tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49927937879485887342024-02-19T11:25:10.396-05:00vita nostraEmily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-6005579772335300872011-12-18T08:35:00.000-05:002011-12-18T08:35:36.633-05:00Transitions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrb5aN2iFh0GTm8sMVUlPfFyr7R6QaHyKJCTZ3Nxa64i5MXmgbNUjkdB97-2yo8kmEdSqrcA8bqGDbJVTeNqPHj8h1IKbG50Fu68lAQCOeWBJaupntjqkeVyUlmKmPcA5eipMUtwUNz-C/s1600/Santorini+8+x+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrb5aN2iFh0GTm8sMVUlPfFyr7R6QaHyKJCTZ3Nxa64i5MXmgbNUjkdB97-2yo8kmEdSqrcA8bqGDbJVTeNqPHj8h1IKbG50Fu68lAQCOeWBJaupntjqkeVyUlmKmPcA5eipMUtwUNz-C/s640/Santorini+8+x+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santorini, Greece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dear Friends and Family,<br />
<br />
It's been awhile hasn't it?<br />
<br />
I suppose I owe you an update.<br />
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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/AVvXsEjUo_CFwOc2nHGjjW9Lh9SkOQHlPQqCxynyUd_4G4vFiFpRIDkEP4B1zp8k5Ppa8kuQeIh10MKEQpVhPKM2NjMfyAcpnkRHwohHBTOQGTAXL1XGLfTAmqoYAlBK42k-hsGfJFNG_kxvFSc_/s1600/Corfu+Architecture+8+x+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo_CFwOc2nHGjjW9Lh9SkOQHlPQqCxynyUd_4G4vFiFpRIDkEP4B1zp8k5Ppa8kuQeIh10MKEQpVhPKM2NjMfyAcpnkRHwohHBTOQGTAXL1XGLfTAmqoYAlBK42k-hsGfJFNG_kxvFSc_/s640/Corfu+Architecture+8+x+10.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corfu Architecture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My last update was supposed to be a little overview of my summer vacation - part two. Given that we're decorating Christmas trees, wrapping gifts and sending holiday cards at the moment, I feel that the summer vacation ship has long since sailed. I'll say briefly that I treasure the moments I was able to spend with family new and old. Memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.<br />
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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/AVvXsEhaZgfC4xdXxef5zlT0rvWluscglmJG2dNl8rY1RIcRunjUnFaVO-niI37GC6oeoLKeU7lovnPUd6zMuJkjBJSNJMg66wFbs3avCafl-ylV04_rVLEHb_kfjY1ZKGXhdiOPtfkIc3iG3Uwv/s1600/Dubrovnik+8+x+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZgfC4xdXxef5zlT0rvWluscglmJG2dNl8rY1RIcRunjUnFaVO-niI37GC6oeoLKeU7lovnPUd6zMuJkjBJSNJMg66wFbs3avCafl-ylV04_rVLEHb_kfjY1ZKGXhdiOPtfkIc3iG3Uwv/s640/Dubrovnik+8+x+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dubrovnik, Croatia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It has been a season of transitions of almost every variety. I'm still in the midst of it all at the moment, but once I get my new rhythm back, I hope to begin posting again on a more regular schedule and share a little more about what I'm up to. Thanks to all of you who have expressed concern about my disappearance. I promise I'm still around, just temporarily diverted.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO9C34VVaNjf0n8t6DsT7AV3qukOlhARIS0IirSZ2ghsVz_dUFG4JlMv60gsjVozub52canRuFufWZP8Ef_8S0q_UkIesnW-y8Egd8hZKsMsuvpiNAOIXF9BEjuWG61-GhdjHrbdjOYaW/s1600/Green+Door+in+Athens+8+x+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO9C34VVaNjf0n8t6DsT7AV3qukOlhARIS0IirSZ2ghsVz_dUFG4JlMv60gsjVozub52canRuFufWZP8Ef_8S0q_UkIesnW-y8Egd8hZKsMsuvpiNAOIXF9BEjuWG61-GhdjHrbdjOYaW/s640/Green+Door+in+Athens+8+x+10.jpg" width="498" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Door in Greece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Before life took some turns this fall, John and I spent ten wonderful days cruising in the Mediterranean. I like to think of it as the calm before the storm. (Isn't it funny how life is often like this?)<br />
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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-MUsVXf9vWhi3aUMihX6JrwFr_BBwecr5mFQMM-bvsd3hoJy1WK4s1lqnm5KDyZ-1TvtMU_FROBA-1AB_2jfujZtds1YA3D_xpf5zrK0eYynrmih9VGn6Yi13nwal3_mqPfjHIoS5HhRx/s1600/Plaka+is+Fun+16+x+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MUsVXf9vWhi3aUMihX6JrwFr_BBwecr5mFQMM-bvsd3hoJy1WK4s1lqnm5KDyZ-1TvtMU_FROBA-1AB_2jfujZtds1YA3D_xpf5zrK0eYynrmih9VGn6Yi13nwal3_mqPfjHIoS5HhRx/s640/Plaka+is+Fun+16+x+20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaka Street Art, Athens Greece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've sprinkled some images from this trip throughout this post, many of which are available (shameless plug) at<a href="http://www.vitanostra.etsy.com/"> Vita Nostra</a> on etsy. I'll be back soon to give a more comprehensive update for any of you who many be planning an upcoming trip to the area. <br />
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See you soon... meanwhile, enjoy your final preparations before the holidays! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd61pBeCqyfNVhnrZayb2jMmJbWgYHXxTfCQXQUII_qkc6FVGTrKCJyhXijtzxwGB6A8-xAYT71IPlM-kXQw7gPXgK3WBOFRgMbrPpgHshyKCbta3Hsz1eXtEX98u1jgLs5wLWzNmWcMa9/s1600/Athens+Cafe+in+Yellow+8+x+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd61pBeCqyfNVhnrZayb2jMmJbWgYHXxTfCQXQUII_qkc6FVGTrKCJyhXijtzxwGB6A8-xAYT71IPlM-kXQw7gPXgK3WBOFRgMbrPpgHshyKCbta3Hsz1eXtEX98u1jgLs5wLWzNmWcMa9/s640/Athens+Cafe+in+Yellow+8+x+10.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe in Athens, Greece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-6198504648949519942011-09-12T14:04:00.000-04:002011-09-12T14:04:00.442-04:00What I Did on My Summer Vacation - Part OneMy little summer break extended into an unforeseen but welcomed long summer break.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>What I Did On My Summer Vacation </b></div><br />
(In the style of a back to school report as I feel like writing in short sentences and showing you lots of pictures. 'Tis the season.)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u>Part One</u></div><br />
First, I took a fun road trip from Wisconsin to Saint Louis.<br />
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Roadside oddities made the long drive fun.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SzU6fsjA9gNqxNjwD3fo8OjEOVHSQkHY8GOdeSKxoelcZqksSWBxKQDL-AqKYQU1oAIWLkSx-zH6kapQmEnRul5YMCwLSM35fZPWVGCYuLeDx1388TjMsQA3Z2koZUptZXBIiWAjts4j/s1600/Tiffany+Vacation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SzU6fsjA9gNqxNjwD3fo8OjEOVHSQkHY8GOdeSKxoelcZqksSWBxKQDL-AqKYQU1oAIWLkSx-zH6kapQmEnRul5YMCwLSM35fZPWVGCYuLeDx1388TjMsQA3Z2koZUptZXBIiWAjts4j/s640/Tiffany+Vacation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPv1fR8DiE2BEbxUuviJN-1hUrWpuXOvr_hE96FAkcwL85kI8ANo379F3XqeVxGqVsA218ddYaGSx_4-I8LZ_MPCOEErxPycvsYyGgSYscpy8pzMoMmGADqGHTfMTk2B9bIPUqImmG4ir/s1600/Mouse+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPv1fR8DiE2BEbxUuviJN-1hUrWpuXOvr_hE96FAkcwL85kI8ANo379F3XqeVxGqVsA218ddYaGSx_4-I8LZ_MPCOEErxPycvsYyGgSYscpy8pzMoMmGADqGHTfMTk2B9bIPUqImmG4ir/s640/Mouse+House.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMtAR8cPxmTS020igaE3s6An2GwPlUTFNuUfnRWne_j1Ab5_aO8aTCAtCUCzvYkaME21I5hMtn-NNCKlA1X1Jv8HEMBSOwzsJ96ipWP6fvn2HDwWMnqcr349FLNGF1xS-d7SDGzJaunxn/s1600/Corn+Mobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMtAR8cPxmTS020igaE3s6An2GwPlUTFNuUfnRWne_j1Ab5_aO8aTCAtCUCzvYkaME21I5hMtn-NNCKlA1X1Jv8HEMBSOwzsJ96ipWP6fvn2HDwWMnqcr349FLNGF1xS-d7SDGzJaunxn/s640/Corn+Mobile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The road food was interesting.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsva5kpJYIhGd4GlrPoCGkRUN32S2Xlm862OeHArC_TC4g0wSZxls0itze3fIB58kA0rNKvVXSrEL1g1EE5E0y5xyd7jftlJhAdAoHXSostfr1xDMZXcwnDGgi_VlUURSqIfTHN_0ED4Lo/s1600/Annie%2527s+Soda+Shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsva5kpJYIhGd4GlrPoCGkRUN32S2Xlm862OeHArC_TC4g0wSZxls0itze3fIB58kA0rNKvVXSrEL1g1EE5E0y5xyd7jftlJhAdAoHXSostfr1xDMZXcwnDGgi_VlUURSqIfTHN_0ED4Lo/s640/Annie%2527s+Soda+Shop.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had some of the merely edible variety...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>And the.... this is so good I think about it often variety but eating too many of these would make me fat and unhealthy so I will just cherish the memory variety.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjW1OROxqDMrSfX1d3khhNoL0t-QYJQDk3sk6STV1gLElsTa6o_UBYI4rezxjxeNz4OG1u4CAvotYYk6-O79ToreLYrVT5XXGvbKGYGHTIjZz1OevypcJLikw9NHB1u0brTth0BQkJ7K_d/s1600/Brat+Burger+on+Pretzel+Roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjW1OROxqDMrSfX1d3khhNoL0t-QYJQDk3sk6STV1gLElsTa6o_UBYI4rezxjxeNz4OG1u4CAvotYYk6-O79ToreLYrVT5XXGvbKGYGHTIjZz1OevypcJLikw9NHB1u0brTth0BQkJ7K_d/s640/Brat+Burger+on+Pretzel+Roll.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
(In case you are wondering, that is a bratwurst burger on a pretzel roll with sweet potato fries.)<br />
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I went to the zoo and felt sad for this bear. Despite the fact that he might be smiling.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Xh0omJW39FMUC6CF2v3isUHB2FfHGkIzipBv9kpaLtXwT4iTCWswTsh_fQ6yWY3mFY96WKzSxBipw-WgizWHCsldQYj4WEEy4_cjMssSeztCD-9H6WrGzpZTEXS7RA7dWlEwaFRbUAJC/s1600/Big+Bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Xh0omJW39FMUC6CF2v3isUHB2FfHGkIzipBv9kpaLtXwT4iTCWswTsh_fQ6yWY3mFY96WKzSxBipw-WgizWHCsldQYj4WEEy4_cjMssSeztCD-9H6WrGzpZTEXS7RA7dWlEwaFRbUAJC/s640/Big+Bear.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I visited the town where my dad grew up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyruhUqItondS52_FgUj7fT1J0t7GtMKsJQB9VtCYUCmUob5zIVxzgEN21r6VmULo5UQNdfCFIC2aXBp-Ih1diaUXhvn3oJ2cDmOVZYzuZtX1TKxscoXQ3FcLByL3FoYQQTzRJ_vTWSD4/s1600/Town+where+Dad+Grew+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyruhUqItondS52_FgUj7fT1J0t7GtMKsJQB9VtCYUCmUob5zIVxzgEN21r6VmULo5UQNdfCFIC2aXBp-Ih1diaUXhvn3oJ2cDmOVZYzuZtX1TKxscoXQ3FcLByL3FoYQQTzRJ_vTWSD4/s640/Town+where+Dad+Grew+Up.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>And took bad pictures of cows from the car window.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPEyOZ9ZCAlZusR4Jez7c-6CBYyNbuchmXkbfdAipjG5L8pbAhyphenhyphenZ_eqJlX9kpHZ7qqbWJ-DmEJL4roYVBK6rHKjOaCLcezLx_0HZtGdlcF6jjzpzH8hgohAQN0rZJKJ8SROw_XRK7t3pG/s1600/Cows+from+the+Window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPEyOZ9ZCAlZusR4Jez7c-6CBYyNbuchmXkbfdAipjG5L8pbAhyphenhyphenZ_eqJlX9kpHZ7qqbWJ-DmEJL4roYVBK6rHKjOaCLcezLx_0HZtGdlcF6jjzpzH8hgohAQN0rZJKJ8SROw_XRK7t3pG/s640/Cows+from+the+Window.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I saw the only five arch bridge in the United States. There are two in the entire world.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iV2xeeskag3N8T5piRx1hbh3uUT2pvvsfqIu4OVupFQEeav9Muko58AQ6kzvhEwwb9ZWlq0k_rX2IZmKygL4RcSml3Bu9US4IrbV9FjNmQ92ev7eMuBPLQjd-I464ukV_7D5PZZrUPxT/s1600/Five+Arch+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iV2xeeskag3N8T5piRx1hbh3uUT2pvvsfqIu4OVupFQEeav9Muko58AQ6kzvhEwwb9ZWlq0k_rX2IZmKygL4RcSml3Bu9US4IrbV9FjNmQ92ev7eMuBPLQjd-I464ukV_7D5PZZrUPxT/s640/Five+Arch+Bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
It was kind of a let down. (We had more fun building a mock up while sitting in the cafe eating mediocre soup.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9JHLfHjcLXgzvTwGof1enpDl94Smj8nX-f4f9UxBVyinXgRnwDtpNAlN8A8PZw-64_OVGPd3qaw4zYxrvDlGcwKwOBV7wE9ZYSnkvFFxsXuG03QRRpgUSIoaetOsYEMd9VtwPX93LKhe/s1600/Cafe+Bridge+Rendering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9JHLfHjcLXgzvTwGof1enpDl94Smj8nX-f4f9UxBVyinXgRnwDtpNAlN8A8PZw-64_OVGPd3qaw4zYxrvDlGcwKwOBV7wE9ZYSnkvFFxsXuG03QRRpgUSIoaetOsYEMd9VtwPX93LKhe/s640/Cafe+Bridge+Rendering.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We played hours of roadside bingo. I did not take any pictures of this, but it was fun. <br />
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In between all of this excitement on the road, we spent a lot of quality time with family old and new. It was a very special visit. I loved seeing everyone. <br />
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(Next time, I won't wait so long to go back.) <br />
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A big thank you to everyone who made our visit so special and fun! Next time you are in North Carolina... I'd love to do the same for you!<br />
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I would show you some of the family pictures I took, but that might take away from my fun roadside attractions. Maybe in part two. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Do you like road trips? What's your favorite part? </div>Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-13962642571519827952011-06-22T10:14:00.000-04:002011-06-22T10:14:26.074-04:00Blueberry Clafoutis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Qlj3styCZrEM5Q2hI3ZQ-1G6h9_uU6AgpXiLJVK84m8MHQ-GaSv_IKXIciIuFhsZqJl-04LCTFMleTQGb-z56OIXDabBoSBj9P__7k_S8g1A8kpCo9XQJqw-8zTyy2lHg_pCQ7Y8_mBw/s1600/Bluberry+Clafoutis+with+Blueberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Qlj3styCZrEM5Q2hI3ZQ-1G6h9_uU6AgpXiLJVK84m8MHQ-GaSv_IKXIciIuFhsZqJl-04LCTFMleTQGb-z56OIXDabBoSBj9P__7k_S8g1A8kpCo9XQJqw-8zTyy2lHg_pCQ7Y8_mBw/s640/Bluberry+Clafoutis+with+Blueberries.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I cheated.<br />
<br />
I peaked in at around 40 minutes. I don't know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn't this.<br />
<br />
Living, breathing, sighing, heaving.<br />
<br />
My clafoutis was alive. Billowing sheets of yellow custard. Breathing in and out. Hot, heavy breath.<br />
<br />
I closed the oven door and walked away. Tried to forget what I just saw.<br />
<br />
Five minutes more. The buzzer.<br />
<br />
One more heaving sigh and then silence. A lone blueberry exuded itself through the now thin crust of golden yellow. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNvraRxaZKXxxtCWwubRHqmvBaK0tJCTW4kcVYOnxFfHuN2RgjLwNEoobLRd3bFP6wXGmZST1QgCQJFdAeTShXFoQi7zzGk8FpX7AmqcLDuNO4rQiNTeMrikGjYduLd4-O3bL6AyuDoe7/s1600/Bluberry+Clafoutis+Up+Close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNvraRxaZKXxxtCWwubRHqmvBaK0tJCTW4kcVYOnxFfHuN2RgjLwNEoobLRd3bFP6wXGmZST1QgCQJFdAeTShXFoQi7zzGk8FpX7AmqcLDuNO4rQiNTeMrikGjYduLd4-O3bL6AyuDoe7/s640/Bluberry+Clafoutis+Up+Close.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><br />
This is one hot little dessert.<br />
<br />
A classic french dessert, traditionally made with cherries, it is a cross between a baked custard and an airy puffy pancake. Very easy to put together and the results are subtly sweet and light. (Makes great leftovers for breakfast.) <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Do you have a favorite blueberry recipe? </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sKYWTPLpUixL4LVvLgsZjVAWpOVosNfxF9yApdVOVu9u9LQGbByMmIZojKRXTv90MxVtjwWbYjr0-lXA9xZqPy25jI1km1Ai_XlIOrhLah5dmPy8l4JMAlO8pZpOduTVpPKNLXzTesWl/s1600/Blueberry+Clafoutis+Close+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sKYWTPLpUixL4LVvLgsZjVAWpOVosNfxF9yApdVOVu9u9LQGbByMmIZojKRXTv90MxVtjwWbYjr0-lXA9xZqPy25jI1km1Ai_XlIOrhLah5dmPy8l4JMAlO8pZpOduTVpPKNLXzTesWl/s640/Blueberry+Clafoutis+Close+Up.jpg" width="404" /></a></div><br />
<b>Blueberry Clafoutis</b><br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<br />
<i></i>1 pint blueberries, rinsed<br />
3 whole eggs<br />
1 cup heavy whipping cream<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
3/4 teaspoon almond extract<br />
2/3 cup flour<br />
<br />
butter<br />
mint for garnish<br />
<br />
<i>Preparation</i><br />
<br />
<i></i>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
<br />
Butter your baking dish and layer bottom with blueberries. Set aside. I used a 9 inch cake pan.<br />
<br />
