22H1TrR8cM-x9FdjZczvgfRGECwmAx0p4k5w/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_YKpJxQEOe6Yg0H9Gc1ZaaCy5xIVZq9oroya5drpI9AcO8lA8jY_ybVsoGmaVVXeoMuMCg_-qDMNi0EfRxO7JZj64tFGlC6VbM2QnvL22H1TrR8cM-x9FdjZczvgfRGECwmAx0p4k5w/s320/photo+(8).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Right at the beginning. An easy downhill start, a bitch at the end of the 3.5 hours because it feels like it's going straight up.</div>
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\<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiL9k_hZoqoXDHSoCe4cj0yOCANMXQPsHlAH3PlWAkvASZbH70otuTiKs1F0aL_4fqcPHsvt6PDZctpPWqTg5gHmDAeXfavKYzwr59tGj2MGxTXBjiC2U2jR7BDRb4_v5l5Lqme5xG2cg/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiL9k_hZoqoXDHSoCe4cj0yOCANMXQPsHlAH3PlWAkvASZbH70otuTiKs1F0aL_4fqcPHsvt6PDZctpPWqTg5gHmDAeXfavKYzwr59tGj2MGxTXBjiC2U2jR7BDRb4_v5l5Lqme5xG2cg/s320/photo+(6).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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About halfway through. It's not as cold as it looks, only about 28 degrees. When you've waited for Pat Transit's 54C in the middle of winter on a windy hill, you can pretty much camp at the North Pole and be fine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqqtBky63TIZgX1edDv3FIO0xGXd8PJ7YX95mlwpFAPrdQkjT-T5rCURMZjWDVnW6R0NRw43QK4ZPfCezvgeRiw5RR0uijQ2G12GrZwwJFaTXfIm8tPIy7VVrfQUEwoeB1HuZOgh1qnI/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqqtBky63TIZgX1edDv3FIO0xGXd8PJ7YX95mlwpFAPrdQkjT-T5rCURMZjWDVnW6R0NRw43QK4ZPfCezvgeRiw5RR0uijQ2G12GrZwwJFaTXfIm8tPIy7VVrfQUEwoeB1HuZOgh1qnI/s320/photo+(7).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Trillium Lake. I'm told in the summer, it looks like this:</div>
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Mount_Hood_reflected_in_Mirror_Lake,_Oregon.jpg/240px-Mount_Hood_reflected_in_Mirror_Lake,_Oregon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Mount_Hood_reflected_in_Mirror_Lake,_Oregon.jpg/240px-Mount_Hood_reflected_in_Mirror_Lake,_Oregon.jpg" /></a></div>
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What to drink when you're done? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_37BPjMk33ETLWy1RugIpmViR9o4xD0ly2BdHY_y69at3M0YtW3ht-8JMmgiA5T8wqMyDGfwe4R0c-GzcYqLkmc-cIZSX3eIclazMi2YNLJ9DRb2iqlwy3SvKfqsZSWuDjBpcYg4as4/s1600/IMG_1668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_37BPjMk33ETLWy1RugIpmViR9o4xD0ly2BdHY_y69at3M0YtW3ht-8JMmgiA5T8wqMyDGfwe4R0c-GzcYqLkmc-cIZSX3eIclazMi2YNLJ9DRb2iqlwy3SvKfqsZSWuDjBpcYg4as4/s320/IMG_1668.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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"Love" isn't my favorite flavor, but I gambled and lost.</div>
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Products I recommend?</div>
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Definitely any Keen brand hiking boot you can get your hands on.</div>
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<a href="http://www.backcountry.com/injinji-outdoor-quarter-crew-toe-sock?CMP_SKU=INJ0004&MER=0406&CMP_ID=GAN_GPLA&003=8219600&010=INJ0004-QCFOR-S&mr:trackingCode=0A6F82DB-F061-DF11-9DA0-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=26467793625&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=20762933025&origin=pla&gclid=CNCjq8v33LQCFal7Qgod1HMAIg">Injinji individual-toed socks</a>, prevents toe chafe-age.</div>
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Neff facemasks and additionally their "daily" hats.</div>
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<a href="http://www.rei.com/product/802215/rei-silk-camisole-womens,-natural,-medium?preferredSku=8022150083&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-pla-_-product-_-8022150083&mr:referralID=558de5fc-5add-11e2-8751-001b2166c2c0">These. Forever.</a></div>
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Lessons Learned?</div>
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-Camelbacks and other water bladders operate on the principle that if you're thirsty enough, you'll drink water that tastes like a shower curtain and like it.</div>
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-The hiking boots priced over a hundred dollars are worth it if you have knee problems.</div>
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-4 1/2 miles is a lot of snowshoeing for a beginner.</div>
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I don't want to know how this is going to feel tomorrow. Let's not talk about it.</div>
Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-71795639225662523682012-12-31T12:42:00.003-08:002013-11-05T12:27:28.359-08:00Last post in 2012As you all know, the world did not end in 2012 like it was supposed to. That means it's time to write another post, as requested.<br />
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So what have I been up to since my last post, way way back in probably October?<br />
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Well there was Thanksgiving:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgt2YByEWJAHs5fxIW-43E-fSv0dR0spwlqbKipy-tUZfztuncMO0IJtUg3u9bOCu9fQIB2UnuV-DGnpJlIIIi1gtLnjDmtVairiP50WMwyq_IYh84Rqq_Hx8HXDJfcN8kwR48F-zdAE/s1600/danksgiving+690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgt2YByEWJAHs5fxIW-43E-fSv0dR0spwlqbKipy-tUZfztuncMO0IJtUg3u9bOCu9fQIB2UnuV-DGnpJlIIIi1gtLnjDmtVairiP50WMwyq_IYh84Rqq_Hx8HXDJfcN8kwR48F-zdAE/s320/danksgiving+690.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In which I made a turkey using a dry-brine method (which turned out quite nicely) but forgot to take any pictures of it before it was eaten.</div>
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Then there was our wreath-making party, orchestrated mainly by my Jewish friend Anika (pictured above at the end of the table) who naturally has more Christmas spirit than I do. </div>
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The wreaths turned out pretty well, in fact:</div>
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If you want to make your own wreaths at some point in the future, it is apparently very easy to go to Christmas tree lots and ask for their trimmings. I didn't participate in this part of the wreath process, but they will give you some branches for free since they need to get rid of them. You're on your own for the decorations, though.<br />
