Still Life and Recipes

In an attempt to channel my deepening love of all things foodie, and to use up film prior to going to the Lifetime Commitment Ceremony, I took a bunch of photos. Most of them didn't turn out too well (aka the anchovy shots), but a couple did. Please note the beautiful herbs- my balcony garden is gorgeous. I'll try and post more pictures as time goes on- my tomato plant? fantastic.

Here's what we're eating

*Roasted Vegetable Salad*
~ I got a version of this recipe from the Fields of Greens cookbook years ago. The original called for a lot of ingredients (including Champagne vinegar) which seemed along way off many years ago in Halifax. None the less, I was addicted to roasted vegetables and have eaten variations of it over the years
roast a mixture of veggies: garlic,
onions, zucchini, eggplant, red peppers, mushrooms (or others). when done, slice, mix together & toss with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, pepper, fresh basil.
let it sit for awhile for all the flavors to mix and enjoy!

*Basil Sorbet*
~ I read about this recipe shortly after planting my herbs and fell in love with the idea. It's so wonderful, perfect after a meal, with fresh strawberries or on it's own. The one problem? It melts quickly in the heat!

1/2 c sugar * 1/2 c water * 1/2 c lime juice * 10-15 leaves of basil
make a simple syrup by boiling the water & sugar together for 5 mins. allow to cool & blender with the lime juice. When it's lovely & frothy add the basil juice and blend until it's a gorgeous green colour. Put in the freezer, allow to freeze and then blender again. Allow to freeze throughly before serving. yummy!

Today
The vegetables would like to be cut
By someone who is singing God's name.

Because
Once we were all tomatoes,
Potatoes, onions or
Zucchini. - Hafiz

Summer Lovin'

The Lifetime Commitment Ceremony was wonderful. One of the best weddings I've ever been to. The coolest thing about the actual ceremony was that because they had chosen not to follow any particular tradition, they were able to incorporate what they wanted and include the people they loved. Everyone wandered around on a bit of a high afterwards. Anyway, it was great,camping was good (cold but good) and my home in Ottawa is still standing (and is relatively clean, even). So yippee!

Back at the ranch, Sweet Pea's parents are staying with us. They are showering Miss Belle with love which she appreciates. She's been more difficult lately (more on that another time) so it's nice to have people who are ok with dogs and understand their temperments somewhat.

I've enjoyed meeting them & we've had quite a bit of one on one time since Sweet Pea's been at work while I've been out of school. They're lovely people, one can see where Sweet Pea [SP] gets his mannerisms. It's been a little like camping in that we're in the living room for the most part. I've managed to get stuff done but sometimes a girl wants to hang out in her sweatpants, watch bad TV and eat ice cream out of the carton, no?

Mrs. Pea has made her opinions known about Christmas and babies, but it was done in such a way that, while firm, was none threatening. Mr. Pea was a little bit more relaxed in the conversation, but all in all it was rather funny. Especially since I don't really care about Xmas (they're welcome to him by all means) and babies are a long way off. Anyway, they care about their son and wanted me to know that. and they leave Tuesday.

The Mark of Cain

... so I woke up Sunday morning to find a bloody gash on my forehead. Something had bitten me in the middle of the night and I had scratched it. Because of the extreme heat it won't close and heal- I keep sweating & it? keeps oozing. yuck. it's like a third eye or something. Oh sure, you're saying "stop exagerating- it can't be that bad". well... y'know when you're talking to someone with a horrible deformity/ growth/ cold sore and it's all intense eye contact so you don't stare at the growth or something? people are doing that to me. Half the time I forget I've got the mark of the beast on my forehead, see myself in the mirror and "ACK"! I'm going to a wedding (or rather a "Life Commitment Ceremony" more on that later) and considered getting a cute bindi or something to cover it so that the pictures wouldn't have an open wound in them. but that's kind of Gwen Stefani circa 1998. Besides- I rocked that look hard back then & try not to duplicate. So if you see me- be kind.

On another note, my father has a protrusion on his forehead (this is a new thing-kind of freaked me out the first time I saw it) but in typical fashion he has christened it his unicorn horn so- maybe this is the start of something big. Besides, becoming a unicorn is better than being cursed by G*d.


WORK started working some shifts at Stanton's in Westmount. good to see a lot of people. and my blog has been discovered by some of the runners there. which is cool- slightly nerve wracking. since no one ever comments I always assume this is some kind of black hole. I'll try not to edit myself and keep going here. and compliments on my writing? are awesome & appreciated - thanks A!

THE NOT WEDDING
off to Derek & Simone's Life Commitment Ceremony this Weekend (or not wedding as we call it in my house). This involves a roadtrip, camping, a stop in Ottawa, some school buses and a vegan meal. All in all, an adventure and a good time. The lovelies are, of course, relaxed about presents. I am making some pantry items for them (Red Curry Paste, Chilli Oil, Mango Chutney) and enjoying it. and i may have discovered a fantastic chutney recipe... will keep y'all posted.

lot's more news on the way- gimme time folks!

What is it? You need some chap stick or lip gloss or something? Because your lips keep getting stuck on your teeth. Or is that your idea of a smile? - Joanne (Michelle Pfeiffer) from Tequila Sunrise

~ only one of the best movies ever also, a fantastic cocktail:


- 2 oz Tequila
- 4 oz Orange Juice
- 1 oz Grenadine
- Glassware: Highball Glass

Mix ingredients in a mixing glass with ice cubes. Strain into a highball glass over crushed ice.