In a medium bowl, combine eggs, cream, sugar and almond extract. Mix in flour to form a smooth batter.<br />
<br />
Pour batter over blueberries and let settle to reach all sides. <br />
<br />
Bake for 40 - 50 minutes or until you reach a golden topping. Remove from oven. The clafoutis will naturally puff and deflate. Let sit for 10 - 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh mint before serving.Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-58333676456604528812011-06-20T09:46:00.000-04:002011-06-20T09:46:50.172-04:00Take Me Out to the Ball Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyUGMcGJXEtJAjpbDYI4q0rGKodHkiFHwOJHIGcTNExt67x20QmfD5sK_51wVwMfx_t46QkMt9CrMjQVE_RlKKSL5hMzURGbEb8I909sSurb6fh9jj8eO5iUT8cco4nhtmYQa3-UQOaMT/s1600/Red+Hot+Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyUGMcGJXEtJAjpbDYI4q0rGKodHkiFHwOJHIGcTNExt67x20QmfD5sK_51wVwMfx_t46QkMt9CrMjQVE_RlKKSL5hMzURGbEb8I909sSurb6fh9jj8eO5iUT8cco4nhtmYQa3-UQOaMT/s640/Red+Hot+Dog.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What's with the red hot dogs anyway? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Is this a southern tradition that I need to know about? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With bright red casings and sawdust like filling, I am not a fan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLci6jMkvOBN0dutNxa8n6Den7RtRuw7sfJceNZ79hyPeuz_EN9hw2Zw-O3bc9zGkSG0iDnGjagyy7oOJzrwSWG_I2oY2e-KILKYdWJ4AVIM5SA6A97dSTG9YsbQr6jCbcjw4aN6NJXEE4/s1600/All+Beef+Hot+Dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLci6jMkvOBN0dutNxa8n6Den7RtRuw7sfJceNZ79hyPeuz_EN9hw2Zw-O3bc9zGkSG0iDnGjagyy7oOJzrwSWG_I2oY2e-KILKYdWJ4AVIM5SA6A97dSTG9YsbQr6jCbcjw4aN6NJXEE4/s640/All+Beef+Hot+Dogs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I <b>am</b> a fan of all beef hot dogs and evening baseball. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOaKZ3jrGw8u1v5b4e5FO8yBTBmKIG9s2tqMXpGx5fNkSQAkHjiQs99HUMgIuAwKumlG-QT14pTKjL2zUCYge7JSx706YeNNG1NC2jA15kHPaqDOqiiUJWSm6cV3IPNLxfYtB2mOnvLTh/s1600/2011-06-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOaKZ3jrGw8u1v5b4e5FO8yBTBmKIG9s2tqMXpGx5fNkSQAkHjiQs99HUMgIuAwKumlG-QT14pTKjL2zUCYge7JSx706YeNNG1NC2jA15kHPaqDOqiiUJWSm6cV3IPNLxfYtB2mOnvLTh/s640/2011-06-20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hot summer nights, cold beer, 'real' hot dogs, cotton candy mustaches...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlI64eYBZRfXdXAtTL8oUepa2ThkbQeP8Jr0MNj5PVTBm1gOhtTd-YWzFeOCFkQ-Ou5uCiXH90d6EMdGsUpMdw9DsTz41govW9E-8yPYNoTcJEXpg7w0CEJAUCwKvVRxgXz8XJbSjtXxl/s1600/2011-06-201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlI64eYBZRfXdXAtTL8oUepa2ThkbQeP8Jr0MNj5PVTBm1gOhtTd-YWzFeOCFkQ-Ou5uCiXH90d6EMdGsUpMdw9DsTz41govW9E-8yPYNoTcJEXpg7w0CEJAUCwKvVRxgXz8XJbSjtXxl/s640/2011-06-201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My favorite part is trying to guess the height and weight of the guys on the field and then finding the answer in their playbook bios. (Only during the slow parts of course.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb3cuqDGcTjwUE4QpZAG5dBlmAS03tug9CxXD5PzvajiQyzfQUWpMAsx2yfrYOyYrMpTB9WxtFFzYLa13YN2hrEhTDn0h_8B7HOGBnnjjMR-lWbom7w-0wMV1_hfzwefKiU2ytW1nWk2c/s1600/Spot+the+Chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb3cuqDGcTjwUE4QpZAG5dBlmAS03tug9CxXD5PzvajiQyzfQUWpMAsx2yfrYOyYrMpTB9WxtFFzYLa13YN2hrEhTDn0h_8B7HOGBnnjjMR-lWbom7w-0wMV1_hfzwefKiU2ytW1nWk2c/s640/Spot+the+Chicken.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you think they know they are being followed by a giant multicolored chicken? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NxtzkEVQFpW_N-0Vl-EtdcLnXdZ8o4Rn8NEaqdcKBEoSgz1cHK-hC4NdP1IWjfUdQ8gLSQrMClA1EJJQ0sGVY-njnUxI0dDzy7M6UUk7dfnjQYyhSlmcKhXkOIPQIXuBcyUzKJ4MFD-E/s1600/2011-06-202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NxtzkEVQFpW_N-0Vl-EtdcLnXdZ8o4Rn8NEaqdcKBEoSgz1cHK-hC4NdP1IWjfUdQ8gLSQrMClA1EJJQ0sGVY-njnUxI0dDzy7M6UUk7dfnjQYyhSlmcKhXkOIPQIXuBcyUzKJ4MFD-E/s640/2011-06-202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We try and make a couple of <a href="http://www.dbulls.com/">Durham Bulls</a> games each summer. A fun and inexpensive weeknight diversion close to home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Are you a fan? What's your favorite part of the game? </div>Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-68282107370998088732011-06-16T18:13:00.000-04:002011-06-16T18:13:42.904-04:00Tuscan Pork Chops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLk1i5NZ8yLQOcq9ZCToQsLBJSgaepCve6X2IyBD3Y_vNkhpMRfxrH8TGDQe7HIbdl8R_K5Ke75-WGGOVEP6RDNOZPomVKS_BtQ2AeGE1ut3egFQmmJBO4kuMPZw-i-4RhnpFR1kWuVl-/s1600/Tuscan+Pork+Chops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLk1i5NZ8yLQOcq9ZCToQsLBJSgaepCve6X2IyBD3Y_vNkhpMRfxrH8TGDQe7HIbdl8R_K5Ke75-WGGOVEP6RDNOZPomVKS_BtQ2AeGE1ut3egFQmmJBO4kuMPZw-i-4RhnpFR1kWuVl-/s640/Tuscan+Pork+Chops.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The lemon makes these pork chops amazing. It doesn't make an appearance until the very end and could be easily forgotten, but don't, because it brings the herbs and garlic and charri-ness to life. <br />
<br />
I asked John to train me on the grill again. Again.<br />
<br />
"Are you paying attention this time?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, I swear, I'll remember."<br />
<br />
"So turn this and then turn this and then turn that and then push this and then step back."<br />
<br />
"Okay. Got it."<br />
<br />
"Then let it heat up a bit and go to town."<br />
<br />
"Easy. I have this. You go sit inside and relax. I will make dinner on the grill."<br />
<br />
(A proud moment.) <br />
<br />
I put on the random assortment of veggie kabobs. I purposely didn't put things in order. A couple of mushrooms here, some random tomatoes there, a red onion cap on a bald mushroom. I'm in charge tonight. <br />
<br />
Grilling is fun. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Dg6iG5nHOwaUMv_7g4ZqD0kV-LrLggl3_kgLqBZnT_CBkwuSwjzePcLGFWXwP1zJRsasTpDZgQNbX0uX7Varw4iEDigWCTrEHjeQj-KxAA_vatAFCeBv_eMFoVFeXhVYUtLPXir0G_XI/s1600/Veggie+Kabobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Dg6iG5nHOwaUMv_7g4ZqD0kV-LrLggl3_kgLqBZnT_CBkwuSwjzePcLGFWXwP1zJRsasTpDZgQNbX0uX7Varw4iEDigWCTrEHjeQj-KxAA_vatAFCeBv_eMFoVFeXhVYUtLPXir0G_XI/s640/Veggie+Kabobs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I put on the sweet potatoes. Our fourth food group. <br />
<br />
And then I put on these gorgeous pork chops which had been bathing in a marinade of garlic and lots of herbs and olive oil. Tuscan-like, I think. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchzN_9Dpys3UxxuwBg9pJr9CrU0KV_U0M2kCUwmKLqvilbVNXIxBa5_Q7TcpOIKPjIV_fVwnNksOsXofhL3b11rOLrFVXOk5tAACMUGYmBhUyfyW6rzbJw8xZooBfmHfhbYWrbVz5K3eh/s1600/Pork+Chops+in+Marinade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchzN_9Dpys3UxxuwBg9pJr9CrU0KV_U0M2kCUwmKLqvilbVNXIxBa5_Q7TcpOIKPjIV_fVwnNksOsXofhL3b11rOLrFVXOk5tAACMUGYmBhUyfyW6rzbJw8xZooBfmHfhbYWrbVz5K3eh/s640/Pork+Chops+in+Marinade.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><br />
I fended off the bugs attacking me on the deck and peaked inside periodically.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV9B41h9oo-xJ1cbOOSOiqbL-Oysq8mQuMrq-lpOLwyg9F8j9e7tErEBoum9fraKd_Oasrt1bVEfYuFv7ODuQ3EBkpBeMIp96rnbDolpMpWwtZrARS-6DFNfLif_u4Cz_QwEUTIT5BHih/s1600/Pork+Chops+and+Sweet+Potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV9B41h9oo-xJ1cbOOSOiqbL-Oysq8mQuMrq-lpOLwyg9F8j9e7tErEBoum9fraKd_Oasrt1bVEfYuFv7ODuQ3EBkpBeMIp96rnbDolpMpWwtZrARS-6DFNfLif_u4Cz_QwEUTIT5BHih/s640/Pork+Chops+and+Sweet+Potatoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
When they were done, they looked like this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXSKluzXEsjpl1Wj2kO5kV-M4FR9arBK9soWuCLfpJOhuDR-ZRHHjV2C8-Z7C79QDUkoIGukpTZoLMfFnrMSekqa5PDoZbgzkxT6Cmj9vGZdIucBBbQuFHqVN5FK9zPryd_fsfJH45iG2/s1600/Grilling+my+Pork+Chops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXSKluzXEsjpl1Wj2kO5kV-M4FR9arBK9soWuCLfpJOhuDR-ZRHHjV2C8-Z7C79QDUkoIGukpTZoLMfFnrMSekqa5PDoZbgzkxT6Cmj9vGZdIucBBbQuFHqVN5FK9zPryd_fsfJH45iG2/s640/Grilling+my+Pork+Chops.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The turning-on-the-grill instructions may have gone in one ear and out the other (sorry John), but I did write down this recipe. I hope you will try it. We both said that it was the best we'd had in a long time. Way better (and less expensive) than any restaurant. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">(Am I the only one who can never remember how to start the grill?)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvcQgZBiCduWXFz0GZdwRbF5CEDlM9Z8chY-8wJ1tszMgZlv7dKimaTB5YFv2fjtd9GmHg51qf9NcdCMreQse5i2CXSL_OWJWjE2klZVKbZKbG5w9BPh3_7aq-lOYoj75t02KyHAWnM3q/s1600/Herb+and+Lemon+Pork+Chops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvcQgZBiCduWXFz0GZdwRbF5CEDlM9Z8chY-8wJ1tszMgZlv7dKimaTB5YFv2fjtd9GmHg51qf9NcdCMreQse5i2CXSL_OWJWjE2klZVKbZKbG5w9BPh3_7aq-lOYoj75t02KyHAWnM3q/s640/Herb+and+Lemon+Pork+Chops.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Tuscan Pork Chops</b><br />
serves 2<br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
2 bone-in pork chops<br />
3 tablespoons olive oil<br />
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar<br />
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage<br />
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary<br />
2 cloves garlic, chopped<br />
1 lemon, halved<br />
salt and pepper<br />
<br />
<i>Preparation</i><br />
Generously season pork chops with salt and pepper. Let sit out at room temperature while you prepare the marinade.<br />
<br />
Combine olive oil, vinegar, sage, rosemary and garlic. Pour over pork chops and marinate for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. <br />
<br />
Heat your grill to medium high (hopefully you already know how to do this!). <br />
<br />
Place pork chops on grill. Grill about 5 minutes on the first side. Flip and grill the second side for another 4 minutes. (Note - your grilling times may vary. This timing worked really well for us.)<br />
<br />
Let the pork chops rest for a minute or two and then liberally sprinkle each piece with juice of half a lemon. Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-7756269068859481942011-06-12T08:22:00.000-04:002011-06-12T08:22:25.009-04:00The Last Hurrah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhD_jbzjlERj13yARYRD-FRIrhyikOcBWspURjkU-wpkfUR-HV2CW1IypSIaeV72pjYhyphenhyphen3V5gE9FPbk041Unvv_H8MoIQfsqaM1Ag0VW9nZ5p8bFlcvuYi-9st0ZvOsP0IhIJJ7uzim8M/s1600/Wedding+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhD_jbzjlERj13yARYRD-FRIrhyikOcBWspURjkU-wpkfUR-HV2CW1IypSIaeV72pjYhyphenhyphen3V5gE9FPbk041Unvv_H8MoIQfsqaM1Ag0VW9nZ5p8bFlcvuYi-9st0ZvOsP0IhIJJ7uzim8M/s640/Wedding+Flowers.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
Five parties, seven months and more happier moments than I can count later, the wedding season officially draws to a close. <br />
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New Hampshire welcomed us with open arms! (Home truly is where the heart is.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7P4oZ6CSChRLxL0yj3ASvZ2oXDElEH8fP24xLICuub2OVQzY2rTPmKKUguoBQ_P-nPCzkK9ZjdElgD5ErwPXbphBA4EiEyYABbDkuCsASjrAsUZR30PFy2WUda2EvQYc5waNHrGd0sE5C/s1600/2011-06-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7P4oZ6CSChRLxL0yj3ASvZ2oXDElEH8fP24xLICuub2OVQzY2rTPmKKUguoBQ_P-nPCzkK9ZjdElgD5ErwPXbphBA4EiEyYABbDkuCsASjrAsUZR30PFy2WUda2EvQYc5waNHrGd0sE5C/s640/2011-06-09.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Here's to celebrating and picking up where we left off! Time and space occur, but love and friendship remain. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN22P9newfTXs9g02Gez1lr9plNQfHA8t52AlD77-zVW1Peq0o4sKncCgdNNJfRUQPyKnAGiqrgNerPFt-_A5YIPRDkUMBjHsNQDBKvGcWFVgI6hHohZAv90iSSMPb9kmdLWC0lDbb_N8R/s1600/2011-06-091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN22P9newfTXs9g02Gez1lr9plNQfHA8t52AlD77-zVW1Peq0o4sKncCgdNNJfRUQPyKnAGiqrgNerPFt-_A5YIPRDkUMBjHsNQDBKvGcWFVgI6hHohZAv90iSSMPb9kmdLWC0lDbb_N8R/s640/2011-06-091.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
To great food prepared by great people. (If you are in New England, check out <a href="http://www.adaytorememberllc1.com/default.html">A Day to Remember</a>... can't recommend highly enough! They made our day seamless and are true professionals in every sense.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiVELuUx-gfd03Y-g_bIyaPiPGY-riM3KdWpxqAstjQaC8vJwnHU7_vmJ-xyFgUguw0-xwM_KN2_Jx1HeBx6Zvl7h9oS4mCeYXv2uXVb2P4qYFlgcJkI4jkfKHwCjvykknGJJx8LI1W49/s1600/2011-06-092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiVELuUx-gfd03Y-g_bIyaPiPGY-riM3KdWpxqAstjQaC8vJwnHU7_vmJ-xyFgUguw0-xwM_KN2_Jx1HeBx6Zvl7h9oS4mCeYXv2uXVb2P4qYFlgcJkI4jkfKHwCjvykknGJJx8LI1W49/s640/2011-06-092.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
To new friends who look fabulous in black and white and whom I'd love to drag along with me on my next trip to Italy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvumzGy6C1yGcVcdknAcRmEqmBDR2x-eJsgq_3K_-0id_SaAGWDxmC3IQ7aqhFk35SqdI-Jn-HplL3iKhyphenhyphenfboVJEeRW7Siy7vFhyJ9xHKuxC6Ms0Wd7pG7OQa8-ZpwTZrrO6V1Aya4TTO/s1600/New+Friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvumzGy6C1yGcVcdknAcRmEqmBDR2x-eJsgq_3K_-0id_SaAGWDxmC3IQ7aqhFk35SqdI-Jn-HplL3iKhyphenhyphenfboVJEeRW7Siy7vFhyJ9xHKuxC6Ms0Wd7pG7OQa8-ZpwTZrrO6V1Aya4TTO/s400/New+Friends.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
To two of my favorite men. (that allowed me to pose with them and have given a permanent and unstated consent to have their pictures posted in my blog :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeuK2eUQemNkItSLK4vVxm__X-dTB-vW933WZToO-c4-5e5P2QFKOm9OcyiF87bHO0hyphenhyphencGYnCLQRF_1PtPfVXDizZ4hkWSOaljxI2rX-9GOddELe-zlHaRSS3fNzkS6uyJBxNgnP1maWi/s1600/2011-06-093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeuK2eUQemNkItSLK4vVxm__X-dTB-vW933WZToO-c4-5e5P2QFKOm9OcyiF87bHO0hyphenhyphencGYnCLQRF_1PtPfVXDizZ4hkWSOaljxI2rX-9GOddELe-zlHaRSS3fNzkS6uyJBxNgnP1maWi/s640/2011-06-093.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