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There were some awesome Christmas presents like this sweatshirt from Threadless that the Roskos sent to me:<br />
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I've also been knitting and crocheting (and hiking past the snow line):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqwv1bcge-sw-o-UAICzKS7JovYStl5WhkTFV-Hn9svT-jrrGGE7TccTaJgB1YIFILn0YdHiTBAPM7XDCxFwVfe-I7yNvESevcsItZ1iW70EMI3SDeTykPd2pFOSC0ZFH0sh0QYrjkjs/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqwv1bcge-sw-o-UAICzKS7JovYStl5WhkTFV-Hn9svT-jrrGGE7TccTaJgB1YIFILn0YdHiTBAPM7XDCxFwVfe-I7yNvESevcsItZ1iW70EMI3SDeTykPd2pFOSC0ZFH0sh0QYrjkjs/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Christmas miracle: I finally got a haircut from someone who didn't ruin my hair!</td></tr>
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This pattern is the second version of a headband I made way back in 2010 that didn't work out too well back then: <a href="http://presentsknits.blogspot.com/2008/02/maner-free-pattern.html">Maner Headband</a>. It's pretty easy for a beginner. I used some <a href="http://www.yarn.com/product/webs-knitting-yarns-plymouth-boku/">Plymouth Boku</a> and a size 8 16" circular needle to complete it this time. If I had to guess, I'd say I used color number 08. This yarn is pretty, but really, really itchy. I would only recommend using Boku if you are making something that won't touch your skin, like the knitted <a href="http://amimono.g.hatena.ne.jp/ishi-knit/20081008/p2">bag I'm currently working on</a> in color number 11(maybe. it's so hard to tell from the pictures). <br />
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I also completed an entire semester of pottery class, working on throwing, but this time also focusing more on hand-building items and being slightly more adventurous in the things I made. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbctIDOe_RWOaOTX50JfjXYyGWpt2ZYzUmmZw2mQvpS3ARUrGGFBc4MFm-0EEXrt6AC7s9ikq650KcmsiLEP8MCwfP05yUz9VPk4GYuU037_jOmA7xMbpQDlcmp60IK0qpIkbD1v_zB4/s1600/IMG_1614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbctIDOe_RWOaOTX50JfjXYyGWpt2ZYzUmmZw2mQvpS3ARUrGGFBc4MFm-0EEXrt6AC7s9ikq650KcmsiLEP8MCwfP05yUz9VPk4GYuU037_jOmA7xMbpQDlcmp60IK0qpIkbD1v_zB4/s320/IMG_1614.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A present I made for Zach. Don't ask me why those skeleton stamps even exist.</td></tr>
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Favorite moments from 2012:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkG4K_3g_uamPu6kMe9-Ez87iMfAJo6qWR9okGtL1wp6w0lwG7fJ6oFAupaCKFPbAqW2en3XAyt7PKITXXCM5wpnwEJk1I_UVmzqQEoAdM3zOZxxsUz8x17UAFHO6-FiyEdVfdINOtmU/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkG4K_3g_uamPu6kMe9-Ez87iMfAJo6qWR9okGtL1wp6w0lwG7fJ6oFAupaCKFPbAqW2en3XAyt7PKITXXCM5wpnwEJk1I_UVmzqQEoAdM3zOZxxsUz8x17UAFHO6-FiyEdVfdINOtmU/s320/IMG_0901.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terrariums with friends.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByJwk53yrzzeM335vB0q0P2YHgIxSitB4EALUDoyc7IM9_SqqoLXk6pGXuKHWtvAOapNIQh1i3xjlEM6qPvGGiBOAcMYL3Ai15RGOS1HowJdNOmG0mEzGk198UpChfLrb6mQcw3sgiGc/s1600/218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByJwk53yrzzeM335vB0q0P2YHgIxSitB4EALUDoyc7IM9_SqqoLXk6pGXuKHWtvAOapNIQh1i3xjlEM6qPvGGiBOAcMYL3Ai15RGOS1HowJdNOmG0mEzGk198UpChfLrb6mQcw3sgiGc/s320/218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falling in love with giant sunflowers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC61FmXr2ciiXSUCKKoZ5CyMj-bbDmGAIoi7TjNPc8oZC_DvFgT7ZiOPyttKAJXCfFNrr0gvMFFVj8Z3fiAjSlNvLj7Bwip7YNUsEQGvwZ4-ld7SGIa1T7XA7JfY0fFyLDVIxVGc1HuE/s1600/kale+chips+138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC61FmXr2ciiXSUCKKoZ5CyMj-bbDmGAIoi7TjNPc8oZC_DvFgT7ZiOPyttKAJXCfFNrr0gvMFFVj8Z3fiAjSlNvLj7Bwip7YNUsEQGvwZ4-ld7SGIa1T7XA7JfY0fFyLDVIxVGc1HuE/s320/kale+chips+138.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kale Chips</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGzqZKRER-Y_FDpPa8jJDOhTmiZT0z0CsfZhhsAs0pjdB9rF_XJZC4AnbLlqRs0awbnr6p7M0eHKEz6h-Q1vkwN5j1REjBjs3ckVks0eQOaJujULGsOGN6c0duupvEhmVszG18PYRIDQ/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGzqZKRER-Y_FDpPa8jJDOhTmiZT0z0CsfZhhsAs0pjdB9rF_XJZC4AnbLlqRs0awbnr6p7M0eHKEz6h-Q1vkwN5j1REjBjs3ckVks0eQOaJujULGsOGN6c0duupvEhmVszG18PYRIDQ/s320/IMG_0323.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This tasty meal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxBGtNOoTEePNAUYPjbfS-R6pY7to6ZIbMmt6HIPk3dw9Drm6Eg3a8ZR1NsltNVyAsMh7W2TWvT6f5AnizABo-nJqW4rxyAZ-bFZFNP44_Iklduu2hF2_yU81vSVVeLNoFIfWse4Vrw0/s1600/IMG_6045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxBGtNOoTEePNAUYPjbfS-R6pY7to6ZIbMmt6HIPk3dw9Drm6Eg3a8ZR1NsltNVyAsMh7W2TWvT6f5AnizABo-nJqW4rxyAZ-bFZFNP44_Iklduu2hF2_yU81vSVVeLNoFIfWse4Vrw0/s320/IMG_6045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balloon's most gorgeous photo shoot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pPgyBcYW09pUqBdcUKmiyJF24zpXmpei4OUpHDxqUwl5xJaSoMRfA0-VKUdMOwTfXR7yctcq6SpsaSZ3MxdW2QISc92yFngP0OTNktslCPp4UoZ1vQdYUOB1wBgTMgeGRaEXBIgH2Po/s1600/super+cool+vac+w+raz+167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pPgyBcYW09pUqBdcUKmiyJF24zpXmpei4OUpHDxqUwl5xJaSoMRfA0-VKUdMOwTfXR7yctcq6SpsaSZ3MxdW2QISc92yFngP0OTNktslCPp4UoZ1vQdYUOB1wBgTMgeGRaEXBIgH2Po/s320/super+cool+vac+w+raz+167.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spending time in the tropics with my husband!</td></tr>
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So what's my New Year's Resolution? I am going to knit as much as I currently use the internet, which is a lot. On Ravelry, I have almost 300 items in my queue (which, if you don't know, is a list of patterns you intend to make) some of them have been there since 2010 or earlier. I really want to get knitting and make as many of them as possible before my wrists give out.<br />
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Have a happy 2013 everyone.<br />
<br />Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-71728098528691262912012-10-28T19:34:00.004-07:002012-10-31T18:07:48.665-07:00Sunday dinner<br />
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Originally, I intended to make this: <a href="http://www.ourveggiekitchen.com/2012/10/roasted-butternut-squash-curry-soup.html">Roasted Butternut Squash Curry Soup</a>. After I was done roasting all the vegetables together, however, I couldn't bring myself to cover up all that flavor with curry powder and ginger. They were just. too. delicious. Normally, I love to make a curried butternut squash creation in the fall, but this time I went original. Here are my changes, which resulted in what was ACTUALLY the best soup I've ever made. <br />
