Monthly Archives: October 2009

Law of Diminishing Culinary Returns

Posted on October 30, 2009 | 2 Comments

Chowhound has an interesting piece this week on a subject dear to my heart. I recall making a complicated meat sauce, boiling noodles and basically spending four hours to turn out a lasagne for my husband and I. I asked how he liked it and he said it was “OK.” Now I make the ten-minute version and he likes it just fine. After the four-hour lasagne, I made chicken breasts sauteed and finished with lemon and capers and the result? “Wow! That’s the best chicken I’ve ever had!”

The most time consuming meals I’ve ever made include a cassoulet I made for my family over 20 years ago (now they have a kit with the appropriate sausage, duck, duck fat et al) and an entire side of salmon covered with scallop mousse and topped with 1/2 rounds of zucchini to look like scales. Plus deep-fried parsley as a garnish. That was for graduation from cooking school for my family, godparents and my cousins.

I now buy mainly local ingredients, the best I can find, and don’t mess with them. Local organic butter, good olive oil, local produce. Pop things into the oven or onto a hot grill and they’re delicious. We just bought an inexpensive patio grill so plan to use it even with snow on the ground! Simple things like grilled radicchio (tossed with salt and pepper and a little olive oil) taste fantastic when browned a bit on the grill.

We mainly use healthy ingredients, OK too much beef but that’s Jim’s preference, not mine. I’d have more fish if he weren’t allergic to anything that swims. We splurge on occasion and have scalloped potatoes with half-and-half, or buy a pint of chocolate ice cream (I add milk and a banana and make a milkshake for breakfast).

The holidays will be interesting this year. Jim can’t take any time off from Sunday until Christmas so we won’t get to Thanksgiving at Nanny’s, my first in eight years to miss and the first Jim will miss in his entire life. I may actually have to cook a turkey! We’re talking leftover soup and sandwiches for two weeks! I’ll need to work on that menu and figure out if I can get him to like Brussels sprouts. Cheers! Dee

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Posted in Education

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Always Looking Up

Posted on October 26, 2009 | Leave a comment

Yeah, I went out with a couple of dumb guys in high school. I never thought of myself as smart but, unbeknownst to me, always surrounded myself with smart people. All well-spoken, they write well although their handwriting may be atrocious (witness husband Jim) and some genius-level talents.

My father is smart, Mom was wicked smart. Sophomore year in college I got tired of hanging out at school so met some folks at the local law school and shared witty banter. Years later I ended up with engineers. My loving husband is a physics grad who went into software development. He’s of the brilliant variety, getting a letter from a place called MIT at age 15 and not knowing what it was, he threw it away. He still got a good education and is furthering it every day.

Here is a lesson for you young girls out there today. Study. Learn your lessons. Concentrate on math and science. If you’re the smart girl in school, don’t hang out all the time with those with lesser potential just because it makes you feel superior. Always hang out with folks that are smarter than you. Learn. Do not dismiss guys you think are “geeks.” Go out with the cute running back or go out with a future Bill Gates. Your choice. The Bill Gates variety will give you 50 years of great conversation, which is way better than the physical rush you’ll get from the dumb jock. Not that all jocks are dumb.

Learn something new every day. How to press grapes, mine copper or whatever. Always be learning. In junior high, I hung out with girls who wanted to be Freshmen cheerleaders. They were neighbors and we’d just moved in. They passed because they were “cool” and I failed. Mom said, why cheer for something when you could be doing something? So I joined track and gymnastics. Thanks, Mom. Cheers, Dee

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Posted in Editorial

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Making Do

Posted on October 26, 2009 | Leave a comment

It’s tough moving to a new town with no idea where you’re going to live for a short period of time. Fully furnished place, all of our dear belongings in storage 1,500 miles away. When I need a kitchen item it’s a thought process that makes me ask myself: do I really need this?; is this a complement to what I have in storage or merely a duplicate?’ and when am I getting my stuff back.