To family friends who loved my mother dearly and shared this with me in a way that no one else could. (I didn't capture pictures of all of you, but you know who you are, and thank you... your words and memories mean so much to me. And for those that are pictured below, if you squint real hard and look to the upper right...)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmDbIA_-Qijmxxs3WrsUsZjHPIgHrKVD-7JmholaEhGmA1V_kwmZLA_7_wKvqTCpV3lLtcYz25ztdb-MP1TTZOVxIS1ZHzjXhfXeVHEA6OziHaiLt7BhpEVKFSGfm_VfLFeoh4H5U9mEm/s1600/Moms+Friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmDbIA_-Qijmxxs3WrsUsZjHPIgHrKVD-7JmholaEhGmA1V_kwmZLA_7_wKvqTCpV3lLtcYz25ztdb-MP1TTZOVxIS1ZHzjXhfXeVHEA6OziHaiLt7BhpEVKFSGfm_VfLFeoh4H5U9mEm/s400/Moms+Friends.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To early summer outdoor dining with dear friends and neighbors, great food and lots of laughter and celebrating!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_X4cCe1P7tE3nlQDllPZApwvuKNIv3S6TAT3D4Z1Z8Mpxq6nfKsH1GLR8uIPe0Iam9KJguK56Jja4rBa1TMsbWcwv8NEupf6-QyCReN2xVBZyAVMiR8WdaH9h5amhlgEdnlUby19-A2X/s1600/2011-06-094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_X4cCe1P7tE3nlQDllPZApwvuKNIv3S6TAT3D4Z1Z8Mpxq6nfKsH1GLR8uIPe0Iam9KJguK56Jja4rBa1TMsbWcwv8NEupf6-QyCReN2xVBZyAVMiR8WdaH9h5amhlgEdnlUby19-A2X/s640/2011-06-094.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To my kitty babies, who still recognize me after all these years and even offered a pose or two. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysXnkx3ZnvXV1v1Ds6kPNSIwQCsW2TimNnT7Ru4ER4Pc7gkcSJvQcWOu5d2cZqQTuvoDllLRQ5rt8oiNjfK-M722lTnAPrrPFWzt7LD6xXmhpp0oeM11C-bVu79eYQLqRGPJs8XIINDVC/s1600/2011-06-095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysXnkx3ZnvXV1v1Ds6kPNSIwQCsW2TimNnT7Ru4ER4Pc7gkcSJvQcWOu5d2cZqQTuvoDllLRQ5rt8oiNjfK-M722lTnAPrrPFWzt7LD6xXmhpp0oeM11C-bVu79eYQLqRGPJs8XIINDVC/s640/2011-06-095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To my husband, who indulges my need to take cheesy pictures of myself and loves me anyway. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUYOL-J8eGHdRmqiqC1NgU3y53WuOvk5ufeYxzHQm-EHUqL8DAlg_qqiDgajDjfjosgNUYXwzDlLLSbTS29LIOIwzYSb0qqjWE9TxoQAbk6n4fyCPeBgQpxSqYmjGIpPjNXvEs0zTns5F/s1600/Emily+in+New+Hampshire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUYOL-J8eGHdRmqiqC1NgU3y53WuOvk5ufeYxzHQm-EHUqL8DAlg_qqiDgajDjfjosgNUYXwzDlLLSbTS29LIOIwzYSb0qqjWE9TxoQAbk6n4fyCPeBgQpxSqYmjGIpPjNXvEs0zTns5F/s400/Emily+in+New+Hampshire.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Cheers to it all! A special thanks to our parents for all of your love and support and lots and lots of fun along the way! We appreciate and cherish each and every moment. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I couldn't have asked for a better visit to New Hampshire. It's been a great week, but I'm ready to return to my new home where I know I will be welcomed by another set of open arms that made all of this possible. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!</div></div>Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-4387080061679805232011-05-31T14:40:00.000-04:002011-05-31T14:40:24.509-04:00Summer Quinoa Salad with Fennel, Squash, Peas, Leeks and Corn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFusoJk3tMLgf7cCYN7ibyc_xRn71uQ4YH8FjWb44lbpx65K7Y8AlShB11oBVEK_xIL9fLhklE-knpbxU4WlGujYsmKP68LlZ5nAm6IgU8_FqTdISSA97W07Od8mclFcdiNK4bm5cNA83/s1600/Quinoa+Fennel+Corn+Pea+Basil+Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFusoJk3tMLgf7cCYN7ibyc_xRn71uQ4YH8FjWb44lbpx65K7Y8AlShB11oBVEK_xIL9fLhklE-knpbxU4WlGujYsmKP68LlZ5nAm6IgU8_FqTdISSA97W07Od8mclFcdiNK4bm5cNA83/s640/Quinoa+Fennel+Corn+Pea+Basil+Salad.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><br />
There is something mind numbingly peaceful about shucking peas.<br />
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The tug of the string, the snap of the casing, the pop, pop, pop of sweet little peas hitting the bowl. (Or, the floor.) <br />
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Feisty little things. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHMa8kHrfdIqT4qUgN761AOTg_LQCdQ-C7Bf4eAdrKwfeaRYVoUpg3OqlfpFQt-W-LG1KyJqeXiGgZBYAA12Ew9cv6LPE2jJ3YGD64_0sGYC0NaEVTVFF_Kl5vjjAHmPfcSpvQhrKEEoR/s1600/Summer+Quinoa+Vegetable+Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHMa8kHrfdIqT4qUgN761AOTg_LQCdQ-C7Bf4eAdrKwfeaRYVoUpg3OqlfpFQt-W-LG1KyJqeXiGgZBYAA12Ew9cv6LPE2jJ3YGD64_0sGYC0NaEVTVFF_Kl5vjjAHmPfcSpvQhrKEEoR/s640/Summer+Quinoa+Vegetable+Salad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I'm heading out of town again. Visiting the family in New Hampshire. The weather report is predicting mid 70s and sunny. A vacation from the overly balmy 98 we are dealing with in North Carolina today. <br />
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I told myself I'd get up early and hit the trail before the sun rose and the cicadas woke up. (Didn't happen.)<br />
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What did happen is a sweat soaked mid-day romp through the woods, fending off gnats and breathing in warm jasmine coated air. Sunscreen dripping from my red skin. All the more sweeter for those little gnats. They like me. <br />
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I think they might like this salad also. It's sweet. And cool.<br />
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Given our pending escape, I did a swing through the fridge to clear out the 'forgotten'. I was rewarded with peas, corn on the cob, leeks, baby fennel and some yellow squash. <br />
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They came together to produce a light and fragrant summer salad when combined with quinoa. If you've stopped by here before, you know how much I love quinoa. <br />
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The corn and freshly shucked peas add crisp sweetness and color; the fennel and basil in the dressing add fragrance. The leeks provide a little earthiness which together with the olive oil and garlic give this salad a little more depth. This recipe makes a huge bowl of summer salad. Divvy it up into sides or eat as a main if you are looking for a light vegetarian dinner.<br />
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Cool and sweet and strangely calming. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Do you do this? The fridge sweep before traveling? </b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSevCoYf5QAk5k4-90dRadbA2P2OemoeK1RiwGwv677UFRP5en7KVhmWGt8LQ2jQ5rS32lkZhCBUYLWssVjfEqGz0t_aIv_E1w79PQySWu743eH9ZM5jxjyUz4mR9vP3TW3qaZWRb6Ia-v/s1600/Summer+Vegetable+Quinoa+Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSevCoYf5QAk5k4-90dRadbA2P2OemoeK1RiwGwv677UFRP5en7KVhmWGt8LQ2jQ5rS32lkZhCBUYLWssVjfEqGz0t_aIv_E1w79PQySWu743eH9ZM5jxjyUz4mR9vP3TW3qaZWRb6Ia-v/s640/Summer+Vegetable+Quinoa+Salad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b>Summer Quinoa Salad with Fennel, Squash, Peas, Leeks and Corn</b><br />
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</b><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
1 cup quinoa, rinsed<br />
2 cups water<br />
1 tablespoon olive oil<br />
2 leeks, green and white parts only, halved and sliced<br />
1 cup freshly shucked peas*<br />
3 ears corn, kernels removed<br />
4 small yellow squash, chopped<br />
1 baby fennel bulb, sliced thin and chopped<br />
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<i>Preparation</i><br />
Prepare the quinoa. In a medium pot, add 1 cup rinsed quinoa to 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.<br />
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While quinoa is cooking, prepare vegetables. In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium low heat. Add leeks and saute for 5 minutes until softened. Stir peas and corn into leeks and saute for another 3 - 5 minutes. Raise heat to medium and add in squash and fennel. Saute for another 3 - 4 minutes until crisp tender. Remove vegetable mixture from heat and prepare dressing (below).<br />
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Combine cooled quinoa, vegetables and dressing in large bowl. Use all of the dressing for a wetter salad. If you prefer drier, use less. <br />
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<b>Basil Fennel Vinaigrette Dressing</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
1/4 cup olive oil<br />
1/8 cup balsamic vinegar<br />
1 tablespoon dijon mustard<br />
2 cloves garlic, finely diced<br />
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, loosely packed<br />
1 tablespoon chopped fennel fronds (the dill looking part)<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
4 - 5 turns cracked pepper<br />
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<i>Preparation</i><br />
Add all ingredients to small bowl and whisk together until combined. <br />
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*Fresh peas add a special sweetness and crispness to this salad, but you could also substitute with frozen.Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-54038334745549358672011-05-30T14:16:00.001-04:002011-05-31T14:52:21.123-04:00Lake House Salad with Italian Balsamic Vinaigrette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwvK5KoIhjV_7ohOdEnFFAAjO7z2kDp9OVYIZSHD4IBTixpPI0KiipV2nhSk5570F9rm0rTNWoT3qxRT-hlYyeYqDOEuL_n1YeJMNlOPMfa35jjv72kxiVowfd47wdNxiinymfSCAyJyB/s1600/Summer+Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwvK5KoIhjV_7ohOdEnFFAAjO7z2kDp9OVYIZSHD4IBTixpPI0KiipV2nhSk5570F9rm0rTNWoT3qxRT-hlYyeYqDOEuL_n1YeJMNlOPMfa35jjv72kxiVowfd47wdNxiinymfSCAyJyB/s640/Summer+Salad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Coppertone. Burning coals. Oreo cookies.<br />
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Smells like Memorial Day Weekend.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAa318FVi2LyICaZxavS3GT8I2YciTdhge_XkBC6vDsGKkbWLN6DBR-HJIy3gsKg5-Rcfko7ZD6IF6prm-NfG6Jj_8k709di2yZzJVS2iOEoTcWtdPhblUzMJ6a0omc2pKDRLdBYQKneU/s1600/Lighthouse+at+the+Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAa318FVi2LyICaZxavS3GT8I2YciTdhge_XkBC6vDsGKkbWLN6DBR-HJIy3gsKg5-Rcfko7ZD6IF6prm-NfG6Jj_8k709di2yZzJVS2iOEoTcWtdPhblUzMJ6a0omc2pKDRLdBYQKneU/s640/Lighthouse+at+the+Lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Lathered in lotions to kick start our summer tans, decked out in neon bathing suits, reading the latest issue of Glamour. If I'm honest, throw in some big hair and way too long fingernails. True children of the 80s. <br />
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First weekend of summer. <br />
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At the lake in New Hampshire, hanging out at the kitchen counter. Feet freshly rinsed clean from sand. Wrapped in towels to keep from soaking the furniture. <br />
<br />
With the Indy 500 whizzing by in the background, we dangle our feet from stools and take breaks from the sun. Hot dogs with mustard straight from the grill. Salads doused in Italian dressing. Oreos for dessert. Oreos for a snack. Oreos... just because we could.<br />
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Sweatshirts in the evening. Cool lake air. Baseball with our neighbors. Rummy on the porch. Movies on the couch. Sleeping like little babies. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">(These days, it's a little less about the oreos and a little more about the salads and the sunscreen.) </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>What is it about holidays that bring back memories from our childhood? What smells do you equate with summer? </b></div><br />
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<b>Lake House Salad</b><br />
serves 6 - 8<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
Head of lettuce, rinsed, rough chopped<br />
2 cups baby spinach<br />
1 large tomato, chopped<br />
1 cup snow peas, chopped<br />
6 - 8 mushrooms, sliced<br />
1/4 large red onion, diced<br />
1/2 cucumber, chopped<br />
<br />
<i>Preparation</i><br />
Add everything to a large bowl and mix. Toss with vinaigrette when ready to serve.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">*******************</div><br />
<b>Italian Balsamic Vinaigrette</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
3 tablespoons olive oil<br />
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar<br />
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard<br />
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning<br />
2 teaspoons honey<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
<i>Preparation</i><br />
Add all ingredients to small bowl and whisk until combined. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with Summer Salad or any other salad that you prefer!Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-35386546938224603542011-05-27T09:46:00.000-04:002011-05-27T09:46:46.338-04:00Life Lessons from BlogHer Food 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJFiw2E3-GAteBXzLWRxuFXjTXkQomw1DUVvxX7IkMn1xftYZ0K-SFCMZQAwttmK7clCBZ6PFUZ5PWobm2W4UHSrYpbE1ocihuE-yanBmyP9X84zlRnjt5ysTyQpq19c2-MUOPfIhbYwT/s1600/The+Soul+Roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJFiw2E3-GAteBXzLWRxuFXjTXkQomw1DUVvxX7IkMn1xftYZ0K-SFCMZQAwttmK7clCBZ6PFUZ5PWobm2W4UHSrYpbE1ocihuE-yanBmyP9X84zlRnjt5ysTyQpq19c2-MUOPfIhbYwT/s640/The+Soul+Roll.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Life lessons from a food blogger conference? Stick with me... I think you'll find a few nuggets of wisdom.<br />
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I've had a few days back from <a href="http://www.blogher.com/blogher-topics/blogherconferences/blogherfood2011">BlogHer Food</a> in Atlanta to unwind/recover/think about the trip. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend a conference with a group of truly diverse, talented, energetic, intelligent and savvy women <u>and</u> men (yes, there were a number!) You can pretty much throw any stereotype you may have of a 'blogger' right out the window. Definitely not one size fits all. <br />
<br />
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500 bloggers with interests (and locations) all over the map. Baking, travel, history, politics, unique dietary lifestyles, the environment... it was all there. If you can think of it, someone has a passion for it and is writing about it. I'm still working my way through a stack of business cards trying to tie it all together. So much squeezed into two short days. Focused learning intermingled with socializing and a constant growing "to-do" list of ideas to incorporate back at home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF8WEWWgUhMBD8D8CoCKdmfgd-TARYPDN3Z1FJ1JY70tcsnS8cK-hzenGNsQmrc-TGHw-K6lqvYQDtJOZMVT862M_LoQ014RMxSjvr07XY8v70QuOhhDWS9Avy7MMtol2PRzjbWOs1iqU/s1600/2011-05-261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF8WEWWgUhMBD8D8CoCKdmfgd-TARYPDN3Z1FJ1JY70tcsnS8cK-hzenGNsQmrc-TGHw-K6lqvYQDtJOZMVT862M_LoQ014RMxSjvr07XY8v70QuOhhDWS9Avy7MMtol2PRzjbWOs1iqU/s640/2011-05-261.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Being surrounded by so much talent is incredibly energizing and empowering and at the same time very overwhelming. I focused my personal agenda on the topics of photography and writing, with a sprinkling of technology and marketing. I arrived home mentally drained after two packed days.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKN04jf9PIpmhAULgDZ_CTOXqFtnqE8K5NHytWp9R0iOmncSBSgIFF5LsySaqB2EpXIM3QwM-9yQK9z8MCz-89Y5g6l4CxpCAXDvguNg4uUCigQfVEQ-eGf8rbJwaoNV96t09Dt6-Gkpj/s1600/2011-05-262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKN04jf9PIpmhAULgDZ_CTOXqFtnqE8K5NHytWp9R0iOmncSBSgIFF5LsySaqB2EpXIM3QwM-9yQK9z8MCz-89Y5g6l4CxpCAXDvguNg4uUCigQfVEQ-eGf8rbJwaoNV96t09Dt6-Gkpj/s640/2011-05-262.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I met several bloggers who are establishing their blogs now and applaud them loudly for their decision to learn before doing. I took a different path. My personality requires that I jump in feet (or head) first (minus the floaties). I had no idea conferences like this even existed. If you are a blogger, new or old, thinking about attending, just do it. For a newbie, I'll admit, it is a little intimidating at first, but I remind myself that newbies attract other newbies and no one really wants to be alone. <br />
<br />
