New Home, New Haircut and Cauliflower Gratin with Tomatoes and Feta

by Krista | Mar 1, 2010 | Bootstrap Monday

Thank you SO much for your encouragement and well wishes on Friday. Much to my surprise and delight, I found a new cozy little apartment that very morning before work! 🙂

It’s a lovely spot, clean as a whistle with new carpet, new tile and NO MOLD! Hooray! 🙂 It has a fireplace and a bright, cheery kitchen, a yellow forsythia is blooming by the front door, and – the best part of all – it is surrounded on two sides by trees, a meadow and a meandering creek. 🙂 It’s run by a kind elderly man who looks just like Santa Claus without a beard, and I feel safe. 🙂 It is peaceful, quiet and the perfect little nook for me. I’m so happy and grateful! 🙂

I confess I was a rather weepy girl on Saturday, overtired, hurting from my accident, and sorting through my things, deciding what to part with and what to keep. On an empty box run to Mum and Dad’s, Mums gave me a hug, sat me down with a gorgeous cup of tea and talked things through until I felt heaps better.

I realized my expectations of myself were far too high, so I brought them down to manageable levels and things got MUCH better. 🙂 I made dark hot chocolate, popped in Brit murder mysteries to listen to and got down to business. 🙂 I decided to use this move as a good time to downsize as much as possible, hanging onto only the things that matter most to me. Initially difficult, it has been tremendously freeing, a wonderful beginning to a fresh start.

In the spirit of new beginnings, I also got my hair lopped off! 🙂 My fabulous Auntie Janet snipped and scissored her way through my locks leaving me with a perky do that makes me feel quite saucy and chipper. 🙂

In between resting and packing, I also cooked up enough food to last me the week, starting with a Cauliflower Gratin. The ingredient list fascinated me with things like capers, honey, and cinnamon alongside tomatoes, garlic and onion. Crazy, yep, and utterly delicious. 🙂

While it cooked I dined on fresh squeezed orange juice and a slice of Quark Quiche studded with green chilies and sausage. And, much to my delight, I discovered that I am really, really excited about this next phase of my life. 🙂

Cauliflower Gratin with Tomatoes and Feta
(Adapted from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone)

Ingredients:

2-3 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp cinnamon
5 fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced or one 15-oz can diced tomatoes
1 tsp honey
1 Tbsp capers, rinsed
salt and freshly milled pepper
1 large cauliflower, broken into florets
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2-4 ounces crumbled feta
Finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat broiler and lightly oil a 2-quart gratin dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, oregano, and cinnamon and cook until the onion is wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, cook for 7 minutes more, then add honey, capers and season with salt and pepper.
3. Steam cauliflower for 5 minutes. Mix with sauce and pour into baking pan. Season with salt and pepper, squeeze lemon juice over top and add the feta. 
4. Place 5-6 inches under the broiler until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. 
5. Garnish with parsley and serve. 
6. If you are assembling the gratin ahead of time, cover and bake it at 400 degrees until bubbling, about 20 minutes, then brown under broiler. 

Easy Quark Quiche
(Adapted from the British Columbia Egg Marketing Board)

Ingredients:

2 cups sausage (or ham)
1 cup Quark
4 eggs
1/2 tsp dry mustard

3 Tbsp mild green chilies
1 green onion, sliced
Dash pepper

Directions:

1. Fry sausage and drain. 
2. Combine with remaining ingredients and pour into greased 8-9 inch pan. 
3. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Serve warm.

Accident

by Krista | Feb 16, 2010 | Bootstrap Monday

Dear ones, I’m afraid my post will be short and sweet today. Although I had a lovely weekend with my dear friends, I also got in a car accident that has left me with much pain. I am fine, but will be very sore for a while. I go to the chiropractor and doctor in the morning, and they should help me get back to my old self soon.:-)

I leave you with one of my favorite photos from a beautiful lake we happened upon in Bosnia.

A Beautiful Weekend

by Krista | Feb 8, 2010 | Bootstrap Monday

Good morning! 🙂 I am happy to report that I’m feeling better than I have in WEEKS! With rest, sunshine, and more rest, pain has ebbed and I’m so very grateful. 🙂

It was a lovely weekend, starting with Foyle’s War with Mike and Toby at Toby’s place. He made us all sorts of goodies – popcorn, chips and pico de gallo, but my favorite were oven roasted carrot chips with dill. Delish! Even though I’ve seen all the episodes of Foyle’s War, I can never remember whodunnit! It’s like I’m watching a new movie every time, and I’m not complaining one bit. 🙂

Saturday morning dawned beautifully sunny and after a lovely sleep in I trundled out to my sunshiny kitchen for breakfast. First I juiced a bowl of apples with a pile of grated ginger. Mmm, so fresh and tart.