The peeler was easy. It was a cheap grocery store metal peeler that cannot be used by a leftie like me. I couldn’t find the OXO I have in storage so got a Kitchenaid instead. I have a great meat pounder from Sur La Table that makes my chicken saltimbocca a breeze, but it’s in storage. We had to pick up another a couple of weeks ago because I really wanted to make that dish. The mixer. I bought it to whip cream for trifle that I made and need to make more (also the additional trifle bowl for $10). I justified the $40 mixer because my 5 qt. Kitchenaid stand mixer is in storage, and there are times when I weigh the option of whether I want to wash all that stuff by hand. Two blades are nothing.

So, we go along and get along in the cooking arena, not as well office-wise but I’m trying to minimize paperwork and all our bills are done electronically. Camera, now a couple of years old (I lent my other to my sister, never to be seen again) is digital so I’m working on this.

We would like this size or slightly larger place but with a two-car garage. Jim got a ding on his windshield last week and it’ll be repaired tomorrow at no cost to us and no deductible but it has to stay in the one-car garage overnight and my car has to go elsewhere and it’s going to snow.

So, we’re making do with what we’ve got. We brought very little with us seven months ago and have had to get a few shirts and socks and basics for both of us. Aside from my kitchen and office, I really miss our quilts, one Civil war-era and the other hand-made by Margie, Jim’s mom. They always helped make our house a home, and since she’s guarding them for us, will do so once again. Cheers, Dee

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Posted in Editorial

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The Happy Wanderer

Posted on October 26, 2009 | Leave a comment

I remember the drama department at the college my father worked at staged Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. My sister, a few years old, was cast as the silent Dolore (Sorrow), the protagonist Cio Cio-San’s daughter. At one point she was on stage to pretend to sleep and actually fell asleep and had to be taken off-stage.

This is pertinent because my grade school music teacher had us sing “The Happy Wanderer” and many other songs. Her husband led the operatic performance, and also stepped in as the lead in our school recital on “Swinging On a Star.”

Now she’s found this blog and has even made a pie from Concord grapes. She still thinks I’m eight but I’m trying to get the recipe for you. And because of her and Mrs. Smith’s influence on my musical life, I’ve been to Giacomo Puccini’s Lake House in Italy and was shown around the house by his grand-daughter. I am a happy and intent wanderer, and always seek good food en route. Cheers! Dee

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Posted in Editorial

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Rock Band

Posted on October 26, 2009 | 1 Comment

The indomitable Juni Fisher was with us here for part of the weekend. We didn’t do many exciting things but went to town to walk down Main Street’s shops with no crowds. Juni’s a cowgirl poet and has won many awards for her songwriting and performances.

So, yesterday she called and said she was an hour away. Jim and I had been to Best Buy and, on a whim, we bought Rock Band, Beatles edition. He’d just set up drums and a guitar. We were terrible! The second song we did a bit better. Then Juni arrived and we played together – she sang. So did I, but harmony and not on the mike. She got 100%, I got zero, zip, nada, and Jim on drums was somewhere in-between. I know I got all the “chords” right but need to figure out their timing.

We laughed and put the ensemble aside after joking that we had to go out for a gig. It was fun. On Saturday, Jim and I went to the cowboy store for a few shirts. It was a nice, quiet weekend capped off with a viewing of “Some Like It Hot” and visions of the Hotel Del Coronado that brings back memories.

Berry Trifle

Berry Trifle

Sunrise, October 2009

Sunrise, October 2009


This is what I walked Zoe to this morning.

Friday night I made the baby back ribs with roasted potatoes, and Sunday we had chicken saltimbocca with rice and green beans. I made a lovely trifle that we shared with neighbors and finished, and a broccoli-cheese soup that there’s just enough of for my lunch with a slice of good Italian bread. We ate well and had an enjoyable weekend. Cheers! Dee

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Posted in Editorial, Utah

What’s Important in Life

Posted on October 25, 2009 | 1 Comment

Someone to talk to. A best friend, so you don’t go astray.

If you’re lucky the person above is your significant other.