I didn't get to see too much of Atlanta. I dined with the very talented Jes from <a href="http://www.urbansacredgarden.com/">Urban Sacred Garden</a> (check out her blog... beautiful in so many ways...) and field tripped it to the <a href="http://www.sweetauburncurbmarket.com/">Sweet Auburn Market</a> one afternoon. While brief, I enjoyed my time in this southern city and ate (entirely) too much. Sigh.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBsysxSTmmz93cKIcQ8Twl79zQaCQYQqQ9s_fWKZNBfGQZDnkjqMWXrzAlz16BUWr3G0kow2erOPrzM1vwqdDrC9f3tdWbprKDGnctS9N3_vk2HPQHJSVm3OXWrfcl8K1_gyOn0HvmNjq/s1600/2011-05-263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBsysxSTmmz93cKIcQ8Twl79zQaCQYQqQ9s_fWKZNBfGQZDnkjqMWXrzAlz16BUWr3G0kow2erOPrzM1vwqdDrC9f3tdWbprKDGnctS9N3_vk2HPQHJSVm3OXWrfcl8K1_gyOn0HvmNjq/s640/2011-05-263.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This urban market was a visual feast, brimming with pork products, iridescent blue crab, BBQ, ground on site burgers, uniquely flavored popsicles and all kinds of vibrant fruits and vegetables. A great outing if you find yourself in Atlanta with time to spare. Bonus points if you like Yellow Root Tea. There was lots of it. (extra bonus points if you can tell me what it is.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdC0cokaQQV12VLYua1hdPp1ZcqvrbdRKkdf0rYULKvYIUrMFv6I3j-yz1OSSo8qubZRIr6Vf6NSJblKKi0y7c0PigWVvjO4W9zBb4qBHVFMk7C2j8R1lk8BdE6mlZABvEKhCEWxIAb22O/s1600/2011-05-264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdC0cokaQQV12VLYua1hdPp1ZcqvrbdRKkdf0rYULKvYIUrMFv6I3j-yz1OSSo8qubZRIr6Vf6NSJblKKi0y7c0PigWVvjO4W9zBb4qBHVFMk7C2j8R1lk8BdE6mlZABvEKhCEWxIAb22O/s640/2011-05-264.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I'll leave you with a few lessons learned that I hope you will find useful as well:<br />
<br />
Learn light. Learn dark.<br />
Be you. Authentically you.<br />
Everyone starts somewhere, usually at the beginning.<br />
You are your own brand.<br />
Dive right in.<br />
Be active, not passive.<br />
Use your senses, all your senses.<br />
Edit yourself. Less is usually more.<br />
Tell your story. Listen to other people's stories.<br />
Ask questions, lots of questions.<br />
Life is a series of chapters.<br />
Be unique, but figure out when you need to color within the lines.<br />
Get closer to the source.<br />
Change starts at home.<br />
Get a little mad sometimes.<br />
Be the King (or Queen) of your household. <br />
Simplicity is good, but sometimes messiness can be very effective.<br />
Strive to be an artist.<br />
Try new things.<br />
Practice, practice, practice.<br />
<br />
PS - In case you are wondering, that's a "Soul Roll" in the first picture. Think lots of southern things stuffed into a freshly fried egg roll. I hear it got good reviews.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">What life lessons have you picked up in unexpected places? </div>Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-82507720893878994452011-05-23T14:05:00.000-04:002011-05-23T14:05:01.190-04:00Tandoori Lentils and Sweet Potatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39Hx6VuGQLBnYpaAxxB9VdV6w_fcffOxWQw7HL5YLWmXUBPnJyiZmYGDwZdIm8DcYr4bq9UmPEK88_7dGyq7qlNTqbFd5wQt1op6MmRR8s0AG6ZaQNdilcRQS-v7fh6W0HEp64OPK0ig2/s1600/Tandoori+Lentils+and+Sweet+Potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39Hx6VuGQLBnYpaAxxB9VdV6w_fcffOxWQw7HL5YLWmXUBPnJyiZmYGDwZdIm8DcYr4bq9UmPEK88_7dGyq7qlNTqbFd5wQt1op6MmRR8s0AG6ZaQNdilcRQS-v7fh6W0HEp64OPK0ig2/s640/Tandoori+Lentils+and+Sweet+Potatoes.jpg" width="594" /></a></div><br />
The trip home yesterday was uneventful.<br />
<br />
I woke up. Packed my bags. Looked around the room. Checked out of the hotel. Grabbed a taxi. Chatted with driver on a traffic free trip to the airport. Checked into my flight. Breezed through security. Bought two magazines. Read one magazine. Found my seat at the back of the plane. Ate peanuts. Read another magazine. Took a five minute nap. Landed. Called John to pick me up. Walked outside. Got in car.<br />
<br />
Truly. Uneventful.<br />
<br />
After all of the buzz and excitement of the past couple of days, my re-entry into normal life was quite calm. <br />
<br />
I had a wonderful time at <a href="http://www.blogher.com/blogher-food-11">BlogHer Food</a> in Atlanta. Still digesting it all (pun intended). <br />
<br />
I'll share some of this with you here, but for now, will share our dinner from last night. <br />
<br />
Our conversation in the car ride home:<br />
<br />
"I'm tired."<br />
<br />
"Okay, so what do you want for dinner?"<br />
<br />
"Don't care. What do we have?"<br />
<br />
"Nothing."<br />
<br />
"Nothing?"<br />
<br />
"Bread, peanut butter and jelly, one egg."<br />
<br />
I knew there had to be more to it. Sure enough, my vegetable drawer still held a virtual bounty of last weeks farmers market score. A couple of sweet potatoes, some baby spinach. Carrots. Garlic. Cilantro. A bag of lentils that's been sitting in the back of my pantry waiting for the right day. I started to develop a plan, inspired by Smitten Kitchen's recipe for <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/11/curried-lentils-and-sweet-potatoes/">Curried Lentils and Sweet Potatoes</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg662-U5sOo5D3enKF-lopsRpurDzazRJs3yDefHEl3DHlFN0MJuc5_8gRxZjtqfTaz87WlMa23JHUK1Vn6oSRhoMGBOZCWMA4SwN7JQdBCqQpv_-3bPjO7ExWre7q8TT3Uyn4adCxIObrh/s1600/Tandoori+Lentil+and+Sweet+Potato+Soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg662-U5sOo5D3enKF-lopsRpurDzazRJs3yDefHEl3DHlFN0MJuc5_8gRxZjtqfTaz87WlMa23JHUK1Vn6oSRhoMGBOZCWMA4SwN7JQdBCqQpv_-3bPjO7ExWre7q8TT3Uyn4adCxIObrh/s640/Tandoori+Lentil+and+Sweet+Potato+Soup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Ignore the fact that it was 90 degrees in North Carolina yesterday. Not exactly soup weather. I cranked the AC inside and was rewarded with some healthy and colorful comfort food, perfect for unwinding after a long weekend away. Sweet and mildly spicy, highly flavorful. The depth of the spices was lightened by liberal use of cilantro and sprinkling of lime. Filling and nutritious. Will definitely make this again. <br />
<br />
(As a bonus, this recipe is multipurpose. If you like soup, cook it less. If you like stew, cook it more. Great leftovers too.)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">How was your weekend? Has your re-entry into Monday been bearable? </div><br />
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<b>Tandoori Lentils and Sweet Potatoes (6 - 8 servings)</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
1 Tablespoon olive oil<br />
3 medium sized carrots, peeled, sliced<br />
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled, diced<br />
3 garlic cloves, chopped<br />
1 Teaspoon onion powder<br />
1 Tablespoon tandoori spice*<br />
3 teaspoons grated ginger<br />
4 cups low sodium chicken broth<br />
1 cup water<br />
1 bay leaf<br />
1 cup lentils, rinsed<br />
2 cups baby spinach, chopped<br />
3/4 teaspoon salt<br />
black pepper to taste<br />
garnish - light sour cream, cilantro, lime juice<br />
<br />
<i>Preparation</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Heat oil on stove in large soup pot until warm. Add carrots and sweet potatoes and saute on medium heat until slightly softened, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add chopped garlic and ginger and saute another minute or two until fragrant. Stir onion powder and tandoori spice into vegetable mixture until coated.<br />
<br />
Pour chicken broth and water into pot and stir. Add lentils and bay leaf and bring mixture to a boil. Cover and reduce to simmer for 30 minutes. Add in chopped spinach, salt and pepper and stir. Cook for another 30 - 60 minutes on low heat until you reach desired consistency. <br />
<br />
Remove from heat and remove bay leaf. Serve garnished with light sour cream and liberal sprinkling of cilantro and lime juice. <br />
<br />
*I use <a href="http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeyscurrytand.html">Penzey's Tandoori spice</a>, which can be found online or in local retail shops. Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-67759972161092184442011-05-18T16:54:00.000-04:002011-05-18T16:54:15.205-04:00On the Road Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4903uJvIpEibM4ZkXmCXPeCxckpzQnkEMzjXXpwzmtg6tX8qjsouybEh7oMJPfmH5alFsz0XMnJ3Ii2MkS4lixgePy5N3qTbRABf5APb3gFUuTpuNpMOx8svNRva7APPpxzqT8zNQey5R/s1600/Pea+and+Bacon+Whole+Wheat+Pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4903uJvIpEibM4ZkXmCXPeCxckpzQnkEMzjXXpwzmtg6tX8qjsouybEh7oMJPfmH5alFsz0XMnJ3Ii2MkS4lixgePy5N3qTbRABf5APb3gFUuTpuNpMOx8svNRva7APPpxzqT8zNQey5R/s640/Pea+and+Bacon+Whole+Wheat+Pasta.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I was supposed to post a recipe for this today, before I head out of town.<br />
<br />
I wanted to impress you with my superior recipe development skills in the event that any of my soon to be met friends from this upcoming weekend visit my blog. It was the one final thing I was going to post before leaving. Unfortunately, I can't find my beautifully hand written and well tested recipe anywhere. Despite tearing apart the kitchen this morning. You'll just have to trust that I did want to impress you (really, I did). <br />
<br />
I am not planning on doing anything else to get ready for this trip. I made a conscious decision to just show up and maybe have a little fun. No pressure. No meeting to prepare for, no presentation, no complicated travel arrangements.<br />
<br />
I'm heading to Atlanta to attend the <a href="http://www.blogher.com/blogher-food-11">2011 BlogHer conference</a>. My first trip traveling solo since last year in Europe. Solo and won't know a soul. Fabulous. I am actually super excited about it. <br />
<br />
Truth be told, I felt guilty for about two minutes. I had a few flashbacks to a certain "Real Housewife" of "Somewhere" who hadn't traveled anywhere without her husband since they were married. (Think <i>years</i>. Don't ask me how I know this.) <br />
<br />
I'm over feeling guilty, because that's kind of lame, but I am back to feeling excited. I've read my 39 page pre conference guide and reviewed the getting ready checklist. Then I worked on some really important stuff like painting the remaining 8.5 of my toenails pink as they haven't seen the light of day since my honeymoon; going for a really long walk in the woods because I've been feeling lazy and exercise is the perfect pre travel happiness drug; making <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/314063/banana-cupcakes-with-honey-cinnamon-fros">these banana cupcakes</a> with our ever growing collection of brown bananas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5P1MJI7VZN4mrPslhJYT07p-GtvrevA5iVHbgflXviIH3WF4KxVn-_P0nRIR6VfqnZ3OLjXj-c3pQEMH5-YoZKs1cdjKRb0dwSElesb46kPUehLej-Ovghg05YSokXZ-Tev2slqA3g4pG/s1600/Banana+Cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5P1MJI7VZN4mrPslhJYT07p-GtvrevA5iVHbgflXviIH3WF4KxVn-_P0nRIR6VfqnZ3OLjXj-c3pQEMH5-YoZKs1cdjKRb0dwSElesb46kPUehLej-Ovghg05YSokXZ-Tev2slqA3g4pG/s640/Banana+Cupcakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Sounds like I am procrastinating, doesn't it? In any event, I'm looking forward to lots of learning, fun and hopefully some new friends from this trip! I think it will be good for me to get away on my own again. <br />
<br />
PS - I want to thank you for all of your fun comments on my <a href="http://pookieandpierre.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-favorite-sandwich.html">sandwich post</a>. I almost didn't write it as it felt a little ridiculous in its simplicity, but I'm glad I did. I got hungry just reading your comments.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I'm curious, what are your thoughts on solo travel? Love it or hate it or somewhere in between? </div>Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-92109990658770134462011-05-16T13:00:00.000-04:002011-05-16T13:00:09.388-04:00My Favorite Sandwich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SmSikk3Iv-hepj5wJT9_DSAH134OoMi9WPY7V1ycRwjvDvCBdiYbvECXUOR8U0rafbMz21H1EmbtXZiKS8C4HgXSChIEqz7h7fLKx_yzgr_YZUxEhgYtsniODod1Tvpt87NY6xOvsMDW/s1600/Egg+an+Avocado+Sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SmSikk3Iv-hepj5wJT9_DSAH134OoMi9WPY7V1ycRwjvDvCBdiYbvECXUOR8U0rafbMz21H1EmbtXZiKS8C4HgXSChIEqz7h7fLKx_yzgr_YZUxEhgYtsniODod1Tvpt87NY6xOvsMDW/s640/Egg+an+Avocado+Sandwich.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Do you have a favorite sandwich?<br />
<br />
I'm on a crazy egg kick at the moment. Such a perfect little food. The "incredible edible egg" all wrapped up in a biodegradable package, full of protein and so versatile. I've been playing with frittatas and quiches lately but I always come back to the simple fried egg. A little crispy on the edges, but still oozy in the middle. Definitely has to be oozy. <br />
<br />
Did you know that the egg has 13 essential minerals and vitamins and only 70 calories? Not too bad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFuQSdH0HFh6vbeBRWZ4arGGyL6emDVy9ctNT7QkAv09jtGY0pGoIT_XRT3brHnighFzL8jcvXuqQI4Vvf-FbBm9viJWhmZYpSYk5VzLS_r-D4KJxQSXdySuCL-AHf1Au10sqfO3idFem/s1600/2011-05-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFuQSdH0HFh6vbeBRWZ4arGGyL6emDVy9ctNT7QkAv09jtGY0pGoIT_XRT3brHnighFzL8jcvXuqQI4Vvf-FbBm9viJWhmZYpSYk5VzLS_r-D4KJxQSXdySuCL-AHf1Au10sqfO3idFem/s640/2011-05-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The egg is really the cornerstone of this sandwich. Add a little avocado and some mustard and you have yourself a great little lunch. I'm not even sure this qualifies as a recipe, given how simple it is, but sometimes simple truly is best!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>What's your favorite? </b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAJopXUtgRz4fBAJsQdilqgR2zHOj10n22gMIlPaTFIjeCAmVwlzCXXVI5BwwjmWULmc8CzY-KZ5PRqKiSuZwpWGK2umZ83wr-V9PEVa-upyEjEq4OVcxh8rOgwxk6O-82I_U1dd1RJaX/s1600/Egg+and+Avocado+Sandwhich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAJopXUtgRz4fBAJsQdilqgR2zHOj10n22gMIlPaTFIjeCAmVwlzCXXVI5BwwjmWULmc8CzY-KZ5PRqKiSuZwpWGK2umZ83wr-V9PEVa-upyEjEq4OVcxh8rOgwxk6O-82I_U1dd1RJaX/s640/Egg+and+Avocado+Sandwhich.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><br />
<b>Egg and Avocado Sandwich</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<br />
1 egg, fried<br />
1/2 avocado, sliced thin<br />
two slices whole wheat bread<br />
Dijon mustard<br />
salt and pepper, to taste<br />
<br />
<i>Preparation</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Fry egg to your usual preference. I recommend sunny side up and soft in the middle, purely for the ooze factor.<br />
<br />
Lightly toast two slices of bread. Spread one side with Dijon mustard. Top with avocado slices. <br />
<br />
Add egg to second slice. Season with salt and pepper. Put the two parts together and enjoy!Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-49026874132845452162011-05-11T13:29:00.000-04:002011-05-11T13:29:41.355-04:00Trip to the Farmers Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipL0FGlZkRJ-vBkQI3q0vNTQmo8Mu1UvT5r8P82ZTuJJ1ZvdN91aPZoeDD8mbgpCA7KFtSPkxoUvzK_0wfwGyLGI-DJ9rTQMYoRg0J6T6CEm47iXSOTNWKB07yREuDf49HGRGlya315v7d/s1600/Farmers+Market+Beets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipL0FGlZkRJ-vBkQI3q0vNTQmo8Mu1UvT5r8P82ZTuJJ1ZvdN91aPZoeDD8mbgpCA7KFtSPkxoUvzK_0wfwGyLGI-DJ9rTQMYoRg0J6T6CEm47iXSOTNWKB07yREuDf49HGRGlya315v7d/s640/Farmers+Market+Beets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Beets! Good.<br />
<br />
Beets from the Farmers Market! Sooooo good.<br />
<br />
Aren't these gorgeous? Everything about them screams earthy perfection. Dirt covered and all. <br />
<br />