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<b>cons:</b> It takes all. damn. day. <b>pros:</b> You're not actually in the kitchen all damn day. The soup also tastes amazing and is totally worth the effort.<br />
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Step One: Roast the vegetables. I left out the yucky celery because I hate it. Instead, I put an entire head of garlic in to roast with the vegetables. I also left out the ginger and curry powder.<br />
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Step Two: I did not blend the soup in any way. Added the roasted veggies to the soup pot, then added the beans and Trader Joe's chicken broth packets because they make an amazing stock. I have used the veggie packets in the past, and they do also taste amazing. I peeled the head of garlic that was roasted with the vegetables and added the whole cloves to the soup. I also added nutritional yeast because it makes a very delicious broth. Oregano and rosemary were added in place of ginger and curry powder.<br />
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Step Three: I actually did add some mustard seeds. A friend gave me a whole jar of them from her supply a few weeks ago, and I wanted to give them a shot. Fried them a bit in oil as the recipe states. I didn't taste too much flavor from them, but I think I need more experience with using them to know for sure if I love or hate them.<br />
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I made a very easy <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/breads/easy-peasy-bread-sticks/">breadstick</a> to go with the soup as well. <br />
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Dessert was vanilla ice cream topped with this amazing stuff:<br />
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Savory just opened down the street from us. It's like a Penzey's competitor. This sugar is insanely good, but I feel like I could make some of it myself. I think I'll give it a try sometime.Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-55942804273518998982012-09-30T19:43:00.002-07:002012-09-30T19:54:52.553-07:00Healthy in a flash.<br />
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Don't feel like cooking? What if you knew you'd only be in the kitchen for 15-20 minutes?(minus clean-up time, which hopefully you can pawn off on someone else in your house) With a tiny bit of planning, that's almost faster than take out...and a lot healthier! I will admit that some of the recipes in here take a little more than 15 minutes the first time you try them, but they are so easy!<br />
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What have I made out of this cook book so far? Tonight's dinner was the "Better Broccoli Pizza Potatoes" found on page 144. It's the best of both worlds: A cheesy baked potato that is also filled with garlic-y red sauce and good-for you broccoli. Like many of the recipes, there is room for adding your preferred protein (meat or beans) or adding a salad for a more complete nutrition. To be honest, we just had two each, one medium and one smaller. <br />
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Last Wednesday I made the "Quick Energy Coconut-Lime Salmon and Couscous" on page 93. The Salmon took more time than I thought it would, simply because the recipe requires you to grill them. I don't own a grill, so I decided to bake the salmon, which tasted good but took more than 8 minutes total. The 'sauce' (which is more like a gross-looking paste) tasted better than I thought it would, and the entire meal exceeded my expectations, even reheated two days later. <br />
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Friday's dinner, and my favorite, was the "Anytime Fast Fruity Skillet Cake" from page 162. Breakfast for dinner isn't something I do often, but this was a nice change of pace. I love the ingenious way it's made in the oven instead of on top of the stove. No splattering mess like frying pancakes, and since I made it with oat flour, I didn't feel bad about eating half of it as a meal. The batter has no sugar or butter, so you're mostly eating egg, whole wheat (or oat) flour, and the milk of your choice (see, very versatile!). Using coconut oil to cook it adds a nice flavor, too. Syrup is unnecessary, but should you choose to add it, you're in for a decadent treat. Next time I might think about whipped cream, too. <br />
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There is an entire meatless section I haven't even tried yet. Right now I have this from the library, but it's definitely a keeper. Ordering from Amazon soon.Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-66990373829568996592012-09-15T17:44:00.000-07:002012-09-15T17:44:02.573-07:00Late summer blooms<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjZh3u0SB09KEw4VDGu2icMqpq3TSQaG1BXfcAEq4qGUb2Cha9I4jb_36jR1M3Ciy8bb1kat7ryqAyVXCEs5xVs6Ubh90PjQbETckCS51CQFf4F7U1oZ7rSCky5BBhuDTYGvS3jjD1GA/s1600/231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjZh3u0SB09KEw4VDGu2icMqpq3TSQaG1BXfcAEq4qGUb2Cha9I4jb_36jR1M3Ciy8bb1kat7ryqAyVXCEs5xVs6Ubh90PjQbETckCS51CQFf4F7U1oZ7rSCky5BBhuDTYGvS3jjD1GA/s320/231.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange Chrysanthemums.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multicolored pansies are freaking gorgeous...</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByJwk53yrzzeM335vB0q0P2YHgIxSitB4EALUDoyc7IM9_SqqoLXk6pGXuKHWtvAOapNIQh1i3xjlEM6qPvGGiBOAcMYL3Ai15RGOS1HowJdNOmG0mEzGk198UpChfLrb6mQcw3sgiGc/s1600/218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByJwk53yrzzeM335vB0q0P2YHgIxSitB4EALUDoyc7IM9_SqqoLXk6pGXuKHWtvAOapNIQh1i3xjlEM6qPvGGiBOAcMYL3Ai15RGOS1HowJdNOmG0mEzGk198UpChfLrb6mQcw3sgiGc/s320/218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">"Russian Giant" sunflower. I was never very into sunflowers, but they are so massive and interesting I think I'm hooked.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEJIAe3FaRKVqjK9MZzQWeDdKqgKIsoor4pz08fjzkzFJ4pL5i2W3bLbtaaDFINz_sCAbT4LhyJMI3rd9PQAF3pZeA6LkHY5w3QpnwvF47Abn7ZUUFz-PBlYRXcA_n63zT-4KwemQDRQ/s1600/221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEJIAe3FaRKVqjK9MZzQWeDdKqgKIsoor4pz08fjzkzFJ4pL5i2W3bLbtaaDFINz_sCAbT4LhyJMI3rd9PQAF3pZeA6LkHY5w3QpnwvF47Abn7ZUUFz-PBlYRXcA_n63zT-4KwemQDRQ/s320/221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is truly giant...over six feet tall. Honeybees for scale.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0rDZ5Sufv0qrXJ4VX53O9GtFgrjU4dewi3IkwqvUURxZJfPZKOwuVz3ERiod0pGDJpTpa14jDsuSb8q-B9DnztmM4WCbb47rtcMiLqiHfFIqFYVGQ1Nouquc9OL_Zp4-nfLGhDuPVKE/s1600/212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0rDZ5Sufv0qrXJ4VX53O9GtFgrjU4dewi3IkwqvUURxZJfPZKOwuVz3ERiod0pGDJpTpa14jDsuSb8q-B9DnztmM4WCbb47rtcMiLqiHfFIqFYVGQ1Nouquc9OL_Zp4-nfLGhDuPVKE/s320/212.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "Thomas Edison" dinnerplate dahlia finally bloomed! It's really huge. I ended up loving dahlias because they are very zero maintenance. Will be growing more next year.<br /></td></tr>