A loving and cohesive family, whatever the combination of that family.

A job that you love, or at least like.

Things you like to do together (lunch, movies, cooking, bowling, whatever)

Wanting to live life and learn at least one new thing every day.

That’s my version, what’s yours? Dee

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Posted in Editorial, Education

A Night Off

Posted on October 24, 2009 | 4 Comments

Jim and I had to go all the way down the hill to get our dog Zoe frozen raw food, and then, only enough for 2-4 weeks depending upon if we can find a current version of her dry food. We did, at a western clothing store, and we checked the date on the 40# package and it’s good for a year. I think her old dry food made her sick.

We’ve a lovely gal staying with us this weekend, a cowgirl poet, songwriter, singer and guitar player who has changed our lives over the last year. I’ve even taken up guitar but by the time I’m 70 I won’t be as good as she. Luckily she likes good food so I’m able feed people and hang out.

Today, I did a minimalist meal of Jim’s favorite components. Spaghetti, meatballs and tomato sauce. He was very pleased and so was I because I cooked up a storm yesterday. We also bought both of us a few country shirts and jeans (for Jim) today. They’re mostly in the back of the car ready for the cleaner before being worn. I may send some photos after they’re cleaned and pressed.

Menu for tomorrow is TBD but I think I know. We’ll see. Jim and I had fun today downtown and he may have even found a car for the winter! That’s always good news as I can’t wait to stop talking about all-wheel-drive cars as he has one to drive in snow pretty soon.

We love our family and friends and already miss you over the holidays because we’re so far away. Making a meal is a treat for one and one’s guest. While we will miss Jim’s family over Thanksgiving, depending upon where we are (home) and anyone at work who is absent of family or friends or from another part of the country or who’s just started work we’ll invite them. That’s what we do.

Yes, I need a night off every now and then, and with minimal larders I can’t serve 20 with 2 hours notice. I could, perhaps, in an emergency but if it’s entertaining that’s a different story. No, I could in an emergency, especially if we had the Hurricane Kit Jim has assembled… and is in storage 1,600 miles away.

We’re thinking of snowstorms and perhaps a station wagon for Jim. It’s been impossible to find him the used car (better headroom and no loan) he wants so now he’s thinking station wagon which brings me back to the old days when my parents’ Olds Vista Cruiser was my college grad gift. Without kids, that may be tough for a real guy to handle. Luckily with Jim, it’s a matter of effectiveness, not grandeur, a piece of machinery that gets him up and down the hill safely. Did I say “safely?”

As Scarlett said, “tomorrow is another day.” Who knows what tomorrow will bring. Thank y’all for reading and please let me know what you think about food or anything else on your mind. Cheers! Dee

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Posted in Editorial, Music, Utah

The Grill Man

Posted on October 23, 2009 | 1 Comment

Jim’s never been a whiz in the kitchen. In certain tight spaces I’ve had to keep him out because our Kitchenaid pots and pans were becoming oval, instead of round, because of repeated crashing onto a cement floor. Don’t get me started on Rachel Ray or oval pans. When they start making oval burners, I’ll buy an oval pan, OK?

So, we were at REI this past weekend where I bought my Concord grape jacket. Jim was on a mission. Two weekends ago he got a Char-Broil patio grill with a very small footprint for our small deck, but it also supports a large propane tank instead of the $2.67 un-refillable tanks the old grill used. He’s been grilling lately, the first foray into cookery since he made toast at age four.

I found him looking at headlamps, a headband with a light for hands-free grilling. The REI employee asked him the purpose of this quest. He said, in front of a buff adventurer standing nearby, “grilling.” Both chuckled, then Buff Guy said, try these, this is what I use for grilling. So, we ended up with a dual-light headband that sends light forward for walking the dog or downward for grilling or picking up the dog’s business.