Enough about the beets. We made it to the NC Farmers Market this weekend for the first time in, well, forever. I don't know why I avoid the Farmers Market in the colder months, seems easier to just order the CSA box. But as soon as warmer weather arrives, this is definitely one of my favorite destinations. So much to choose from, so much eye candy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nc_-Je7lCkbPTQhVjJxKQ9puf02xnXbrWCe4eMEPqmDrEHXuq-Wz43PItb7xedhJKp4rgG1IrHlGrRVSmzt8hrS0kaCOPuC-MEocBdLGZrAxqUijz3LmgyWFQ2KXcMkshhNcmKNk4XZd/s1600/2011-05-111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nc_-Je7lCkbPTQhVjJxKQ9puf02xnXbrWCe4eMEPqmDrEHXuq-Wz43PItb7xedhJKp4rgG1IrHlGrRVSmzt8hrS0kaCOPuC-MEocBdLGZrAxqUijz3LmgyWFQ2KXcMkshhNcmKNk4XZd/s640/2011-05-111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We filled our bags to the brim. Spring onions, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, peas... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv1paFTQOlzB2jVBi0Il_xk8-bxHDIF00SXykuFDfwCY3ZdRdz1gmFkHBnpwvtPeYsiFWImr52u47k9qR0VC-pULmsEkO3MeNlE_z63tA3Y5P1NZrtZ7TddVTwKUcBsLGiW3bta8HFhbf/s1600/Farmers+Market+Vegetables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv1paFTQOlzB2jVBi0Il_xk8-bxHDIF00SXykuFDfwCY3ZdRdz1gmFkHBnpwvtPeYsiFWImr52u47k9qR0VC-pULmsEkO3MeNlE_z63tA3Y5P1NZrtZ7TddVTwKUcBsLGiW3bta8HFhbf/s640/Farmers+Market+Vegetables.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMwlPlmA0EoIq_FBcHhoYFyOo9MNoN1DvCSEN0C3ggR2k3kSWBC8Uuu-Mg6Nv__Wp9AIaoRPkmOppJFGjaZ756FaI6a0fmeV9qlk0_jhUCV7iBkEx-SuuaxxiupnmyjdemlnlxPzwAA8w/s1600/Farmers+Market+Strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMwlPlmA0EoIq_FBcHhoYFyOo9MNoN1DvCSEN0C3ggR2k3kSWBC8Uuu-Mg6Nv__Wp9AIaoRPkmOppJFGjaZ756FaI6a0fmeV9qlk0_jhUCV7iBkEx-SuuaxxiupnmyjdemlnlxPzwAA8w/s640/Farmers+Market+Strawberries.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out these potatoes...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLgtDsJAZSpRZ0NcV-ywsyukbKUvvxD5oSFlS_1hR0ScWwKTZTyvi5l6jaeFV_RS7Z3Qd6Jwu4BE-rFaPjrrKFZ8JaxbP-COhIdUzUwz-RW2xgK93Gk3vF6J8glhogAVFaBYgtVuNgmz-/s1600/Farmers+Market+Ugly+Potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLgtDsJAZSpRZ0NcV-ywsyukbKUvvxD5oSFlS_1hR0ScWwKTZTyvi5l6jaeFV_RS7Z3Qd6Jwu4BE-rFaPjrrKFZ8JaxbP-COhIdUzUwz-RW2xgK93Gk3vF6J8glhogAVFaBYgtVuNgmz-/s640/Farmers+Market+Ugly+Potatoes.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They made us giggle (Farmer's Market humor).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We wandered over to the flowers. John and I apparently have different methods in choosing our spring plants. I was all set to pick out bunches of beauties to plant in our yard and garden and display on our front porch. John suggested we make a plan first. Sigh. (Although it means we will be back this weekend!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEV0UbnP2hRNk6ks74qvvddJCn5ngpcdz53kL6AvIE69kv7X2JOlPYl5rIVyUxRy6bX_4p_gpIjiqbAFJ-cU5hLVUTjrv98sfTiYIGtsYkB23UR2TuPfv1pWEO-VFUVRCinggw36b83Fme/s1600/2011-05-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEV0UbnP2hRNk6ks74qvvddJCn5ngpcdz53kL6AvIE69kv7X2JOlPYl5rIVyUxRy6bX_4p_gpIjiqbAFJ-cU5hLVUTjrv98sfTiYIGtsYkB23UR2TuPfv1pWEO-VFUVRCinggw36b83Fme/s640/2011-05-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rounded the trip out with a visit to the pork farmer. That's him... the actual farmer. (We picked up a package of fresh bratwurst, which I proceeded to make, Wisconsin style, and they were fabulous.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvr6XR0iNx9lmiaeSRWHRV_mxyB80CNBRn2uhN2eyTm1wze6Cr_VM2zlZ_4AU271ZoRV_qsA2p8a6oIerepH0TOMgh5XRSjf0CeGcdlZpwvEAbUHmi_BD1bSV7e0JH0dHLed1Y4vnDa4k/s1600/2011-05-112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvr6XR0iNx9lmiaeSRWHRV_mxyB80CNBRn2uhN2eyTm1wze6Cr_VM2zlZ_4AU271ZoRV_qsA2p8a6oIerepH0TOMgh5XRSjf0CeGcdlZpwvEAbUHmi_BD1bSV7e0JH0dHLed1Y4vnDa4k/s640/2011-05-112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all, a great visit. Looking forward to our return this weekend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYREJpZTGj3YF7fj9myRkPb6LHvBcPQDfJY9xGjxeerTYG6MAMD1Vf3pBoAwvyoQ0B6_C6K34QFZJfkNO6NV4AgeXwEjvpmcSeMznD-dJpd26V7F60kp8Qayp0dQgh7JmngK6FEehej3U4/s1600/2011-05-113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYREJpZTGj3YF7fj9myRkPb6LHvBcPQDfJY9xGjxeerTYG6MAMD1Vf3pBoAwvyoQ0B6_C6K34QFZJfkNO6NV4AgeXwEjvpmcSeMznD-dJpd26V7F60kp8Qayp0dQgh7JmngK6FEehej3U4/s640/2011-05-113.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you have a local Farmer's Markets? Any favorite must haves during your visits? </div>Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-25052281457234880742011-05-06T12:56:00.000-04:002011-05-06T12:56:12.638-04:00Greens and Beans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzURw3bFGkqO-64jkhBtVPj8tapzt8avVBlr6081IYG8UCptRG4BteRfKhGN3EXV_3bcbamJVnl8LX6XDQjBBeZ4ilpNYkIoFfzjKFVkConvkulrpIiS-ZMl0grOVq40toYGzzFiOE06o/s1600/Arugula+and+White+Beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzURw3bFGkqO-64jkhBtVPj8tapzt8avVBlr6081IYG8UCptRG4BteRfKhGN3EXV_3bcbamJVnl8LX6XDQjBBeZ4ilpNYkIoFfzjKFVkConvkulrpIiS-ZMl0grOVq40toYGzzFiOE06o/s640/Arugula+and+White+Beans.jpg" width="532" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's Friday. Pretty happy about that. Yesterday was one of those days that I wanted to do a do-over on starting around 3pm. No real reason. Was a beautiful sunny blue sky day, I got lots done, but just wasn't working for me. Some days are just this way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last night we took a walk around the neighborhood and talked about ordering pizza for dinner tonight. I can't remember the last time we did that. I should make it myself, but feeling supremely lazy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One more night of what John calls "Vegetable Surprise". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one consists of farm fresh arugula, white beans and baby green garlic. Have you tried green garlic before? It has a subtler flavor than regular garlic, but looks more like a leek with an onion attached to the end. Was a nice alternative. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks to all of you for your supportive comments earlier this week. It really meant a lot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iFjoT7fzI4UUmyrJvXKgn1dYL-vtkzJFmqZlUBoF5SlLeHGVV33kVUSetwCqW5QbB-iGBiFM-MRcN0z-RoMAd7Ia2LA5xp2UCbD5MdAuBUyoC5Pv6b6WpuxN-y6-JlNA3wzEc6QCzLST/s1600/2011-05-06+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iFjoT7fzI4UUmyrJvXKgn1dYL-vtkzJFmqZlUBoF5SlLeHGVV33kVUSetwCqW5QbB-iGBiFM-MRcN0z-RoMAd7Ia2LA5xp2UCbD5MdAuBUyoC5Pv6b6WpuxN-y6-JlNA3wzEc6QCzLST/s640/2011-05-06+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a nice night celebrating. The pesto with summer roasted vegetables and whole wheat pasta was better individually than the sum of its parts. Something about the whole wheat and pesto didn't mesh. Plus, it turned a really strange unphotogenic shade of green. The summer vegetables were wonderful though... fresh corn, radishes, grape tomatoes and asparagus, tossed with olive oil and roasted at 400 degrees for about twenty minutes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The flowers were a gift from me to me and from John to me. I must have been sending out an "I need flowers" vibe that day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IDlZzSpC5QEDszK6Vlp4aid5LF6TNtcq1KTR5chZkUMOs_xt03ysDHuBPvA8h0yfj7B87Xbi3JsEjPJZ4I_V15SJzP3xCTcW8_kckZPI2RYJo4vz5wX-Q58EVhnPPtUtOvzpZqoes9v3/s1600/Arugula+White+Beans+and+Spring+Garlic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IDlZzSpC5QEDszK6Vlp4aid5LF6TNtcq1KTR5chZkUMOs_xt03ysDHuBPvA8h0yfj7B87Xbi3JsEjPJZ4I_V15SJzP3xCTcW8_kckZPI2RYJo4vz5wX-Q58EVhnPPtUtOvzpZqoes9v3/s640/Arugula+White+Beans+and+Spring+Garlic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><b>Arugula, White Beans and Green Garlic Wilted Salad</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
1 tablespoon olive oil<br />
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced<br />
2 stalks green garlic, white and light green parts only, sliced<br />
1 can great northern beans, rinsed<br />
2 bunches arugula<br />
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
<i>Preparation</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Heat olive oil in large pan on medium low heat. Add diced onion and green garlic to pan and saute 3 - 4 minutes. Add drained can of beans to onion mixture and heat for another 2 - 3 minutes. <br />
<br />
Add arugula to pan and saute until slightly wilted, 1 - 2 minutes. <br />
<br />
Remove immediately from heat and toss with apple cider vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">**************</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I happen to love arugula. I love the spiciness and bitterness of it. For those that aren't huge fans, the apple cider vinegar helps to tone it down a bit and round out the flavor with a bit of brightness. This is a refreshing summer side dish that only takes a few minutes to put together. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm still looking forward to pizza tonight though... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What are your plans for this weekend? </div>Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-47916545037454281932011-05-03T16:34:00.000-04:002011-05-03T16:34:40.442-04:00Birthday Pesto and Memories of Cinque Terre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfpnGS2refCeEPg9aMkBxEanwvhSf1GAIGGzaKRNSEJePl8jAWrHINcOKVNZhaIXCD5Epl9wqU95Vfqtx7laaIP295CStuS_s-SI5XcIf-3MS4WWp7EPpg52m6Fu9thw3_vZGs_LZptwS/s1600/Hiking+the+Cinque+Terre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfpnGS2refCeEPg9aMkBxEanwvhSf1GAIGGzaKRNSEJePl8jAWrHINcOKVNZhaIXCD5Epl9wqU95Vfqtx7laaIP295CStuS_s-SI5XcIf-3MS4WWp7EPpg52m6Fu9thw3_vZGs_LZptwS/s640/Hiking+the+Cinque+Terre.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Today's is my mother's birthday. Even though she is no longer with us, every year it is easier for me to imagine that she would fully expect us to spend the day celebrating. <br />
<br />
As time heals and happier memories replace more difficult times, I've found comfort in doing things she loved. My mom loved to cook and we often cooked together. When I was older this was mostly over the holidays when we'd travel to get together with family. My dad would always politely complain that we would make too much and would warn us to keep it simple. But really, that's not much fun is it?<br />
<br />
But today is all about fun <u>and</u> simple and definitely celebration. With warmer (and almost downright hot) temperatures finally here, I start thinking again about summer foods. Fresh pesto tops the list. When the basil is still young, green and fresh and hasn't yet blossomed out of control, or worse yet, wilted and withered into dusty shades of old brown crispy leaves. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoB4XqWBPgB6XJv0RMk_eROHEfMWKnb_5hHWMUuA406FPTF6MqSfAisW6GhpoFoDOLh0L5-i-VfS1qHl6DvpfnpeWH0q0-m2U1i6aHUrO3VStW9Wx2mi4SXOh4A2VsaAi5zfC4VMatpkP/s1600/IMG_8806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoB4XqWBPgB6XJv0RMk_eROHEfMWKnb_5hHWMUuA406FPTF6MqSfAisW6GhpoFoDOLh0L5-i-VfS1qHl6DvpfnpeWH0q0-m2U1i6aHUrO3VStW9Wx2mi4SXOh4A2VsaAi5zfC4VMatpkP/s640/IMG_8806.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This simple pesto begins with the most basic ingredients: spinach, basil, olive oil, lemon, pine nuts and parmesan cheese. Thrown into the blender and that's about it. <br />
<br />
Tonight this pesto will transform a summer pasta dish I am experimenting with for our little birthday party. Whole wheat pasta tossed with all of the best (almost) summer vegetables I could find, roasted in the oven and bursting with flavor. Treated with a coating of freshly made pesto, I'm thinking this is not only going to be good, but celebration worthy. And that's really what today is all about. <br />
<br />
Before we get to the recipe, here's a few images from a family trip to Italy about five years back which inspired this birthday menu. We spent a memorable day together in Cinque Terre, hiking the hills, sipping local wine and eating fresh pesto with even fresher pasta on the edge of the sea. Cinque Terre is everything that good pesto is. Simple, beautiful, fresh, lemony, earthy, and just a touch salty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98Pvvn-l1Zoht0u8x3EAgOlUR2uMGCC987M4JrKPM5CUc4bvpdzSF5wAlwRE8s0AXVWFaZR0gjCPaVzbVV5qdRwsTQGKh2UBOUYhk1bpzB0hYRpPE7_Wy4z3CCVKaSbDu6_TUO7-ZZdtV/s1600/Cinque+Terre+Buildings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98Pvvn-l1Zoht0u8x3EAgOlUR2uMGCC987M4JrKPM5CUc4bvpdzSF5wAlwRE8s0AXVWFaZR0gjCPaVzbVV5qdRwsTQGKh2UBOUYhk1bpzB0hYRpPE7_Wy4z3CCVKaSbDu6_TUO7-ZZdtV/s640/Cinque+Terre+Buildings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zqgr2Myr8hjY2vLERPV3GQB6N0nFW2wnDh2mduWqn3x8-fqzQdsCDbcOqqt3AErzzP-OEXwfaiK_zw5QM6DjQXGXtQmCQHr6X9XCz5OjQ4a5LfSklR7INgZy-Znv39SCx7PhkQTkZ9YU/s1600/Cinque+Terre+Village+by+the+Sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zqgr2Myr8hjY2vLERPV3GQB6N0nFW2wnDh2mduWqn3x8-fqzQdsCDbcOqqt3AErzzP-OEXwfaiK_zw5QM6DjQXGXtQmCQHr6X9XCz5OjQ4a5LfSklR7INgZy-Znv39SCx7PhkQTkZ9YU/s640/Cinque+Terre+Village+by+the+Sea.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><br />
<b>Spinach Basil Pesto</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
2 1/2 cups baby spinach<br />
1 1/2 cup fresh basil<br />
1/2 cup olive oil<br />
1/2 cup pine nuts<br />
juice of one medium lemon<br />
1/2 cup parmesan cheese<br />
salt to taste<br />
<br />
<i>Preparation</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Add the first five ingredients to blender or food processor and blend until combined. Add in cheese and blend again. Salt to taste.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">***********************</div><br />
It's that simple!<br />
<br />
I'll let you know how the summer pasta turns out. Wishing you a celebration of your own kind tonight! Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-13941435368653552362011-04-27T11:44:00.001-04:002011-04-27T13:07:23.406-04:00Farmers Market Frittata<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3aFY_SnOob_8dIAgxz7Ui3_K3ecDDYjSnSI_5bycXSHtaOYUm0i7j7TgVrmdFTZ8l7D_wa0AlwUAinwUIPvJMYG0zanjVtY5q8-BC_8eqH21qG_2mcIEMtC8fVFJi-5n7HZfvJ4dZeSE/s1600/Farmers+Market+Frittata+for+Easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3aFY_SnOob_8dIAgxz7Ui3_K3ecDDYjSnSI_5bycXSHtaOYUm0i7j7TgVrmdFTZ8l7D_wa0AlwUAinwUIPvJMYG0zanjVtY5q8-BC_8eqH21qG_2mcIEMtC8fVFJi-5n7HZfvJ4dZeSE/s640/Farmers+Market+Frittata+for+Easter.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><br />
I'm feeling like my last post was all doom and gloom. I didn't intend for that, but it really was an altering experience. I was talking to John about it after he read <a href="http://pookieandpierre.blogspot.com/2011/04/calm-before-storm.html">my post</a> and he said it was a good thing I closed my eyes when I did. We were truly lucky.<br />
<br />
Despite the storm and the disappointment that my family wasn't able to make it in due to weather related travel disruptions, Easter weekend turned itself around. We had a great visit with family, ending with a fabulous Easter brunch filled with gorgeous fruits, eggs, pastries and ham. I wish I had hauled out the camera so I could show you a picture of the beautiful table, but I was preoccupied with eating it all. So good!<br />
<br />
The day ended with an Easter egg hunt for all the little ones. We had some tears, white clothes and knees turned muddy, kite flying and tons of nostalgic cuteness. I can remember my own days of Easter egg hunts in the yard on Easter morning. I'm pretty sure my brother and I fought over an egg or two. Kids are funny (and cute).<br />
<br />