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<br />Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-26796464123825819552012-08-20T13:05:00.000-07:002012-08-20T13:12:07.238-07:00Terrariums<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday, a few friends and I got together to make some terrariums. It was my first time, and I'm always amazed at the ideas that other ladies get to make your house or apartment or whatever a 'home'. I am, believe it or not, really not that way. If my husband didn't like to buy decorations and stuff, we would probably sleep on a mattress on a floor with bare walls.</div>
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Their ideas were pretty advanced in the 'theme' terrarium department, and I wish I had some pictures of the ones they made. One was a 'graveyard' theme complete with some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithops">creepy looking succulents</a> and a tombstone. At least mine incorporated some of the tiny buildings I collect. Normally they are used for bonsai, but I can assume this small pavilion is equally at home in a terrarium as well. So what do you need to make one? It's actually pretty cheap.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took about 25 pictures of this, an used the first one. As usual.</td></tr>
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This terrarium is made with a small fishbowl from the Dollar Tree. It was actually made in the USA, which was surprising from DT. Fill it with some regular potting soil mixed with sand, rocks from outside (also sold at craft stores for some reason), decorative moss, and small succulent plants. I bought the little building from an Asian decor store down the street, but they also sell them at Powell's Home and Garden store on Hawthorne. All this stuff here is sold in small flower shops around Portland.<br />
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When I was done with this one, they decided I should probably make one in one of their wine glasses, also from the dollar store. The wine glass is pretty enormous, I'm guessing you would probably drink maybe a pina colada out of it instead of actual wine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ydd9rh81fz22YgnkQOVEK1rCTtGbJ1r5DmnkwOBlUzUsSsSlwl3B9hfdTDnhMS4Yi74NsRBGWF4bEfy9ERPRP-EML7CA99rerwnBSWPqY1ZJj3oMHF8V3xKxaMimrmdYvjrXQc9Bces/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ydd9rh81fz22YgnkQOVEK1rCTtGbJ1r5DmnkwOBlUzUsSsSlwl3B9hfdTDnhMS4Yi74NsRBGWF4bEfy9ERPRP-EML7CA99rerwnBSWPqY1ZJj3oMHF8V3xKxaMimrmdYvjrXQc9Bces/s320/IMG_0920.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need a manicure pretty desperately.</td></tr>
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This one I find to be a bit awkward...It's hard to photograph but pretty cute in person. This was the easiest to transport of the two; I wedged it into the cup holder in our Hyundai and that kept it pretty secure. That's an aloe plant in there, but I'm wondering how long it will last before it outgrows the mini environment it's in. All in all, a good Saturday/Sunday activity I wouldn't have really thought of, but which turned out fairly worthwhile.<br />
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<br />Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-73640296062251062982012-08-15T12:14:00.003-07:002012-08-15T12:14:26.698-07:00New Dishes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN0kMLHOsnVURQzAUfLzEl5FL7CamS4LZOoQ1pgLyG8LCureiup_OsbnUcHLKHi6LWsrpouRYmmL0ZtYWq1G2IjGmdlQl5goEEFdvZOnrnpqT_XyR_qD4h19g3BFdcAZODFFVOfr9fZY/s1600/pictures+117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN0kMLHOsnVURQzAUfLzEl5FL7CamS4LZOoQ1pgLyG8LCureiup_OsbnUcHLKHi6LWsrpouRYmmL0ZtYWq1G2IjGmdlQl5goEEFdvZOnrnpqT_XyR_qD4h19g3BFdcAZODFFVOfr9fZY/s320/pictures+117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I finally decided on some grown-up dishes. I found these classic Blue Willow dishes at Fred Meyer's last night. Not too expensive, with many options like a matching tea pot, gravy boat (which I didn't buy, because when was the last time I made gravy?) and a sugar and creamer set. They are made in England and seem very solid and sturdy. <br />
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My first choice would probably have been the classic English "Botanic Garden" set, but at 40 dollars per dinner plate, I can't afford that <i>and</i> a very clumsy husband. That is, I can't afford to be <i>very</i> attached to my dishes. These plates ring up at only $7 for the dinner plates, though the special dishes, like this large serving platter sold for about $35. Again, still cheaper than the aforementioned set with its $80 oval platter.<br />