Mixed with almond milk, honey and topped with slivered almonds, it’s a creamy, satisfying bowl of goodness.

By this time the afternoon sun was blazing through my windows, so I opened my door, spread a blanket on the floor and stretched out in the doorway with a good book. Protected from the icy wind all I felt was glorious warmth and I basked in it like a lazy cat, soaking up those healing rays, reading happily and eventually napping. Bliss. 🙂

Late afternoon I got inspired to try something I’ve been wanting to try for ages: molded gelatin. Of course I’ve made Jell-O salads and such, but these are different. I found them in an old Victoria magazine with a feature on banquets of old where chefs would create glistening molded jellies in wonderful shapes, colors and flavors.

The first one I tried was rich and creamy, two layers of almond gelatin sandwiching a thick, chocolatey latte one. Mmm! I did this in a Nordicware Bundt pan and served it in great quivery wedges.

Although the taste was great, the almond layers were softer than I would’ve liked (hence the photo not showing the mushed bottom :-)), and next time I will add more gelatin.

For the next batch I layered hibiscus gelatin with almond, and did mini ones in lovely molded muffin tins.

They were light and fruity, with delicate flavors that made me think of balmy summer mornings.

One day I will try the stunning, towering confections like they had in the magazine, but today I’m content with my little gelatin creations. 🙂

Sunday morning my friend Rose gave me a bouquet of pussy willows! (Thank you!!) I learned that you should never, ever, ever put them in water. If you don’t, they last for simply ages. 🙂

Sunday afternoon my pal Johanna did my taxes (THANK YOU!!!) and I made dinner for her and her man. I do love bartering. 🙂 Then we headed over to Mum and Dad’s for birthday cake (Happy Birthday, Johanna!!) and a good ol’ visit. After they left, Dad watched The Game and Mum and I cozied ourselves in the back room and had our own little movie day watching Foyle’s War and Campion whilst sipping Aussie wine and nibbling on Fritos, dark chocolate mint patties and crescent-roll-wrapped-smokies with sweet hot mustard. Clearly we were on a health food kick. 😉

I’m so grateful for such a good weekend, a grand mix of people and solitude, rest and accomplishment, sunshine and rain. 🙂

Millet Porridge
(From Mums)

1 cup millet
4 cups water
3 dates, chopped
1/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup desiccated coconut

Directions:

1. Combine millet and water in saucepan. Bring to boil then lower heat and simmer 40-45 minutes. 
2. In food processor blend almonds, coconut and dates.
3. Stir everything together and serve with almond milk and honey or maple syrup.

Almond Jelly
(From Lynn Siy)

Ingredients:

2 pkgs. unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold water
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. almond extract

Directions:

1. Sprinkle gelatin on cold water in a pot. Put on medium heat.
2. Stir constantly until dissolved.
3. Add 1 cup sugar, stir to dissolve. Remove from heat.
4. Add almond flavoring to the milk and pour into the gelatin mix. Stir to blend.
5. Pour into 9″ square glass pan and put in fridge to set.

Latte Jelly
(From recipezaar)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon gelatin
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
1 tablespoon cocoa
1/2 cup sugar
375 ml ca evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Pour boiling water over gelatine in heatproof bowl.
2. Stir till dissolved.
3. Put coffee and cocoa in saucepan.
4. Add sugar and milk.
5. Stir over low heat till coffee is dissolved and mixture is hot but not boiling.
6. Remove pan from heat, coll till lukewarm.
7. Stir in gelatine mixture and vanilla.
8. Pour mixture into 4 cup oiled mould.
9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours till firm.
10. When ready to serve, dip base of mould into hot water then invert onto plate.

Pain and Bliss

by Krista | Feb 1, 2010 | Bootstrap Monday

I have been called Anne of Green Gables my entire life, with the occasional Pollyanna along the way. I was honored by the Anne bit because she was my absolute hero as a girl, but I found the Pollyanna label was usually intended as a put down, a reference to my determined nature to find something good in everything. For a while there I was embarrassed and tried to harden myself and develop such charming qualities as pessimism and sarcasm. Neither sat well with me and I finally realized that being a Pollyanna is not such a bad thing after all, so long as I use it to highlight reality, not escape from it.