In keeping with the Easter/spring theme, I thought I'd share a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for a Sunday morning at home. I used a bunch of ingredients we had left over from this weeks CSA box, but you could easily substitute your own "end of week" vegetables in this very adaptable recipe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5-AebRvxm0-GaJrRLYheS3aZYrgRQDICIPqRw_BUs4DVKR5wQb5eVKplP8onTDBU6tVLra_9raNnqx-cGpSnAQYeBnumwdeAtmEHOsoebZJEyrrfnnJFhTPaLOR55P9KcYL5pQEogzV4/s1600/2011-04-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5-AebRvxm0-GaJrRLYheS3aZYrgRQDICIPqRw_BUs4DVKR5wQb5eVKplP8onTDBU6tVLra_9raNnqx-cGpSnAQYeBnumwdeAtmEHOsoebZJEyrrfnnJFhTPaLOR55P9KcYL5pQEogzV4/s640/2011-04-29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b>Farmers Market Frittata (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">serves 2)</span></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
2 teaspoons butter<br />
1/4 cup red onions, diced<br />
2 garlic cloves, diced<br />
2/3 cup mushrooms, sliced<br />
2 cups baby spinach, rough chopped<br />
4 large eggs<br />
3/4 shredded cheddar cheese<br />
2 tablespoons skim or reduced fat milk<br />
1/2 teaspoon dill<br />
salt and pepper<br />
1 small tomato, diced<br />
<br />
<i>Preparation</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
<br />
Crack four eggs into medium size bowl. Whisk until blended. Add 1/4 cup shredded cheese, dill and two tablespoons milk. Stir and set aside.<br />
<br />
Heat medium sized skillet over medium/low heat. Add and melt butter in skillet. Add red onions and saute for 3 - 4 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and saute 1 minute until fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms to vegetable mixture and saute 3 - 4 additional minutes. Add spinach and saute until wilted, about another minute. Salt and pepper to taste.<br />
<br />
Pour egg mixture over vegetables in skillet and swirl pan until fully coated and even. Cook for 4 - 5 minutes over medium low heat on stove until eggs are mostly set. Remove from heat and sprinkle with remaining cheese.<br />
<br />
Place skillet in oven for another 5 minutes until ready (cheese is melted and slight browning). Remove from skillet and serve with fresh diced tomato.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">**********************</div><br />
On another note, I'm beginning to grow a small addiction to eggs lately. I'm thoroughly excited that I just received my first batch of farm fresh eggs in the box this week. They look like regular eggs, except for being a nice mixture of brown and white. I can't wait to see how they taste! I read an article on the plane this weekend about urban chicken coops. I'm not ready to go that far yet, but this might be a nice alternative.Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-64031074787555384352011-04-25T16:01:00.001-04:002011-04-25T21:32:24.128-04:00Calm Before the StormI had been watching the weather forecasts all week. Storm predictions scattered across the midwest did not look promising and I could almost guarantee that my dad and girlfriend, coming from up north, were going to make it into Saint Louis before we did for the Easter weekend with family. They were, in fact, scheduled to land roughly four hours before we were.<br />
<br />
Our flight was looking good for an on time arrival until the last ten minutes before touch down. The captain came on to announce that due to storms in the area we needed to make a wide swing and approach from the west to avoid the bulk of it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9v020BYMzvxbvFMtc4Pl7C5bK7i_Ry4wsLkAhD9Ir3qEAUKzXUNNVnRyDrhZN5RSAzqvuQbLFRH2yo-hMUnCSOuAPHfEA9U-vYeG-aMdhmQW8xLDiy9htXL4O0Di_1tm10DRXCXu_dTG/s1600/View+from+the+Airplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9v020BYMzvxbvFMtc4Pl7C5bK7i_Ry4wsLkAhD9Ir3qEAUKzXUNNVnRyDrhZN5RSAzqvuQbLFRH2yo-hMUnCSOuAPHfEA9U-vYeG-aMdhmQW8xLDiy9htXL4O0Di_1tm10DRXCXu_dTG/s640/View+from+the+Airplane.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><br />
From one side of the plane, dark skies and lightening, from the other, this gorgeous pink glow.<br />
<br />
We landed and called my dad to make sure he had arrived. He hadn't.<br />
<br />
He was stuck in Chicago and his flight was cancelled due to severe weather. <br />
<br />
Minutes later we were on the phone with John's dad waiting outside the terminal to be picked up for the ride back home. This is when the sirens started. <br />
<br />
John says they call this area Tornado Alley.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X74x_EiBw0042ce5SjqQCj8dkUdc5aNkdeljzY-OypCr9emQ2gEEG6KtMtRzA4erCbA_lsXEZ7cv2ARMadz12VS7ieZ6-J50ATIoGQVeogtxyF4rRfG2g9aAJ_MMlm9vz3jOLhRIlrIj/s1600/From+the+Sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6X74x_EiBw0042ce5SjqQCj8dkUdc5aNkdeljzY-OypCr9emQ2gEEG6KtMtRzA4erCbA_lsXEZ7cv2ARMadz12VS7ieZ6-J50ATIoGQVeogtxyF4rRfG2g9aAJ_MMlm9vz3jOLhRIlrIj/s640/From+the+Sky.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I always sit in the front seat of the car, with John's dad driving. When he pulled up, I told John, "I am going to sit in the back seat, for safety reasons."<br />
<br />
Being the planner that I am, I added "So, what is our plan if we get hit by this storm?"<br />
<br />
Within seconds, the wind struck from one side of the car and the hail began. John calmly instructed the driver (his dad) to pull over, stop the car, get out and get into the ditch. But... it was too late.<br />
<br />
The wind was violent. Coming from every direction. As we sat in this little metal box in the middle of the road, the sky took over. We grew quiet and knew we weren't going anywhere unless the storm took us. We were going to ride this out. <br />
<br />
The car wouldn't move. Despite acceleration. Everything went dark, like someone turned off the lights in the sky. Debris hurtling by. A container the size of a large household appliance was flying directly at us, almost in slow motion. Everything was moving and yet time stood still.<br />
<br />
I took off my heels, zipped up my purse, put my sweater over my head, closed my eyes and crouched down in between the seats in the back of the car and prayed. I did not see what happened next. <br />
<br />
And then it was over. The winds calmed, the lights came back on and the car started to inch forward. In front of us, cars that were not there before, were backing up down the road. The road was full of things that should not be there. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
We called home. The news said that there was a tornado that touched down at the airport. <br />
<br />
I don't know what spared us, but I do know that we were incredibly lucky. I never (ever) want to experience a storm like this again. I pray for all of those that have been impacted by the violent weather over the past couple of weeks. It gives new meaning to life and reminds us of how fragile it all is. <br />
<br />
Incredibly, and perhaps ironically, I managed to be out of town on the day the tornado came through downtown Raleigh, only to fly directly into another one the following weekend. I think maybe someone really wanted to teach us a lesson.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL4K1yBHOhGQmfAN784E-pxNt3HrUFlid0doyviIOUSfDjejFjdFvKzd-Xs9IiRUkb3tgdnGsC0znxbyM0vYb2HfhQX_HafQW_iLEdb6aixywSvJIf1voq4FQneYXxlS66ySnMULK2XUa/s1600/Easter+Basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL4K1yBHOhGQmfAN784E-pxNt3HrUFlid0doyviIOUSfDjejFjdFvKzd-Xs9IiRUkb3tgdnGsC0znxbyM0vYb2HfhQX_HafQW_iLEdb6aixywSvJIf1voq4FQneYXxlS66ySnMULK2XUa/s640/Easter+Basket.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><br />
Life is truly a gift. <br />
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I hope everyone had a safe, healthy and happy Easter weekend with family and friends. We're back home now in very sunny and warm North Carolina and looking forward to a much less tumultuous week ahead.Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-33885318762178949992011-04-21T13:44:00.000-04:002011-04-21T13:44:38.361-04:00Thai Basil and Mint Shrimp Stir Fry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0HZc1TfzMzRG1KP9VrN-J62wx_sESui41g0jsTixVBc_W7xwZ8hCT12TOLe7m-xqpn4CM5VoJhRYyvGmyUbhXcd1IR-_Ss_hjI4irzm2JZoqAltK1eU1ExeO0XIax1VdLYriG0KHyRfv/s1600/Thai+Basil+and+Mint+Shrimp+Stir+Fry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0HZc1TfzMzRG1KP9VrN-J62wx_sESui41g0jsTixVBc_W7xwZ8hCT12TOLe7m-xqpn4CM5VoJhRYyvGmyUbhXcd1IR-_Ss_hjI4irzm2JZoqAltK1eU1ExeO0XIax1VdLYriG0KHyRfv/s640/Thai+Basil+and+Mint+Shrimp+Stir+Fry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This is my idea of a perfect dinner.<br />
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Fresh, healthy, colorful, quick. (With a twist of lime and a sprinkling of fresh herbs.)<br />
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Back at home in North Carolina following my quick trip to visit my family up north. Arrived home to a sparkling clean house. A good sign that my husband really whooped it up while I was gone. I was happy.<br />
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Time to start doing some personal cleaning. Need to get rid of all the excessive carbs and salt from my travel. Since I consistently gain five pounds as soon as I set foot into a restaurant setting, I usually require some detoxification time, a little damage reversal. I always feel a gazillion times better afterwards, so it is in everyone's best interest to support me in this. <br />
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Today's recipe is just what I needed. I love shrimp. They take about two seconds to make (okay, three minutes) and it all ends up being very light. This one throws in some vibrant thai flavors that, along with my super clean house, made me a very happy girl.<br />
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And on an adventurous note, this recipe gave me a chance to conquer my fear of Asian Fish Sauce. Perhaps, an irrational one, but a fear nonetheless. Fear, no more.<br />
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<b>Thai Basil and Mint Shrimp Stir Fry</b><br />
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</b><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
2 tablespoons soy sauce<br />
1 tablespoon water<br />
2 teaspoons southeast Asian Fish Sauce<br />
5 teaspoons honey<br />
3 tablespoons olive oil<br />
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger<br />
4 cloves garlic, chopped<br />
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined<br />
1/2 medium red onion, cut into 1 inch dice<br />
1 medium yellow pepper, cut into 1 inch dice<br />
1 cup snow peas, trimmed<br />
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved<br />
1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves<br />
1/2 cup torn fresh mint leaves<br />
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice<br />
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<i>Preparation</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Combine soy sauce, water, fish sauce and honey in a small bowl and set aside.<br />
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Heat wok on stove over medium high heat. Add olive oil until hot (water droplets should sizzle when added). Add ginger and garlic. Saute for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp to wok and stir fry for two to three minutes until just pink on all sides. Remove shrimp with slotted spoon and set aside in medium bowl.<br />
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Add onion, pepper and snow peas to wok and stir fry two minutes until just browned. Add soy sauce mixture to vegetables in wok and stir. Add shrimp to mixture and bring to a boil for another minute until shrimp is lightly glazed.<br />
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Add tomatoes to wok and stir fry another 15 to 30 seconds until coated. <br />
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Remove wok from stove and pour into serving dish. Add freshly squeezed lemon, basil and mint to top and gently mix. Serve immediately.<br />
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<i>Recipe Source: </i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/thai-shrimp-stir-fry-with-tomatoes-and-basil-slimmed-recipe/index.html">Food Network</a>. Substituted honey for the brown sugar. Substituted olive oil for the peanut oil. Eliminated chili's and jalepeno. Added additional garlic and snow peas. Served with quinoa.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>What is your 'go to' detox dish? </i></div>Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-28343809908044284502011-04-18T12:03:00.000-04:002011-04-18T12:03:10.010-04:00A Walk with my Brother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZyro85ZdGf2Bwb7DmKKs-EiNsZ-LZ0mAM0mETV28v-Zf4r0rT8A2xSsTMLvf5h3OR7SrlE5fHVUI2QsmnbD-DcH6j54StJu9L7p0O3jFPJ99SRnthd6-tjpxFJsgGVJugZ1JyEiIxTtD/s1600/Central+Park+Spring+Walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZyro85ZdGf2Bwb7DmKKs-EiNsZ-LZ0mAM0mETV28v-Zf4r0rT8A2xSsTMLvf5h3OR7SrlE5fHVUI2QsmnbD-DcH6j54StJu9L7p0O3jFPJ99SRnthd6-tjpxFJsgGVJugZ1JyEiIxTtD/s640/Central+Park+Spring+Walk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
It is not often that I get to spend an entire afternoon with my brother. It is actually pretty rare that I even get a few hours. The man works more than almost anyone I know, with the exception of my husband. Oh, and maybe my dad. And probably me too, when I was working full time.<br />
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I feel lucky that I am able to visit him here in New York. Besides the free place to stay, its been lots of fun watching him move around the city and grow up a bit in the process. So yesterday, as the sun cleared away all the cloudy skies and warmed the spring air, he had a few hours break from his work and suggested we go for a walk through Central Park, one of my favorite spots in New York, actually in anywhere.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiFVTFzAyZw4CFkoiBRCYdNPtNG20-bZU4kJFNBkxJZsTkDjrdnQ1t8k116oapXhJH95fz_jSHNYaedwpEHDS0x9pfq1BkI9Oonb2AmZphDoDbp-hjSQVzUteYeA2Am0Wo2IWwZR5qMYn/s1600/2011-04-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiFVTFzAyZw4CFkoiBRCYdNPtNG20-bZU4kJFNBkxJZsTkDjrdnQ1t8k116oapXhJH95fz_jSHNYaedwpEHDS0x9pfq1BkI9Oonb2AmZphDoDbp-hjSQVzUteYeA2Am0Wo2IWwZR5qMYn/s640/2011-04-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We walked the length of the park, talking and catching up on all the usual topics. I tried to sprinkle in little bits of older sisterly advice in the process. I figure someones got to do it. <br />
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It was a nice visit that brought back lots of good and some sad memories from the past several years. Even the sad memories are good though. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlHA6xMbId8g6flbTIa6VBzg69HXh-7a5Jj2vdhI10NzSveYo5w3fn40MI1C-9wtJyl4cNXVnD0VRyCrNB5P1qovlHPLN9FPsaPtboU-c82CsO-BG6f8d1NY0nM3zN67Wfb2HawixMbPf/s1600/Central+Park+Spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlHA6xMbId8g6flbTIa6VBzg69HXh-7a5Jj2vdhI10NzSveYo5w3fn40MI1C-9wtJyl4cNXVnD0VRyCrNB5P1qovlHPLN9FPsaPtboU-c82CsO-BG6f8d1NY0nM3zN67Wfb2HawixMbPf/s640/Central+Park+Spring.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We ended up in his old neighborhood in the upper west side. Walking for hours can make you a little thirsty! <br />
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This is my (currently) single brother. He may kill me for this post and make me take it down immediately, but I think he secretly wants to be famous, so here he is. (He's a good guy.) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe3SDmzc-RlZQK4QtAReyUpPKzKBVz2rX3Tl1pizLDlBJ80nX52mlCrtcv2sipq_wnXFd9yC09rB1VK5HE7QxweNfJBXUXj1Eor5XX4iH6vkT4FdnteIRDG1oX-QNdfK5nXW9NHzZmeK8/s1600/2011-04-18+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBe3SDmzc-RlZQK4QtAReyUpPKzKBVz2rX3Tl1pizLDlBJ80nX52mlCrtcv2sipq_wnXFd9yC09rB1VK5HE7QxweNfJBXUXj1Eor5XX4iH6vkT4FdnteIRDG1oX-QNdfK5nXW9NHzZmeK8/s640/2011-04-18+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