My “outdoorsman,” who may walk 1/2 mile or so with Zoe, now had a miner’s light for grilling burgers. You might file this under geekiest moments. I prefer to think of it as a sweet husband who likes to lift a hand to help out with dinner once in a while. And the butcher told me that yes, people in Utah do grill year-round. I really want to do a leg of lamb but we have to have enough guests to make it worthwhile. Cheers, Dee

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Posted in Editorial, Utah

Concord Grape Lady

Posted on October 21, 2009 | 2 Comments

A few days ago I found the company with the mountain goat logo, a local company that sells mountain gear. I spent some time researching one jacket that I needed to complete my winter repertoire. I still need one pair of silk-lined leather gloves to drive in, and wish I could go to Florence to that wonderful glove shop…. but will have to go down the mountain to a department store to find a pair that fits.

So, in honor of the Concord grape, that has spurred thousands of hits on this site, I bought a purple jacket for half the price, last one they had in the store, goose down with 800 fill power. It weighs ounces but is very warm. So, as part of my winter gear, I’ll be walking around like a large Concord grape! Thank you, Chautauqua County, for entering and staying in my heart since I was three years old. Thanks to the Assemblyman I helped elect 25 years ago for being willing to introduce me to the local grape folks to link to this site.

DSCF0003

The purple jacket is the piece de resistance. The blue jacket I got in Scotland three years ago and will serve as a windbreaker and rain/snow shell with hood. The Pippi hat is a gift from fellow WP blogger pdxknitterati. I’ve polartec gloves and just bought some Hunter boots, bright yellow, for heavy snow and rain. Photos of those later, don’t want to awaken Jim right now.

Now you know how to find me walking down the street! This week I’m working on two trifles. One the berry that I made once for family, and I’m making up another with a cranberry/orange theme.

DSCF0007

Both are for Jim’s folks at work. It’s always good to have a challenge and use my imagination and talent to create food that people enjoy. Cheers, Dee

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Posted in Editorial, Education, Utah

Tagged

Music

Posted on October 14, 2009 | 4 Comments

Why take up something at age 50 that I quit at age 12? Why quit a career and spend my life savings on cooking school. I’ve done both.

Yes, I wonder why. Cooking is a no-brainer. I love sitting at table and having conversations with family and friends. I enjoy being the “mom” who takes in “orphans” for Christmas dinner. I love reading and collecting cookbooks and using that knowledge to be a comfort to others. While I was trained in classic French cuisine, I tend to do more Mediterranean foods of Italy, southern France, and Greece. Fresh, great ingredients and don’t mess with them too much.

It’s not that I’ve become the Julia Child or Hubert Keller of the kitchen, of that I’m certain, but I’m confident there as long as the only dessert is ice cream with raspberry coulis or a trifle.

Music is different and I’ve been having a hard time of it the past few months as I took up acoustic guitar. It’s unfamiliar territory and while I have a good ear, according to Dad, guitar is different. One friend, PDXKnitterati (see blog list) asked whether I wanted to play the guitar to play the guitar, or to play the guitar to sing. My new teacher told me my left hand is my band, the right hand is my rhythm section and that I’m the vocalist.

This week I’ve thought a lot about it as I figure out a couple of key songs. I don’t want to just play the guitar or piano. I want to tell a story. It’s all about the lyrics when it comes to rock/pop/country/folk music. It would be great if I learned to write my own songs, but for now there are much better people out there to learn from. Just as in cooking. It’s a joy just to learn (not to practice, sorry K).

It got to the point that I hear songs in my head (even in my dreams) and want to learn to play them. Not for an audience, OK maybe Jim and Zoe, the dog. I have to thank several people for promoting an interest in music: my father (and his father, who died shortly before I was born); all my music teachers in grade school, middle school and high school; singer/songwriter Juni Fisher (www.junifisher.net); Douglas and Korky; and my husband Jim who plays the keyboard every morning before work, mostly doorbell sounds that irritate the dog.

Don’t worry, I’ll keep cooking. Perhaps next week when the weather turns cooler I’ll try a cassoulet. Check out cassoulet on WordPress.com and you’ll find I’m top dog there. Oh, the writing will continue as well. Cheers! Dee

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Posted in Editorial, Education