Today I’m going to subject you to a bit of Pollyanna-ish-ness. 🙂 I’ve been in so much physical pain the last couple of days that even my normally sunny nature disappeared in blinding headaches and tears of distress, and it’s time to bring her back. 🙂 While the pain was real, so too were the lovely bits, the shining little moments of happiness and delight that I’m very, very grateful for.

An absolutely wonderful visit with my rellies visiting from Canada! We met Saturday morning at my folks’ house for a fabulous brunch: fried potatoes and sausage, scrambled eggs, toast with peanut butter and jelly, and coffee. Delish! Then we were off to town for a few hours of treasure hunting in our favorite thrift and deal stores. I was so happy to find my favorite tea on sale for only $2 a box!

At the thrift store I found two darling sundresses, a funky pair of new fuchsia snakeskin flats, and a totally glam cocktail ring that cheers my heart every time I look at it. 🙂 We had such good visits and laughs and parted with big hugs and promises to see each other again soon. 🙂

That night my phone rang and it was my brother Evan who is deployed in the Middle East!! YAY! He got this handy-dandy thing called a Magic Jack that allows him to have an American cell phone number for us to call free any time. He never fails to encourage and inspire me, making me laugh AND feel like I can take on the
world. 🙂

I found an oh so cheery primrose to take home for only 99 cents! 🙂

 

I gathered garlic, parsley, black pepper and diced butternut squash, tossed them all together with a bit of flour and a few glugs of olive oil and slow-roasted them for two-hours. Wow – the smell was amazing and the sweet, garlicky chunks melted into a savory gratin with a toasted crust.

I collected all the leftover bits and bobs from my fridge and made a lovely Black Bean Sausage Soup with tomatoes, cilantro, lime, green pepper, green onion, garlic and smoked sausage. Mmm. 🙂

So, I’m counting my blessings today and counting down the hours to the chiropractor tomorrow! 🙂

Happy Monday, dear ones! 🙂

Random Tidbits

by Krista | Jan 25, 2010 | Bootstrap Monday

It’s been a truly blissful weekend. Feeling well and truly under the weather, I canceled everything and tucked myself in at home to rest, read and write. It was just what I needed.

Comfort food was definitely in order, and I was happy to oblige. 🙂 Saturday I only wanted to cook once, so I juiced oranges and ruby red grapefruit then made a massive batch of my favorite breakfast: fried potatoes with sausage, peppers, onions and garlic.

Sunday I had a lot of leftover bits of this and that: cilantro, shredded beef, cherry tomatoes, chunk of sharp cheddar, wheat tortillas. A Breakfast Burrito was just the ticket.

When I checked my email this weekend, I was thrilled to find a note from the oh-so-lovely Oz at Kitchen Butterfly informing that she had given me two blog awards!!!

 

I have loved Oz’s writing, photos and spirit ever since I stumbled across her blog last month. With roots in Nigeria and the Netherlands, her recipes and experiences are an ever-changing delight. Thank you, dear Oz! 🙂 You absolutely made my weekend. 🙂

According to the rules of the first award, I must provide readers with the answers to the thirty-five questions below in one word. I also must thank my award-giver for this fun award (see above!) grant six of my favourite bloggers this award, then give them the heads-up that they have been nominated. Here goes! 🙂

Where is your cell phone? Couch
Your hair? Mess
Your mother? Creative
Your father? Dependable
Your favourite food? Potatoes
Your dream last night? France
Your favourite drink? Tea
Your dream/goal? Writer
What room are you in? Livingroom
Your hobby? Traveling
Your fear? Hopelessness
Where do you want to be in six years? Happy
Where were you last night? Home
Something that you aren’t? Jealous
Muffins? Bran
Wish list item? Plane-ticket (a hyphen makes it one word, right? ;-))
Where did you grow up? Canada
Last thing you did? Scrabble
What are you wearing? PJ’s
Your TV? Mystery
Your pets? Eventually
Friends? Precious
Your life? Brighter
Your mood? Peaceful
Missing someone? Yes
Vehicle? Silver
Something you’re not wearing? Slippers
Your favourite store? Thrift
Your favourite colour? Red
When was the last time you laughed? Night
Last time you cried? Today
Your best friend? Honesty
One place that I go to over and over? Europe
One person who emails me regularly? Tabby
Favourite place to eat? Paris

For the second award, I’m to share ten things which make my day:

1. Knowing all my dear ones are safe.
2. Being told I am loved.
3. Sunshine after lots of rain, rain after lots of sunshine.
4. Handwritten letter or package in the mail.
5. Surprise latte.
6. Unexpected day off.
7. Hearing from you folks. 🙂
8. Someone cooking for me.
9. Starting a really good book and have an afternoon free to read it. 
10. Discovering a new song that cheers my heart and playing it loudly and repeatedly.