After a totally (un)healthy and salt laden dinner of chips, salsa and guacamole, we caught a cab back and dropped my brother back at his office and me back at his place. I settled into the futon for yet another documentary. Food, Inc. Profoundly disturbing and reinforcing. Kept me up for hours. <br />
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Today, after a quick and wonderful visit, I'm heading back to North Carolina. I miss home, my husband and my cat. I said my version of prayers for those impacted by the tornadoes this weekend. I'll have to do my own little damage patrol downtown tomorrow to make sure my place is still in tact. <br />
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Happy Monday. Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-32101076841426227932011-04-17T12:05:00.000-04:002011-04-17T12:05:45.771-04:00Live From New York<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLS-XeTQbgIDEOJG0oib_aUgVLmvd9-sKF4LN3AOEG5ol9raTDCTVTPCMxlCd2wWrr_6pOrjsWf2N5C-Q9RmTraDv30ooHoLryVchEhDTfqTqNFdAXSC7kcotb5kleOYw-K98AI-4vY-0H/s1600/Village+Flowers+and+Bicycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLS-XeTQbgIDEOJG0oib_aUgVLmvd9-sKF4LN3AOEG5ol9raTDCTVTPCMxlCd2wWrr_6pOrjsWf2N5C-Q9RmTraDv30ooHoLryVchEhDTfqTqNFdAXSC7kcotb5kleOYw-K98AI-4vY-0H/s640/Village+Flowers+and+Bicycle.jpg" width="408" /></a></div><br />
It's Sunday morning. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8wYFyONbKYNKZ9r6zWh_tHEbFCGjeMxry_6K_uRXGdYuktl5iWieaPhi1Jw-46RTdVuZ4THVrJN8bAONMqgkYHOwGhKCht8v7mMzHhKJSDucVwHcB6YORIvbJsIEhwbzKTtJwERk64CI/s1600/IMG_8265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8wYFyONbKYNKZ9r6zWh_tHEbFCGjeMxry_6K_uRXGdYuktl5iWieaPhi1Jw-46RTdVuZ4THVrJN8bAONMqgkYHOwGhKCht8v7mMzHhKJSDucVwHcB6YORIvbJsIEhwbzKTtJwERk64CI/s640/IMG_8265.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
In New York for the weekend visiting with my dad and brother. It is good to be back. <br />
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After arriving on Friday and settling into my brother's place, we made a trip out to Brooklyn to try <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_283827576">The </a><a href="http://www.dresslernyc.com/">Dressler</a> for dinner. Had a wonderful time, would definitely recommend. Fabulous atmosphere, great food, better company. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkR42HJ8oUW3u9FSPCcT3J3gbEjMmDvFUZUP_fvHw38vRsIWTbCKljTrk5Hb4a0E_kMRbwq4DXqPiStqu9U55uUHozVIR4GWVaQr51mYSKfoelylTWzGjlSJPGyNIgd9WrH2OYRVQvviG/s1600/The+Dressler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkR42HJ8oUW3u9FSPCcT3J3gbEjMmDvFUZUP_fvHw38vRsIWTbCKljTrk5Hb4a0E_kMRbwq4DXqPiStqu9U55uUHozVIR4GWVaQr51mYSKfoelylTWzGjlSJPGyNIgd9WrH2OYRVQvviG/s640/The+Dressler.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Coming from North Carolina, I was not prepared for the semi frigid temps this weekend. I got out for a good long walk with my dad yesterday morning before the storms blew through the city last night. We did our usual marathon walk, which typically starts with some version of caffeinated beverage and the New York Times. My dad also started with a green tea cookie, which was surprisingly good, but who eats cookies for breakfast? <br />
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Post coffee, we headed north and kept walking until the rain was too heavy to continue. We stopped in the New York Public Library for my dad to look up a book for some work research, poked into Grand Central Station, the Chrysler Building, even Macy's. Good stops for a cold and dreary day. <br />
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Before heading back home we ducked out of the rain for a bit for some hummus. Yum. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzsvuewKeoM_myDOM5rIrTdpwBdruXVMX5l22iiGPZiiwhZyGNNgDwbm8ua_aSwnYx12sB-AiKLx8VeXxLvUNQemmZvVQB36QgrHXBNHiRkvTCOz_FlUKJCwu1K_Fbmmm60nbsRLS31dx/s1600/2011-04-17+61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzsvuewKeoM_myDOM5rIrTdpwBdruXVMX5l22iiGPZiiwhZyGNNgDwbm8ua_aSwnYx12sB-AiKLx8VeXxLvUNQemmZvVQB36QgrHXBNHiRkvTCOz_FlUKJCwu1K_Fbmmm60nbsRLS31dx/s640/2011-04-17+61.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The rain and wind came through in full force once we got back to my brother's place. We decided to cancel our dinner reservations, order take out and spend the night inside watching a documentary marathon on netflix. I wasn't feeling super great anyway, so it was just a good quiet time home with the fam. (I consider the documentary watching an upgrade from previous marathons at my brothers house, which typically consisted of things like The Hills and Jersey Shore. I guess we really are getting old.)<br />
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This morning, another coffee stop and dropped my dad off. Beautiful outside. It has warmed up, the sun is out and the flowers are in full bloom. Today is looking much more promising.<br />
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Wishing you a great rest of your weekend wherever you may be!Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-7330675180774328932011-04-13T15:43:00.000-04:002011-04-13T15:43:49.353-04:00Strawberries and Mangoes and Avocados ...... (oh my!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEssXp0x6Z1aSqktHB0iEt01_Uv7SekYky8bXCpdTPESmhXoysoYhrNkS3_sGhF9dnv_tcH_gt1RXNYDgXiQ9U_k71yhYBz8Qt89om-XWVVIGEYYCe3YLLw74jiR5BfYDeta5XC-k67rRE/s1600/Mango+Strawberry+and+Avocado+Salsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEssXp0x6Z1aSqktHB0iEt01_Uv7SekYky8bXCpdTPESmhXoysoYhrNkS3_sGhF9dnv_tcH_gt1RXNYDgXiQ9U_k71yhYBz8Qt89om-XWVVIGEYYCe3YLLw74jiR5BfYDeta5XC-k67rRE/s640/Mango+Strawberry+and+Avocado+Salsa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Here's exactly how I know it is officially Spring.<br />
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Strawberries, mangoes and avocados all go on sale at exactly the same time. Crazy, right?<br />
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The obvious signs of Spring can be sprouting all around me, but it is not officially Spring until this happens. Daylight savings, the obnoxious coat of yellow pollen, the ten foot black snake that appears on my walking trail, the frantic spring cleaning. All great indicators, but they do not have the final say.<br />
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I know when it happens because every year I get excited that my favorites are all on sale and I buy too much. And every year, without any sort of master plan, the first thing I always make is my special fruit salsa.<br />
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I am going to share it with you today, because I like you and I think you might like it. It is about as non-recipe as you can get. More a lesson in superior chopping skills. <br />
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If there's any flaw here, it is in the fresh herbs. Inevitably, by this time each year, I have procrastinated on planting my herb garden pots and have to give in to buying the ridiculously overpriced herbs in the plastic packaging with the dirt and roots. I like to think there's some sort of wash rule in effect where the reduced price of the fruits cancels out the exhorbitant amount of money I spend on basil and cilantro.<br />
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What's with those packaged herbs anyway? Is one suppose to plant these or just lop off the leaves? (serious question.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOus8mpZsYHhP6icVGQRy6z-N9TGkuqTXL8uYGK36TRvJ2_FtyiHX6poFArNltSWXdnC9KYjcLjWICLAW6Ik3rRFyb8PE_9o6xqK-SuP8ZdV7CF-4VFWbhm1T7dNkC-gVzY05BZEMG_P9/s1600/Salsa+Preparation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOus8mpZsYHhP6icVGQRy6z-N9TGkuqTXL8uYGK36TRvJ2_FtyiHX6poFArNltSWXdnC9KYjcLjWICLAW6Ik3rRFyb8PE_9o6xqK-SuP8ZdV7CF-4VFWbhm1T7dNkC-gVzY05BZEMG_P9/s640/Salsa+Preparation.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Strawberry, Mango and Avocado Fruit Salsa</b><br />
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<i>Ingredients</i><br />
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5 - 10 strawberries, diced<br />
1 mango, diced<br />
1 avocado, diced<br />
1/2 small red onion, diced<br />
1 handful of fresh basil, chopped<br />
1 handful of fresh cilantro, chopped<br />
red wine vinegar<br />
salt and pepper<br />
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<i>Preparation</i><br />
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Add everything to a medium sized bowl and mix. Add several generous splashes of red wine vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. <br />
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Super easy and very fresh. Everything good about spring in a colorful little fruit salsa. If I don't end up eating it all with spoon, I like to serve it with grilled chicken.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">What is your official sign of spring? </div>Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-71626744422730077802011-04-08T11:37:00.000-04:002011-04-08T11:37:16.260-04:00The Idea Was Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3UbYQatEMgIFvf9DSPVN55GmLTYJpijtm2PyLzMDQvTqUboo3hp6KMrKVppAP18YJTeOb0_Zqac3ogHeFUcdNCDhz3aNHp6QNvswpZdbDyx1PLJH0bgWAzxu9SPkz-5zrB09zI3UkHz3/s1600/Caramel+and+Chocolate+Budino+Vita+Nostra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3UbYQatEMgIFvf9DSPVN55GmLTYJpijtm2PyLzMDQvTqUboo3hp6KMrKVppAP18YJTeOb0_Zqac3ogHeFUcdNCDhz3aNHp6QNvswpZdbDyx1PLJH0bgWAzxu9SPkz-5zrB09zI3UkHz3/s640/Caramel+and+Chocolate+Budino+Vita+Nostra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I fell in love with this dessert. Head over heels. (if you squint and look close enough, you can actually see this illustrated in the spoon above.)<br />
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I had grand visions of recreating it at home. Bringing back a little taste of Charleston to our dinner table. <br />
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On our final night in Charleston, at <a href="http://www.eatatfig.com/">FIG</a>, we dined lavishly on all kinds of good stuff. I was thrilled that they even made me a "very special" vegetarian plate for my entree. I seriously felt awesome. Who gets to eat a plate full of beets and sunchokes and farro on their birthday? (yay, me.)<br />
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But the dessert, the dessert, was fabulous. I couldn't take any pictures as the romantic mood lighting made for some horrendous blur, but trust me when I tell you how good this was.<br />
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Chocolate Budino with Sea Salted Caramel and Toasted Hazelnuts<br />
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John wasn't super excited about it as he's not a fan of hazelnuts but he definitely jumped in after my first bite. I'd never had a budino before, an Italian pudding. It was light, smooth chocolate silk. As you slipped your spoon through the top layer of chocolate, you uncovered a buttery layer of salted caramel. Topped with toasted hazelnuts and a light dusting of flaky sea salt. I'm sure I say this alot, but we did feel like we had died and gone to heaven. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWclnS7ioIMsyEbPGgWKVH9hz63oLHXP0SZ-g933RRSmELWjBdlFxLphktrbKbfpahmWAII8l5FU8kDk-TNxFjY7NX_xbkSG1EEIPKwUD5MuSw59hfGRdvXDa1GXagB4ZPiFGBHrAC1J5/s1600/2011-04-08+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWclnS7ioIMsyEbPGgWKVH9hz63oLHXP0SZ-g933RRSmELWjBdlFxLphktrbKbfpahmWAII8l5FU8kDk-TNxFjY7NX_xbkSG1EEIPKwUD5MuSw59hfGRdvXDa1GXagB4ZPiFGBHrAC1J5/s640/2011-04-08+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I knew I was going to try and recreate this at home. A way of celebrating my blog birthday and sharing something completely fabulous with all of you. <br />
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I cleared out my calendar, set aside an afternoon, turned on some tunes, laid out my ingredients and got to work. The sun was flooding the kitchen (spring, I love you.) and I was happy happy. <br />
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I had the makings of a caramel base going on the stove. The corn syrupy mixture turned a deep shade of amber and I removed it from the burner to 'gently' add the cream and butter and salt. <br />
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Here's where everything goes wrong. Apparently, I wasn't gentle enough. My promising caramel base turned into rock hard solid chunks of extremely salty candy like material. So I did what all good cooks do and dumped in a ton more sugar and an equal amount of butter followed by a heart stopping amount of cream. I whisked and stirred. Put it on the burner and took it off. High heat, low heat. Prayed a little.<br />
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Eventually, I had what looked like a caramel base. Looks, however, can be very deceiving. (It tasted like gritty, salty, sweet, chewy, stomach rotting, grittiness.) <br />
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I crossed my fingers that no one would notice and I buried that lump of caramel like base under an almost perfect layer of silky smooth dark chocolate Italian pudding. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqI2LCgq-UGbuiQaSYPVHRVgnmfzPGPHpdtUcTG_FKZkSdLDzYx4YzKqzCdI1IwmLq8aATW_hDPZhZNir4b_vIQpSoCSXMqpWVbOuNRhGsoNRBOU5lG6bc_fC1rzBUsbutuOhTXQJHdlxj/s1600/Chocolate+Caramel+Budino+Vita+Nostra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqI2LCgq-UGbuiQaSYPVHRVgnmfzPGPHpdtUcTG_FKZkSdLDzYx4YzKqzCdI1IwmLq8aATW_hDPZhZNir4b_vIQpSoCSXMqpWVbOuNRhGsoNRBOU5lG6bc_fC1rzBUsbutuOhTXQJHdlxj/s640/Chocolate+Caramel+Budino+Vita+Nostra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Two seriously bad stomach aches later, one of which morphed into a case of viral like flu and I learned the hard way that sometimes it is just better to start over. <br />
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On a more positive note, I've been reading up on food styling and figured my little puddings would at the very least make for a fun photography session.<br />
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Any recent kitchen mishaps that you care to share? (Sometimes, it is just best to admit defeat.)Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-90595189990108695462011-04-06T11:59:00.000-04:002011-04-06T11:59:17.576-04:00Our Home and Garden Tour in Charleston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTP2_wIO2jHFPoKefgzHoU-zIJjxhpCqV_OEguywn_lATeIAzVugBFzoNLw_LoNOYISCK1o2zfti1kH_eqvbfxMuH-Lk6jonWZ-FOyBEGqOMzCkkP9t4SHy1g36KDh1LSatHq_yNmXvsB-/s1600/Bicycle+in+Charleston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTP2_wIO2jHFPoKefgzHoU-zIJjxhpCqV_OEguywn_lATeIAzVugBFzoNLw_LoNOYISCK1o2zfti1kH_eqvbfxMuH-Lk6jonWZ-FOyBEGqOMzCkkP9t4SHy1g36KDh1LSatHq_yNmXvsB-/s640/Bicycle+in+Charleston.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The rest of our lovely spring afternoon in Charleston was just as wonderful as the first part. We did not get tickets to the Home and Garden tour for this visit as we decided to do our own. The flowers were out in full force, adding color and lightness at every corner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelrdNFuERZzJBfuJu5cb1KyKNwOnde4Yu_pEot_WvKwhnASwsPEXyV5y20Tw-OVW8NXisU2dnVRSsQgPf_rloDeiWtmSgWUh_246hnfm08oQniWe9RfD9bAGRObybxypcHpNdvLZUrPW7/s1600/2011-04-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelrdNFuERZzJBfuJu5cb1KyKNwOnde4Yu_pEot_WvKwhnASwsPEXyV5y20Tw-OVW8NXisU2dnVRSsQgPf_rloDeiWtmSgWUh_246hnfm08oQniWe9RfD9bAGRObybxypcHpNdvLZUrPW7/s640/2011-04-06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I have fallen a little bit in love with this black and cream house with contrasting grey wall. I love how the budding tree adds a little bit of an Asian feel to this historic property. The subtle pops of yellow and green are so fresh against the stone background.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcK-wLVznFopc4xLNf9b6HuMoKAmI-mAA77bPmdKOD8e8EJLMSdgnypN9x5iN0CKHWbm3zGQb8rjhglz_9_FEgdk3LcE2Hl7EWNCIWrBiOR1XK2heDcVqQ7rLvup7OuE7H4eAaCAU0Hp1/s1600/Charleston+in+Spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcK-wLVznFopc4xLNf9b6HuMoKAmI-mAA77bPmdKOD8e8EJLMSdgnypN9x5iN0CKHWbm3zGQb8rjhglz_9_FEgdk3LcE2Hl7EWNCIWrBiOR1XK2heDcVqQ7rLvup7OuE7H4eAaCAU0Hp1/s640/Charleston+in+Spring.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