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So far I only got a service for 4, plus the platter, which was only about $100. I'll probably go back and add to my set whenever I can. For now, they're looking great in my cabinets.Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-55008824382573390692012-08-07T01:11:00.001-07:002012-08-07T01:18:38.503-07:00Indian summer lazy Sunday dinner.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeKFqPjeaKmB927V5bCCz83OZu1XdY0DBkXm85vmVTALYYcYL7kwAKzwLx4y7K70KU1Q5B88lhKcLx0OlLy4IQc98IxQDhGJOvzvPoS-3wKuGMFrL6tl77JA-x0OD2wz2dUgtUROB5Do/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeKFqPjeaKmB927V5bCCz83OZu1XdY0DBkXm85vmVTALYYcYL7kwAKzwLx4y7K70KU1Q5B88lhKcLx0OlLy4IQc98IxQDhGJOvzvPoS-3wKuGMFrL6tl77JA-x0OD2wz2dUgtUROB5Do/s320/IMG_0868.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberries from the front slope!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nail Lacquer from butter LONDON in "Lovely Jubbly". Nordstrom's $14. In case you were wondering.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anika</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a1N9oaC43x8k8Pqw1LzuoY_8tpt8Ov58Xk5X4OwV-rGTc8YYlXoE-8YyU9ND-VqUsnhGX3N-Xbw99p_m6T8uquo2FFBuEzh-fLh7lTzrrlK_D-nfhbljNm_ZjlaHytHNAdfuLmmxTCA/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a1N9oaC43x8k8Pqw1LzuoY_8tpt8Ov58Xk5X4OwV-rGTc8YYlXoE-8YyU9ND-VqUsnhGX3N-Xbw99p_m6T8uquo2FFBuEzh-fLh7lTzrrlK_D-nfhbljNm_ZjlaHytHNAdfuLmmxTCA/s320/IMG_0876.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keri</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(My 1st )Vegetarian Lasagna with Zucchini. Very cheap and easy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickled sweet peppers stuffed with Chevre and drizzled with a balsamic glaze. I stole the idea from Romano's Macaroni Grill.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAKMnirAQAkIO-mZX37DuddOZRl3yBGAv9pvIZ_z5XhdwcLVh87eFNggiMGduwAa0ybj2dZQ_8EsiMLwAoaMHCJdkdmueCJXaXDUOoYCYXKkCwHsdimhEmvO-1PLiJ_dlhJDSNem_0Cs/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAKMnirAQAkIO-mZX37DuddOZRl3yBGAv9pvIZ_z5XhdwcLVh87eFNggiMGduwAa0ybj2dZQ_8EsiMLwAoaMHCJdkdmueCJXaXDUOoYCYXKkCwHsdimhEmvO-1PLiJ_dlhJDSNem_0Cs/s320/IMG_0883.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fluffy cat in 90 degree heat. Sprawled out is the way to be.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvkIZwjLnTjERBL3b7n3YbosXElKJ9kSmy77wl2x8jQiNu3dEOM275zbtgRRYOaZO_lP3Sjti1ig5E_c_-NOOSsWbyZgTchB2pu_AXJxS3g5x17xZveDRI2Lvk144h7dVzWUtNJZR3bY/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvkIZwjLnTjERBL3b7n3YbosXElKJ9kSmy77wl2x8jQiNu3dEOM275zbtgRRYOaZO_lP3Sjti1ig5E_c_-NOOSsWbyZgTchB2pu_AXJxS3g5x17xZveDRI2Lvk144h7dVzWUtNJZR3bY/s320/IMG_0885.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zach has been wearing his new hat everywhere!</td></tr>
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Nothing is very new on our end, just enjoying (enduring) the hotter weather we've been getting. Only one or two nights so far have even been warm, but daytime temperatures in the high 80's and 90's far exceed anything Portlanders are used to. I'm still very interested in the growing seasons here. June-bearing strawberries are just now coming into their own. Our neighbors have some what I'd call "Easter" Lillies blooming in her front yard. My tomatoes are still very green, except one or two very tiny ones.<br />
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Playing games on the porch with friends to beat the heat is very fashionable. It's true, we really do live in the 1890's here.Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-88385700381079601002012-08-02T13:26:00.000-07:002012-08-02T19:59:00.223-07:00Fig Galette. Is it good? Oh yeah, it's good.I recently discovered figs grow pretty well around here. I plan on getting a tree next year, but in the mean time I bought a pound of black figs last night from Trader Joe's. I ate a few of them, but being from TJ's, they weren't excellent produce. (There are a lot of things I like about that place, but their produce is often not great. You know this to be true.) When you have non-excellent produce, a good solution is to just put that into a recipe of some kind. This often is true with dry-ish apples, which I like to put into a pie. <br />
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I recalled seeing some kind of fig dessert in a Martha Stewart book I browsed recently. (Don't worry, friends, I'm not getting the urge to declare my crafts 'A good thing' or serve brunch in Maine or whatever) In the spirit of adventure, I looked up recipes for galettes, which is basically an easier version of a pie. Very non-intimidating.</div>
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Do you have a pound of figs and some ambition? The recipe, which is a blend of a bunch of online recipes, is after the lovely pictures.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-FCZan-paaSk8dkaDdQaQbqAjzpWRMg2XRRUpgiEP-tAUHS8shwb4yuKdNXbwLrNS92mnxAquKVMNg1KbKd3EObu08XBHtM3xKDU565u2uGL2iLHqm4vzwCAeYgLonJZgX8-B84yaXo/s1600/IMG_0856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-FCZan-paaSk8dkaDdQaQbqAjzpWRMg2XRRUpgiEP-tAUHS8shwb4yuKdNXbwLrNS92mnxAquKVMNg1KbKd3EObu08XBHtM3xKDU565u2uGL2iLHqm4vzwCAeYgLonJZgX8-B84yaXo/s320/IMG_0856.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Instagram? Nope, steam on my lens.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdRPqmcAdf0eYG-ahk5wC8q0Rh4ZPmOaXa8tY2LiAM4CX90SDcr_KIQ4_uWa4qCJxTtPsLrgQAlMaBk9DTIoSOW_Z6bcCh6t4O-ocRSdMC4Yx8e7-4pbJ9-IuqVITRPm4PTYJX3c4ylA/s1600/IMG_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdRPqmcAdf0eYG-ahk5wC8q0Rh4ZPmOaXa8tY2LiAM4CX90SDcr_KIQ4_uWa4qCJxTtPsLrgQAlMaBk9DTIoSOW_Z6bcCh6t4O-ocRSdMC4Yx8e7-4pbJ9-IuqVITRPm4PTYJX3c4ylA/s320/IMG_0864.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious served with a helping of chevre. </td></tr>
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<b>Fig Galette</b><br />
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1 single pie crust<br />
<i>1 1/4 c flour</i><br />
<i>1/4 c vegan margarine (this makes it very easy to roll out, as I learned)</i><br />
<i>1/4 c. butter</i><br />
<i>2-3 tbs water</i><br />
<i>Add the flour, margarine, and butter into a stand mixer with a flat blade or food processor. Mix until crumbly, then add the water until it's doughy. More flour can be added for rolling. Now you have a pie crust. </i><br />
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-2 tbs Orange or Lemon Marmalade<br />
-1lb of figs, sliced. I only used about half a pound, but next time I will add more.<br />
-Sliced blanched almonds<br />
-honey<br />
-Coarse Sugar<br />
-Egg Glaze (I just used some eggwhite and water mixed)<br />
-plain goat cheese<br />
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Roll out the pie crust. Roughly 14 inches in diameter is good. Mine are never very round, but try hard.<br />
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Spread the marmalade around the center, but leave a border for folding, about two inches. If you're afraid of marmalade, don't worry. The strength of it mellows during baking, and the flavor blends right into this recipe.<br />
