by Krista | Dec 21, 2010 | Compatriot Wednesday
Yesterday morning we were delighted to open the curtains and see a sunshiny Amsterdam. It was wicked cold but so beautiful with snow glistening on tree branches and sidewalks, and the canals covered with sheets of crackling ice glittering in the sunshine.
It was the perfect day to stay inside with hot cups of tea reading and watching old movies like “Shop Around the Corner” with Jimmy Stewart. Early afternoon we bundled ourselves from head to toe then carefully walked the snowy streets, popping into charming shops to warm our bones and peruse the wares.
Before too long we were ravenous and freezing and returned to one of our favorite haunts: Singel 404.
Singel 404HS
1016AK Amsterdam
Netherlands
Telephone: (+31) 0204280154
This place has some of the best sandwiches any of us have ever had. My brother Evan brought two of his Army friends here for lunch and they loved the food so much that they said all future sandwiches had been ruined for them.
I like to think that all future sandwiches will be INSPIRED by them.
First take thick slabs of bakery fresh brown bread, spread liberally with pesto or guacamole and add toppings of your choice.
Evan and Ryan chose the tuna melt, Dad had smoked chicken with olives and Brie, and Kendra had ham, roasted sweet peppers and Brie.
I had guacamole topped with smoked chicken, sundried tomatoes, Brie and fresh herbs.
…and Mums had a luscious BLT topped with thick slices of creamy avocado and a sprinkling of chives.
What is your favorite thing to eat on a cold shopping day?
PS – Thank you SO much for all your wonderful notes and comments. 🙂 You make opening my computer each morning so delightful. I will get back to you all as soon as I can. Much love!!
by Krista | Dec 21, 2010 | Gulliver Tuesday
Yesterday was cold, snowy and absolutely GORGEOUS as we tramped through Amsterdam, clinging to each other to keep from falling on our backsides.
We decided that such a heavy snowfall required a walk in Vondel Park, a beautiful expanse of water, trees, and bench-dotted lawns in Amsterdam.
We loved it! We trudged through fluffy white snowdrifts and sand-laden patches that we decided looked and felt just like when you beat together butter and brown sugar for cookie dough, before you add the eggs. Talking about it made me crave chocolate chip cookies!
In spite of the bitterly cold temperatures, all sorts of people were in the park: lovers smooching, cute elderly couples walking hand in hand, little kids sliding down every teensy bit of hill they could find.
The ponds were frozen over, every leaf and tree branch rimmed in white.
Mid-way through our adventure in the park, my brother led us up a metal staircase to a toasty warm cafe overlooking the nearby lake, and treated us to hot chocolate spiked with rum and topped with whipped cream. They even included tiny cookies! It was the perfect warming treat after our stroll.
Before long we were heated through and ready to brave the elements again. All too soon it grew dark and we were heading home, our way lit by snow-topped street lamps and glittering Christmas lights.
by Krista | Dec 20, 2010 | Bootstrap Monday
Good morning, luvs! I’m writing to you from VERY snowy Amsterdam. It’s wicked cold and absolutely gorgeous. We’ve had such fun getting bundled up and going for walks along the canals, through the parks, then dashing home to warm up with hot food, cozy afghans and great movies with popcorn.
Hope you have a wonderful day wherever you are. 🙂
PS – My article on Montengro is up at The Travel Belles today! Click here if you have a moment to discover a little bit about this beautiful little country.
by Krista | Dec 17, 2010 | Fabulous Friday
Good morning, dear ones! I can hardly believe this day is actually here. My bags are packed, lists checked and double-checked, and all I have to do is run a few errands for last minute bits and bobs before I head to the airport. By Saturday afternoon I will be in Amsterdam, groggy, bleary-eyed, dying for a shower and a comfy bed, and overjoyed to see my family.
I get to see these dear folks: My brother Ryan and his girlfriend Melissa
And these dear folks: my brother Evan and sis-in-law Kendra
Accompanied by these dear folks: my Pops and Mums
I have my trusty little camera and journal to jot down our adventures and am so excited to begin.
Big hugs to you all and the merriest of holidays!
by Krista | Dec 16, 2010 | Plucky Thursday
Hello luvs! Phew. What. A. Week. It’s been good but golly, I’m tired! Tomorrow cannot get here fast enough. Normally the idea of a 9 hour flight seems a bit daunting, but right now it sounds like pure bliss. 9 solid hours of just sitting there, sleeping, reading, watching movies, someone else doing all the cooking and clean-up. Ahhh, I can’t wait!
In the meantime I’m giving my frazzled self a visual break with these wondrously peaceful photos of a pond near my house.
No matter what time of year I stroll past, it is always beautiful, utterly serene, an oasis of calm just minutes from downtown Lynden. I love it.
After leisurely rambles on chilly afternoons, I love coming home to something hearty and savory like Chicken with Bacon Gravy. This is by no means a low fat dish, but it is delectably salty and delicious, something you don’t mind indulging in after a mile hike.
I’ve always made it with bacon, but this time I tried it with crispy bits of prosciutto instead and oh my! I think I’ve been converted. While bacon is marvelous, it does lose its crispness if you don’t eat it all right away. I’m a big leftovers fan, and I prefer cooking things that reheat beautifully. Using prosciutto does the trick nicely AND it’s much less fattening than bacon yet with all the flavor. It can be served by itself with some veggie sides or over mashed potatoes.
Do you have a peaceful spot you like to walk to when life gets crazy?
Chicken with Bacon Gravy
Ingredients:
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1/4-1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh, chopped
4 chicken breasts, cut in 1/2 inch strips
1/2 package bacon, sliced in 1/2 inch pieces (I used 1 package of prosciutto)
Gravy ingredients:
Left over flour mixture
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Directions:
- Shake flour, salt, pepper and thyme together in paper bag. Add a few pieces of chicken at a time, tossing to coat. Save remaining flour.
- Add bacon to saucepan and cook 1-2 minutes, add chicken and cook over medium heat until bacon is crispy and chicken browned.
- Transfer chicken to platter.
- Add flour to very crisp bacon in saucepan, stir until white color disappears. Add chicken broth, scraping pan to loosen any bits. Cook, stirring, until mixture thickens.
- Serve hot.
_logo.svg){kind=logo}
