Saturday, June 30, 2012

Summer Fruit Salad


Simple and lovely.  I served with whip cream for Hal and Greek yogurt for me.

Serves 2.

1 peach or nectarine
1 kiwi
1 cup strawberries
1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 tsp sugar

Peel the fruit and cut them into bite size pieces.  Put the pieces in a salad bowl, add the lemon juice and sugar.  Toss to combine.  Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Toss the fruit before serving.

soscuisine.com

Blackened Fish Fillets


I thought it was okay.  Hal hated it.


Serves 2.

1 tbsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1 tbsp cornmeal
2 tilapia or turbot fillets (360 g)
1 tbsp canola oil
1 clove garlic, for pan-frying
1 tbsp butter, unsalted, for pan-frying
1/2 lemon, cut into wedges

These fish fillets can be cooked either in a pan on the stove or using an outdoor grill.

In a shallow bowl, stir together the paprika, oregano, cayenne, sugar, salt and ground pepper.  To obtain a crispier crust, add the cornmeal (optional).

Pat the fillets dry and dredge them in the mixture, turning them to coat well.  Shake of the excess then place the fillets on an oiled, hot grill.

Cook until the fish is opaque throughout and lightly blackened on the outside, 4-5 minutes on each side, turning them once.

Alternatively, heat the oil in a large skillet over moderately high heat.  Thinly slice the garlic then add it to the skillet and saute, with stirring, until it is golden-brown, about 2 minutes.  Discard the garlic, add the butter, then heat it until the foam subsides.  Add the fish then saute for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and lightly blackened on the outside.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

I served this with Brussels sprouts salad and a mixed green salad.

Brussels Sprouts Salad

I really liked it.  Hal did not

Serves 4.

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
3 tbsp. olive oil
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Peel the leaves off the Brussels sprouts; discard the cores.  Bring a large saucepan of water to boiling.  Add sprouts; cook 20-30 minutes or until barely tender.  Drain and immediately plunge into ice water.  Drain well and dry in a salad spinner.  Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.

For the dressing, in a small bowl whisk together vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper to taste.  Gradually whisk in the oil.  Drizzle dressing over leaves to coat lightly; toss.  Add cranberries and walnuts; toss to combine.  Chill.

Friday, June 29, 2012

I think its been a while since I've had a good rant about customer service . . .

. . . sigh . . .

I drove over to Michaels in London today for 2 items.  I found the embroidery thread I needed but the thing I wanted most, that I've been searching for years for . . . no where to be found.  A friend sent me a link recently about Martha Stewart craft products for texture called embossing paste.  When I couldn't locate this or any other similar product I went looking for floor staff.  There was none to be found.  So I knocked on the office door and asked for assistance.  The young lady came out, looked at the Martha Stewart display right outside her door and informed me they didn't have any.  Duh!  I asked if these products would be coming in or if I could order some in.  She told me that perhaps a higher volume store might have them and no they wouldn't order in.  Do you think they might be a higher volume store if they actually sold something to their customers??  So I spent $1. there.

On the other hand, sometimes it is the customers that are cranky.  I was in a local dollar store and it was pretty busy.  There was only one cashier on but she seemed to be handling things just fine.  All of a sudden it seemed that every customer in the store got into the check out at the same moment.  The cashier immediately called for assistance.  In the meantime, one lady slammed her purchases down on a counter and stormed out.  I think it was probably 30 seconds later when the second cashier arrived.  A minute or less after that a third cash register was open and we were all checked out at the speed of light.  I guess she must have been hot or something??!!

I love coupons and I love price matching but today I witnessed the extreme.  I was in Walmart and an older couple had a cart packed to overflowing with merchandise and food.  Behind them was a young lady with a baby and she had a fair size order.  Since the older couple seemed to be nearly checked through I decided this would be a good line to get in.  The other registers had 4-5 customers each in line.  And that's when the trouble began.  The older couple had a fist full of coupons AND every sales flyer for the St. Thomas area.  There was some serious savings going on there.  Finally they were checked out.  And then the young lady in front of me started pulling out her coupons . . . sigh . . . turns out they were related . . . LOL . . .

The only other store I was in today was Freshco and they were lovely as usual and there was a lovely selection of 30% and 50% meat.  My freezer is full again.