John and I were planning to avoid lunch as we had a big breakfast and were anticipating my birthday dinner at <a href="http://www.eatatfig.com/">FIG</a> later that night. But, all that walking and the promise of she crab soup led us to <a href="http://www.82queen.com/">82 Queen</a> for some time off our feet. I had been here several years earlier with my mother and as we had done at the time, John and I sat in the gorgeous little spring garden in the back at our own little private table for two. I love their sweet butterfly chairs and twinkling lights. We could have sat here all afternoon and the she crab soup was every bit as wonderful as I remembered!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8tnzn4nEnyqb6SaxkJY7ArUWrg7BFAcuaX1lCrBvPUl4PcpyBOFeGfKTQsD1e-nqeKtl4y2IHAeugzXGUFHba1U8zb_H3aEvZZkMb8qNaZShibQJzcakwEOchIJbrDN1SaUlnhgTAAr6/s1600/2011-04-062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8tnzn4nEnyqb6SaxkJY7ArUWrg7BFAcuaX1lCrBvPUl4PcpyBOFeGfKTQsD1e-nqeKtl4y2IHAeugzXGUFHba1U8zb_H3aEvZZkMb8qNaZShibQJzcakwEOchIJbrDN1SaUlnhgTAAr6/s640/2011-04-062.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
After our rest, we wandered around Charleston some more, heading back to our inn to get ready for dinner. We were sidetracked every few minutes by a stop in one of the little shops. Love this antique shop with the dogs in the window! We made it back just in time as the skies grew increasingly darker as we walked. As we stepped inside, the rain started pouring. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3awaGwpW5a0cervugS3bwDFzNiogD2CjMYisW6U_MsNjp1Z8Tbhd-6a3PT8rrDu8gxLoPkFSFB-nAOGkwktYBWNExROzx4Z5dooSIqLahyczdcxIRs9ujrHWR7PSOZEfU-4E05yRJyyCU/s1600/2011-04-061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3awaGwpW5a0cervugS3bwDFzNiogD2CjMYisW6U_MsNjp1Z8Tbhd-6a3PT8rrDu8gxLoPkFSFB-nAOGkwktYBWNExROzx4Z5dooSIqLahyczdcxIRs9ujrHWR7PSOZEfU-4E05yRJyyCU/s640/2011-04-061.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Is it spring yet where you are? Are you enjoying the weather? We're looking at temperatures heading into the 80s again later this week... can't wait!Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-11696204562872872222011-04-02T10:53:00.001-04:002011-04-02T17:32:37.238-04:00My Baby Is All Grown Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VOufhC63fpmV48Nix_HcST7RmnqW1XOaa3snMF5MZOo0dd_vJLCevHgeo-sqScmdFA4hctHq_gENRS9YZ5ogBOapeldTZ4Sm_qfC19yQiE9Gkamibhg1Eb51nQ48mz0SYrLnh9KHkIT6/s1600/Charleston+Flowers+and+Window+Boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VOufhC63fpmV48Nix_HcST7RmnqW1XOaa3snMF5MZOo0dd_vJLCevHgeo-sqScmdFA4hctHq_gENRS9YZ5ogBOapeldTZ4Sm_qfC19yQiE9Gkamibhg1Eb51nQ48mz0SYrLnh9KHkIT6/s640/Charleston+Flowers+and+Window+Boxes.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />
Subtitled: I Can't Believe My Blog Is One Year Old!<br />
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With additional Subtitles of: What a Difference a Year Makes; Birthday Weekend in Charleston; Look How Far We've Come and Did I Mention Vita Nostra is Celebrating its First Birthday!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitb3fzE4ovnWdJ7OI_vx6VOGObmtfHN6sG7X-ZLA4GU5XS61IMcs9BJsGYJh0yx-uveJqPOXlW9zYu3bY01biAaBXz3WPWeYkPx6vMhAMZsFb4GvzEieNzASUMGt9VSnSUjkc1Cw_ffnOx/s1600/2011-04-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitb3fzE4ovnWdJ7OI_vx6VOGObmtfHN6sG7X-ZLA4GU5XS61IMcs9BJsGYJh0yx-uveJqPOXlW9zYu3bY01biAaBXz3WPWeYkPx6vMhAMZsFb4GvzEieNzASUMGt9VSnSUjkc1Cw_ffnOx/s640/2011-04-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
A year ago today I was fumbling around with my suitcase, trying to squeeze two months worth of stuff I didn't need into something sized appropriately for dragging around Europe. As I waved goodbye to my home and new fiance for the final time, I admit, I shed a few tears. Anticipation and a little fear of what was to come. Okay, if I'm honest, a lot of fear. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXstCsPcnDYGYKyOoHIy9tZRB4QXxsk7-klEJ1APinu4oM_ZprHAxhTrEl13_8x5_Bp6wTT4F770fhHHcBscbgwNniteL6K3ZuRHU2s0igcAVMCREGZ8aGPm2uqGe1Rbnu3A8j_V519c67/s1600/IMG_7646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXstCsPcnDYGYKyOoHIy9tZRB4QXxsk7-klEJ1APinu4oM_ZprHAxhTrEl13_8x5_Bp6wTT4F770fhHHcBscbgwNniteL6K3ZuRHU2s0igcAVMCREGZ8aGPm2uqGe1Rbnu3A8j_V519c67/s640/IMG_7646.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />
So I did what I always do when I get a little anxious, I form grand ideas. I dove in and <a href="http://pookieandpierre.blogspot.com/2010/04/first-day.html">created my blog that first night</a> as I sat all by my lonesome in my little hotel room sipping from a plastic cup of boxed wine and eating a mini frozen pizza from yet another cardboard box. Like most of my crazy ideas, I had no idea what I was doing, but I like a good challenge and knew that I would learn along the way. My primary motivation for starting Vita Nostra was to document my solo journey overseas and capture some memories along the way. I had no idea I'd love it so much and that I'd still be doing this a year later. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9PiEKnKHiyFfu9FqBUO7qW9PwVs1fkD-l1AGfuxseyUYCmrrAkiGs5voaWPq2u3vcOyJdh8544vxqw1gkmgngzyd7uelkSiZpAXkNqstNRfCV2RR5vUgv9pu7sY5nud4zV_zrXjvV3ux/s1600/2011-04-021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9PiEKnKHiyFfu9FqBUO7qW9PwVs1fkD-l1AGfuxseyUYCmrrAkiGs5voaWPq2u3vcOyJdh8544vxqw1gkmgngzyd7uelkSiZpAXkNqstNRfCV2RR5vUgv9pu7sY5nud4zV_zrXjvV3ux/s640/2011-04-021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
A year has passed and much has changed. I've grown as a person, my blog has evolved significantly from those early days of rambling thoughts, I've met lots of great new friends, experienced a life changing trip on my own and got married along the way. It has been a good year. I appreciate all of you who have read my blog and journeyed with me, commenting and providing support along the way. It is the reason I continue this. <br />
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It is fitting that on this anniversary of my blogs first birthday, I share some more images from my birthday weekend in Charleston. It was almost a perfect day. The warnings of rain and corresponding doom and gloom were replaced with bright spring air, sunny skies and fluffy clouds. After a grand breakfast at the dining table with our fellow guests and innkeepers, John and I grabbed our cameras and set out to explore. <br />
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We spent the morning on a tour of the city, stopping along the way to admire the charming architecture, newly blooming flowers and all the little details that make Charleston so unique. Like Paris, I found myself wishing I had more time to explore every nook and cranny. (But I suppose that is what return visits are for!)<br />
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The best kind of day, we walked for hours and hours, stopping in little art galleries, breathing in the fresh spring air, tripping over cobblestones and dreaming of a life of constant travel. Perhaps, some day?<br />
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Thanks for celebrating with me! I have an equal sense of anticipation as I delve into year two and can't wait to see what the future holds. For my fellow bloggers who've been at this for some time, any advice to share for someone entering their second year?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>PS - Coming up next, another flavor of birthday celebration!Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992793787948588734.post-68978100120187983732011-03-31T11:43:00.000-04:002011-03-31T11:43:46.741-04:00Interstate Pigs and Bean & Leek Soup with Caramelized Radish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ__JI8P8j_cM_JwNVmUsQthJjgaMOkLMT6Zl6ugOWTqDEoInn4lL-i_OpiYBgwJeA0SHKv2XCTocDz1hQ7tSx9dlG8eo1PBPwSC6cTd_C7IpiCn0eNbLt546Fkh79t-xXrPO-st9PGGM/s1600/Bean+Leek+Soup+with+Caramelized+Radish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ__JI8P8j_cM_JwNVmUsQthJjgaMOkLMT6Zl6ugOWTqDEoInn4lL-i_OpiYBgwJeA0SHKv2XCTocDz1hQ7tSx9dlG8eo1PBPwSC6cTd_C7IpiCn0eNbLt546Fkh79t-xXrPO-st9PGGM/s640/Bean+Leek+Soup+with+Caramelized+Radish.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Interstate pigs and bean soup? This might sound a little crazy, but there's a connection, I promise.<br />
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I've been having recurring thoughts about pigs lately, spurred by two totally unrelated signs that began with my trip to Charleston this past weekend. <br />
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Let me explain.<br />
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We were driving, as you do on road trips. Staring aimlessly out the window. Kind of tuning out. I saw a truck ahead of us. Now, you see a lot of trucks when driving, really not that unusual. But this truck was special. It had special cargo. <br />
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I spotted little tails poking out the side of the truck as we passed. Piglet tails. Sweet, soft, tiny, curled up little pink pig tails. Awwww. That's when it dawned on me. These pigs were going somewhere. It wasn't just another road trip for them. <br />
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I grew sad as I do when I think about animals that we eat. It is why I regularly go back and forth between being a vegetarian and not. The more I read and learn about how animals are 'produced' in this country, I am sickened by the conditions and the fact that this all ends up in our bodies. Don't get me wrong, I do eat meat occasionally and certainly don't judge anyone else who does. I've just been thinking more about what I consume, where it comes from and the effect that it has on my health. <br />
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Those little pigs heading to their next stop in the production process were nestled in my memory. I settled back into vacation mode and ordered the pork ribs for dinner that night. And they were amazing. And I temporarily forgot all about the little pigs piled up in the back of the truck.<br />
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Until yesterday morning. The pigs reappeared. Back on the interstate again, except this time in a <a href="http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/9353657/">local news story</a> about five pigs who got loose from a truck and ended up in the middle of morning commute traffic. And while admittedly, some of the comments in the article are pretty darn hilarious, the whole thing just makes me sad. <br />
I guess the point of all this is that seeing these pigs triggered something in me that makes me want to re-examine my personal position. I don't know if this will be fleeting or a more solid commitment, but for the moment I'm going to take a little break from meat while I reconcile my feelings.<br />
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Long story short, I made bean and leek soup for dinner last night and instead of flavoring it with bacon, I got creative with my seasonings and CSA box and came up with this version instead. The spice mixture, containing natural hickory smoke and ginger, replicated the smoky flavor of the pork. The caramelization of the radish added a little sweetness and a tiny bit of crunch. A wonderful bacon substitute garnish. The salted butter also helps to round out the flavor in this soup.<br />
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I didn't miss the bacon at all.<br />
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<b>White Bean and Leek Soup with Caramelized Radishes</b><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
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<i>For the Soup</i><br />
1 pound dried white beans<br />
2 teaspoons olive oil<br />
2 teaspoons salted butter<br />
3 leeks, cleaned, halved and sliced thinly<br />
3 celery heart stacks, diced<br />
48 ounces low sodium chicken broth<br />
1/2 to 1 teaspoon pork chop seasoning (I used <a href="http://www.penzeys.com/">Penzey's</a>)<br />
sea salt and pepper to taste<br />
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<i>For the Radishes</i><br />
1 small bunch of radishes, 7 - 10, large dice<br />
2 teaspoons salted butter<br />
sea salt and pepper to taste<br />
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<b>Preparation</b><br />
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Prepare beans using overnight or quick method as directed on the package. Rinse thoroughly and set aside.<br />
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Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil and 2 teaspoons salted butter on medium low heat in large soup pot. Add sliced leaks and celery hearts. Saute vegetables until soft, about 10 to 15 minutes on medium low heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon pork chop seasoning to vegetables and mix for a minute or two until combined.<br />
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Add beans back into soup pot. Add the chicken broth to bean and vegetable mixture. Simmer for an hour until flavors are fully combined. <br />
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Meanwhile, prepare radishes to finish prior to serving soup. Melt 2 teaspoons salted butter in small saute pan on medium heat. Add diced radishes and saute on medium low for about five minutes. Increase heat to medium and saute until radishes begin to caramelize and form a dark crust, about another five to ten minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. (Radishes are best served just out of the pan as they retain a little crunch.)<br />
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After about an hour, blend soup with immersion blender or blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, as needed.<br />
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Pour soup into serving bowls and top with radish garnish.<br />
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Heading back to Charleston next with less deep thoughts and more on our weekend away!<br />
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Meanwhile, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Do you think consciously about where your food comes from and how it is produced? If you do, how does it impact your eating habits?Emily@VitaNostrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03604610049683621891noreply@blogger.com3