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Arrange your sliced figs in a circle as close to one another as possible. They're going to shrink and melt into a delicious figgy layer, so overlapping them slightly is a good idea. Some people quarter them rather than slicing, but it's up to you.<br />
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Sprinkle the almonds around. You can add as many or as few as you like, or leave them out.<br />
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Squeeze the honey to your taste on top of everything. The marmalade will already make this pretty sweet, so honey is really for flavor. We're also adding sugar to the crust so keep that in mind.<br />
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Now, fold the border towards the center, pleating it as you go around. Use the egg glaze on the top of the crust, then sprinkle with the big sugar. I like sugar in the raw a whole bunch.<br />
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Bake at 425 F for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375 and bake for 10 more minutes. The crust will be brown, and some, if not all of the figs will look browned and caramelized. <br />
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Cool and serve with chevre, if that's your thing. If not, it's still really delicious on it's own. But do cool it, I can't be held responsible for your mouth.<br />
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Some of the galette recipes I looked at:<br />
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<a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fig_galette/">Simply Recipes.</a> They also have a recipe for a peach galette I'm going to try soon.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Fig-and-Raspberry-Galette-15605">Fig and Raspberry Galette.</a> Sounds really good. I didn't make this because raspberry season is over. I guess I forgot I have about four pounds of red raspberries in my freezer.</div>Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-6722922309361450602012-07-17T19:04:00.001-07:002012-07-17T19:27:00.314-07:00Things we eat in the future: Kale Chips.<a href="http://thesilverliningssaga.blogspot.com/2012/07/no-cooking-required.html">Ms. T's recent post</a> about store-bought kale chips inspired me to make some of my own. I read a little bit about them a few months ago, but was too scared that I would hate them so I never bothered. I keep reading posts and articles about how people love kale chips, so I needed to make them.<br />
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Good news: I have a garden full of purple kale that I have no idea what to do with. </div>
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And you're like, "LOL, hippie, why would I eat a kale chip?" It's like flat, green popcorn, that's why. Crunchy, low-cal, high in Calcium (which all of us ladies need). </div>
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How?</div>
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Preheat your oven to 300F.</div>
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Kut up your kale (1 bunch to start) into bite-sized pieces. Remove the center rib. Or don't. Whatever. <span style="background-color: white;">Toss with olive oil and salt, or add some more things (garlic powder? seasoning salt?)</span></div>
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Place in a single layer on a baking sheet like so:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMynIkibOG7hyphenhyphen9S9Nc5HHwvzxApHd_9H_wePsgkZhF_Uo8dix0Pu-wu8cFfH1tSVoO-VUoTPf_FE-oKp0jKrtzNxw-T6h47oQKq3hcdocXMrshdF9nk7aBklP2m4f_laeijHmZgB13oQ/s1600/kale+chips+142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMynIkibOG7hyphenhyphen9S9Nc5HHwvzxApHd_9H_wePsgkZhF_Uo8dix0Pu-wu8cFfH1tSVoO-VUoTPf_FE-oKp0jKrtzNxw-T6h47oQKq3hcdocXMrshdF9nk7aBklP2m4f_laeijHmZgB13oQ/s320/kale+chips+142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">This tray is ready to go into the oven. Check them after 10 minutes. Should be crisp, but not burned. If they're still flexible, put them back in and check again. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Results: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC61FmXr2ciiXSUCKKoZ5CyMj-bbDmGAIoi7TjNPc8oZC_DvFgT7ZiOPyttKAJXCfFNrr0gvMFFVj8Z3fiAjSlNvLj7Bwip7YNUsEQGvwZ4-ld7SGIa1T7XA7JfY0fFyLDVIxVGc1HuE/s1600/kale+chips+138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC61FmXr2ciiXSUCKKoZ5CyMj-bbDmGAIoi7TjNPc8oZC_DvFgT7ZiOPyttKAJXCfFNrr0gvMFFVj8Z3fiAjSlNvLj7Bwip7YNUsEQGvwZ4-ld7SGIa1T7XA7JfY0fFyLDVIxVGc1HuE/s320/kale+chips+138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Better news: you can crumble them and use them as a topping for other munchies. </div>
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<br /></div>Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-230320305303169372012-07-10T20:07:00.000-07:002012-07-10T20:12:43.235-07:00Life on 8th and Sherrett...Summer is finally here. I can't say we've been doing nothing but gardening, but it's high up on our list of hobbies. Here are the latest pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7vi3vcbmu5HCQgYpz6FXoRVoYBCiaRpynwzaUMqdQTPZ0OsPWdGT-wWjxTrn1hA46k97yTPdhVAqzl38g1Xunbp8TuDDnAQV_ob_lVBHmsBY09mLwVSGU7IZXC4yipohINV9LbSSGx0/s1600/garden+july+10+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7vi3vcbmu5HCQgYpz6FXoRVoYBCiaRpynwzaUMqdQTPZ0OsPWdGT-wWjxTrn1hA46k97yTPdhVAqzl38g1Xunbp8TuDDnAQV_ob_lVBHmsBY09mLwVSGU7IZXC4yipohINV9LbSSGx0/s320/garden+july+10+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our gable room . Notice the dirt road and the "Oregon dream" truck.<br />