While I'm thinking about it, tomorrow is the last chance to win a copy of My Big Bottom Blessing, a great book for anyone struggling with self-esteem or body image.  http://inmyworld-pam.blogspot.ca/2012/06/book-review-freebies-my-big-bottom.html

Happy birthday Canada!!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Birthday parties . . . LDO style





You've heard me talk about Ladies' Day Out . . . oh once or twice . . . LOL.  I don't go often in the summer because I don't like heat so I tend to huddle up in my air conditioned apartment, venturing out only when I am in need of food or there is a really superior scrapbooking sale.  You can pretty much count on me to be there every Tuesday in the fall, winter and spring though.

We have some traditions at LDO.  One of my favourites is the birthday rule.  When it is your birthday you get to host your birthday party.  You pick the food for lunch and bring your favourite cake.  We all help you eat it and give you little presents.  You never worry that your birthday will be forgotten because you are the host.  We've had every meal from hot dogs to roast beef and every cake from McCains to fancy character cakes . . . and we've loved each and every party . . .

How's that for a nice tradition?

These photos are from Krista's birthday party.

The case of the missing jewelry


I'm in a story-telling sort of mood right now . . . so I thought I would tell you the story of the missing jewelry.

About 2-1/2 years ago my rings went missing.  I often took them off and set them someplace safe when I was working with cleaners.  The problem this time was that a day or two later I realized I wasn't wearing them and I started searching the house for them.  I tore every shelf and cupboard and drawer apart and couldn't find them anywhere.

Apparently, in the back of his mind, Hal must have recalled seeing the rings but couldn't remember where or under what circumstances.  After a while Hal thought he remembered seeing them.  A few months later he thought he might have put them in an envelope because he thought he would take them to the jeweler for a cleaning to surprise me.  A few months after that he began to worry that they had been thrown out.  I was really mad with him because he had lost my rings.  I threatened that he was going to have to buy me newer, bigger, better rings.  And since the rings were bought almost 30 years ago he was going to have some serious price sticker shock.

And so he promised me that once he was established in his new job we would start ring shopping.  He felt terrible for losing my rings.

During the last week of January this year we moved from our one bedroom apartment into a much larger two bedroom apartment across the hall.  It was a fairly easy move.  We just emptied closets and cupboards, walked across the hall and unpacked again.  Terry, Mom, Hal and I were were bringing over all the kitchen "stuff" one day and some of the dishes (you know the ones that are fancy and you don't use often) needed dusting before being put in their new home.  Can you tell we didn't entertain much in our little apartment?  Mom was busy dusting each little fancy plate and putting them away when she got very excited and called for me.  I come running into the kitchen and there were my rings, hiding between two fancy plates.  I cried.  Mom cried.  Hal heard us crying and came a'runnin'.  I made Hal put my rings back on my hands after 2 years missing.  It was kind of hysterically funny.

So I don't know where Hal got his false memory from but am I ever glad he talked me into moving into the bigger apartment!!  LOL

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Crudites Salad


This is the salad I was raving about earlier this week on Facebook.  I think I will be making it quite a lot this summer.  It is easy, delicious and very refreshing.  I bet lots of different veggies could be substituted in.

For 2 servings:

1 leek
1-1/2 tbsp Classic Vinaigrette
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
salt and pepper to taste
4 button (white) mushrooms, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
1 carrot, shredded

Prepare the leeks:  cut off the dark green tops and discard, slice the white and pale-green parts into large chunks, then boil or steam them for about 10 minutes, until soft.  Drain the leeks and let cool a few minutes.

With a serrated knife, cut each chunk of the leeks into rounds about 1 cm thick and transfer them to a bowl.  Pour in the Classic Vinaigrette (I doubled the lemon/olive oil dressing and used that instead), then season with salt and pepper.  Blend gently and set aside.

In a small bowl, add the oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.  Beat well, using a fork, until the dressing is emulsified.  Set aside.

Prepare the other vegetables and place them in 3 different bowls.  Portion out the lemon vinaigrette to the bowls, then toss each to combine.

Arrange the dressed vegetables in 4 separate mounds onto individual serving plates.  Serve.

From soscuisine.com

Monday, June 18, 2012

Baked Apples

4 apples, Cortland or Lobo
4 tsp butter, unsalted
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp raisins
1 tbsp pine nuts
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
salt, about one pinch

Preheat the oven to 375F.

Wash the apples.  With a corer, carve out the core and seeds from the top, paying attention not to pierce the apple completely through to the bottom.  Make a circular incision just through the skin halfway up the side to avoid bursting during cooking.  Place the apples in a shallow baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, raisins, nuts, cinnamon, and pinch of salt.  Portion out the mixture into the apples.  Add a small amount of water (about 1/2 tbsp per apple) to the bottom of the dish to start the cooking and prevent burning or sticking.  Place the dish of apples in the centre of the oven. and cook for 30 minutes.