And now for six blogs that inspire me. Since I already chose ten a couple of weeks ago, I’m going to list new blogs that also bring me joy. 🙂

1. My Marrakesh – Maryam is a treasure of creativity, beauty and genuine love for others. 
2. Amuse-Bouche for Two and Words Just So – different blogs, same delightful woman. I love how her words beautifully set the scene for simple pleasures of food, homeyness and life with her man, Roberto. 
3. Little French Garden House  – she presents such beautiful ideas and inspiration.
4. Morning Light In My Room – Yvette has a gift for capturing beauty in simple things and soft light.
5. Maison Cupcake – I love her “postcards” and honest portrayals of her triumphs and flops.
6. I’m squeezing two into this last slot, because I can. 🙂 Ellie from Almost Bourdain and Lorraine from Not Quite Nigella – two delightful Sydney-based women who thrill me with the beauty of their photos and the lushness of their lives and recipes. 
7. And, I’m adding one more, because I recently discovered Kevin’s fantastic Closet Cooking blog and figure we need a worthy male addition to this list of inspiring people. 

 Happiest of Mondays, dear ones. 🙂

A Good Weekend

by Krista | Jan 18, 2010 | Bootstrap Monday

I knew this weekend was going to be good when I awoke Saturday morning to sunshine streaming through my windows. I flung open door and windows, breathing deeply of fresh air before it got frightfully cold and I scurried about shutting everything up again. 🙂

I gathered ripe pears…

…and fresh ginger…

 …and juiced them into a perky, foamy concoction that woke me right up. 

Then I got down to business, vacuuming, dusting, laundry, dishes, etc before digging into one of my favorite breakfasts: roasted Yukon Gold potatoes with dill and crispy, wonderfully salty, toasted prosciutto.

While it was a full weekend with my cousins birthday party (Happy Birthday, Nin!!) and a big, jolly dinner at my parents house with dear friends and lotsa younguns running about, I was also able to sneak in some just me time.

I finished reading “The Pianist“, and am still processing what I read. Reading stories like this always makes me question what I would do in a similar situation. Would I risk myself, my family to help others in danger? Would I fight to protect my family? I’m so grateful to not be in a place where I have to find out the answers to those questions.

I drew. Just a smattering of snowflakes – but they make me happy. 🙂

I took my vacuum cleaner apart, gave it a thorough cleaning, put it back together again and it actually works! HOORAY!

I watched the gripping season opener of “24” and am SO happy Jack is back! 🙂 I know it’s implausible and over-the-top, but I love it. 🙂

At my favorite fresh food market I found the prettiest beets in purple AND gold!

Searching for the “perfect” recipe to use them in, I found the Barefoot Contessa’s “Beets with Orange Vinaigrette.” The recipe looked fresh and delicious, but since my beets were not canned, I decided to roast them. This was easy as can be. Simply wash the beets, place them inside a double wrapping of aluminum foil and bake at 400 degrees for 1.5 hours.

When they’re done, let them cool, remove the skins and proceed with the recipe.

The beets roasted beautifully, emerging tender and sweet with their vivid coloring intact. 

I segmented a couple of oranges, reserving the escaped juices to combine with raspberry vinegar and other lovely things for a citrusy vinaigrette. I tossed everything together into a wonderfully fresh salad. Topped with a bit of fresh goat cheese it’s a healthy and delicious choice for lunch.

Roasted Beets with Orange Vinaigrette
(Adapted from The Barefoot Contessa)

Ingredients:

6-8 beets
2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
3 tablespoons good olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)
2 large seedless oranges, zested
Segments 2 large seedless oranges

Directions:

1. Roast the beets, skin, dice into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside. 
2. Mix raspberry vinegar, orange juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and red onions. 
3. Zest the oranges and then segment over a bowl to catch the juices. 
4. Add the orange zest, orange segments, and any juices and mix well. 
5. Taste for seasoning and serve cold or at room temperature.