That would be a bio diesel-converted Isuzu Pup. Other variations would include a an ancient tan Datsun or a Toyota. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobsUZlwv-2rEzMYO_z4aQv6HwIxkC9NBPYv2v7zzg42PXlQojK68tK4yjNEaQuu-cXPRoFWb5h9I35hk590_wSPQMEjASLLWcsoBd4fFecUokgigd7XiA7XugB0KyuvKCGuEMxOj23X0/s1600/garden+july+10+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobsUZlwv-2rEzMYO_z4aQv6HwIxkC9NBPYv2v7zzg42PXlQojK68tK4yjNEaQuu-cXPRoFWb5h9I35hk590_wSPQMEjASLLWcsoBd4fFecUokgigd7XiA7XugB0KyuvKCGuEMxOj23X0/s320/garden+july+10+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosmos. These strange flowers have been good to me...I am pretty bad with annuals because they are so fragile...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw8L4nmoDBiHEK2BUaqn9F6lZXF0BegueSAymKqwusnyrek4EgDNRk78CITOXMgzROPf3eosaX6oxitQzsztAzOKax01QrrAe3Nn62Ea0ZKP3Suotm18NfpwlvXsxPo4rQsH_PNukfgw/s1600/garden+july+10+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw8L4nmoDBiHEK2BUaqn9F6lZXF0BegueSAymKqwusnyrek4EgDNRk78CITOXMgzROPf3eosaX6oxitQzsztAzOKax01QrrAe3Nn62Ea0ZKP3Suotm18NfpwlvXsxPo4rQsH_PNukfgw/s320/garden+july+10+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stay-on from the last owners</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7xB401v6mgciBg3bTqldj6A2VSRo0yCeiTht_mCPZqB96PLT4XJoK-fcIXy6kBz6OWqD3DySqAH6BI76dHlzVIFJCh4ojccGv5jPzQmdYCuTipYSoFWs09WCdvUyBz4CuSHGUQYrxJw/s1600/garden+july+10+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7xB401v6mgciBg3bTqldj6A2VSRo0yCeiTht_mCPZqB96PLT4XJoK-fcIXy6kBz6OWqD3DySqAH6BI76dHlzVIFJCh4ojccGv5jPzQmdYCuTipYSoFWs09WCdvUyBz4CuSHGUQYrxJw/s320/garden+july+10+030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungarian Blue poppies...I. am. so. excited.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0FtBTaPTW07Ro5QpesJ6herE33CVpoH9XpdIrp-B8utdtSmIcjZCj-sBFCqCtSJ57s_FBtANdQm0Xh8yS7u-I5mbUQkHQhnPKomloxa27xrbD6z4sonDWoDIqxAzWCtEOhZd3kM0cjc/s1600/garden+july+10+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0FtBTaPTW07Ro5QpesJ6herE33CVpoH9XpdIrp-B8utdtSmIcjZCj-sBFCqCtSJ57s_FBtANdQm0Xh8yS7u-I5mbUQkHQhnPKomloxa27xrbD6z4sonDWoDIqxAzWCtEOhZd3kM0cjc/s320/garden+july+10+032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Honeysuckle...It's planted in a really unfortunate area so it doesn't grow much...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KsUHBqYrsAsXffmBGVwW8r__mNpe0i4PBWmeczFM6NqhzoMBNkt0kU1HiKjYcdtoA5vAI2NsRML7VrVukWACrtR6_ksNewIXKxlK7r_vIAaUtfNQfrlnX93APE4bL77yAxa92NSSJzQ/s1600/garden+july+10+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KsUHBqYrsAsXffmBGVwW8r__mNpe0i4PBWmeczFM6NqhzoMBNkt0kU1HiKjYcdtoA5vAI2NsRML7VrVukWACrtR6_ksNewIXKxlK7r_vIAaUtfNQfrlnX93APE4bL77yAxa92NSSJzQ/s320/garden+july+10+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydrangeas from the last owner...or maybe several past. These bushes are huge<br />
and get bunches of flowers as big as a basketball.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpoHEj9uLtO6OSMQsrWWfYEgkNbZ2um7bMqingAVO3JFDhkbMx7Ij3yKR9j9rpx28GZ_QdXZr6dba7ip9n913Qs2W2hSX2PZEzpIbA2yPaOkpHXHn2k4cVvjUtUQa4FtmaCg_kJinzxw/s1600/garden+july+10+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpoHEj9uLtO6OSMQsrWWfYEgkNbZ2um7bMqingAVO3JFDhkbMx7Ij3yKR9j9rpx28GZ_QdXZr6dba7ip9n913Qs2W2hSX2PZEzpIbA2yPaOkpHXHn2k4cVvjUtUQa4FtmaCg_kJinzxw/s320/garden+july+10+039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink lavender...I am more into the purple variety but this bush was huge<br />
and we didn't want to kill it. Once the blooms are past I'll cut it all and made moth-repellent sachets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLI7ssa-Xu0Rrn1l9EExQK8IcluUPbjzE3f-FgzGTz_hFzGlaQv_Tk92TP24lPFndPZKvoP5TW75nF3eiNuZOM13VOYUKUy_FNbVxOImV3P-65uHnvhrGp-TtbHIwomzLqN2dRQiupbVw/s1600/garden+july+10+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLI7ssa-Xu0Rrn1l9EExQK8IcluUPbjzE3f-FgzGTz_hFzGlaQv_Tk92TP24lPFndPZKvoP5TW75nF3eiNuZOM13VOYUKUy_FNbVxOImV3P-65uHnvhrGp-TtbHIwomzLqN2dRQiupbVw/s320/garden+july+10+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple sage and Hidcote</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigW3K-Fw0fOLZKQa_722p1i2EfZu15sBLaMjCHyJ9Y5GDm_6oRippVQbM_pCHY0loM461GAfsoz7WifTWh48MzG9fXPxRW7J3wk0KiKrpdJf0LiGO8G7i8c9qab_j_bRQ9UaGPMJhhRvA/s1600/garden+july+10+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigW3K-Fw0fOLZKQa_722p1i2EfZu15sBLaMjCHyJ9Y5GDm_6oRippVQbM_pCHY0loM461GAfsoz7WifTWh48MzG9fXPxRW7J3wk0KiKrpdJf0LiGO8G7i8c9qab_j_bRQ9UaGPMJhhRvA/s320/garden+july+10+057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender "Edelweiss"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiFO8v0XVNhI1sxyyof4h3YKWMi0ejZuIytb9KJIsioqt3mkCzirpS25kDqK1DxeGo0d3V3vebxAoIe18xOZen6ZlApsTzYVMkabs8YClt6t42rpTwzmA9hl04J0fKVQNXeARRjIOhmU/s1600/garden+july+10+076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIiFO8v0XVNhI1sxyyof4h3YKWMi0ejZuIytb9KJIsioqt3mkCzirpS25kDqK1DxeGo0d3V3vebxAoIe18xOZen6ZlApsTzYVMkabs8YClt6t42rpTwzmA9hl04J0fKVQNXeARRjIOhmU/s320/garden+july+10+076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberries, also in an unfortunate location.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcSBin55fjDUnnctRTWza1gecKWSnbaqoOb96BHRncUJeZyek5_WtVBPJBCwEyKSAeMNXf7sVwGEn73BrMEnu2Hq3bECXT9gAoIzStqWBK0qFc5fITtqTy4fHfZGAvOPmpkBfql_xBUM/s1600/garden+july+10+084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcSBin55fjDUnnctRTWza1gecKWSnbaqoOb96BHRncUJeZyek5_WtVBPJBCwEyKSAeMNXf7sVwGEn73BrMEnu2Hq3bECXT9gAoIzStqWBK0qFc5fITtqTy4fHfZGAvOPmpkBfql_xBUM/s320/garden+july+10+084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our strawberry patch is pretty immature at this point.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioHfA_WEA0pREFmxRqaFzksBNLQnRoDx6oVvBjbMraaJF8cgM8qO7M2hsQULhQjzpbDVVgUih_v5vUjd2GpctQtmosSw8LY0cMwziFa5uGephW-rtH4xyPFMc0k4exjp2us955FsfATs/s1600/garden+july+10+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioHfA_WEA0pREFmxRqaFzksBNLQnRoDx6oVvBjbMraaJF8cgM8qO7M2hsQULhQjzpbDVVgUih_v5vUjd2GpctQtmosSw8LY0cMwziFa5uGephW-rtH4xyPFMc0k4exjp2us955FsfATs/s320/garden+july+10+085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still blooming..."June-bearing"? I desperately don't understand the growing season here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVaTtEvqLisN3Scf55qakoUm4TKJygoA1kiC1NRyCv1EbeFlGrNc_Ex8SuDYT5TM5LOVcNp4dejWX_dCTRf2SrYBSgOXweMcehDkjCLP19LOFySVPUzU038QNPcmSDGv5ecMECho_Ces/s1600/garden+july+10+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVaTtEvqLisN3Scf55qakoUm4TKJygoA1kiC1NRyCv1EbeFlGrNc_Ex8SuDYT5TM5LOVcNp4dejWX_dCTRf2SrYBSgOXweMcehDkjCLP19LOFySVPUzU038QNPcmSDGv5ecMECho_Ces/s320/garden+july+10+086.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of a few...</td></tr>