I served the apples with vanilla ice cream.

From soscuisine.com

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Almond Trout


Before I post this recipe, let me just say that Hal (my hubby) hates fish.  Really really hates it.  He enjoyed this trout.  You notice I didn't say love.  Hal will never love fish, but he did like it.  I loved it.  The fish was served with steamed basmati rice and a salad.

2 trout fillets 360g -- I used rainbow trout
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup white wine (optional) -- I used a Vidal
3 tbsp margarine
salt
pepper

Heat the margarine in a frying pan.  Add the almonds then saute over medium heat until they are golden.  Take the almonds out of the pan and keep them warm on a small plate in the oven.

Add the trout to the pan and cook over fairly high heat, 2-3 minutes on each side, starting with the skin side down.  Deglaze the pan with the wine, lower the heat and cover.  Cook 7-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the trout is tender.  Check with a fork to see if it is cooked through.

Take the skin off.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Cover the trout with the almonds and serve.

from soscuisine.com

Monday, June 11, 2012

January 2012 Scrapbooking

















Ontario Basketball Team Fair Play Award 2012

The Under 12 CYO Boys Basketball Team were awarded the Ontario Basketball Team Fair Play award.  I think their warm up shirts say it all.  My grandson plays on the team and my son coaches.  I am so proud of them both.  I am proud of the entire team and of the parents of these young athletes who teach by example.

RESPECT
Yourself
Your Team
Your Opponent
The Game

They play a tough game but they always play fair.

The parents cheer for both teams, just louder for our own!  

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Little green men and shopping carts . . .

It's been a while since I've had a rant about anything so here goes . . .


When you are crossing the street, the little green man flashing at you is only an invitation to cross . . . NOT A GUARANTEE!!  Don't you remember your training?  Look both ways before crossing the street.  I could have been texting my bestie, spilling coffee on myself, my brakes could have failed . . . seriously . . . grown ups are so dumb.


I know, I know . . . we all do it . . . leaving our grocery carts willie nillie about the parking lot.  That is annoying.  Have we become so lazy we can't walk the few additional steps required to put the cart where it belongs?  But what really burns me up are people who leave the carts in the middle of handicap parking spots.  WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?  The lady on crutches, the man in a wheelchair . . . you expect them to park in the laneway, get out of their vehicles and into their walker, wheelchair, or whatever, push the cart out of the way, get back into their vehicle and park?!?!


Okay, I'm done now.  Can you tell I was at the grocery store tonight?

A little of this or that . . .

This is a very non-exciting day.  That's okay.  We all deserve a day where not much happens.

I was hoping to go to a tea biscuit party . . . I even mapquested the directions . . . but a call to deliver a grandson to a doctor's appointment topped the party . . . I promised my grandsons that they always come first.

To make up for the missed party I treated myself to a visit to Memories of Main Street in Lambeth (London).  Picked up some very pretty strawberry and canning jar papers.  And of course I had to have matching ribbons and cardstock to make a kit.



Now if only June 9th would come along so I can take my WagJag coupon to a local strawberry farm and pick up my half price flat of strawberries.  Those strawberries will be jam by the 10th . . . LOL.

I've invited some friends over for lunch and scrapbooking tomorrow.  This way I know I'll clean my house today.  Sometimes when I start chores this late in the day I don't get too far . . . but now I have to.  I don't want people to know my husband is a bit of a tornado when he is home . . . sigh.  He still doesn't believe me when I tell him how much mess he makes.  I make mess but I pick up after myself.  He does not.  Of course, he also doesn't believe he snores.

I'm looking forward to cropping tomorrow.  I've been doing a fair bit of shopping lately and it is time to put all the paper to work.

Enjoy your day.
Pam

Monday, June 4, 2012

Debbie gets the munchies . . .

On our way home from a doctor's appointment, a very medicated Debbie decides she is starving.  A visit to the Shwarma Palace in London changes her whole life . . . LOL . . .






Friday, June 1, 2012

Relay for Life

Hal and I are participating in the Relay for Life in St. Thomas tonight. It is going to be a long, cold, wet night.

I want to share something my Relay teammate, Krista Taylor Rempel, just posted on Facebook:

Relay for Life tonight. Ive been quietly grumbling about the weather (no one else here to hear me) and then I remembered the phrase I heard last year about cancer doesn't sleep (the encouragement to stay awake all night) and I realized that no matter how wet, uncomfortable and miserable I may feel tonight it will not be as uncomfortable as cancer. So I will try and suck it upand put in perspective what and why I will be at the Relay
.