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<br />Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-59749010875682644962012-07-03T11:57:00.002-07:002012-07-03T12:12:21.650-07:00French food, take one.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnXg56raFZ0gVi057sQ9yN3N8Kh8rlscZyDbg3-b8M_mI6RHkNnNUWlIjwrYSQDq6FrbLAg0wf-mjk7mCf7cbgYDVie5SKZY6GbQJqwwlPj7__r4SwDYnrM1zM5B_EHbWf-pG3T4aYOs/s1600/french+onion+soup+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnXg56raFZ0gVi057sQ9yN3N8Kh8rlscZyDbg3-b8M_mI6RHkNnNUWlIjwrYSQDq6FrbLAg0wf-mjk7mCf7cbgYDVie5SKZY6GbQJqwwlPj7__r4SwDYnrM1zM5B_EHbWf-pG3T4aYOs/s320/french+onion+soup+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Lots of people who go vegetarian are sad to give up their former favorite foods in order to achieve a healthier lifestyle, have less impact on the planet, or be kinder to animals. Thought french onion soup had to be made with beef broth? Nope. I got the idea for this from my friends who let me try some of their soup at a french restaurant we went to a few weeks ago. Their soup was so, so good and they suggested a vegetarian version would be easy.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">They were right! Making vegetarian french onion soup couldn't be easier. Or tastier. I have plenty of onions growing in my garden that need to be eaten. Right. Now.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">If you, too, have half a dozen or more onions, I highly recommend this recipe or one like it:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/french-onion-soup-vii/" style="background-color: white;">Vegetarian French Onion Soup</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">For the "beef broth" I recommend this: <a href="http://www.superiortouch.com/retail/products/better-than-bouillon/vegetarian-bases/44/no-beef-base">Better Than Bullion No Beef Base</a>. One jar lasts possibly forever. It usually takes me 6 months or more to use the 9 quarts or so of broth one of these jars makes. I didn't add as much wine as they list in the recipe, but I don't recommend leaving it out entirely, considering we are using a pre-packaged (though very quality) base for the soup.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">The oniony soup portion stores very well in the refrigerator. Adding a slice of toast and a combination of cheese slices and then broiling it makes an extremely tasty lunch or dinner that you can whip up pretty quickly after the initial work is done.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">As far as being healthful, this recipe does use a lot of butter and cheese. I love it and it's pretty great for helping to use up onions, leftover wine and bread; however I'm going to leave this one for the occasional dinner because of all that saturated fat!</span>Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-74047458610969458942012-06-20T11:41:00.003-07:002012-06-20T11:43:12.771-07:00My favorite breakfast spot......is my backyard. Earlier in the year I posted pictures of the pathway Zach and I cleaned up...now the raspberries are beginning to get ripe. We get about a pint of them ever 2 days, maybe a bit more. If you have room, and you don't need much as you can see, I really highly recommend growing a small berry patch. With careful maintenance last fall (tips from my mom as well as online tutorials), I got plenty of berries with almost no work. Mainly the labor consists of cutting the berry canes at the end of the year, tying them to the fence (you can see an old chain-link fence the picture that divides my yard from my neighbor's). I want to add that though I did not fertilize them or do anything else, I am looking into it for this year. As I inherited this patch, I cannot tell you which varieties are planted here, only that there are about 4 different kinds that all ripen at different times. All are thornless, which is a relief to me because blackberry picking always ends in blood and ripped clothing.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXYw-k6R62LBlBhBrQ8w9S4W21h7VuvxWYFzJiuU8pGkwqyFOZxJbHkKnAzvri5bpX9dOvw9TzhydM4C9pmVAq25I8J5Qzxs2m-5hrzgraX3lAVDYriuMR4kWTpUZobE159xO7PfKSjI/s1600/raw+apple+pie+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXYw-k6R62LBlBhBrQ8w9S4W21h7VuvxWYFzJiuU8pGkwqyFOZxJbHkKnAzvri5bpX9dOvw9TzhydM4C9pmVAq25I8J5Qzxs2m-5hrzgraX3lAVDYriuMR4kWTpUZobE159xO7PfKSjI/s320/raw+apple+pie+011.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">at the beginning of spring...not much growth over the winter</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB708Nzqa2H6exmMHeeqxgWu08Fodqj62TBtFdz8G2RfzIlRxy0K4YJOJCKk_lhCE3EAPSQhB2xp-Xs9B0Am2_9qg00Iivxt7uGn6svliGruMFqPtVpXuIWWsP6a-V6yX4HQZIzH5OgOU/s1600/berries+341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB708Nzqa2H6exmMHeeqxgWu08Fodqj62TBtFdz8G2RfzIlRxy0K4YJOJCKk_lhCE3EAPSQhB2xp-Xs9B0Am2_9qg00Iivxt7uGn6svliGruMFqPtVpXuIWWsP6a-V6yX4HQZIzH5OgOU/s320/berries+341.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berry patch now in June.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-Y_FzoG6JCVAnJRR7lyXJOOetibFINkwlch1750zDPXT8YzrzwlGikxtn3UktRtRr-cQ2zIlWhiFsvP_2driY4_Er_egR2Q6w3I2zUAn2dC_w_YuhjD1647BiUQ3l_jvc1hTTkXYjeM/s1600/berries+343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-Y_FzoG6JCVAnJRR7lyXJOOetibFINkwlch1750zDPXT8YzrzwlGikxtn3UktRtRr-cQ2zIlWhiFsvP_2driY4_Er_egR2Q6w3I2zUAn2dC_w_YuhjD1647BiUQ3l_jvc1hTTkXYjeM/s320/berries+343.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum yum!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKgAAmiwT4gjT0GYZ6CvIrqrGU4Dkp3PkMiP7mf7uD56gPTUer1NDgvmGJwTVJp7yZ6O9z9TnCqLf_Abum3SV3GE-gOaQEYdJU0qbvSC39AUU-43wn_c9-NpP8bAPIs2kruXLMifTxI0/s1600/berries+342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKgAAmiwT4gjT0GYZ6CvIrqrGU4Dkp3PkMiP7mf7uD56gPTUer1NDgvmGJwTVJp7yZ6O9z9TnCqLf_Abum3SV3GE-gOaQEYdJU0qbvSC39AUU-43wn_c9-NpP8bAPIs2kruXLMifTxI0/s320/berries+342.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have strawberries, too.</td></tr>
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<br />Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520149800154029847.post-13743555413160115602012-05-23T20:55:00.001-07:002012-05-23T20:55:09.345-07:00I, for one, welcome our new artichoke overlords...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwy328_6Thpxo6n6x3IC_aqUxGgmZkpSW4IX6bhlFPIoV7e123jX0ZxQV5AsBkuHzpqlco0kDCqXYpaA_wGkcQDxeqnp5Ayet1Q9ElSci-dStlg9qFX1KLoesjlgyjhN2Krp8oQAApzQ/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwy328_6Thpxo6n6x3IC_aqUxGgmZkpSW4IX6bhlFPIoV7e123jX0ZxQV5AsBkuHzpqlco0kDCqXYpaA_wGkcQDxeqnp5Ayet1Q9ElSci-dStlg9qFX1KLoesjlgyjhN2Krp8oQAApzQ/s320/IMG_0325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Look at the giant artichokes that we had for dinner (there were two, this one is slightly larger). That is a normally-sized dinner plate and a normally-sized oven mitt.<br />
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<br />Pallothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00464229722601290185noreply@blogger.com0